Ebbsfleet are now seven points from safety in Blue Square Bet Premier after crashing to their seventh successive away defeat on Tuesday night.

The visitors conceded a penalty on 14 minutes when Paul Lorraine pushed Alfreton’s Paul Clayton in the back. Dan Bradley stepped up to beat Preston Edwards from the spot.

Matt Godden hit the post as Ebbsfleet looked for an equaliser but they fell further behind just before the half-hour. Clayton’s run and cross set up Ben Tomlinson to tuck a shot past Edwards.

Alfreton put the result beyond doubt with 19 minutes remaining. Josh Law’s corner was turned into the net by Jordan Rose, making his Alfreton debut after joining on loan from AFC Telford United.

With fellow strugglers Hyde winning 2-1 at Luton, the defeat meant Liam Daish’s (pictured) side lost further ground in the battle for survival.

They do have games in hand over three of the four sides immediately above them but can scarcely afford to drop points on Saturday when Southport are the visitors to Stonebridge Road.