Northwich Victoria

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Ebbsfleet 1-0 Northwich

Northwich look destined for the drop from the Blue Square Premier after losing away to Ebbsfleet.

The Fleet however, are sitting well placed in 15th spot after picking up nine points with three single-goal victories over the past five days.

Chances were few and far between for most of the match but it was the visitors who may have opened the lead inside eight minutes. Jonny Allan found himself through on goal having beaten the Ebbsfleet offside trap but with all the time in the world and not a defender in sight, he put his shot wide of the post, much to the relief of the advancing James Smith.

Apart from the second-half goal, the match's major talking point was a minor scuffle on the half-hour mark, resulting in referee McLaughlin booking five players. Fleet's Ricky Shakes had caught Mat Bailey with a clumsy challenge that sparked the melee.

John Martin came close to open the scoring with a free-kick after 60 minutes but Vics keeper Ryan Clarke did well to turn the dipping shot around the post.

Ebbsfleet started to impose themselves in the latter stages and were rewarded in the 68th minute as defender James Smith headed home John Martin's far post corner.

The result sees Northwich needing to win their next game, at home to Woking on Tuesday, to stand a chance of staying in the league next season.

Ebbsfleet United bookings: Smith, Shakes, Gash.

Northwich bookings: Bailey, Grand, Brown, Byrom, Perry.

Att: 1,003

Ref: M Mclaughlin (England).