Ebbsfleet United 1 Folkestone Invicta 0 match report: Daniel Ogunleye’s early goal settles National League South derby

Ebbsfleet picked up their first home win of the season after defeating Kent rivals Folkestone on Tuesday night.

An early goal from Daniel Ogunleye was the difference between the two sides as the Fleet moved themselves out of the bottom four in National League South.

The Fleet took just six minutes to find the breakthrough. Excellent pressure from Ogunleye won possession 30 yards from goal and the ball broke for Lennon Peake to drive into the penalty area before firing into the top corner.

Gene Kennedy, who scored a screamer at Tonbridge last month, almost produced another rocket as his 20-yard shot went inches over the bar.

The game was a stop-start affair which probably suited neither side, although it needed a timely intervention by Invicta skipper Kevin Lokko to deny Ogunleye a clear run at goal after an excellent turn and pass in midfield by Toby Edser.

Folkestone were nearly gifted a way back into the contest in first-half stoppage time when substitute Camron Gbabedo’s error saw Harvey Kedwell play in Aaron Cosgrave but the former Fleet forward let his old side off the hook with a heavy touch.

Ogunleye headed over a Josh Passley cross at the other end before Folkestone’s Kedwell had the last opening of the first half, only to fire a 25-yard free-kick harmlessly over the bar.

Folkestone improved in the second half and pressed more efficiently. Donnell Thomas had an early shot saved by Will Buse.

Invicta introduced loan signing Bobby Kelman on 65 minutes, the 19-year-old joining on a one-month loan from National League Hornchurch.

A lovely Fleet move saw Ben Chapman work the ball across the penalty area, with Appiah then caught between two minds as he looked to find the far corner.

Folkestone had a late opening when