A game of three penalties ended in bitter disappointment for Ebbsfleet as they conceded a last-minute winner at Southport on Saturday.

Both sides had already missed from the spot before Patrick Ada fouled Chris Almond in the box. The Fleet defender was shown a second yellow card and Chris Lever kept his composure to convert the penalty after a long delay.

Earlier, Lever’s handball had gifted the Fleet a golden opportunity to break the deadlock. Liam Enver-Marum, pictured, having scored from 12 yards against Mansfield, stepped up again only to see his effort saved by Southport keeper Tony McMillan. Tom Phipp blasted the rebound wide.

Fresh from England C duty, Ebbsfleet stopper Preston Edwards came to his side’s rescue shortly after half-time, pushing Tony Gray’s penalty against the post after Shaun Whalley had tumbled in the box.

The home side went close through Whalley, Karl Ledsham and Alan Moogan, while Fleet substitute Moses Ashikodi forced McMillan to save his snap-shot at the other end.

However, Liam Daish’s side would leave Merseyside empty-handed and the defeat dropped them back into the Blue Square Bet Premier relegation places.

Fleet visit Whitstable Town in the Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday.