United looked in real trouble when Eribenne was shown the red card for violent conduct in the 37th minute.

And then Neil Grayson put Stafford ahead five minutes after the restart with a low right-footed strike.

But 10-man Ebbsfleet equalised in the 58th minute through a superb George Purcell shot and on 86 minutes Stacy Long's smart finish proved the winner.

Ebbsfleet United: Cronin, Hawkins, Smith, McCarthy, Opinel, McPhee, Bostwick, Long, Purcell (Barrett 84), Eribenne, Moore.
Subs Not Used: French, Liam Coleman, Akinde, Starkey.

Sent Off: Eribenne (37).

Booked: McCarthy.

Goals: Purcell 58, Long 76.

Stafford Rangers: Loach, Sutton, Daniel, Sangare, Murray (Grayson 45), Potter, Humphrey, Flynn, Street (Draper 80), McNiven, Smith (Phil Robinson 79).
Subs Not Used: Alcock, Ingram.

Booked: Sutton.

Goals: Grayson 50.

Att: 1,055.