FLEET ON THE MARCH TO COMPOUND BEES MISERY

SOLID Ebbsfleet showed just why they are being tipped for promotion after a dominant display against a Barnet side who simply can’t find their feet.

A first-half strike from Danny Kedwell followed by efforts from Corey Whitely and Sean Shields after the break heaped woe on John Still’s newly-relegated Bees who are still seeking their first victory of the season.

“If we are going to get where we need to be we need to be better in both boxes,” wily boss Still said. “I was generally pleased with our build-up play to get the ball in box, but we need to finish better.”

Both sides were slow to settle with much of the play undistinguished, with both outfits overhitting their deliveries in the middle.

But it was the visitors who were slowly getting their passing game together with midfielder Andy Drury, making his 200th appearance for the Fleet, threading passes through to the willing Kedwell.

Approaching the half hour mark Barnet did come close to scoring but Nathan Ashmore was on hand with a great reflex save from an effort from Dan Sparkes.

In the 44th minute, Kedwell broke the deadlock and with the Barnet rearguard in disarray his persistence paid off when he drilled a low shot past Mark Cousins.

At the start of the second-half, the Bees briefly threatened to make inroads but the visitors’ defensive unit held firm, Sparkes should have done better but fired over when well positioned. On the hour mark, Kedwell fluffed an opportunity when he surged clear but minutes later Whitely won a duel with keeper Cousins and lashed the ball into the net at the second attempt. Ebbsfleet were now in total control and looked capable of extending their lead should the mood take them. Indeed, two munutes from time, the visitors again took advantage of Barnet’s defensive failings with Shieds finding the net from a narrow angle with Cousins unable to grasp the ball. The final whistle was greeted with jeers from the Barnet supporters in a poor crowd of 1,217, in contrast to the large vocal following from Ebbsfleet who celebrated in fine style. Despite victory, though, Fleet boss Daryl McMahon says there is still more to come from his side. He added: “Defensively we’re good, I wouldn’t say it was comprehensive, so I am not going to get carried away by just looking at the scoreline. “We have played better this season, but it was great for the fans to come here and see us win and our fanbase will continue to get bigger.”