10-men Ebbsfleet hold Hawks to draw on the road

Aaron Cosgrave gave the visitors a dream start with a second-minute goal.

The home side hit back to level before half-time through Michael Cheek.

Ebbsfleet had to play the final 14 minutes with 10 men and the visitors could have snatched a win at the death.

The Hawks gave a debut to emergency loan signing 19-year-old defender Tyler Cordner from AFC Bournemouth.

As the injury crisis grows the visitors also included Marley Ridge in midfield for his National League debut.

Goalkeeper Ben Dudzinski was also given his senior debut in place of Ryan Young.

The Hawks flew out of the blocks taking the lead after only two minutes.

Nicke Kabamba latched onto a long forward header from Brian Stock and took the ball around goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore.

The striker crossed from a tight angle and COSGRAVE volleyed in from close-range.

On 14 minutes Corey Whitely flashed a shot past the far post after Ryan Woodford lost possession inside his own area.

Ebbsfleet hit back to grab a 27th-minute equaliser.

Dudzinski raced out of his area but the ball was nicked past him and crossed for CHEEK to volley into the unguarded net.

After this, the visitors came under increasing pressure and Dave Winfield powered a header past the post.

Ebbsfleet resumed in determined fashion after the break and Whitely sent a low drive past the far upright.

The home side were now doing almost all the attacking with the Hawks looking to hit them on the break.

It was a solid defensive performance by the visitors with newcomer Cordner looking strong.

On 76 minutes the home side were reduced to 10 men after Kenny Clark picked up his second yellow card.

Substitute Robinson had a chance to win it but blasted wide from inside the area.