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Solihull Moors 2 Ebbsfleet United 1 match report

16:45, 17 August 2019

updated: 17:40, 17 August 2019

It's now five straight defeats for Ebbsfleet in the National League.

Myles Weston gave them the lead against Solihull Moors but the leaders were level by half-time.

And the home side scored a late winner to leave Fleet three points adrift at the bottom of the table.

Myles Weston gave Ebbsfleet the lead at Solihull Picture: Andy Jones
Myles Weston gave Ebbsfleet the lead at Solihull Picture: Andy Jones

A full debut for Bondz N'Gala meant a change of system for Ebbsfleet, who lined up 3-5-2 with Lawrie Wilson dropping to the bench.

A mix-up between Jack King and Nathan Ashmore, after Jamie Grimes had been beaten in the air, almost gifted Moors an early chance but Ashmore dropped on the loose ball before Paul McCallum could pounce.

For the first time this season, Fleet opened the scoring in the ninth minute. Aswad Thomas launched a high diagonal ball towards the penalty area and Weston made his way across the face of the penalty area before picking out the bottom corner with a precise left-footed shot.

Mitch Hancox almost picked out McCallum with a low cross from the left and McCallum then lashed a shot high and wide after spotting Ashmore off his line as the home side dominated possession and pushed Ebbsfleet back.

The visitors had to soak up plenty of pressure, as you'd expect, and Ashmore did well to spread himself and save from centre-half Callum Howe, who was up for a set-piece.

Fleet seemed content to let Solihull have the ball, keeping their shape well and picking up the scraps in midfield.

Balls into the Moors box were giving Ebbsfleet some joy, with Grimes a particular threat, but the home side were level 10 minutes before half-time.

Jamey Osborne drew a foul on the edge of the box from King, who was booked for his clumsy lunge, and Osborne then teased a delightful free-kick over the wall and beyond Ashmore's reach.

Ayo Obileye followed King into referee Joe Hull's notebook for catching Osborne late and when the free-kick eventually dropped for McCallum in the six-yard box, he looked certain to score. But Ashmore arched his back and somehow clawed the ball out, with the assistant's flag raised for offside anyway.

Solihull made a strong start to the second half, with Fleet on the back foot for long spells, although Garry Hill's men stood up well and began to gain a foothold.

In fact, the visitors should have taken the lead on the hour when Thomas' left-wing cross was headed over by Obileye from inside the six-yard box.

At the other end, a patient passing move ended with Osborne forcing a fine save from Ashmore, diving one-handed low to his left.

Fleet were managing the game well and Josh Umerah swirled a shot wide after good work by Weston and Obileye wide on the right.

Moors boss Tim Flowers made a double substitution with 20 minutes to go but it was Fleet coming on strong now with Umerah and Gozie Ugwu getting through a mountain of work up front.

John Goddard got in down the left and his low cross caused a moment of panic in the home defence but N'Gala had to make a last-ditch block at the other end as Solihull piled men into the box and the ball pinged around.

Ashmore headed a high ball outside his penalty area and McCallum was able to turn and shoot as the goalkeeper back-tracked but Fleet were relieved to see the ball fly wide from 25 yards.

Solihull won it, 10 minutes from time, Danny Wright crossing from the left and Ashmore palming the ball against King for an unfortunate own goal.

That goal kept Moors top of the table while Ebbsfleet have still not picked up a point this season.

Solihull: Boot, Daly, Gudger, Howe, Vaughan, Storer, Hawkridge (Carter 70mins), Osborne, Hancox (Carline 87mins), McCallum, Blissett (Wright 70mins). Subs not used: Williams, Flowers.

Ebbsfleet: Ashmore, N'Gala, King, Grimes, Weston, Obileye, Ball, Goddard (Shields 83mins), Thomas, Ugwu, Umerah (Thomas-Asante 72mins). Subs not used: Wilson, Palmer, Egan.

Attendance: 995.

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