Samuel Hat-Trick Fires Ebbsfleet to Away Victory

Cray Valley Paper Mills and Ebbsfleet United served up an engaging pre-season encounter on a warm afternoon in south London. The hosts made a bright start and took the lead through an own goal-scorer in the 21st minute, but they would find themselves chasing the game for large spells as their visitors proved the more clinical outfit in front of goal.

Ebbsfleet levelled matters in the 37th minute when D. Samuel finished well to make it 1-1. The away side then took control after the break, with Samuel converting again in the 56th minute to give his team a 1-2 advantage. Cray Valley pulled level once more in the 68th minute through their second goal of the afternoon, only for Samuel to complete his hat-trick moments later to restore Ebbsfleet's lead at 2-3. The home side pressed hard in the closing stages but could not find another breakthrough.

Ebbsfleet's attacking play was the standout feature of this friendly. Samuel's three-goal haul showcased the quality in their ranks, while the visiting defence held firm when it mattered most. Cray Valley created chances but lacked the cutting edge needed to extend beyond their two goals.

The away victory will give Ebbsfleet confidence heading into the new campaign, while Cray Valley will view this as a useful exercise in identifying areas for improvement before competitive football resumes.