WREXHAM suffered a fourth defeat in five games after losing 4-2 at Ebbsfleet United.

The damage was done in the first half with Wrexham trailing 3-0 at the break.

Manager Bryan Hughes made a triple substitution for the second half and Stuart Beavon - one of the replacements - and Shaun Pearson scored to raise hopes of an unlikely comeback.

However, Ebbsfleet got a late fourth goal to put another dent in Wrexham's promotion challenge.

How the players rated:

ROB LAINTON: Pulled off some saves but beaten three times. 5

KEVIN ROBERTS: Given a tough time by left-winger Myles Weston. 5

JAKE LAWLOR: Wrexham's defence found Ebbsfleet's front three difficult to deal with. 5

SHAUN PEARSON: Early own goal was unfortunate but scored at the other end. 5

JAMES JENNINGS: Kept on the back foot first half, got forward more second half and close to a goal. 5

MARK CARRINGTON: Back in the side but Ebbsfleet dominated midfield battles. 5

KEMY AGUSTIEN: Wasn't as effective as he was on debut. 4

JERMAINE MCGLASHAN: Apart from one run was hardly in the game. 4

AKIL WRIGHT: The midfielder didn't get involved enough. 5

PAUL RUTHERFORD: More in the game second half and set up first goal. 5

ANTHONY SPYROU: Failed to make any impact. 4

LUKE YOUNG: Made a big difference to the midfield when introduced. 6

STUART BEAVON: Got the first goal and made a good all-round contribution. 6

JASON OSWELL: Linked up well with Beavon but should have scored. 5