TEMPERS boiled over as Ebbsfleet were unable to overcome nine-man Maidenhead United when they slumped to defeat at Stonebridge Road on Saturday.

The Magpies saw both Jamal Fyfield and Sam Collins sent off in the second half for their second yellow cards, but the visitors still had enough in the tank to overcome a new-look Ebbsfleet United on the first day of the new campaign.

Fleet began the contest brightly, winning the game’s first corner after four minutes but they were unable to capitalise as the set piece was easily cleared.

Callum Willock nearly grabbed the opener but his shot was pushed round the post by Steve Williams on nine minutes.

Midway through the first-half, Scott Ginty was released into space through a lovely dummy by Willock, which left the visitor’s backline flatfooted, but Ginty’s header was wayward.

Paul Lorraine spurned a chance to score moments before the break when his header bounded on to the roof of the goal.

Ebbsfleet continued to assert their domiance after the restart when Ginty smashed the ball against Williams but the keeper parried his effort.

The rebound went straight into Willock’s path but the striker’s effort was also deflected into an onrushing Ginty, whose shot was blocked by Williams at the expense of a corner.

The opening goal came on the hour when Fleet captain Lorraine was adjudged to have hauled down Fyfield in the box.

Referee Elliot Kaye immediately awarded a penalty, which was dispatched by Kieron Knight at the second time of asking after the striker retook the spot kick because of encroachment from Maidenhead.

The lead only lasted four minutes as Ebbsfleet drew level when Willock forced Ginty’s cross over the line.

However, the Fleet’s fate was sealed 12 minutes from time when substitute Martel Powell curled a shot past Preston Edwards, which left the goalkeeper stranded.

Collins and Fyfield were both given second yellows for rash challenges.

Fyfield was dismissed for a foul on Michael West, while Collins was given an early bath for a lunge on Ashley Carew.

The Fleet will attempt to bounce back on Wednesday evening when they visit Farnborough (7.45pm).

Ebbsfleet: Edwards, Henry (Stone 74), Easton (Sealey 38), Carew, Pooley, Lorraine, West (Benjamin 80), Marwa, Willock, Ginty, Duncan. Subs not used: Sherlock, Phipp. Att: 790.