Ebbsfleet United

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Preston Edwards

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Bath City 2-3 Ebbsfleet United

Ten-man Ebbsfleet held off a determined Bath City at Twerton Park on Saturday, emerging 3-2 victors despite losing goalkeeper Preston Edwards in the 65th minute.

The loss sees the Romans rooted firmly to the bottom of the table, while Fleet climb into 14th spot.

The visitors took an early lead through Nathaniel Pinney, with the striker converting from close range after Gozie Ugwu took advantage of Glyn Garner's error in goal. The wet ball squirmed out of the keeper's reach, and Ugwu reacted first to tee up his team-mate.

Gethin Jones nodded home Lewis Hogg's cross 15 minutes after the restart to restore parity and get the home fans on their feet. Things got worse for Ebbsfleet five minutes later, when Edwards was sent for an early shower

Following a pair of penalty shouts for the visitors, Edwards took advantage of a break in play to confront the referee. After then appearing to throw a punch at one of City's players, he was summarily dismissed.

Tom McNeil, who was sent on to stand in goal, was then almost beaten by a dipping volley from Adam Connolly.

Sensing that their time had come, City streamed forward in search of a goal, allowing Ebbsfleet to hit them on the counter.

Right-back Sekani Simpson was caught out of position after an excellent run down the flank. Fleet launched the ball into the position he had vacated, and substitute Ricky Shakes was on hand to smash the ball home.

Ugwu would inflict more misery in stoppage time, intercepting a feeble back pass, rounding the onrushing Garner and rolling the ball into an empty net.

Sean Canham pulled on back for the hosts late in injury time, but it was too little too late for the Stripes.

Bath City bookings: Hogg.

Ebbsfleet Bookings: Mambo, Stone, Phipp.

Sent Off: Edwards.

Referee: Barratt.

Attendance: 693.