Ebbsfleet boss Daryl McMahon was full of praise for goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore and his defenders after the 1-0 Vanarama National South win over Bath City at Stonebridge Road.

Ashmore saved Marvin Morgan's early second half penalty to keep Fleet in front, winning the sponsors man-of-the-match award ahead of another worthy candidate Sam Deering whose first half goal, his fourth of the season, capped an all-action midfield display.

McMahon said: " A win is a win, doesn't matter what way it comes.

"Football is never easy, sometimes you have to battle to win and we showed we can.

"We have been scoring a lot of goals at home and today we didn't, so we needed the players to play well and they did.

"I thought Nathan and the back three were outstanding, and they needed to be.

"The attacking players have got the plaudits over the last few weeks, and you have got to give the defenders some credit now.

He added: "I think Nathan is the best keeper in the league, it was a good penalty save, and that is what he is there for.

"There are going to be times when we concede penalties, and he has saved a couple this season.

I think people think we have to just turn-up and win easily every week, but the game isn't like that.

"That's why we needed Nathan to perform and nine times out ten and ten out of ten for me he does that, and he was excellent."

On Deering, McMahon added: "Sam has been outstanding this season.

"He has scored four now, and he should have got a few more, including one in the last minute, but his technical ability and his vision is very good, he really makes us tick, and he was very good today."

"We haven't played at home in the league for a month, and we enjoyed being back.

"We have had a great run here, scored lots of goals and long may this home form continue.