Sevenoaks provided stubborn resistance for more than an hour before their FA Cup journey came to an end at Ebbsfleet on Saturday.

The Isthmian South East outfit reached the Fourth Qualifying Round for the first time in their history but it was Ebbsfleet – who play two leagues above them – that made it through to Monday’s First Round draw.

The plaudits, however, all go to Sevenoaks who made life difficult for their illustrious hosts and could have easily forced a replay.

Sevenoaks were dealt an early blow when lone striker Ryan Gondoh hobbled off with a hamstring injury in the first four minutes, Freddie Parker coming off the bench to lead the attack in a 5-4-1 formation.

Ebbsfleet, as expected, started brightly and created early chances. Sevenoaks keeper Tyler McCarthy took no chances and turned behind Sido Jombati’s free-kick, Toby Edser cracked a tremendous left-foot shot against the crossbar from 20 yards and McCarthy then denied Shaq Coulthirst.

Sevenoaks had arguably the best chance of the half on 24 minutes when a delightful cross by Yahya Bamba was met by Parker but Fleet keeper produced a stunning one-handed save to keep his side level.

Ebbsfleet striker Dominic Poleon escaped with a yellow card when he appeared to kick out after being fouled by Jordy Ndozid, who was also cautioned by referee Stephen Parkinson.

On the half-hour, McCarthy did well to turn over Ben Chapman’s close-range header but the visitors were able to see out the rest of the half without alarm as the Fleet, for all their possession, lacked tempo to their play.

The impressive Bamba shot into the side netting and Sevenoaks were denied an opener on the stroke of half-time when skipper Corey Holder headed in Karn Miller-Neave’s free-kick, the offside flag cutting short their celebrations.

Fleet frustrations continued into the second half as Sevenoaks held together an excellent defensive shape. Jombati volley over and Chapman shot over before the breakthrough arrived on 65 minutes.

Substitute Greg Cundle had only been on the pitch for three minutes but captain Chris Solly strode forward for virtually the first time in the match, played the ball into Coulthirst and he set up Cundle who slipped the ball beyond McCarthy.

The game proved a stop-start affair with Sevenoaks physio Courtney Dobson the busiest person inside Stonebridge Road, with visiting players going down injured at regular intervals.

Coulthirst should have wrapped the tie up with 10 minutes left when Craig Tanner skipped past two in midfield and sent him clean through but Coulthirst dragged his shot wide of the far post.

Sevenoaks finished the game with 10 men after skipper Holder, who enjoyed a brilliant game in defence, was forced off through injury. Those gaps were exploited in the second minute of stoppage time when Franklin Domi crossed from the left and Poleon was unmarked to tap in at the far post.

Ebbsfleet: Cousins, Jombati, Solly, Domi, McQueen, N’Guessan (Tanner 46mins), Edser (Bingham 83mins), Paxman (Cundle 62mins), Chapman, Coulthirst, Poleon. Subs not used: Sterling-James, Firth, Romain, Finney.

Sevenoaks: McCarthy, Bamba, Miller-Neave, Olorunnisomo, Weaire, Holder, De Silva (Wilson 79mins), Ndozid (Graham 46mins), Hector, Gondoh (Parker 4mins), Mensah. Subs not used: Johnson, Rose.

Referee: Stephen Parkinson.

Attendance: 1,304.