Jody Banim's strike 10 minutes before half-time sent Ebbsfleet out of the FA Trophy at the second round stage against Droylsden on Saturday.

Liam Daish's men travelled to the Conference North club looking for their fourth win of 2011 and looked to have been handed a golden opportunity early on when the Bloods' keeper Paul Phillips was replaced by Matty Towns through injury.

Towns looked jittery but Banim was wreaking havoc in the Fleet defence - eventually finding the back of the net with a powerful shot while one-on-one with Preston Edwards.

Michael West could have levelled the score moments before half time but by the time Ricky Shakes' cross had reached him, the midfielder had strayed into an offside position.

A scrambled start to the second half saw West, Ram Marwa - returning to the starting 11 after his suspension - and Conor Okus come close to an equaliser for Ebbsfleet, while Domaine Rouse squandered two chances to double the lead at the other end.

Fleet substitute Gareth Williams' fine shot drew an excellent save from Towns and the visitors kept up the pressure in a frantic finale that also saw Ashley Carew shoot agonisingly wide.

Marwa put the ball in the net with minutes to spare but Fleet's celebrations were short-lived when the officials spotted an infringement and disallowed the goal.

The result leaves Ebbsfleet fourth in the Blue Square Bet Conference South, still firmly in promotion contention.