THE ROAD TO WEMBLEY: Fleet aiming to end "turbulent" history against Exeter

Ebbsfleet United will take on their Blue Square Premier League rivals Exeter City in the final qualifying round of the FA Cup at Stonebridge Road on Saturday.

It is poised to be a thrilling encounter with Ebbsfleet, at home in the FA Cup for the first time in four years, ranked eighth in the table, just one place and one point above Exeter.

The visitors have a better Cup pedigree though, famously holding Manchester United to a goalless draw at Old Trafford in 2005 to earn a replay at St. James Park.

Semi finalists in the FA Trophy in 2006 and Conference play-off finalists last season, Exeter look to have the edge over the Fleet.

However, Ebbsfleet Secretary Mr Roly Edwards disagrees and believes his side can pull off a memorable victory.

"We have a turbulent history with Exeter in The FA Cup,” he said, in an interview with www.thefa.com.

"We drew three years ago, and in the replay beat them on penalties but our league record is favourable, and we feel we can give them a good game."

Ebbsfleet are battling away this season without star striker Charlie MacDonald, who signed for Southend in the summer, and have endured several injury problems since the start of the season.

However, they are now on a seven game unbeaten run and Mr Edwards reveals that team spirit has seen them through the hard times this season.

He added: "We are not reliant on any one person, but play a good team game."

If Ebbsfleet make it through to the First Round, they are quietly confident that they can take their success further.

"We would ideally like to draw our neighbours Gillingham," said Mr Edwards. "We would give them a few surprises."

Article courtesy of www.thefa.com 

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

Ebbsfleet United v Exeter City
FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Fourth Qualifying Round
Saturday 27^th October 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Stonebridge Road, Northfleet, Kent DA11 9BA