KENTISH FOOTBALL ARE SO PROUD OF THE FLEET: Let's make it a Wembley double, says McCarthy

CAPTAIN COLLOSUS Paul McCarthy knows he is just 90 minutes away from playing at Wembley Stadium for the very first time in his career, writes Stephen McCartney.

Central defender McCarthy, 36, scored Ebbsfleet United’s third goal during their impressive 3-1 win over Aldershot Town that ensures that the Kent side are just 90 minutes away from the FA Carlsberg Trophy Final.

“I haven’t been lucky enough (to play at Wembley). We got there when I was younger at Brighton but I didn’t make the team,” McCarthy recalled, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“It was important today that we brought the lead going into the second game because they’re not top of the league for no reason. It was a bonus coming away with a two-goal lead.”

Aided by a passionate Stonebridge Road crowd, windy conditions and a high-noon kick-off, McCarthy admitted this helped the Fleet take advantage of home comforts.

“It was well deserved,” said the Irishman. “We started the game really well first half, the conditions played in our favour a bit. The wind was very strong today and to come in at two-nil up at half-time, we deserved that.

“But second half they came out, they’re a good side and they had chances. They played really well, pulled one back deservedly, they were the better side for the first 20-25 minutes of the second half.

“Luckily we got that third goal and with that two-goal lead to go there makes it a bit easier.”

But the experienced McCarthy, who played in the semi-finals of the FA Cup for Wycombe Wanderers back in 2001, knows the job is only half done.

A win or a draw at the hostile Recreation Ground next Saturday will see the Kent club play at Wembley Stadium for the very first time.

“Job’s nowhere near done,” insisted McCarthy, who also said beating Rushden & Diamonds in the Blue Square Premier is vitally as important.

“Being focused on Tuesday because it’s important that we maintain our chance of getting to the play-off’s,” he said.

“Our (aim) is to get out of this league and (we can’t) afford not to win Tuesday night.

“As well as Wembley, I’d rather get to Wembley in a play-off final than the Trophy final - but I’d take both!”

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website:  www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk

Ebbsfleet United v Rushden & Diamonds
Blue Square Premier
Tuesday 11^th March 2008
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Stonebridge Road, Northfleet, Kent DA11 9GN