Ebbsfleet United’s youth side have been rewarded with a trip to Brighton in the Second Round of the FA Youth Cup.
With the date still to be confirmed, the Fleet will travel in confidence having seen off the challenge of Brentford – who last season reached the Third Round – earlier this week.
In that game, the Bees took a 15th-minute lead courtesy of an own goal but enjoyed it for only another 15 minutes as the Fleet came roaring back. First-year player Eddie Sharman converted his opportunity well and the score remained at 1-1 until the end of 90 minutes.
It took until the second period of extra time for a winner to emerge when Fleet’s Dion Monaghan rammed a shot home from close range. Brentford stormed forward looking for an equaliser and though under great pressure, the Fleet kept them at bay, goalkeeper Joe Hagan pulling off three top-drawer saves.
Fleet youth coach Mick Chatwin singled left-back Brendan Cullen out for special praise, naming him man of the match.
Brighton – whose youth side includes Jake Caskey, son of Darren – defeated Barnet 4-0 at Underhill in the First Round.
