Ebbsfleet United succumbed to a 3-2 defeat at York City despite keeping touch with the hosts until the last 25 minutes.

Fleet fell behind after just 10 minutes when Matty Blair picked up Jon Challinor’s ball to slot home into the bottom right hand corner past Preston Edwards.

York’s Scott Brown saw red just five minutes later though for a foul on Ram Marwa. Referee Peter Brown convinced his late challenge with studds showing was enough to merit a straight red card.

But, Ebbsfleet struggled to make the numerical advantage count before the break and Edwards was twice forced into making smart saves from Danny Pilkington.

Nathaniel Pinney (pictured above) provided Fleet with a perfect second-half start as he rounded off Tom Phipp’s through ball on 50 minutes. But, their joy was short-lived when Blair picked up his second of the afternoon from a Jamie Reed pass for 2-1.

He then turned provider for James Meredith to finish inside the area and double the lead on 67 minutes.

Callum Willock gave Fleet a late sniff of stealing a point with three minutes remaining, Ram Marwa’s cross good enough for him to finish inside the box.

Ebbsfleet sit 14th in the table.

Another disappointing away day for Ebbsfleet, tell us what you make of the result by leaving a comment below.