Ebbsfleet were dumped out of the FA Cup by Ryman League Merstham on Saturday.

Despite taking an early lead through Darren McQueen, the visitors were defeated by first-half replies from Tom Kavanagh and Charlie Penny.

It was no more than the home side deserved for a performance full of energy and endeavour. They defended well and limited the Fleet to half chances in the second half.

The home side showed early intent in the fifth minute when Alex Addai got the better of Jack Connors down the right-wing. His cross fell kindly for Reece Hall but he made a mess of his right-foot finish and sent the ball well wide.

The Fleet settled soon after, however, Anthony Cook having a snapshot beaten away before the visitors took a 10th-minute lead. Danny Kedwell sent strike partner McQueen clear and he rounded keeper Phil Wilson and scored into an empty net.

It was McQueen's ninth goal in his last seven games - he has scored in all seven - and his fifth FA Cup goal this term.

Merstham played some neat football while Sam Deering nearly created a second goal for Fleet but neither keeper were largely troubled until Merstham equalised in the 26th minute.

Skipper Kavanagh made some space and curled a brilliant 25-yard shot beyond keeper Nathan Ashmore.

The Fleet were rattled and within 60 seconds the home side were awarded a penalty. The dangerous Penny, who was a menace throughout, got in behind and was fouled by Ashmore even though he sent his effort off target. Referee Andrew Laver pointed to the spot.

Xavier Vidal assumed duties but his casual run-up, which was no quicker than a stroll, produced a right-foot shot which Ashmore dived to his left to keep out. A year ago, Vidal scored all four goals for Welling to defeat Grays in this round - but he fluffed his chance to bag a goal here.

Vidal did play a key role, however, as Merstham took a 2-1 lead two minutes before half-time. Vidal was fouled by Stuart Lewis to win a free-kick out wide which he then took himself. The deep delivery was headed back across goal and Penny turned the ball in from close range. The Fleet players protested at the use of a hand but the goal stood.

Merstham nearly added a third when Kristian Campbell's free-kick was deflected over in first-half stoppage time but they were dealt a blow when Penny was stretchered off after picking up an injury.

After the break, Merstham relied on the counter attack. They defended deep and in numbers, and protected their Wilson well. Headers from Fleet substitute Dean Rance and Dave Winfield were off target and it was not until the 88th minute that Wilson had to rescue his side.

The half was keenly contested with seven cautions shown by the referee and Merstham were fortunate that Mark Okoye did not pick up a second yellow near the end for bringing down Rance on the edge of the box but they got their rewards for a defiant display.

Kedwell blasted a free-kick against the defensive wall with five minutes left before substitute Charlie Sheringham was denied at point-blank range by Wilson.

The Fleet had four minutes of stoppages to rescue a replay but Merstham held on and progressed to Monday's first-round draw.

Ebbsfleet: Ashmore, Cook (Bubb 75mins), Connors, Phillips, Winfield, McCoy, Lewis, Deering (Sheringham 84mins), Kedwell, McQueen, Powell (Rance 46mins). Subs not used: Miles, Greenidge, Boulding, Miller-Neave. Attendance: 646.