RED RAGE AS BOTH BOSSES AMONG FIVE DISMISSALS
AN entertaining encounter saw the referee issue five red cards as Ebbsfleet continued their recent fine form while Havant & Waterlooville suffered a fourth successive league defeat.
The nine men of Ebbsfleet gained a 2-1 victory against the ten of the Hawks in a game in which both managers received their marching orders just before the interval.
The game started well for the visitors when in-form striker Rakish Bingham found the net after only four minutes. A good passing move saw man-of-the-match Alfie Egan send in a perfectly weighted cross which Bingham slid into the net from eight yards.
The first half, however, saw the home side enjoy the best chances. Tony Lee, making his debut, stretched to head Danny Kedwell’s cross just wide, but he had taken away an almost certain goal for Craig Robson, who was arriving behind him.
A good move by Billy Clifford then found Lee but, having failed to shoot with his left foot, he attempted to chip the keeper, who gathered the effort at the second attempt.
Lee Martin then received a yellow card for simulation, which echoed around the ground as Dennis Kutrieb described the decision as unbelievable and that prompted a heated discussion between the two benches.
The assistant referee then called referee Philip Stainings over and he immediately showed Kutrieb and Hawks boss Paul Doswell a red card.
It took just four minutes into the second half for the home side to equalise. The impressive Kedwell headed down a cross to Lee. His first-time effort was palmed away by keeper Jordan Holmes but fell neatly for the on-rushing Robson who slid it home into the empty net.
Both sides found themselves with ten men after 60 minutes. Havant midfielder Theo Widdrington caught Chris Solly late. Solly jumped up and pushed Widdrington in the face so both men had an early bath.
Things got worse for Ebbsfleet three minutes later. Their skipper Martin, booked for simulation in the first half, went in late on Josh Taylor, reducing the visitors to nine.
Following the rush of red cards, the home side still failed to create many meaningful chances. They brought on Bedsente Gomis and Roarie Deacon but it fell to Fleet sub Dom Poleon to win the game moments after coming on. He controlled a pass with his first touch and fired past helpless keeper Joe Tupper with his second.
Hawks coach Simon Walton said: “This game was so frustrating and even though we had a man advantage we conceded a shocking goal to lose the game. I’m speechless.”
Jubilant Fleet boss Dennis Kutrieb said: “This was a great win and a very important one for us. This has produced a special feeling.”
STAR MAN: Alfie Egan (Ebbsfleet Utd) ENTERTAINMENT: REFEREE: