Ebbsfleet United’s first-ever clash with Cornish side Truro City will long be remembered for that rarest of beasts – a Fleet hat-trick. Liam Enver-Marum joined Michael West as only the second player to take the match ball home in eight years as his three goals ensured that Truro’s first appearance in the FA Trophy First Round was as far as they would get.
An unchanged side, determined not to see their cup dreams ended prematurely again, were quick to stamp their authority on the game in a quick opening. Inside two minutes, the Fleet were ahead courtesy of Liam Enver-Marum conversion from a cross and they refused to let up as they took the game to Truro at every opportunity.
The home side struggled to settle and on the occasions they got forward, they really needed a calm head to turn possession into real chances but there was little forthcoming. Instead Fleet got control of midfield and enjoyed a rare chance to dictate a game from early on. Enver-Marum’s strength and power was giving City’s defenders plenty to think about and Ed Palmer had to clear a promising run on 12 minutes for a corner.
Four minutes later Ram Marwa, who was also on the front foot as he supported his forward teammates on the break, caused all sorts of bother in the Truro area and his effort was hastily scrambled away.
But on 19 minutes Truro were back in it against the run of
