Ebbsfleet United 1 Chippenham Town 0 aet match report: National League South play-off semi-final

Substitute Lee Martin fired Ebbsfleet into the National League South play-off final after finally breaking Chippenham’s resistance on Sunday.

The Fleet needed extra-time to progress but they will now travel to Dorking Wanderers in Saturday’s play-off final with the winners being promoted to the National League.

Having finished third in the league, the cards were stacked in Ebbsfleet’s favour against a side who went through 120 minutes of football less than 72 hours earlier.

There was no Craig Tanner for the Fleet, with boss Dennis Kutrieb fielding all four recognised strikers in his starting line-up, including Elliott Romain in midfield alongside Christian N’Guessan.

Chippenham named an unchanged team from the side that won on penalties at Dartford in the eliminator on Thursday night following a goalless draw after extra-time.

The Fleet settled quickest and thought they had an early lead but the offside flag was up long before Shag Coulthirst turned in Jack Paxman’s cross.

Coulthirst ran to the byline but his cross was cleared behind by visiting skipper Kieran Parselle, while Rakish Bingham - playing in a deeper role - shot straight at keeper Will Henry from 20 yards.

Fleet had plenty of the ball without creating many chances, although the offside flag thwarted them again before the break. Jack Paxman drove into the area and exchanged passes with Dominic Poleon but the flag was up again when he collected the return ball and beat Henry at his near post.

N’Guessan then skipped past three challenges and drove into the box before going down but Fleet’s penalty appeals were turned down by referee Sam Mulhall.

Chippenham, having defended for most of the half, almost unlocked the Fleet defence just before the break but Spencer