City suffer first away loss at league leaders

City suffered their first away defeat of the 2022/23 campaign this afternoon, going down 3-1 to league leaders Ebbsfleet United at The Kuflink Stadium. The home side came into the game boasting a 100% record and averaging three goals a game but were pushed all the way by a confident Romans side, and needed several favourable refereeing decisions to maintain this flying start to the season. City, though, only had themselves to blame for the opening goal on seven minutes, giving away possession in midfield and one quick pass later Poleon was sliding the ball past Joe Wright. Although City were seeing a considerable amount of the ball they struggled to convert this into goal-scoring chances. In contrast when the Fleet broke forward at pace they threatened a second goal, Wright producing a great fingertip save on 20 minutes. Several further chances came and went for the hosts before City had the ball in the net ten minutes before half-time, Scott Wilson converting Cody Cooke’s cross, but the linesman has already flagged for offside. And on 57 minutes City suffered again at the hands of the officials when Cooke’s header was ruled out for the slightest touch on O’Neill that saw the full-back go to ground. Then five minutes later whilst Cooke was down with a head injury near halfway Poleon struck again with a neat finish. City didn’t let these injustices deter them though and with 17 minutes left they pulled a goal back, Dan Hayfield netting from eight yards out. Suddenly there was palpable tension around the Kuflink Stadium as City pressed for an equaliser. However, three minutes from time McQueen cut in from the right before firing a shot into the top corner to relieve the pressure and ensure a frustrating afternoon for Jerry Gill’s side.