Tom Phipp’s solitary strike was enough to ensure Ebbsfleet ended Needham Market’s longest ever run in the FA Cup at the third qualifying round stage on Saturday.

After a quiet opening, Fleet had the first chance when Phipp forced Needham goalkeeper Danny Gay into making a low save.

Although Craig Parker was looking impressive in midfield for the home side, it was Fleet who went close again just before the half-hour mark when Ricky Shakes’s cross was met by Ram Marwa and his 30-yard effort hit the woodwork.

Neither side was able to break the deadlock before the break, and the first real chance of the second half did not come until 11 minutes after the restart when Calum Willock’s volley was kept out by a one-handed save from Gay.

A minute later the breakthrough came for the visitors when Shakes mis-hit a shot and the ball went to Phipp who made no mistake.

Needham searched for an equaliser in the closing stages, but were unable to find a way past Fleet keeper Preston Edwards.