AFC Telford's Aaron Williams scores the first of three to confirm Ebbsfleet's relegation from Blue Square Bet Premier. Picture: Andy Payton

by Steve Tervet

Ebbsfleet United have been relegated from Blue Square Bet Premier for the second time in four seasons.

Amid protests from supporters against owners MyFootballClub, the Fleet lost at home to an AFC Telford United side who had not won for six months.

Aaron Williams scored a hat-trick inside 17 first-half minutes to seal the points after Stefan Payne had put the host in front.

Liam Daish’s side went down on the last day of the 2009-10 campaign but this time their fate was sealed with three fixtures remaining. They have spent almost the whole season inside the relegation zone and Saturday’s defeat merely rubber-stamped what had looked inevitable for several weeks.

Lucas Menz, deputising for regular Fleet goalkeeper Preston Edwards, held an early Steven Leslie shot before Liam Bellamy had an effort saved by Ryan Young at the other end.

With anti-MyFC chants ringing out from the terraces, Ebbsfleet took the lead on 16 minutes. Neil Barrett’s strong tackle secured possession on the edge of the box and Moses Ashikodi set up Payne for a curling shot which nestled in the far corner.

However, the lead lasted less than a minute. James O’Neill crossed from the left and Williams beat Menz with a header from close-range.

Liam Bellamy then sent Payne racing away and he cut inside before unloading with a low shot which Young pushed round the post.

Back came Telford and Williams fired over when he should have done better, but he didn’t have to wait long for another scoring opportunity. Menz saved Christian Smith’s header but the ball wasn’t cleared and Williams bundled it into the net.

Telford’s afternoon got even better on 34 minutes, Williams completing his treble with a neat header at the far post. The visitors started the second half as they finished the first, with Jake Bennett driving a shot just wide.

Bellamy and Enver-Marum combined to provide Ashikodi with a shooting chance but he lifted the ball over the bar. Barrett met Carew’s whipped free-kick with a glancing header which flashed just wide.

There was a late chance for Fleet substitute David Azin, whose shot was kept out by Young. Telford had Smith sent off for a second bookable offence but they held on to win and Ebbsfleet’s relegation was duly confirmed.

Their last home game in the division will be on Tuesday, when Tamworth visit Stonebridge Road.

Ebbsfleet: Menz; Howe, Lorraine, Saville, Blake; Payne, Barrett (Azin 83mins), Carew, Bellamy; Enver-Marum (Azeez 54mins), Ashikodi (Elder 63mins). Sub not used: Luzardo.

Attendance: 686.