Unable to make it up to Salford on Saturday, I decided to get a look at our next opponents, Ebbsfleet United, to see what I could learn about them.
Ebbsfleet vs Chesterfield was a cagey affair settled by a Chesterfield penalty in the 65th minute.
O’s fans who watched Ebbsfleet play Orient at Brisbane Road last year will probably remember them being well organised, but nothing special.
Chesterfield and Ebbsfleet were disciplined and stable in defence. Both sides will provide a challenge for Orient, but they are by no means world beaters on this evidence.
1. Ebou Adams is key
Leaving aside the transfer controversy, O’s fans know that Adams is an excellent box to box midfielder at this level, and he was key for Fleet in the first half.
He had their best chance, an aggressive header in the 24th minute that hit the bar. He was highly influential in midfield throughout the first half.
His withdrawal on the hour mark disrupted Fleet’s midfield and gave Chesterfield the opportunity to work the attack that led to their penalty.
After going ahead the Spireites were able to sit back and defend their lead comfortably.
Without Adams, Ebbsfleet looked unbalanced and lacked quality in central midfield.
2. Formation and Tactics
Fleet played a 3-5-2.
The back three look solid and well drilled, notably Chris Bush and Sam Magri. The wing backs looked weaker, particularly the ponderous Lawrie Wilson.
Their wing backs Weston and Shields (on for Wilson in the second half) put in a lot of crosses for Kedwell but not to any great effect.
Veteran striker Kedwell sent a few good headers wide and had a chip cleared off the line.
Chesterfield dealt with Ebbsfleet comfortably, Orient should be able to handle them too.
3. Pressing Pays Off
Striker Corey Whitely is a bit of a menace. A quick player who likes running at defenders with or without the ball, he managed to nick possession from Chesterfield’s defenders a few times, but couldn’t make any of those opportunities count.
Orient’s defenders will need to be prepared for him closing them down, trying to force errors.
4. Dodgy Keeper?
Neither goalkeeper was troubled much in this game, however there were a few moments where Fleet’s Nathan Ashmore looked vulnerable. In 46 National League appearances he has conceded 50 goals.
He punched a corner out to one of Chesterfield’s midfielders in the kind of position Brophy or Lawless would fancy a hit.
He did well to get down to save a free kick, but spilled the rebound. A sharper striker would have punished that error.
5. Overall Impression
Ebbsfleet are a solid side, and will feel hard done by to have come away with nothing in this game after creating the better chances.
Orient should be able to handle their attack without too much trouble, as long as they keep focussed and don’t make any silly mistakes.
The real challenge will be breaking down Fleet’s defensive ranks and keeping Ebou Adams quiet.
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