Although Hayes & Yeading enjoyed a lot of early possession, it was Ebbsfleet who were first to go close, as Aiden Palmer cut inside from his left-back position before hitting a long shot which deflected off Frankie Merrifield and spun just wide. From the resulting corner, Anthony Acheampong's far post header was off target.

Moments later, Alex Osborn was put through but under duress from the attentions of Adam Everitt, he put his shot wide. The home side then started to take control and after Billy Bricknell had a shot deflected just wide of the far post by Ben Gerring, the resulting short corner was centred by Daryl McMahon and Acheampong was again lurking at the far post unmarked to head in, giving Ebbsfleet the lead.

Hayes & Yeading settled and the industrious Luke Williams wrestled possession from former team mate Osei Sankofa and threaded the ball through to debutant Brandon Goodship, but his angled shot was smothered by home keeper, Preston Edwards.

Play went through a lull until just before half time when a near post corner clearance from Williams was blocked by Sankofa, but Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz was able to gather the ball before it crossed the line. At the other end, a long Everitt throw in was headed by Inih Effiong towards Williams, but although his volley was well hit, it was wayward.

In truth, it took a long time for the second half to get going and it wasn't until the 68th minute before a noteworthy chance was created, substitute Geoff Mitchell bursting through on goal before having his shot pushed away by Edwards. Then, some forceful running in midfield from Merrifield allowed some space to open up for Williams, but he shot straight at Edwards.

Ebbsfleet, sensing the visitors were getting back into the game, turned up the heat as Jaimez-Ruiz produced two saves in quick succession, from Michael Thalassitis and Acheampong's header which bounced up and had to be tipped over.

Once again, the entertainment dipped as the game drew to a close, but Gerring did head a late corner just over while Ebbsfleet were still organising themselves. Stoppage time saw some decent pressure applied by the visitors but it was to no avail as the Fleet held on for the victory.

Report by Nick Bell.

Photos by Ray Peploe.

United Man of the Match: Luke Williams.