Ebbsfleet United 2 Sevenoaks Town 0: FA Cup match report, goals from Greg Cundle and Dominic Poleon see Fleet into First Round

Sevenoaks provided stubborn resistance for more than an hour before their FA Cup journey came to an end at Ebbsfleet on Saturday.

The Isthmian South East outfit reached the Fourth Qualifying Round for the first time in their history but it was Ebbsfleet – who play two leagues above them – that made it through to Monday’s First Round draw.

The plaudits, however, all go to Sevenoaks who made life difficult for their illustrious hosts and could have easily forced a replay.

Sevenoaks were dealt an early blow when lone striker Ryan Gondoh hobbled off with a hamstring injury in the first four minutes, Freddie Parker coming off the bench to lead the attack in a 5-4-1 formation.

Ebbsfleet, as expected, started brightly and created early chances. Sevenoaks keeper Tyler McCarthy took no chances and turned behind Sido Jombati’s free-kick, Toby Edser cracked a tremendous left-foot shot against the crossbar from 20 yards and McCarthy then denied Shaq Coulthirst.

Sevenoaks had arguably the best chance of the half on 24 minutes when a delightful cross by Yahya Bamba was met by Parker but Fleet keeper produced a stunning one-handed save to keep his side level.

Ebbsfleet striker Dominic Poleon escaped with a yellow card when he appeared to kick out after being fouled by Jordy Ndozid, who was also cautioned by referee Stephen Parkinson.

On the half-hour, McCarthy did well to turn over Ben Chapman’s close-range header but the visitors were able to see out the rest of the half without alarm as the Fleet, for all their possession, lacked tempo to their play.

The impressive Bamba shot into the side netting and Sevenoaks were denied an opener on the stroke of half-time when skipper Corey Holder headed in Karn Miller-Neave’s free-kick, the