Ebbsfleet United manager Dennis Kutrieb reacts to 4-0 National League defeat at home to Oxford City after “stupid” red card for Billy Clifford

Ebbsfleet boss Dennis Kutrieb admitted his team are “desperate” to get a victory after their embarrassing home defeat to Oxford City on Saturday.

The Fleet plunged into the bottom three of the National League as they extended their winless run to seven league games.

They’ve only won one of their last 13 in the National League and have not kept a clean sheet since August.

“We need to make sure we learn quickly now as we need results desperately,” admitted Kutrieb.

“The league is much better than people think and it’s a big step. You need to get used to it.

“You get punished in this league if you make easy mistakes, that’s the massive difference. That’s the bottom line and the most important thing.

“We have to learn when is the right time to make easy decisions and not get carried away with trying to pass the ball. If you’re in trouble, you need to go long.”

Oxford raced into a two-goal lead at Stonebridge Road before Ebbsfleet midfielder Billy Clifford collected what his manager described as a “stupid” red card.

Having seen the referee brandish yellow cards at every opportunity, Kutrieb wanted his players to realise there was no chance of any leniency.

““It’s tough to take,” stated the Fleet boss. “Obviously, everyone knew how important this game was for us and how we wanted to start the game on the front foot.

“We had the ball and opened them up a few times already before we conceded the first goal, which was embarrassing to concede because we gave the ball away on the edge of our own box. Then we switched off for the corner and conceded.

“Then you could see the game change, they had more confidence and punished us again with the second shot on goal.

“It was a stupid red card for us to concede. If you see the referee