Matchday Recap: Ebbsfleet

Sunday saw Fulham Women travel to Ebbsfleet to play their last match of 2023. 

Chloé McNee captained the side, while Mia Adaway was named in the matchday squad for the first time since September. 

Fulham started strong and grabbed an early lead when Georgia Heasman switched the ball from left to right, for Sasha Adamson to pick up and drive towards goal before she sending it into the back of the Ebbsfleet net. 

A through ball from Olivia Dale allowed Heasman to send in a cross, but the home 'keeper prevented Adamson from getting on the end of it. 

In the 28th minute, Heasman secured Fulham's second goal. Ella Tagliavini set herself up to send a cross over to Heasman, who was on her own on the far side of the pitch. The ball arrived and Heasman took one touch before directing the ball over the Ebbsfleet goalkeeper. 

Two minutes later, Ebbsfleet were able to get a goal back. 

Minutes before half-time, Sophie Manzi chased down a lofted through ball and sent a strong cross in along the ground, however the 'keeper got her hands to it, stopping the progression of the ball towards Adamson.

At half-time, Fulham had maintained the lead. 

After a quick one-two with Manzi, Becky Stormer came face on with the Ebbsfleet goalkeeper and attempted to send the ball into the right corner, but it went just wide. 

A well held up ball from Manzi allowed Adamson to join her on the edge of the box. Manzi then released the pass to Adamson who, after the first touch, stuck the ball into the back of the net. 

A solid left footed strike from Manzi forced the Ebbsfleet 'keeper to make a diving save. 

There was controversy in the 74th minute when a questionable linesman decision flagged Stormer as being offside after she had scored a quality header from a Megalie Mendes cross. 

Adamson set Manzi up to take a strike, but the attempt from range ended up going over the crossbar. 

Ebbsfleet managed to get a second goal in the 90th minute but were unable to secure an equaliser in added time, as Fulham took home the three points.