EBBSFLEET United suffered an undeserved defeat as they went down to Luton Town on Bank Holiday Monday at Stonebridge Road.
The final score line doesn’t reflect a solid performance from the home side and some tough decisions that went against them.
Luton started the stronger side and were 2-0 up before the Fleet could settle down.
Scott Rendell controlled a 10th minute cross and layed it off for former Addick Stuart Fleetwood, who slotted home from six yards before Fleetwood returned the favour and gave Rendell the simplest of tap ins 10 minutes later.
But Luton seemed to rest on their laurels and gave Ebbsfleet a chance to fight back.
Five minutes after the second goal Ebbsfleet looked certain to be awarded a blatant penalty but the officials were the only ones who failed to see the offence.
Moses Ashikodi cut inside Lathaniel Rowe-Turner, who brought the striker to the ground but an outraged Ebbsfleet saw their penalty shouts waived away.
Just three minutes later Tom Phipp tested keeper Mark Tyler with a 30 yard swirling free-kick which was tipped over the bar before the resulting corner saw Phil Walsh head just over.
The second half started much the same as the first, with the visitors launching some threatening attacks.
Again Fleetwood was at the heart of the forward moves and his curling shot was just tipped round the post by Preston Edwards.
Ashikodi replied immediately but his sweetly-struck half volley just shot past the face of the goal with an hour on the clock.
Liam Enver-Marum had a chance to pull one back for the home side but he failed to generate any real power behind his effort.
The away side then delivered a fatal blow as they extended their lead.
After the initial cross was blocked, the ball fell to the feet of the dangerous Fleetwood who slotted home in the bottom corner with just 15 minutes remaining.
Second half sub Nathan Elder pulled one back in the closing stages but this proved to be just a consolation as Ebbsfleet suffered a second defeat in three days, one they certainly didn’t deserve.
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Ebbsfleet United: Edwards, Stone, Ada, Walsh, Lorraine, Enver-Marum, Ashikodi, Phipp, Howe, Barrett (Elder 83), Azeez (Folkes 75). Subs not used: Blake, McNeill, Greenhalgh. Att: 1,701.
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