Ebbsfleet United’s Academy side won one of their most important games of the season this afternoon, defeating Eastbourne Borough 3-1 in a crunch top-of-the-table clash.

Goals from Shilow Tracey, Leo Mazzone and Jeff Nguede were enough to see off the Sussex side and put a dent in their league title hopes.

Fleet took full advantage of their win, with second-placed Dover managing only a draw at home to Maidstone, while Bromley went down 3-2 at Dartford. It means Fleet’s league-title hopes are in their own hands. They lead the Football Conference Youth Alliance East Sussex/Kent Division by four points from Dover, and are six points ahead of Eastbourne and Bromley. Bromley do have two games in hand but have a far inferior goal difference.

The next home match for the side is next Wednesday, March 4th, against Margate.