EBBSFLEET United manager Liam Daish said he was disappointed with referee Charles Breakspear’s decision to send Patrick Ada off for a professional foul in last night’s 1-0 defeat at home to Braintree Town.

In an even game, Kenny Davis secured the win for the visitors with a well-taken goal in the 70th minute.

However, the main talking point from the game will be Fleet defender Ada’s 51st minute red card for a foul on Braintree’s Sean Marks, who was also later sent off for two bookable offences.

Daish was also critical of Breakspear’s decision to consult the linesman before showing Ada red.

“There were a few things that didn’t go our way today”, Daish said.

“Obviously the big turning point was the sending off.

“I thought they told Patrick that he was the last man, but the referee has said he denied a goal scoring opportunity.

“It was at least 25-yards away from goal and coming in at an angle, but if that reason is the case, then why is he running over to the linesman to ask?

“I’m a little disappointed with that.

“I think the referee bought into Braintree’s streetwise style of football.

“There was a lot of 6ft2in, 14-and-a-half-stone players lying on the pitch.”

Despite the defeat, Daish said he felt there were some positives in the performance.

He explained: “I’m disappointed for the lads because they worked really hard and there were some excellent performances out there.

“I thought Tom Phipp stood out by a mile, he was the best player on the pitch.

“In the first half, the game was really quick and high tempo.

“What we needed was a goal. We just didn’t get that today. “We finished the half well, but it’s all about making chances and scoring goals.

“We played the game in the right spirit.

“As much as I want three points, I don’t want my centre-halves rolling around, trying to get players booked.

“It’s not in the spirit of what’s been going on lately.”

Next up for Ebbsfleet is Wrexham at home on Saturday and Daish is confident that defender Craig Stone will be in contention to play following an injury.

“Craig said his hamstring felt better today but I think he needs a full training session before playing and I don’t want to take a risk at this stage in the season,” he said.

“Phil Walsh will play centre-half (in place of the now suspended Ada) against Wrexham, as I thought he did well when he came on.

“I think the defence did alright. In the first half they were nice and solid, it’s just a shame we had to change things.

“The squad has blended well and I think it will continue to do so and get better.”

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt