Ebbsfleet United put in a disappointing performance as they crashed to a 2-1 defeat at home to Hayes & Yeading United on Saturday.

After an even first half, defensive mistakes allowed the visitors to take a two-goal lead in the second half, leaving the Fleet winless in four games.

Manager Steve Brown made one change from the side that drew 1-1 with Hemel Hempstead, with Chris Sessegnon replacing the suspended Joe Howe.

Phil Babb’s Hayes side were solid and quick to close the ball down as they put in a much-improved performance from when they lost 2-0 to a 10-man Ebbsfleet side last month.

The game got off to a very quiet start, with neither team able to produce much of an end product until the best chance of the half came in the 25th minute.

An Anthony Cook cross was met by Dean Rance, whose powerful header was well kept out by Hayes keeper Calum Kitscha.

The visitors perhaps should have taken the lead towards before the break when Dean Inman found himself unmarked eight yards from goal, but his looping free header went harmlessly over the bar.

After perhaps just shading the first half, Fleet fans would have expected to see their side push on in the second and take a vital win.

Instead they fell behind in the 52nd minute when Louis-Rae Beadle unleashed a fine, curling shot from the edge of the box which flew into the top corner.

The setback rallied Ebbsfleet slightly and Kitscha soon saved shots from Rance and Charlie Sheringham.

But the lead was doubled in the 79th minute after the hosts gave the ball away in midfield, allowing Hayes to break on the counter.

Eventually Dan Wishart picked up possussion and produced a great finish past Hall from the edge of the area.

Despite a late consolation goal from Anthony Acheampong, who headed in from a Daryl McMahon free-kick, the Fleet fans went home with little to cheer about.

Ebbsfleet: Hall, Sessegnon, Clark, Acheampong, Palmer, Johnson (Osborn 68), McMahon, Rance, Cook, Bricknell, Sheringham. Subs not used: Edwards, Huke, Corcoran, Pooley. Att: 891