VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE

EBBSFLEET UNITED 3 BARROW AFC 2

ONLY goal-difference is keeping Barrow out of the National League relegation zone after their winless streak was extended to nine matches by in-form Ebbsfleet.

The Bluebirds huffed and puffed in the face of Storm Brian, but the Kent side proved just too good on the day as a Bedsente Gomis brace ultimately proved in vain.

Captained by the recalled Asa Hall, and with Paul Bignot also handed a start, Barrow came under early pressure as Ebbsfleet kicked off with the wind at their backs.

Sean Shields was a constant threat down the right-hand side, putting in a series of early crosses.

His first fell to Dean Rance, and the midfielder’s half-volley was flying in until it struck a leg and deflected behind for a corner.

Jack Powell almost converted another ball in from Shields, who then had Joel Dixon backpedalling when his left-footed delivery threatened to blow all the way in.

At the other end, Alex-Ray Harvey forced a save from Nathan Ashmore after sloppy Ebbsfleet defending had invited the Bluebirds forward.

But just as they seemed to be getting a foothold in the game, Barrow fell behind on 24 minutes.

Danny Kedwell got up well to meet a high ball and, with the visitors feeling the referee had missed a foul, his flick fell for Aaron McLean.

The former Peterborough United and Hull City striker may be 34 now, but he still packs a punch as his crashing left-footed volley into the roof of the net proved.

Neill Hornby’s side responded well to the goal though and pushed Fleet back for the rest of the first half. Hall twice tested Ashmore from distance, and the goalkeeper then had to punch a bouncing ball off the goal-line as Barrow almost scored in a crowded penalty area.

Byron Harrison managed to get to the left byline and, with Sam Magri backing off, saw his low cross hacked behind at the near post.

Ebbsfleet, for whom Kedwell headed straight at Dixon, were probably happier to hear the half-time whistle. The trend continued after the break.

Ashmore again denied Harvey, who needed lengthy treatment moments later after taking a blow in midfield.

When play restarted, the visitors should have been level only for Jordan White to plant his free header tamely into Ashmore’s gloves.

They were almost punished when Rance showed quick feet to beat his man at the end of a slick Ebbsfleet move, only to fire his shot straight at Dixon.

Luke Coulson was lively when he came on for the hosts, forcing Dixon to push his left-footed strike round the post, although it was Barrow who struck next with 19 minutes to go.

The home defence were caught sleeping and there was Gomis to tap the ball beyond Ashmore just as the keeper looked set to gather the ball.

Parity lasted only five minutes however. Dixon failed to hold Powell’s shot from the edge of the box and there was Andy Drury to gobble up the rebound.

A one goal-deficit was manageable, but Barrow were about to concede again.

A long ball over the top sent Kedwell clear but he chose not to shoot, instead squaring for Powell to make it 3-1.

Adi Yussuf went close to pulling a goal back but by the time Gomis did, in the sixth minute of added time, it was too little, too late.

MATCH STATS

Ebbsfleet United: Nathan Ashmore, Sam Magri, Kenny Clark, Chris Bush, Jack Connors, Sean Shields (Luke Coulson 66), Dean Rance, Andy Drury, Jack Powell, Danny Kedwell, Aaron McLean (Myles Weston 61).

Substitutes Not Used: Marvin McCoy, Jonathan Miles, Danny Mills.

Barrow AFC: Joel Dixon 6, Jack Barthram 6, Tony Diagne 6, Paul Bignot 6, Jordon Thompson 6, Alex-Ray Harvey 6 (Bedsente Gomis 65, 7), Asa Hall 7, Chris Clements 6, Jordan White 7 (Adi Yussuf 60, 7), Bradley Bauress 6 (Harry Panayiotou 77), Byron Harrison 7.

Substitutes Not Used: Stuart Moore, Liam Hughes.

Yellow Cards: Harvey (42), Hall (90).

Referee: Savvas Yianni.

Attendance: 1,402.

Next Game: Chester FC v Barrow AFC, tomorrow, 7.45pm.

STAR MAN

BEDSENTE GOMIS: Alongside fellow sub Adi Yussuf, he gave the Ebbsfleet defence real problems.