Crewe 1 Ebbsfleet 0

Ebbsfleet were sent out of the FA Cup at Crewe on Saturday - but came away from Gresty Road with their heads held high after matching their League 1 opponents for much of the game.

The only goal came against the run of play in the home side's first proper attack of the match on 34 minutes. But it had quality about it as Clayton Donaldson created a yard of space on the edge of the box before beating Lance Cronin with a fine curling shot.

But the Fleet were unfortunate not to be ahead themselves by then after manufacturing several decent chances.

Neil Barrett almost gave the visitors a dream start but his spectacular second-minute overhead kick was just off target.

A Craig Stone effort was deflected wide by team-mate Michael Gash, Kezie Ibe's curling shot was well saved by Crewe keeper Steve Collis and George Purcell had a decent penalty shout turned down as the Fleet tested their more illustrious opponents.

After the break, Gash's scissor kick from inside the six yard box was narrowly wide - but Liam Daish's team just couldn't find a breakthrough.

Ebbsfleet: Cronin, Ricketts, Smith, Charles, Opinel, Hand (Long 80), Barrett, Stone, Purcell, Ibe (Shakes 62), Gash. Subs not used: Hawkins, Slatter, Pooley, Mott, Bowes.

Attendance: 2,593.

• More Kent non-league football news >>>