‘FRUSTRATING’ is the only word to describe Saturday’s reverse at a ‘traditional’ football ground – aka Stonebridge Road.

Despite creating the better chances – mainly in the first-half - we were made to pay for our defensive deficiencies for the second time in less than 72 hours. Only this time, unlike at Sutton, we were unable to find the back of the opposition’s net.

But, Ebbsfleet are no mugs and their strike force of Nathan Elder and Moses Ashikodi would give any full-time defence a run for their money, and the O’s struggled at times, especially after the break. It was just bad luck on young Sean Grace, whose slip gave Elder the sort of chance a striker of that quality doesn’t miss.

Positives however, must be taken as Scott Cuthbert brought a certain calmness to the back line in the first period and looked to have struck up a good understanding with new signing Nathan Clarke.

It shows the sign of a good footballer that can just slot seamlessly into a role. Let’s hope this back-four partnership blossoms over the coming season.

Probably no one will be at the training camp to support our team this coming week for the game against Wolves, but Dartford on Saturday is another short hop over the Thames as the new season edges ever closer.

Keep the faith.

Up the O’s.