Ebbsfleet 3 AFC Telford 2 - Match analysis

AFC Telford United's Achilles heel of being unable to play against 10 men came back to haunt them once more as they lost at Ebbsfleet United.

The Bucks have been frustrated by relegation rivals Hayes and Yeading, among others, already this season – and once more Andy Sinton's side failed to capitalise on a numerical advantage.

The afternoon started brightly for the travelling Bucks fans, though.

The faithful were buoyed by the news of an early goal for Mansfield Town against Hayes and Yeading at the Kingfield Stadium and their mood was brightened further when Ebbsfleet captain Paul Lorraine was sent off in the 17th minute.

Lorraine was involved in an off-the-ball incident with Bucks target man Kyle Perry and appeared to elbow the big striker in the face.

Referee Mike Bull didn't hesitate to show the red card and Lorraine trudged off without complaint.

After losing their captain, Liam Daish's side were still playing at a quicker tempo despite their numerical disadvantage and were rewarded for their efforts in the 25th minute.

Ebbsfleet were awarded a free-kick almost 30 yards out and Michael West promptly drilled a right-footed shot along the ground and into the net off the inside of keeper Ryan Young's far post.

As if that were not bad enough, the 10 men shocked the Bucks with a second right on the cusp of half-time.

Ebbsfleet striker Liam Enver-Marum drifted over to the right, broke into the box and was allowed too much time and space as he fired across Young and into the net.

Perry had a chance straight from the kick-off when he headed over from six yards out.

It was his last involvement as he was substituted at half-time along with Richard Davies, whose season is now over after he picked up his 15th booking and a three-game suspension.

Sinton threw on Jay Smith and Adam Proudlock for the start of the second half and the gaffer's changes appeared to do the trick.

Smith was switching the play intelligently in the middle of the park, affording the team more width and allowing them to play some football.

Will Salmon, who put in his usual honest shift, burst down the right and crossed for Chris Sharp who headed straight at the keeper from point-blank range.

Daish, wary that AFC Telford were beginning to gain control of the midfield, replaced striker Callum Willock with Ram Marwa to increase the numbers in there.

Salmon was becoming more and more involved in the game against his former club and on the hour the full-back cut inside onto his left foot and hit a looping effort which flew just over goalkeeper Lance Cronin's bar.

But the increased pressure counted for nothing when Enver-Marum burst in behind the Bucks' backline a minute later and finished coolly to make it 3-0 and seemingly put the game beyond the visitors' reach.

Then, all of a sudden, the Bucks found a cutting edge. Proudlock reduced the deficit in the 66th minute, skipping past Cronin and sliding a finish into the corner of the net.

Smith was becoming more and more involved and his distribution kept the 10 men chasing the ball – but Telford were almost caught on the break again.

West ran clean through in a carbon copy of the move that led to Ebbsfleet's third goal, but lacked the composure of Enver-Marum and dragged his shot wide.

Ebbsfleet paid swiftly for his profligacy. Ryan Brooke, returning from a bout of shingles, came on for Ashley Cain in the 70th minute and it took the Oldham Athletic loanee just five minutes to make an impact.

Phil Trainer poked a pass through to find Brooke by the penalty spot and the 21-year-old showed great class by taking a touch to set himself and then thundering a shot high past Cronin.

It was a wonderful goal, but the Bucks failed to fashion any clear-cut chances to force an equaliser.

They remain four points clear of the Blue Square Premier drop after Hayes and Yeading went down 3-1 at home to Mansfield Town.

Attention now turns to the rescheduled game against Tamworth at New Bucks Head tomorrow night.

Stuart Hodge