Stonebridge Road has always been one of my favourite non league grounds so I was more than happy that it was the venue for the launch of Maidenhead's league campaign. It was good to see that it had hardly changed since my last visit in 2002 when I was one of several thousand packed into the ground to watch Gravesend win what was effectively an Isthmian League title decider against Canvey Island.
The 'Fleet managed to stay in the Conference until last season and the main legacy of their stay looks to be the ugly imposition of red seats on what was a fine covered end behind the goal. Of course the interim has also seen the club's name changed to the geographically meaningless Ebbsfleet, but this crass commercialisation seems to have only been extended to the shirt sponsor.
The performance by the Magpies was as disappointing as the result was pleasing. If Ebbsfleet are intent on fulfilling their prediction of a promotion attempt they will need to be more clinical at home as they will generally face more disciplined opposition this season.
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