Mansfield 2 Ebbsfleet United 0

Ebbsfleet’s winning run in the Blue Square Premier came to an end at Mansfield on Tuesday night.

Fleet had won their previous three matches 1-0, to put distance between themselves and the relegation zone, but a goal in each half sealed the points for the hosts.

Liam Daish’s side started the match brightly and they came close with chances from Michael Gash and James Smith.

On 22 minutes the Stags went ahead when Daryl Clare fed Louis Briscoe and he shot low past keeper Lance Cronin.Gash had another chance on the half hour but home keeper Andy Marriott held on and he was again there to deny Giuseppe Sole.

Briscoe wasted a great chance just before the break, after Cronin made a hash of a clearance, but Rob Duffy doubled the lead shortly after the break when he headed home a cross.

Chances continued to fall for both teams in a lively game but no more goals followed.

Fleet: Cronin, Crooks, Opinel (Purcell 60mins), Charles, Smith (Stevens 86mins), Ricketts, Long, West, Sole (Slatter 72mins), Gash, Shakes. Subs not used: Mott, Henry. Attendance: 1,630.