Long wants to play his Cards right

Ebbsfleet United star Stacy Long is relishing the chance of impressing in front of the Setanta television cameras on Thursday night, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Fleet, eighth in the Blue Square Premier table, just five points adrift of the play-off’s, travel to Woking, a side that’s drawn 10 of their 21 league games to date, that leaves the Surrey hosts in the bottom six.

But former Charlton Athletic and Notts County midfielder Long, described as a box-to-box midfielder by his boss Liam Daish, is looking forward to shine in front of the cameras - like he does every week.

“I think the game’s come at an important time,” he told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“But again it doesn’t matter if there’s cameras there or not, we really do go into each game, whether its home or away, top of the table clash or we’re playing a bottom league team, we try and have the same mentality.

The Kent club have had plenty of worldwide media attention recently, following the deal with the MyFootballClub website.

“We go into that training ground every day regardless of what goes on around us,” explained Long, on the media attention gripping the Stonebridge Road club.

“We don’t really see what goes on as such, it’s in the papers and everything but at the end of the day we go onto that pitch on a Saturday (for) 90 minutes, doesn’t change.”

He added: “I think it’s brought us closer and maybe that’s was proof of it last Saturday.”

The Fleet showed true grit and determination to defeat struggling side Stafford Rangers 2-1 in their last game.

The Kent side were reduced to ten-men when Chukki Eribenne saw red, and Neil Grayson fired the visitors into the lead early in the second half.

But goals from local hero, George Purcell, and Long, sealed the points at Stonebridge Road.

“We’d like to keep our distance between them teams at the bottom,” said a delighted Daish afterwards.

“We’ve got up to 32 points (from 20 games) now and I think we’re probably a little bit better off than what we were last year.”

And playing in front of the television camera’s at Kingfield Stadium, the Portsmouth born boss added: “They’ll enjoy that and it will be another difficult game (against) another team whose got a bit of youth in their side.

“But we’ll go there with a bit of confidence, a bit of belief, we can give teams a game.”

Meanwhile, Daish has secured the services of striker Chris McPhee until the end of the season.

The former Torquay United and Brighton & Hove Albion man, 24, has agreed a deal to stay at Stonebridge Road, after starting the season on non-contract terms.

McPhee has made 20 Blue Square Premier appearances for the Fleet this season and follows utility man Michael Bostwick in signing a new deal.

“There has been interest from other clubs but they are two key players for us,” Daish told www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk.

And striker Luke Coleman has signed permanently for Ryman Premier League side Margate, having been on loan at Hartsdown Park.

Coleman was part of the Fleet’s youth set-up and came through the ranks during the close season to hold down a squad place this season.

He played five games as substitute for the Fleet, scoring one - the memorable winner against Kidderminster Harriers.

Ebbsfleet United fans unable to travel to Kingfield Stadium can watch the match live on Setanta at Fleet Leisure, Nelson Road, Northfleet.

Woking boss Frank Gray, meanwhile, expects a tough game in front of the television cameras against the Fleet - but wants his players’ to handle the pressure.

“I want them to relax and enjoy their football,” he told www.wokingfc.co.uk.

“Yes, there’s pressure, but we’ve simply got to cope with that.

“Ebbsfleet have been doing well, so I’m sure that they will give us a hard game.”

Meanwhile, Woking officials have confirmed that all under 16s will be admitted for £1 each when accompanied by a paying adult.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be making our first ever trip to Kingfield Stadium to cover this match.

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

Woking v Ebbsfleet United
Blue Square Premier
Thursday 29^th November 2007
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Kingfield Stadium, Kingfield Road, Woking, Surrey GU22 9AA