Cambridge's promotion bid suffered a hiccup at Ebbsfleet as they played most of the game with 10 men following keeper Danny Potter's dismissal.

Potter saw red for bringing down John Akinde and Chris McPhee fired the hosts into the lead from the spot.

And with no substitute keeper on the bench it was left to defender Mark Peters to take the gloves.

Wayne Hatswell's header drew Cambridge level, but Akinde's drilled shot just past the hour proved decisive.

Ebbsfleet United: Cronin, Ricketts, Charles, Hawkins, Opinel, McPhee, Bostwick, Hearn, Long, Akinde (Nade 80), Purcell (Moore 88).
Subs Not Used: Mott, Barrett, Bull.

Booked: Charles, Ricketts, Bostwick, Purcell, Opinel.

Goals: McPhee 29 pen, Akinde 65.

Cambridge Utd: Potter, Morrison (Brown 65), Albrighton, Coulson, Hatswell, Gleeson, Wolleaston, Pitt (Reed 71), Vieira, Boylan (Peters 28), Jeffrey.
Subs Not Used: Willmott, Beesley.

Sent Off: Potter (26).

Goals: Hatswell 34.

Att: 1,388

Ref: P Gibbs (West Midlands).