Neil Barrett found the net as Ebbsfleet edged out Rushden & Diamonds to end a run of five league defeats.

Barrett scored four minutes before the break when he got on the end of a Stacy Long cross to fire in from six yards.

Michael Gash should have made it 2-0 but was denied by keeper Dale Roberts while the visitors' best effort saw Lance Cronin save from Michael Rankine.

Rushden's day got worse when defender Simon Downer was sent off for serious foul play on Luke Moore late on.

Ebbsfleet United: Cronin, Stone, Smith, Crooks, Duncan, Barrett, Hand, Long (Shakes 87), Purcell, Moore, Gash.
Subs Not Used: Mott, Pooley, Slatter, Ibe.

Booked: Hand, Duncan.

Goals: Barrett 41.

Rushden & D'monds: Roberts, Osano, Downer, Hope, Robinson, Tomlin, Beecroft (Smith 69), Burgess, Kelly, Rankine (Cousins 69), Broadbent (Corcoran 70).
Subs Not Used: Day, Cochrane.

Sent Off: Downer (83).

Booked: Tomlin, Osano, Rankine.

Att: 1,121.

Ref: G Jerden (Hampshire).

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