Ebbsfleet United manager Steve Brown praised his side’s resilience as they defeated Hayes and Yeading 2-0 despite keeper Preston Edwards being sent off.

Edwards received his marching orders midway through the first half for handling outside his area, meaning it looked like the Fleet would suffer another disappointing away result after losing 3-2 away to Weston-super-Mare in their previous game.

However, goals from Charlie Sheringham and Anthony Cook secured a much-needed victory, leaving Brown elated by how his side dealt with the criticism facing them after their poor away form.

He said: “Let’s be honest, the three conceded at Weston came out of left-field.

“It was a game we didn’t discuss that much, as we were bitterly disappointed after showing resilience and strength of character to come from 2-0 down.

“It only added to the pressure that was on us coming here today, but we dealt with it well.

“We battered down the hatches in the dressing room, but we know what we’ve got to do and hopefully we can continue forward in the same positive manner that we have today.”

Brown also reserved special praise for Cook, whose goal indicated a player returning to his best form after a below-par start to the season.

The manager said: “Cookie needed that goal, if I’m honest.

“He’s been a bit below par in terms of his personal performances and he thrives on goals and assists.

“He got an assist last Saturday and on Tuesday night, but the goal today was terrific.

“When he found himself in that position there was no placing it, it was just about putting his laces through the back of the ball and smashing it.”

Brown added: “The keeper didn’t react, it went straight in the top corner.

“You then saw his confidence when he cut inside late on and drilled it at the far post with the keeper making a great save.

“Cookie is very self-conscious and he evaluates his game at all times, so he knows he’s not quite been where he was last year so he became frustrated.

“But that performance out there today will do him the power of good.”

Brown also indicated that he may move into the loan market for a winger after Alex Osborne limped off in the Hayes & Yeading victory.

Ebbsfleet this morning landed a home tie with Hythe in the FA Cup second qualifying round draw.

Fleet are at home to Sutton United in the league on Saturday (3pm).

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