Dagenham & Redbridge 1 Ebbsfleet United 1 match report: Rakish Bingham’s penalty is saved but Billy Clifford scores late equaliser

Billy Clifford headed in an equaliser five minutes into stoppage time for Ebbsfleet at Dagenham in the National League on Easter Monday.

The Fleet looked to be heading for defeat after Rakish Bingham had a penalty saved early in the second half.

But Clifford arrived late on to head in substitute Craig Tanner’s corner and send the 314 away fans into raptures.

Ebbsfleet made one change from the side that drew with Southend on Good Friday with Darren McQueen replacing Tommy Fogarty.

That meant a move into the back three for Ben Chapman, who was as consistent as ever.

The Fleet enjoyed all the early openings, Dominic Samuel firing off target on four minutes after Bryant Bilongo’s header down. Rakish Bingham nearly turned in Samuel’s cross and Toby Edser’s 20-yard shot was deflected wide for a corner.

Dagenham’s best chance came on the half-hour when the Fleet were temporarily down to 10 men with Samuel having come off injured. Sam Ling advanced down the right for the first time but his early cross was somehow turned wide by Inih Effiong at the far post.

Ebbsfleet then introduced Dominic Samuel from the bench and his first contribution was to work some room in the penalty area for Bilongo, whose shot hit keeper Elliot Justham in the face from point-blank range.

A misplaced clearance by Justham was nearly punished when Bingham then fed Poleon, whose shot was blocked in the box.

Dagenham threatened again in stoppage time when Ling’s header was cleared off the line but it was the visitors who went in happy having looked more than comfortable during a goalless opening period.

Billy Clifford, who impressed against Southend, was excellent in midfield up against former Gills man Jake Hessethaler.

Ebbsfleet started the second half