York City 1 Ebbsfleet United 0
Another barren afternoon for Fleet’s threadbare strikeforce saw Liam Daish’s side slip further into trouble at the base of Blue Square Premier.
Michael Rankine scored the only goal seven minutes before the interval in a game where Ebbsfleet once again competed all over the pitch but failed to find a cutting edge up front.
Daish has yet to bring in a loan striker and Fleet have now failed to score in their last five matches, and six in all competitions – equalling two unwanted club records.
Ross Smith, making his second debut after returning from a spell in America, impressed at the heart of Ebbsfleet’s defence but was forced off through injury in the second half, by which time York were ahead.
After forcing Lance Cronin into a number of early saves, the Minstermen made their pressure tell in the 38th minute, Neil Barrett working the ball to Alex Lawless from a corner and Rankine burying his cross from 10 yards.
In reply, Fleet’s efforts were few and far between with Michael Ingham largely untroubled as Magno Vieira and Ricky Shakes struggled to penetrate the hosts’ backline.
Darius Charles sent a parting shot towards Ingham’s goal in a quiet second period but York were comfortable in holding out for victory and Fleet remain second from bottom, six points from safety.
They host mid-table Tamworth at Stonbridge Road on Saturday.
Ebbsfleet: Cronin, Heeroo, Charles, Pooley, Smith (Salmon 65), Bailey, Holmes, West (Forshaw 71), Welsh (Ginty 79), Shakes, Vieira. Unused subs: Lamprell, Wills
POSTED: 16/11/2009 13:01:35
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