Ebbsfleet United 1 Horsham 2 match report: Lucas Rodrigues scores twice in National League South before Dominic Samuel replies

Ebbsfleet’s unbeaten home record in National League South came to an end on Tuesday night.

The Fleet were second-best against an excellent Horsham team, who were the best side to visit Stonebridge Road this season.

It was a first half dominated by the visitors, who looked quick on the break, inventive with the ball and direct in their running.

Horsham nearly led after just four minutes but Lucas Rodrigues’ close-range finish came back off the upright with keeper Matt Hall beaten.

Hall nearly gave Horsham a helping hand 10 minutes later when he picked up a Mustapha Olagunju backpass. Horsham tried to take the free-kick quickly but were furious when referee Tom Ellsmore wouldn’t allow the ‘goal’ to stand.

Instead, the wall was marched back 10 yards and the ball teed up for James Hammond, whose low drive was deflected wide of the post.

Rodrigues, who came in for some stick from home fans for showing off the dark arts, had a long-range effort deflected wide but Horsham deservedly had a goal to show for their dominance on 26 minutes.

Reece Meekmus was given time and space to line up a shot from 20 yards which came back off the crossbar and Rodrigues was on hand to nod into an empty net.

Josh Passley could count himself unfortunate to be the only player booked in the first half with a Horsham defender escaping without further punishment for a pull back on the edge of his own area in the first two minutes.

Ebbsfleet had plenty of ball but their crosses lacked quality and the imposing figure of John Elliott impressed for Horsham.

Jake Hessenthaler, the Fleet’s best player, had a chance on the stroke of half-time but he shot over from a Charlie Seaman cross.

Ebbsfleet started the second half brightly but it was Horsham who had