Ebbsfleet United manager Dennis Kutrieb on their FA Trophy penalty shoot-out win over Chippenham Town

By: Matthew Panting mpanting@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 04:00, 16 December 2020

Much-improved Ebbsfleet know the minimum standard required by manager Dennis Kutrieb.

The Fleet boss was disappointed with their defeat to Havant at the weekend but they bounced back to progress in the FA Trophy on Tuesday night.

Ebbsfleet manager Dennis Kutrieb. Picture: Keith Gillard (42688147)

Substitute Rakish Bingham’s goal looked to be enough to send Fleet through before Tom Harrison’s spectacular stoppage-time equaliser.

“I think that’s the standard, what we delivered,” said Kutrieb, who was pleased with Ebbsfleet’s display.

“The boys were a little bit sharper. They won more duels on the pitch, on the ball, in the air, and I think that’s the basics of football. We told the boys that we have to take care to deliver the basics for the club because the club is asking for that.

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“We can play nice stuff and nice football but at first, everywhere in the world, you have to deliver the basics. That’s fighting on the pitch, good passing, don’t lose the ball easily and move it as quick as possible.

“Then, when that’s done, then we can start enjoying our football – but that’s not the time at the moment.

“I’m happy, I saw a good performance. We dug deep and fought all over the pitch and defended better than we did on Saturday. It’s always good if you win games.

“You have to make the second goal to finish the game off but we didn’t do it. When we have more confidence and we get the right results, we would win this game by two or three goals.

“But the situation we are in, we only got one goal and we tried to defend but it was a fantastic goal (by Chippenham). We went to penalties and I promised the boys that Tom Hadler would save one for sure.”

Kutrieb shuffled his pack against Chippenham, making five changes from the team beaten by Havant.

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The likes of Greg Cundle, Ben Chapman and Charlie Rowan all impressed the Fleet boss.

“We need a little bit more time after two weeks off with the Covid but we showed the right direction,” he added.

“We have a big squad and we have to use them. All of them want to play, it’s a tough situation for everyone.

“They want to give their best for the club. They showed what they are able to do and we have to use them in the right way. I’m happy to have all of them.

“Sefa and Charlie at centre-back were much better than on Saturday. They are both young at 23, of course they will make mistakes. I don’t like it but they are young players. When I look at Paxman or Chapman or Greg Cundle on the right wing, they need time because they are very good players.”