Stags enjoy Ebbsfleet trip (From News Shopper)

Ebbsfleet 0-3 Mansfield

11:15am Monday 30th January 2012 in News and Reports By Charlie Sewell

EBBSFLEET United lost for the first time in five league games at home when they were beaten by Mansfield Town at Stonebridge Road on Saturday afternoon.

The opening 20 minutes were quiet and the only opportunity came from Mansfield’s Ben Hutchinson.

But the away side took the lead midway through the first half when Matt Green latched onto a route one ball flicked on by Ross Dyer and slotted past Edwards from a tight angle.

Mansfield came close to doubling their lead 10 minutes later when a counter attack from an Ebbsfleet corner led to Hutchinson testing Edwards, who was equal to it.

However, the Stags did make it two after 38 minutes when Gary Roberts scored his first goal for Mansfield with a 25 yard rocket which left Edwards with no chance.

Fleet came out fighting in the second half but despite enjoying the majority of possession, they failed to get the breakthrough they desperately needed.

Michael West’s free-kick was comfortably saved after 52 minutes before Liam Enver-Marum tested the visiting keeper Alan Marriott from distance.

Hutchinson had a chance to double his tally for the afternoon but saw his effort land in the hands of Edwards just after the hour.

The pressure was building on Mansfield’s back line and the away dugout was wondering whether missed opportunities could cost them.

Dyer missed a sitter from five yards when he fired over a header with 10 minutes remaining before he hit the post from close range as the game entered stoppage time.

However, the scoring was completed deep into injury time when Roberts grabbed his second of the game.

After seeing his initial shot saved by Edwards, Roberts followed up and placed a shot in the back of the net past the scrambling Fleet keeper.

Despite the setback, Ebbsfleet stay 14th in the league table and 11 points above the relegation zone.

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Ebbsfleet: Edwards, Stone, Lorraine, West (Azeez 68), Willock, Phipp, Howe, Enver-Marum, Mambo, Barrett (Shakes 58), Pinney. Subs not used: McNeil, Smith, Stavrinou. Att: 1,085.