Daryl McMahon defended his team selection after Ebbsfleet's 2-1 defeat at home to Margate.

The manager dropped midfielder Stuart Lewis and also put new signing Aaron McLean on the bench, bringing the striker on at half-time with Fleet 1-0 down.

McMahon was asked after the game why he didn't start McLean, who had been playing regularly for Barnet in League 2 before signing for Ebbsfleet last week.

He said: "Matty Godden’s got 19 goals and Danny Kedwell’s probably the best striker in the league, so that was my thinking behind it.

"I don’t think scoring’s their problem. Matty’s got 19 goals and (McLean) is another option.

"Who shall I leave out? Matty Godden, 19 goals, or play five strikers?

"We controlled the game, I believe. (JP) Kissock was outstanding, (Dean) Rance, I could go through the whole team, Bryan (van den Bogaert) was excellent at left-back on his full debut as well - but we’ve got to do better."

It was Kissock who took Lewis' place in midfield, starting for the first time since December.

McMahon said: "I picked him to give us control of the game.

"They’ve got different qualities, Stuey and Kissy. Kissy’s got great control, keeps the ball well, gets on the ball, makes us play, serves the forwards well with the ball as well.

"I think Stuey’s a bit more dynamic in a sense and he’s probably all-round, Stuey, in terms of his qualities. He ticks all the boxes in different areas but Kissock’s stronger in that area than Stuey and I thought he gave us good control. He was excellent."

McMahon went away with mixed feelings after watching his side, who remain six points clear at the top of National League South, lose at home for the fourth time this season.

He said: "I am disappointed, obviously. I thought it was a good performance and we dominated the second half but we’ve got to do better around their box.

"It was devastating to lose in the 90th minute, as it always is, but I was pleased with the actual performance.

"I don’t think they did (come strong at the end). They shelled a few down the side of us.

"(Freddie) Ladapo did well against our two (centre-halves). Our two didn’t deal with him well enough but for me, they didn’t come strong. It was a ball down the side, they got a shot and got a rebound on it.

"We had the ball for probably 90% of the second half so we’ve got to do better with the ball."