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Ebbsfleet 7 Havant 0 match report

Ebbsfleet went goal crazy against 10-man Havant to reach the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

The Fleet expected a tough encounter against the Ryman League high-fliers but continued their freescoring home form thanks to Darren McQueen (2), Anthony Cook, Danny Kedwell, Mark Phillips, Bradley Bubb and Jack Powell.

While the visitors will point to a controversial red card, the writing was already on the wall for Havant as they trailed 2-0 at that point.

Danny Kedwell celebrates scoring his spot-kick with Sam Deering. Picture: Andy Payton
Danny Kedwell celebrates scoring his spot-kick with Sam Deering. Picture: Andy Payton

Fleet boss Daryl McMahon made two changes from the team that brushed aside St Albans in the league seven days earlier. Dave Winfield returned from suspension and Jack Connors replaced the injured Sean Shields down the left.

The game turned in 60 seconds when Fleet almost went a goal behind but suddenly found themselves ahead in the 19th minute.

Fleet keeper Nathan Ashmore did well to turn over a Ryan Woodford header at the far post. The hosts then broke from the corner, McQueen bringing the ball over halfway and feeding Cook, whose finish matched the speed of the breakaway and left keeper Ryan Young with no chance.

McQueen twice threatened while Havant went close as George Barker's long-range shot went just over the bar.

Fleet were 2-0 ahead on 38 minutes. Kedwell's flick-on left McQueen up against one of the Havant centre-backs, who tried to shield the ball out of play. He failed, McQueen kept it in and showed fine composure to bring the ball back past Young and fire beyond the defender on the line.

Havant were masters of their own demise for the second goal and then they were busy pointing the finger at referee Ian Rathborne for the third just two minutes before the break.

Mr Rathborne pointed to the spot and showed Lee Molyneaux the red card with Fleet boss McMahon later stating that it was for an elbow on Winfield.

Kedwell emphatically smashed home the penalty to make it 3-0 and effectively wrap the tie up.

Havant boss Lee Bradbury marched onto the pitch to talk to the referee at half-time, and was sent to the stands at the start of the second half when he tried to take his place on the away dugout.

Fleet carried on where they left off after the break. They added a fourth just eight minutes after the break as Phillips headed in a right-wing corner and then Deering rattled the crossbar two minutes later.

Captain Kedwell, booked on the stroke of half-time, was sensibly replaced by Fleet boss McMahon with the tie done and dusted inside the hour mark.

Ebbsfleet claimed a classy fifth on 68 minutes as McQueen made it four goals in two FA Cup ties this season. Powell crossed from the left and McQueen flicked the ball up before volleying low past Young at the near post.

Fleet substitute John Paul Kissock escaped with just a yellow card after a foul and then an alteraction with Havant's Dan Strugnell, who was also booked.

Two goals in the last two minutes rounded off the scoring. Substitute Bradley Bubb fired home against his former club and then a well-worked move saw Jack Powell find the top corner from close range.

Ebbsfleet: Ashmore, Cook, Connors, Phillips, Winfield, McCoy, Lewis (Kissock 63mins), Deering, Kedwell (Sheringham 57mins), McQueen (Bubb 71mins), Powell. Subs not used: Miles, Greenidge, Boulding, Miller-Neave. Attendance: 742.

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