by Matthew Panting

Fleet boss Liam Daish has vowed his team will play with the right spirit in Blue Square Bet Premier.

Daish’s comments followed Tuesday night’s home defeat to Braintree, which centred on Patrick Ada’s controversial second-half red card.

The visitors’ antics left Ebbsfleet frustrated as they made the most of every challenge that came their way.

"We played in the right spirit," said Daish. "As much as I’d like three points, I don’t think I’d want my centre-halves rolling around trying to get players booked.

"That’s not really me and it’s not in the spirit of what’s been done lately (the Olympics).

"Braintree got into (the referee) and played in a streetwise way. There was a lot of going down and time-wasting but I didn’t see their physio going on a lot. There were a lot of 6ft 2in, 14 and-a-half stone guys rolling around on the pitch which was disappointing."

Daish, who attended a pre-season briefing for managers last week, added: "I went to a Conference meeting last Thursday, travelled all the way to Telford and the referee who was meant to be there, wasn’t.

"I’ve done my bit, I cant do any more. I’ll keep trying to work with them but sometimes they baffle me a little bit."

Do you think Daish is right to encourage his team to play fair? Have your say below.