Tonbridge Angels 1 Ebbsfleet United 2 match report: Early goals from Ben Chapman and Kwesi Appiah decisive as Fleet win National League South clash

Ebbsfleet survived a late scare to complete the double over Tonbridge and consolidate their place in the National League South play-offs.

Early goals from Ben Chapman and Kwesi Appiah put the Fleet in charge.

Substitute Tom Leahy pulled one back with three minutes of normal time remaining but Josh Wright’s side held on for a vital three points.

Ebbsfleet enjoyed early possession in a bright start at Longmead and took the lead in just the fifth minute.

Chapman, playing in an advanced midfield role, brought the ball under control just inside the box and had time and space to bend his strike into the far top corner.

Tonbridge responded well as Bunmi Babajide forced a mistake from Ben Coker and played a dangerous ball across the face of goal but Fleet cleared the danger.

Ebbsfleet doubled their lead in the 14th minute with a simple goal from a corner.

Charlie Seaman swung the ball over, Toby Edser won the first header and Appiah got the vital touch.

Fleet keeper Matt Hall made a superb reaction save to deny Marcus Sablier after Shields stood a cross up to the near post just past the half-hour mark.

But that was Sablier’s last contribution, replaced by Alfie Pavey in a tactical switch designed to give the hosts more of an aerial presence against Fleet’s big back three.

Pavey may have been introduced for his attacking threat but he made a vital contribution at the other end, blocking ex-Angels defender Ronnie Nelson’s header on the line.

A perfectly-timed Ethan Sutcliffe tackle snuffed out a chance for Appiah following a Josh Passley-led counter-attack in the opening minutes of the second half.

Passley was involved again soon after, finding Josh Coley, whose strike hit the base of the post.

Ebbsfleet were looking comfortable