Salisbury concede late equaliser but earn a deserved point in Ebbsfleet

Monday, 14 September 2026 10:27

By Dexter Allison

Salisbury and Ebbsfleet United share the spoils after the Whites earn a deserved point in Kent after a first-half Robbie Gallagher goal.

The Fleet started proceedings on the front foot and fashioned a handful of half-chances at the Salisbury end, but the Whites' backline remained strong to intercept and block any threats that came their way.

Despite enjoying the lion's share of possession, Ebbsfleet struggled to make their attacks on Will Henry's net count, but Salisbury were mostly limited to counter-attacks.

However, that's where a resilient Salisbury side's opener emerged, as the energetic Mo Dabre fought for possession in the Ebbsfleet half, back-heeled a pass to an overlapping Jaiden Bartolo, who crossed it in first time to the toe of Robbie Gallagher, wrapping his shot round his marker and into the far corner in the 41st minute.

The hosts had the ball in the net just minutes after, though, as Samuel poked home a rebound from a free-kick, but the linesman deemed the tap-in to be offside.

The Whites went into the break feeling slightly fortunate to be ahead, but the visitors' efficiency spoke for itself.

Not too much action followed the second-half whistle, but Henry was able to deny a cruel deflection with some quick reactions in the 54th minute.

Brian Dutton's side and its travelling support felt as if they should have put the game to bed in the 75th minute after Nathan Odokonyero squared his cutback to the oncoming substitute Jermey Sivi to tap home, but the ground was quickly eaten up by Will Buse.

The Whites were then punished with six minutes of normal time to play, as substitute Finlay Barnes was able to poke home an equaliser and send the home supporters into raptures after a scramble in the box wasn't fully dealt with.

Salisbury don't have time to dwell on this result, however, as a game-in-hand against Truro City on Tuesday night looms for a 19:45 kick-off. Live commentary with Ian and Andy will be on Salisbury Radio Sport.