Aldershot 4 Ebbsfleet United 1 match report: Toby Edser opens scoring in National League defeat for manager Danny Searle at former club

Ebbsfleet tasted defeat for the first time under new boss Danny Searle on Tuesday night.

It was a forgettable return to his former club for Searle, who saw the Fleet take an early lead before being brushed aside by an Aldershot side who look well on course for a top-five finish in the National League.

It was the Fleet’s first game since Searle was named manager-of-the-month for February so perhaps the curse struck.

Ebbsfleet made one change from the team that beat Rochdale in their last game with Hayden White coming in for the injured Luke O’Neill.

It was a dream start for the visitors as they took a fourth-minute lead when White did well down the right and his cross was converted by Toby Edser against his former club.

Ebbsfleet should have extended their lead but Ben Chapman’s shot was turned behind by Jordi van Stappershoef before Declan Skura headed the resulting corner straight at the keeper from close range.

It needed an excellent recovery challenge from Cian Harries to make up for his own error and deny Dominic Poleon a clear run at goal, as he intercepted Rakish Bingham’s intended through ball.

Aldershot slowly got into their stride although James Daly’s header went harmlessly wide. They also had a penalty appeal turned down and did have the ball in the net but the flag had long been up for an obvious offside.

At the other end, Chapman’s right-foot shot from 20 yards was clearly deflected onto the top of the bar but referee Abigail Byrne bizarrely gave a goal kick.

Ebbsfleet were to rue their missed chance as Aldershot turned the game around by the break.

The equaliser came on 32 minutes when a short corner didn’t initially get into the penalty area but when the cross eventually arrived, it was turned in by Lorent