Two goals from Darren McQueen led Fleet to a comfortable win over Gosport on Saturday.

The three points mean that the Fleet trail leaders Maidenhead by 10 points at the halfway point of the National League South campaign - the former thrashed Dartford 5-0 at York Road.

It sets the Fleet up nicely for their festive double header against the Darts, starting at Princes Park on Boxing Day.

The opening half-hour was quickly forgettable. The pre-match mist had lifted by the time the teams came out but there was little action of note to see on the pitch.

Fans were seated in the new stand for the first time as the £5million development continues to take shape at Stonebridge Road.

Any chances that did come along fell to the Fleet. Keeper Nick Jordan was out smartly to deny McQueen before Jack Powell's long-range free-kick was comfortably gathered.

Fleet went ahead on 34 minutes. Andy Drury threaded a perfect ball into McQueen, who rounded Jordan and slotted home with his left foot.

Within a minute the Fleet had doubled their lead. Skipper Danny Kedwell flicked the ball on and McQueen slotted neatly under Jordan at the near post for his 12th goal of the season.

It was nearly a quickfire hat-trick for the Fleet frontman as the ball fell kindly for him on the edge of the box but his right-foot lob landed wide of the upright.

Gosport finally came to life just before half-time. Aaron Dawson was denied by Nathan Ashmore's excellent one-handed save against his former club and then Dan Wooden nodded over.

The Fleet remained on top after the break. It needed a fine defensive header to deny Kedwell a simple far-post header before the Fleet captain was presented with an even better chance. Anthony Cook's right-wing cross found Kedwell unmarked but his right-foot shot came back off the post.

Some tasty challenges meant a number of bookings for both sides but Gosport never looked to have enough firepower in attack to get back into the game.

It was one of those days for Kedwell, whose tireless work was not rewarded with a goal. A fine block denied him late on before his close-range header went straight to Jordan.

The Gosport keeper then did well to deny substitute Sean Shields a third goal in stoppage time as Fleet had enough possession and chances to have won by a far greater margin.

Ebbsfleet: Ashmore, Cook (Shields 66mins), Connors, McCoy, Winfield, Clark, Rance (Lewis 46mins), Drury, Kedwell, McQueen (Bubb 76mins), Powell. Subs not used: Sheringham, Miles.

Gosport: Jordan, Cuthbertson, Bird, Carter, Brice, Oastler, Dawson, Harding, Wooden (Lis 86mins), Bentley (Bailey 81mins), Carmichael (Wright 72mins). Subs not used: Walters, Poate.

Attendance: 852.