Ebbsfleet United 1 Barnet 1 match report: Ebbsfleet hit back to earn National League draw

Spirited Ebbsfleet showed plenty of character to take a point off promotion-chasing Barnet on Saturday.

The Fleet remain in the National League relegation zone but it was a display that will no doubt please boss Dennis Kutrieb.

Ebbsfleet made five changes from the FA Trophy exit to Bishop’s Stortford last weekend. Ben Chapman, Josh Wright, Joe Martin, Dominic Poleon and Greg Cundle all came into the side with Luke O’Neill, David Amoo, Darren McQueen, Jordon Ibe and Nathan Odokonyero dropping out.

The kick-off was put back by 15 minutes just over an hour before the scheduled 3pm start as the away side were stuck in traffic but many fans were left bemused when Barnet arrived around 2.15pm.

Myles Kenlock fired an early effort over the bar for Ebbsfleet who more than held their own in the opening half.

Dale Gorman’s 13th-minute shot was deflected onto the bar by a Fleet defender before the home side broke and Cundle set up Dominic Samuel, who fired inches past the upright.

Gorman then took an age to a take a free-kick on the edge of the box, the referee twice blowing his whistle for it to be taken. But it wasn’t worth the wait as he shot wide of the far post.

Ebbsfleet hit the woodwork themselves on 32 minutes. More good work by Cundle down the left saw his cross met by Poleon, but his shot hit the post before he was unable to force in the rebound.

Hayden White and Toby Edser were both booked for fouls, the latter coming just moments after a Barnet player escaped punishment for a similiar offence.

Ebbsfleet fans were further irate when Poleon saw yellow on 36 minutes for a foul on Danny Collinge, despite the striker clearly winning the ball.

Barnet increased the pressure just before the break, Harry Pritchard forcing an