Fleet flying start sends City to home defeat

Play-off chasing Ebbsfleet United struck early in both halves at Twerton Park this afternoon to secure victory over the Romans. With just two minutes on the clock Chapman netted from close range to give the visitors a perfect start. Tanner should have added a second three minutes later, firing over from close range, but after this testing start City began to show some signs of positive attacking intent. Omar Holness tested keeper Moulden with a well-struck volley on 11 minutes before a teasing Eddie Jones cross saw the same player direct an effort off target. After this the game became something of a midfield stalemate but City finished the half well, only several last ditch blocks keeping the Kent side ahead after a 37th minute goalmouth scramble, and then Ryan Jones’ deflected shot dropping just over the bar. However, hopes of maintaining this pressure into the second half suffered a blow when Ebbsfleet doubled their lead on 52 minutes. Ryan Clarke produced a stunning save to keep out Monlouis’ shot but the ball dropped perfectly for Poleon to roll it home. Substitute Tom Smith had a great chance to get City back into the game just past the hour mark but his shot past Moulden lacked power allowing Kahraman to get back and clear. This turned out to be the only real scare for Ebbsfleet as they comfortable saw out the remainder of the game to maintain their top seven ambitions and leave City wondering where their next win will come from.