Nails were chewed and hearts fluttered as the mighty Beavers held on to a 3-2 victory against Ebbsfleet in what was an enthralling affair from beginning to end.

Alan Julian’s side have more than likely been at fault for a few minor heart attacks over the past week: back-to-back late winners against Dagenham and Chesham have certainly made a few fly in recent days. A habit for late goals is no bad thing. It may cause a few anxious cold sweats and sharp intakes of breathe Beavers fans will not be complaining.

When Ebbsfleet came to town it would have be wrong for it to be any different as on a turbulent day of weather, an equally turbulent football match occurred. The game shifted one way then the other as Ebbsfleet fought themselves back from 2 goals down yet were left wanting as Craig Fasanmade’s late acrobatic effort gave the Beavers all 3 points as their great form continues.

It was the Beavers who started the brightest: Paul Field down the right-hand side provided opposition defender Tom Dallison with some early headaches. Field combined well with striker Soul Kader all match, leading to the first chance of the match.

After winning a corner, the home side came close as captain Alan Massey found himself free at the far post. Ebbsfleet goalkeeper Mark Cousins made a good reflex save with his feet on that occasion, but it wasn’t long before the deadlock was broken.

Kader was brought down after a surging run, setting up a freekick in a dangerous position on the edge of Ebbsfleet's penalty area. New signing Alfie Tuck, standing over it, expertly guided it around the wall and into the bottom left hand corner. 

The early joy did not cease there as the lead was doubled only 6 minutes later. Once again Kader was involved. Winning the ball deep in his own half on the right flank, looking up, he picked out the in form Davide Rodari making a dart into the inside right channel.

One-on-one with opposite number Max Ehmer, the striker cut inside onto his weaker left foot and found the far corner past a helpless Cousins in net.

A dream start for Alan Julian's men was countered by Ebbsfleet who responded well to going two behind. A Charlie Seaman long throw threatened to cause the home side problems early in the half, and caused a fatal one when it led to the opener for the 'Fleet. The throw pinballed around in the box before falling to Jake Hessenthaler. The midfielder unleashed a thunderous strike into the top left hand corner, leaving James Holden with no chance.

From there, the game ebbed and flowed much like the elements above with a few fleeting chances for either team, however it was the home side who found themselves leading at the break.

As the second half whistle blew, the away side came out with the bit between their teeth and dominated early proceedings. Hampton found themselves penned in their own box battling both the opposition and the elements.

Despite dogged defending, the equaliser came, and the elements helped deliver it. A cross into the box from the left flank at first glance looked harmless as Holden sauntered off his line to collect the floating ball. The home goalkeeper went to claim the cross, the ball slipped through his fingers at the vital moment. The No. 1 tried his best to recover from his error but it was sadly too late as the linesman flagged as it went over the line.

Alan Julian turned to the bench to alter the fortunes of his side. Craig Fasanmade and Sam Deadfield were brought into the fray and provided an instant impact. Fasanmade won the ball high up the pitch the ball found Paul Field on the right hand side. Dinking it across the face of goal, it looked like Fasanmade might have mistimed his run as he overran the flight of the cross but the attacker displayed his athleticism to contort his body and bury the winner past a helpless Cousins in the Ebbsfleet net.

With only 10 minutes left, plus a nervy 6 minutes of stoppage time, the home side defended with grit and steel. It wasn’t without it’s moments of danger; the away side had a late equaliser ruled out for handball in the dying embers of the match, but it was Hampton & Richmond Borough who took home the spoils to continue their winning run.

Do not forget to secure your tickets for the Beavers' next match this Tuesday September 2nd against Torquay here.

By Paul Edwards