It was a struggle for the host side on a clear brisk day in Kuflink Stadium but a win is a win for Ebbsfleet United as Daryl McMahon’s side edged a tough game with Barrow courtesy of Danny Kedwell’s strike just before half time.
In truth it was tough on visitors Barrow who had the better in the first half of the game but were unlucky not to score.
The Fleet has made one change from their previous team with Andy Drury in for Edou Adams whilst there were six changes for Barrow even before captain Josh Granite being forced out of the squad during the warm-up – he was replaced by Kyle Jameson.
Ebbsfleet saw an early chance – a free kick from Chris Bush go just over the bar – but Barrow were dominating in winning the ball at first half of the game as Fleet couldn’t keep it up with the visitor’s side
Barrow were the strongest team by far in the first half and should have gone in front when De Sousa missed his kick in the penalty area. De Sousa then had a second chance to score but missed.
The home side got their noses in front ten minutes from half time when the talismanic Danny Kedwell poked the ball home – it wasn’t a clean-cut shot but had he pace to find the net.
With the home fans in good voice at the start of the second half, the players still couldn’t keep their control with the ball and whilst Barrow still couldn’t get the ball in the net.
So many chances were created by the visitors but they were denied time and again by Fleet keeper Nathan Ashmore.
Adams came on for Drury which helped Ebbsfleet improve their pace in the game but Barrow still the best side of keeping the ball in this second half, but because of Nathan Ashmore blocking shots from all angles, they were denied from getting the points that they needed to end their barren spell.
The game ended with both sets of players piling into a big clash which extended five minutes added time into nine and left two of the Barrow players and Fleet goalkeeper Ashmore all getting a yellow card after being involved.
Another unsuccessful away game for Barrow that could had a point to take back home with them, but Fleet defended well in the second half which made them secure their second victory winning at home in four days and three points which takes them to 15th in the National League table.
EUFC: Ashmore, Magri, Bush, Winfield, Clark, Payne, Drury (Adams 47), Weston, Coulson (Wilson 89), Whitely (Shields 78), Kedwell.
Subs not used: McQueen, Miles
BFC: Dixon, Brown, Wilson, Jameson, Norrington-Davies, Rooney, Taylor, Burgess, Sousa, Hindle, Kay (Mulholland 66).
Subs not used: Barthram, Sloan, Firth, Molyneux
Bookings: 4. J. Taylor 7. J. Hidle 10. J. Kay 23. K. Jameson 26. R. Norrinton- Davies
Referee: Mr. J. Smith
Assistants: Mr. J. Ainscow & L. Marks
4th Officals: Mr. I. Searle
Attendence: 1,277