Goals from Kenny Clark and substitute Bradley Bubb in either half handed Fleet three vital points in National League South on Saturday.

The win meant Fleet moved to within five points of leaders Maidenhead as most other matches in the division were postponed.

it proved a memorable afternoon for Clark, who celebrated his 100th Ebbsfleet appearance with a goal against his former club.

Chelmsford settled the quickest and could have gone ahead inside three minutes but for the brilliance of Fleet keeper Nathan Ashmore. Chris Dickson's left-wing cross was met at the far post by Robbie Willmott and Ashmore somehow clawed his header behind for a corner.

An error by Dave Winfield, back in the team with Mark Phillips ruled out through injury, let in former Charlton striker Dickson on 17 minutes but, from an acute angle, his low shot was comfortably saved by Ashmore at the near post.

Thereafter it was all Ebbsfleet in the first half. They should have gone ahead on 21 minutes but when a long throw-in by Marvin McCoy was headed against the crossbar by skipper Danny Kedwell, Sam Deering somehow turned the ball wide of an open goal at the far post.

Jack Powell's long-range free-kick hit the wall and Anthony Church was booked for a late foul on Sean Shields as the home side started to dominate possession.

The Fleet found the breakthrough two minutes before half-time when Powell's deep corner from the right was headed back across goal by Kedwell and Clark pounced to slam the ball home from close range.

The home side carried on where they left off after the break and Chelmsford quickly changed from their 4-5-1 formation to match Fleet's 4-4-2 but they best they could create was a near-post Ashley Miller effort, which Ashmore was able to gather.

Fleet went close to claiming a second as Powell set-up Deering, who cut inside past two players but then blazed over his left-foot shot.

Then Kedwell headed down a deep cross but McQueen was unable to connect.

Chelmsford substitute Elliott Buchanan warmed the hands of Ashmore from 20 yards just minutes after coming on.

Buit Fleet were not to be denied and their two substitutes combined to wrap the points up on 87 minutes. Andy Drury's free-kick found its way to Bubb, who drilled home into the far corner.

Bubb nearly added a third late on as Deering led a Fleet breakaway but he was was denied by an excellent save from keeper Ross Fitzsimons.

There was still time for Kedwell to go close as Fleet finished the game well in control.

Ebbsfleet: Ashmore, Shields (Cook 90mins), Connors, McCoy, Winfield, Clark, Rance, Deering, Kedwell, McQueen (Bubb 76mins), Powell (Drury 76mins). Subs not used: Mambo, Miles.

Chelmsford: Fitzsimons, Miller, Young, Rees (Jeffers 52mins), Spillane, Haines, Willmott, Church, Dickson (Buchanan 78mins), Cornhill, Graham (Haysman 61mins). Subs not used: Hill, Porter.

Attendance: 1,434.