Substitute Dominic Samuel scored a stunning stoppage-time winner as Ebbsfleet took another step towards National League safety on Saturday.

It was no more than the home side deserved as they pushed for a winner after being pegged back just before half-time.

Ebbsfleet manager Danny Searle named an unchanged side following last weekend’s excellent 4-1 success at Dorking Wanderers.

It means he’s only made three changes to the starting line-up during his six games at the helm, a massive contrast to the man he took over from.

Rochdale lined up with an attacking 3-4-3 formation which means they went man-to-man across the pitch. It also meant any mistake at either end would open the door and so it proved inside 15 minutes.

Fleet striker Rakish Bingham closed down keeper Tiernan Brooks and his intended square ball in defence failed to find a defender, instead presenting striker Dominic Poleon with a simple finish into an empty net from 20 yards.

Poleon had a clear sight of goal again seven minutes later after good work by Bryant Bilongo, but his goalbound right-foot shot was expertly blocked by promising young Rochdale defender George Nevett.

Ebbsfleet then dominated for long periods but, despite Brooks looking nervy with the ball at his feet, they failed to create any clear-cut chances.

Rochdale flattered to deceive going forward until they levelled matters just four minutes before the break. Kyron Gordon sent Jimmy Keohane clear down the right and his first-time cross was deftly swept home by Kairo Mitchell from six yards.

Ebbsfleet nearly regained the lead in stoppage time but Toby Edser headed just wide of the near post after doing well to meet Josh Wright’s right-wing cross.

The equaliser gave Rochdale renewed confidence at the start of the second half as they enjoyed their best period. They replaced the ineffective Devante Rodney with Jesurum Uchegbulam and the substitute nearly had an instant impact, running across the box before Cian Hayes’ low shot was beaten out by keeper Mark Cousins.

Poleon was twice thwarted by the offside flag at the other end as Ebbsfleet looked dangerous through the crossing of Chapman before Bilongo’s left-foot shot was deflected wide for a corner.

Rochdale’s Mitchell beat the offside trap midway through the second half but Cousins did well to turn his near-post shot behind for a corner.

Ebbsfleet lost Luke O’Neill to injury with 20 minutes left and despite having plenty of the ball in and around the final third, they were unable to create many clear sights of goal against a stubborn Rochdale rearguard.

The home side appeared to have strong claims for a penalty with four minutes left when Bilongo went down under Keohane’s challenge. But referee James Westgate, who was reluctant to give fouls let alone show yellow cards, waved away their appeals.

Cameron John’s returned a deep cross at the other end via the top of the crossbar but Rochdale were content by now with their point.

Another Fleet penalty appeal was somehow turned down as Wright’s cross was clearly handled but it mattered not as Samuel found the bottom corner late on to spark wild celebrations at Stonebridge Road.

Ebbsfleet: Cousins, O’Neill (White 70mins), Skura, Kenlock, Chapman, Wright, Edser (Cisse 84mins), Clifford, Bilongo, Bingham, Poleon (Samuel 78mins). Subs not used: McQueen, Fogarty.

Rochdale: Brooks, Gordon, John, East, Ebanks-Landell, Clayton, Mitchell, Rodney (Uchegbulam 52mins), Keohane, Nevett (Henderson 90+4mins), Hayes. Subs not used: Sassi, Armstrong, Mather.

Referee: James Westgate.

Attendance: 1,723 (117 away).