Ebbsfleet United put in a lacklustre performance as they drew 0-0 at home to Bath City on Saturday.

In a dull game that was low on quality, neither side created enough chances to come away saying they deserved to take all three points.

Fleet manager Steve Brown fielded the same starting XI to the one that won 2-0 away to Staines the previous Saturday, with new signing winger Brendan Kiernan having to make do with a place on the bench.

In-form Bath had won four in six games going into the match and manager Lee Howells fielded a solid side that proved difficult to break down, with the physical presence of Chas Hemmings proving to be a key factor in midfield.

The game got off to a quiet start and the first couple of chances came from speculative free-kicks, as Daryl McMahon saw a long range set piece comfortably saved by visiting keeper Jason Mellor.

Ebbsfleet custodian Brandon Hall, meanwhile, had to be on hand to scramble away a curled strike from Frankie Artus.

David Pratt then saw a header cleared off the line by McMahon and at the other end Charlie Sheringham headed over from an Aiden Palmer cross.

As the half wore on, Ebbsfleet began to take more control of possession and Matt Godden forced Mellor into two good stops.

Firstly, the striker’s header kept low to the ground and the keeper had to scoop the ball away from the goal, and then Godden’s turn and driven shot from the edge of the area was well tipped over.

The second half was a turgid affair, with only two goal scoring chances of any note.

Kenny Clark saw a header from a corner flew straight at Mellor who did well to hold the ball, while Bath’s Pat Keary saw his free header at the back post well tipped over by Hall.

The second half meandered on, with neither team seemingly willing to take a risk and try to unlock the opposing defence, and the final talking point of the game came when Anthony Acheampong was rightly sent off late on for a professional foul on Andy Watkins.

To the derision of the home fans, Brown sent on defender Shane Huke to replace Godden.

While this guaranteed a point for his side, it summoned a chorus of boos on the final whistle, especially when it was subsequently announced the striker who made way had won man of the match.

Ebbsfleet United: Hall, Howe, Acheampong, Clark, Palmer, Johnson (Kiernan 69), Rance, McMahon, Cook, Sheringham, Godden (Huke 81). Subs not used: Edwards, Bricknell, Corcoran. Att: 893