Michael Thalassitis scored his first goal for Ebbsfleet to earn them a point at Eastbourne Borough on Saturday.

The visitors went behind in The Skrill South clash when Chris Shephard's 20-yard strike flew into the top corner on 17 minutes.

But the Fleet were level 10 minutes later. Billy Bricknell's shot was pushed out by Sports keeper Craig Ross and Thalassitis, on loan from Stevenage, powered the loose ball home.

Eastbourne almost retook the lead through former Ebbsfleet defender Ian Simpemba, who headed Matt Aldred's free-kick against the crossbar.

However, Steve Brown's side looked stronger after the break and they went close through debutant Ben May and skipper Paul Lorraine.

They were grateful to Preston Edwards for a crucial save in the dying moments, though, the Fleet keeper denying Eastbourne's Simon Johnson.