Wealdstone boss Gordon Bartlett refuted the claim his side were unlucky in a 2-1 home defeat by Ebbsfleet United on Saturday and stressed he could have no complaints over the result.

Summer signing Bradley Hudson-Odoi put the Stones ahead in the first half – the first goal the Fleet had conceded in 355 minutes – but second-half efforts from Jordan Parkes and Danny Kedwell saw the Kent side to victory.

Reflecting on a fourth defeat from five games in the National League South, Bartlett said: “I think ‘unlucky’ has been thrown our way a few times but we were not.

“We edged the first half and went 1-0 up and we were looking to try to maintain that with our confidence high. The way we set up with three up front caused them problems.

“But they made a change at half time and scored within three minutes which put us on the back foot.”

Bartlett continued: “We went in as underdogs and gave a good account of ourselves but we have no complaints about the outcome.

“We have competed in every game but we have just one point. We have got to find a result from somewhere sooner or later. There is enough to feel positive about after five games.

“You tend to look at the league table after 10 games and we are halfway there so we need to produce something in the next five games.”

The Stones will be without goalkeeper Jon North for Saturday’s trip to Sutton United, due to suspension, but have signed Chesham United stopper Shane Gore on a dual registration.

“We played a friendly against Farnborough on Tuesday night to give him the chance to play with the lads. He was talking non-stop and that experience is crucial," said Bartlett.

"I could have signed a young lad but I felt we needed that bit of experience and I am delighted to have him.”

Leaving Grosvenor Vale in search of first-team football is Ryan Case. The defender joined on the eve of the new season to provide defensive cover.

Ryan Watts should return from injury for Saturday’s trip to the Borough Sports Ground following injury. Dale Binns and Tom Cadmore are also nearing fitness once more after suffering injuries since joining the Stones.