DANNY Kedwell’s excellent strike early in the second half condemned Basingstoke Town to a narrow defeat on the opening day of the new National League South season.

The former AFC Wimbledon and Gillingham striker, who was well marshalled by the Basingstoke defence for most of the game, picked the ball up on the right wing and cut across the edge of the area before firing an excellent shot beyond the despairing dive of Aaron Howe and into the top corner.

Ebbsfleet will probably feel that they deserved all three points. Howe was certainly the busier of the two goalkeepers, making three or four good saves, and they looked more threatening in the final third.

However, while they were unable to create enough clear chances, Town put in a good performance.

Manager Jason Bristow got his tactics spot on. Jamie Brown was a constant menace in midfield, breaking up play, while Nathan Smart’s energy gave the visitors an outlet down the right.

The visitors were especially impressive in the first half. By pressing high up the pitch they forced Ebbsfleet into long balls up to lone striker Kedwell, with a good proportion of the play taking place in the home side’s half as a result.

If there were any doubts over whether Town will be able to compete with the big-spending sides in the league before the game, Bristow’s men went a long way to dispelling them. They just need to do a little bit better in the final third.

Bristow opted for a midfield diamond, the formation that served him well last season, with Manny Williams in behind Chris Flood and Liam Enver-Marum. Harrison Gilkes was on the bench after signing on non-contract terms.

Ebbsfleet’s side contained several players with good Football League experience and in Jordan Parkes and John Paul Kissock, two of the best midfielders of last season in the National League South.

Parkes’ run created an early chance, but Joe Howe’s effort was blocked and slowly but surely, Town managed to get themselves on the front foot, with Louie Soares’ effort well blocked.

Kedwell was unable to get over his header from Matt Fish’s cross as the hosts threatened briefly, but Basingstoke continued to press, with Brown firing wide from long range and Flood heading narrowly over.

Ebbsfleet caused problems on the break, with Robbie Wilmott’s cross cut out by Smart just before it reached Parkes, while Soares’ through-ball nearly had Enver-Marum through at the other end.

The hosts enjoyed their best spell of the opening 45 minutes right at the end of the half, Howe making his first save of note to keep out Tom Bonnor’s volley from a corner and Parkes seeing his free-kick drift narrowly wide.

Parkes, who scored a hat-trick against Town for Hemel Hempstead last season, went close to finding the net again in the early stages of the second half, Howe doing well to claw away his effort from the right wing.

Parkes also shot wide from a short free-kick before Kedwell put the hosts ahead on 51 minutes. It was a fantastic shot, but Town’s defenders possibly should have closed him down a bit earlier.

Having gone ahead, Ebbsfleet enjoyed their best period of the game. Howe had to come off his line quickly to deny Kissock after he got between the centre-backs, while Wilmott fired narrowly wide from distance.

Town looked to respond, but the hosts defended well, with Soares’ effort blocked and Enver-Marum’s cross cut out just before it reached Flood.

The hosts were fortunate not to have Fish sent off for a push to the face of Bird as the game ticked into the final 20 minutes, while Kedwell was unable to really test Howe as they looked to kill the game.

Town kept going, with Bird’s cross headed clear just before it reached Brown and while Ebbsfleet substitute Danny Haynes shot narrowly wide, Town had their best chance to level with four minutes left.

Bird’s low cross found substitute Lloyd Macklin and while his shot was well blocked, the loose ball dropped to Smart in space on the edge of the area. Sadly for the visitors, he was only able to blast over the crossbar.

Jay Gasson had to make a good challenge to prevent Adam Cunnington getting a shot away in the closing stages, while Howe was called into action again in the final minute, pushing Parkes’ excellent low shot around the post.

Town prodded and probed during five minutes of added-time, but were unable to find a way through. Their best opportunity fell to Flood, but he hesitated before shooting from just outside the box and was crowded out.

Basingstoke will hope to get their first win of the season tomorrow night, when they host Bath City in their opening home game of the season.

Click here to watch a post-match interview with Basingstoke Town manager Jason Bristow

PLAYER RATINGS

Aaron Howe – 8 (out of 10)

A positive debut. Made several good saves, with three or four of them outstanding, and had no chance of keeping the goal out.

Nathan Smart – 8

In the side to provide an attacking threat down the right and did just that, but couldn’t take the big chance that fell to him. Defended really well.

Tom Bird – 7

Put some excellent crosses into the Ebbsfleet box. Always an option for the man on the ball.

James Harper – 8

Went about his work quietly, but kept the ball exceptionally well.

Jay Gasson – 6

Did well up against Kedwell for much of the game, though he may feel he could have prevented him turning in the build-up to the goal. Distribution was a problem at times. Too many long balls forward.

David Ray – 7

Generally assured, but might think he could have closed Kedwell down quicker for the goal.

Louie Soares – 8

Busy, energetic and lively. Worked hard and caused problems with the ball at his feet. Could be Town’s key man this season.

Jamie Brown – 8 – Gazette Star Man

Brought in to add bite and a physical presence in midfield. Did that and much more. A key reason why Town were able to get on top for periods of the first half. Strong in the challenge and careful in possession.

Liam Enver-Marum – 7

Worked hard to close down defenders and made some excellent runs.

Chris Flood – 7

Very similar to Enver-Marum. Sadly, neither really got a chance to show their prowess in front of goal.

Manny Williams – 7

The link between midfield and the forwards. Showed some neat touches. Booked for a poor challenge.

SUBSTITUTES

Lloyd Macklin (for Williams 61min) – 7

His pace caused problems in the closing stages, dragging defenders out of position.

Simon Dunn (for Soares 80min) – 6

No real opportunity to get into the game.

Subs (not used): Harrison Gilkes, Will Salmon, Shaun McAuley

Ebbsfleet United: Brandon Hall, Matt Fish, Joe Howe, Dean Rance, Kenny Clark, Tom Bonner, Matt Godden (sub Danny Haynes 73min), Jordan Parkes, Danny Kedwell (sub Adam Cunnington 81min), John Paul Kissock, Robbie Wilmott

Subs (not used): Anthony Acheampong, Jonathan Miles, Matt Johnson

Attendance: 888

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