A tense, goalless draw played out at the Kuflink Stadium between Ebbsfleet United and Boston United, leaving both sides still searching for consistent form. Referee Ben Atkinson oversaw a tightly contested encounter in which clear-cut chances were at a premium.
Ebbsfleet manager Harry Watling made an early change, replacing Ben Chapman with Pape Souaré in the 17th minute, a defensive reinforcement suggesting caution against Boston’s attack. The first half’s main talking point was a yellow card shown to Boston United’s Dylan Hill for a foul in the 34th minute. Both sides went into the break locked at 0-0.
A second substitution for Ebbsfleet followed at half-time, with Maxx Manktelow replacing Todd Kane, potentially indicating a desire for more midfield impetus. The second half mirrored the first, with both teams largely neutralising each other’s attacking efforts. Ebbsfleet’s Luke O’Neill received a yellow card shortly after the restart, and Boston’s Samuel Reed was booked in the 63rd minute. A triple substitution for the home side in the 68th minute saw Jephte Tanga, Josh Wright, and Aaron Cosgrave make way for Franklin Domi, Dominic Poleon, and Wesley Fonguck respectively, a clear signal of intent to find a winner. Boston United also made substitutions, introducing fresh legs in search of a breakthrough.
Despite the increased urgency and personnel changes, neither team could find the back of the net. The 0-0 stalemate does little to improve the league positions of either Ebbsfleet, who started the day 24th on 8 points, or 23rd-placed Boston on 14 points. The draw sees Ebbsfleet move to 9 points and Boston to 15. Having not met in the league for three seasons, pre-match predictions were difficult, and the match itself reflected the two sides’ struggles in front of goal this season.