by Tom Howard

Ebbsfleet United secured a coveted Blue Square Bet South play-off spot despite being held to a goalless draw at Thurrock on Monday.

Liam Daish’s side were twice denied by the woodwork at Ship Lane but with Welling United and Dover Athletic suffering defeats, the point was enough to clinch a play-off berth.

Fleet pressed for an opener in the first half but it wasn’t until the second period that the game sparked into life.

Thurrock’s Danny Hockton and Lee Boylan both squandered goal scoring opportunities for the hosts and Ricky Shakes (pictured) blazed a shot over the crossbar.

The visitors went close to breaking the deadlock twice in the final 10 minutes when Joe Howe and Tom Phipp struck the woodwork. However, the Fleet were forced to settle for a point which was enough to secure a top-five finish.

The only negative for Daish’s side was an injury to goalkeeper Preston Edwards, though the extent of the injury is not yet known.

Fleet face Woking at Stonebridge Road in their final game of the regular season on Saturday.

How do you think Fleet will fare in the play-offs? Have your say below.