Ebbsfleet 0 Forest Green 1

Below-par Ebbsfleet failed to warm their fans on a bitterly cold Tuesday night at Stonebridge Road.

The Fleet fell to defeat against a Forest Green side more noted for their FA Cup exploits this season than their form in the Blue Square Premier.

But, thanks to Jonathan Smith’s 42nd minute strike, the visitors took maximum points and left Liam Daish’s Ebbsfleet still eight points shy of the play-off places.

A niggly first half looked set to finish in stalemate until Forest Green took the lead three minutes before the interval. Andrew Mangan was played in behind the Fleet backline and while Peter Hawkins did well to clear, he could not prevent Smith bursting forward and firing home in style.

The Fleet finally stamped their authority on the game at the start of the second half. Stacy Long and Luke Moore created a good opening for Neil Barrett but he failed to find a finish and then Michael Gash headed wide of the upright when well placed.

The Fleet, who lost Dean Pooley to injury, lacked a cutting edge and with Rovers always a threat on the break, the visitors looked more likely to add to their tally in the closing stages of the game.

Ebbsfleet: Cronin, Opinel, Slatter, Hawkins, Pooley (Ricketts 51mins), Hand, Barrett (Murray 71mins), Long, Moore (Ibe 81mins), Gash, Purcell. Subs not used: French, Stone.

Attendance: 728.