CALUM Willock grabbed a brace as Ebbsfleet United defeated Havant & Waterlooville 2-1 in a scrappy game at Stonebridge Road on Saturday.

Despite falling behind to an early goal, the hosts always looked the likeliest victors, creating numerous chances throughout the match.

Liam Daish made one change from the side that drew with Boreham Wood, with Michael West returning from injury to replace Conor Okus.

Havant manager Shaun Gale fielded an attacking 4-3-3 formation that looked to get the ball forward as quickly as possible.

The game got off to a subdued start but it was Havant who took the lead on seven minutes with the first clear chance.

Steven Ramsey delivered a deep cross from the right, which found Wes Fogden at the back post and his header was precise enough to prevent Dean Pooley from clearing it off the line.

The goal shocked Ebbsfleet and they found it difficult to create any opportunities.

West created two chances to score for himself but on both occasions he shot wide of the post.

Havant were frustrated in their attacking efforts, with Ebbsfleet captain Paul Lorraine superbly marshalling powerful striker Mustafa Tiryaki.

The hosts drew level midway through the half when Ram Marwa lofted a through ball for Willock to run onto,and the striker outpaced the defence to confidently finish past Havant keeper Nathan Ashmore.

For the rest of the half, both defences were on top, as neither side could go ahead before half-time.

The second half began in controversy, as Havant defender Ian Simpemba was adjudged to have elbowed Ebbsfleet striker Jacob Erskine but Ashley Carew curled the following free-kick past the post.

Tiryaki then had a long range shot well saved by Preston Edwards before Ebbsfleet took the lead on sixty minutes.

Erskine picked up possession on the right and showed tremendous control to power past a defender before delivering a cross from the byline, which was turned into the net by Willock.

A host of chances followed, with Havant’s Sammy Igoe and Ebbsfleet substitute Ricky Shakes both firing over from close range.

The visitors’ best opportunity to draw level fell to substitute Guieseppe Sole, whose audacious long-range lob flew over Edwards and inches over the bar.

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Ebbsfleet: Edwards, Howe, Lorraine, Pooley, Duncan, Phipp, Carew, Marwa, West (Shakes 66), Erskine, Willock Subs not used: Hawkes, G Williams, A Williams, Sherlock. Att: 879