Ebbsfleet United, already confirmed for relegation, delivered a spirited performance at the Kuflink Stadium, convincingly defeating Sutton United 4-1 in a match that defied their respective league positions. Ebbsfleet capitalised on defensive frailties within the Sutton ranks to secure the victory.
The first half was a cautious affair, with both teams feeling each other out. In the 29th minute, Ebbsfleet were forced into an early substitution, with Alexander Moaid Goria Aoraha replacing Luke O’Neill in a tactical reshuffle. This change proved pivotal. Just before the interval, Aoraha turned provider, assisting Ryan Carr to give the home side a crucial 1-0 lead heading into the break.
The second half saw the game burst into life. Six minutes after the restart, Mustapha Olagunju extended Ebbsfleet’s advantage to 2-0, assisted by George Moncur. However, the joy was short-lived, as Sutton United responded almost immediately. Lewis Simper reduced the deficit to 2-1, with Ashley Nadesan providing the assist, injecting urgency back into the Sutton side.
Ebbsfleet remained resolute and soon regained their two-goal cushion. Aaron Cosgrave found the net in the 68th minute, making it 3-1, courtesy of a Ben Chapman assist. Cosgrave then sealed the victory in the 77th minute, completing his brace to make it 4-1, with Aoraha again the provider. This second assist from the substitute highlighted his significant impact on the match.
As the game progressed, both managers made further substitutions in an attempt to influence the final stages. Sutton United introduced Siju Odelusi for Eduino Vaz in the 70th minute, and later threw on Vinnie Tume and James Fennelow, replacing Will Davies and Ashley Nadesan respectively, in a desperate attempt to salvage something from the match. Ebbsfleet responded by replacing the influential George Moncur with Callum Harriott in the 80th minute.
Referee Declan Brown issued yellow cards to Sutton’s Besart Topalloj and Harry Ransom in the 50th and 60th minutes, respectively, as Sutton’s frustration grew.
The result does little to alter Ebbsfleet’s fate, their relegation having already been confirmed following a draw against Altrincham, leaving them at the bottom of the National League table. Sutton United, meanwhile, occupy a comfortable mid-table position. While the victory won’t save Ebbsfleet from relegation, it provides a glimmer of hope and a morale boost for the team and its supporters.