EBBSFLEET manager Steve Brown revealed he was happy to have not lost any ground on the league leaders following his side’s 0-0 Boxing Day draw at Bromley.

With Bromley 13 points ahead of the visitors going into the game, and both teams on long winning runs, many had anticipated a close contest.

And this was the way it turned out, with neither side able to gain a foothold in the match.

The result means Ebbsfleet are the first visiting side to take any points away from Hayes Lane this season, something which Brown was delighted about.

“It’s a great result,” he said.

“They’re top of the league by some distance and nine teams have come away from here before us with absolutely nothing, but we gave as good as we got today.

“The first half was a good performance in which we stopped them doing what they do well.

“But they were better in the second half and Preston Edwards had to come to our aid with a very good save late on.

“We’ve had various chances in the first and second half, too.

“I don’t think too many teams have come here and had the sort of possession we did or create as many chances, so in that respect I’m pleased.

“I’d have loved the three points but I think a 0-0 away at Bromley is a very good result on paper.”

However, the Stonebridge Road chief was less than impressed with the display of the match official.

Brown added: “I thought Ben May was treated a little harshly out there and I didn’t think the referee quite got hold of that battle.

“I’d like the ref to put on an Ebbsfleet shirt and play up front today, as he’d probably give himself a foul from most of the challenges.

“I don’t want to be critical, as in the main the ref was OK, but it’s about player safety on a heavy pitch like that.”

The festive period games come thick and fast for Ebbsfleet, who host Dover Athletic tomorrow before playing the return game against Bromley on New Years’ Day.

And Brown revealed he is expecting to make full use of his squad during the next few games.

He said: “I did think there were some tired legs out there today.

“Daryl McMahon missed the win against Sutton with an illness and it showed today in the second half.

“I could have substituted him five or 10 minutes earlier than I did, but all the time it’s 0-0 you’re trying not to disrupt anything too much as it’s going OK.

“It then got to the point where Macca didn’t look like himself, so it was probably just about right to take him off.

“We’ll have to see how he reacts, as he has been ill and he did look really tired out there.”

Brown added: “There will be a use of the squad and there have been a few disappointed players recently.

“You make decisions and have to leave people out who aren’t happy when you do that.

“Hopefully we’ve hit home how important it is to be a squad, though, as there are times when players are going to play and it’s down to them to keep the shirt.

“We’ve been on such a good run that I haven’t had to make too many changes, which is frustrating for the guys who haven’t had a game.”

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