One moment of quality proved decisive as Ebbsfleet’s FA Cup journey was ended by League 1 Fleetwood in Sunday’s televised Second Round tie.

A sublime second-half strike by Gerard Garner ensured there was no upset at Stonebridge Road despite the Fleet putting in a creditable display, and creating the better first-half chances.

The morning rain held off and the mandatory pitch covers ensured an excellent playing surface. Stonebridge Road was full of television cameras as well as a bumper crowd of 2,960. Tin foil FA Cup in tow, the supporters provided an extra buzz to proceedings, hopeful that the National League South title favourites could bridge the gap to League 1 opponents.

Fleetwood settled into the occasion immediately, Garner firing a low left-foot shot against the upright inside five minutes. It was to prove their best opening of the half as thereafter they seemed to pick out Fleet keeper Mark Cousins from every crossing angle.

Naturally the Fleet found it tough to progress up the field than during their league matches, given they were playing a side three divisions above them. But that didn’t stop the likes of Greg Cundle and Toby Edser finding pockets of space and asking plenty of questions of their illustrious visitors.

Leading scorer Dominic Poleon had Ebbsfleet’s best openings. The 14-goal striker, who netted in the previous round win against FC Halifax, served early notice to Fleetwood when his deflected shot was comfortable for keeper Jakub Stolarczyk to gather.

Strike partner Rakish Bingham’s clever pass played Poleon in behind the last man just before the half-hour and he rounded the keeper, only to send the ball wide of the upright when he looked certain to score.

Bingham and Poleon combined again four minutes later but Poleon took an extra touch before shooting and Stolarczyk was down to deny him again.

After the break, handball appeals from the Plough End for a Fleet penalty were ignored by the referee but the hosts were dealt arguably their biggest blow of the afternoon when injury ended captain Chris Solly’s day just nine minutes into the second half.

The visitors took the lead on 64 minutes. Christian N’Guessan was caught on the ball in his own half, Fleetwood advanced swiftly and Garner beautifully picked his spot from 25 yards with a crisp left-foot finish.

It only exaggerated every bit of gamesmanship from Fleetwood that bit more. Finally, referee Adam Herczeg produced a yellow card to half-time substitute Promise Omochere for kicking the ball away but every time the game was interrupted, the visitors were in no rush to get it restarted, or allow the Fleet to get into their stride.

Chasing the game, Fleet boss Dennis Kutrieb made a double change with 13 minutes left, introducing Kieran Monlouis and Darren McQueen.

But they were unable to create another clear-cut opening until the sixth minute of stoppage time when substitute Franklin Domi's goalbound shot from Cundle's cross was blocked by a defender to deny the Fleet a replay.

Ebbsfleet: Cousins, O’Neill (Jombati 89mins), Solly (Martin 54mins), Hollis, Sterling-James (McQueen 77mins), Tanner, N’Guessan (Monlouis 77mins), Edser (Domi 89mins), Cundle, Bingham, Poleon. Subs not used: Haigh, Romain, Paxman, Chapman.

Fleetwood: Stolarczyk, Andrew (Omochere 46mins), Wiredu (Baker 87mins), Vela, Morton (Hayes 79mins), Warrington, Holgate, G Garner, Batty (Lane 79mins), Rooney (Johnston 74mins), Earl. Subs not used: Lynch, J Garner.

Referee: Adam Herczeg.

Attendance: 2,960.