Baker delighted by Rebels' teamwork in 'unexpected' win over Ebbsfleet United

Neil Baker admitted Saturday's win over Ebbsfleet United felt really good because it came somewhat unexpectedly, with the Rebels having travelled to Kent without a win in six league matches and missing several key players.

The Rebels were without Matt Lench and Freddie Grant for the game, while striker Alfonso Tenconi was ruled out before kick-off due to a back problem, however, the visitors produced a brilliant team display to beat their hosts 2-1.

Tyler Goodrham got their two goals, curling home brilliantly to make it 1-0 in the first half and profiting from a defensive error to steer home their second after Ben Chapman had fired Fleet level with a strike from distance.

The win was more than deserved, even though Baker admitted the Rebels had to ride their luck at times, with keeper Jonathan North coming to their rescue on a couple of occasions.

There were elements of it that were very similar to the side's 2-1 victory over Havant & Waterlooville earlier in the season, a win that prompted the Rebels to go on a five-match unbeaten run. A similar run of form now could see them sneak back into play-off contention, however, Baker admits that's still 'some distance off' at present.

“It was a great win to be honest,” said Baker. “A little unexpected too because we went there without Lenchy (Matt Lench), and Freddie (Freddie Grant) and Scotty (Scott Davies) was a concern too.

“Alfonso had woken up with a bad back after getting a knock in training on Thursday and by the time he got to the ground it was plainly obvious he wouldn't be fit. So, we were up against it to be honest with a squad of 15. They were big losses for us, but we were really good.

“We stuck to our task as we knew how we wanted to play against them, and we did that. We had to ride our luck at times, but I felt that we caused them lots of problems as well.

“It was a good win, especially with the teams below us winning as well, because we want to stay away from that, and every win you get takes you a little bit closer to the magical play-offs, but that's still some distance away.”

Goodrham might have scored the two goals, but this was a performance in which everyone contributed, from 1-11, and the substitutes as well. Everyone in silver and grey played for the shirt and gave a performance which gives the management team great encouragement for the rest of the season. That said, with so many young players competing for starting places, Baker accepts there will be an element of inconsistency this season.

“I think this was a good all-round performance,” said Baker. “Northy (Jonathan North) made a couple of saves but I wouldn't sit here and say he had loads and loads to make. What he did, he did well, but we defended well as a back four as well. The midfield in front of them also worked hard and the front three caused them problems, but also worked hard going the other way as well.

“Tyler scored the two goals. The first was a great finish, Josh (Jackman) did well to win the ball back, but it was a great finish.

“The second one is a mistake from their centre half, but he’s still got to finish it.”

He added: “We've proved this season we're a side that can win games of football, and that's key.

“It's a tough league and we have to try and put in performances like this every week. We've lacked a touch of consistency, but, having said that. up until Dulwich at home on Tuesday we were 10 games without defeat at home, which is good.

“It's been our away record that has caused us a few issues. If we can get a win at home to Welling on Saturday, and they're fighting for survival, then it sets us up nicely for Havant who then have to come to us (February 26).

“We just have to be competitive and, if you get on a good run, anything is possible in this league. In our first season in the National League South, we went 10 games unbeaten at the end of the season, winning six and drawing four, and we missed out on the play-offs by one point.

“We were nowhere near it with 12/13 games to go and we're much closer now than we were then. You just need to get on a good run because very few teams in this league win even three or four games on the bounce. We've just got to make sure we're competitive and we'll give ourselves a chance.”