LONDON (Interstat) — Ebbsfleet United defeated Braintree Town FC County Cup 3-1 in an FA Trophy match on Saturday at The Kuflink Stadium. The home side overcame a pregame projection that favored the visitors. Ben Chapman opened the scoring for Ebbsfleet in the 16th minute, followed by a goal from Jay Emmanuel-Thomas in the 26th. Lennon Peake extended the lead in the 57th minute before Braintree’s Maxx Manktelow netted a consolation goal in the 79th. The result improves Ebbsfleet’s record in the competition, while Braintree begins its tournament run with a loss. A statistical simulator had projected a 1-0 victory for Braintree.