Action from Ebbsfleet v Mansfield Pic: Keith Chase

Blue Square Bet Premier: Ebbsfleet United 0 Mansfield Town 3

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Ebbsfleet United lost for the first time in five league games on Saturday when they welcomed visitors Mansfield Town to Stonebridge Road.

A quiet opening 20 minutes where the only opportunity came from Mansfield’s Ben Hutchinson within 30 seconds was followed by a dominant performance from the visitors.

The away side took the lead after 22 minutes when Matt Green latched onto a route-one ball that was flicked on by Ross Dyer and slotted past Preston Edwards from a tight angle.

Mansfield came close to doubling their lead 10 minutes later when a counter-attack from an Ebbsfleet corner led to Hutchinson testing Edwards who was equal to it.

However, after 38 minutes the Stags did make it two when Gary Roberts scored his first goal for Mansfield with a 25-yard rocket which gave the Fleet keeper no chance.

The home side came out fighting in the second half but, despite the majority of possession, failed to get the breakthrough that they desperately needed.

Michael West’s free kick was comfortably saved after 52 minutes before Liam Enver-Marum tested the visitor’s shot stopper Alan Marriott from distance.

Hutchinson had a chance to double his tally of the afternoon but saw his effort land in the hands of Edwards just after the hour mark.

The pressure was building on Mansfield’s back line and the away dugout was wondering whether missed opportunities could cost them.

Dyer missed a sitter from five yards when he fired over a header with 10 minutes remaining before he hit the post from close range with the game going into stoppage time.

However, the game was put to bed deep into injury time when Roberts grabbed his second of the game after seeing his initial shot saved by Edwards, Roberts followed up and placed the ball in the back of the net past the scrambling Edwards.

Despite the result, Ebbsfleet stay 14th in the league table and 11 points above the relegation zone.

Ebbsfleet United: Edwards, Stone, Lorraine, West (Azeez, 68 mins), Willock, Phipp, Howe, Enver-Marum, Mambo, Barrett (Shakes, 58 mins), Pinney.

Subs not used: McNeil, Smith, Stavrinou

Attendance: 1,085