A nightmare first-half display sent Ebbsfleet crashing to a heavy defeat at Forest Green on Tuesday night.

The Fleet conceded four goals in 23 minutes as their winless run extended to six matches. Forest Green are now top of Blue Square Bet Premier, while Ebbsfleet’s defence is the leakiest in the division.

Liam Daish’s (pictured) side did take the lead on 12 minutes, however. A Tom Phipp free-kick rebounded to Phil Walsh, who rifled a stunning shot into the net from 30 yards.

Parity was restored six minutes later when Matt Taylor’s low ball was converted by Yan Klukowski at the far post. And the visitors fell behind to a long-range Ben Wright shot which squirmed beyond Fleet keeper Preston Edwards.

Taylor headed home a cross to make it 3-1 on the half-hour and when Ebbsfleet failed to deal with a corner four minutes before the break, Eddie Oshodi poached a fourth goal from close-range.

Nathan Elder and Liam Enver-Marum could both have reduced the deficit in the second period but Forest Green looked in control.

The Fleet will look to arrest their slump on Saturday when Mansfield Town visit Stonebridge Road.