STRIKER James Constable almost inspired determined Harriers to an impressive fightback in a nine-goal thriller at Stonebridge Road.

The hit-man's hat-trick ensured Harriers battled back from 3-0 down at half-time to almost take a share of the points in a thrilling Blue Square Premier clash in Kent.

But the Aggborough side paid the price for some disastrous defending, particularly in the first-half, that allowed Ebbsfleet to streak into a commanding lead by half-time.

Harriers' preparations for the game were not helped by the fact that they did not arrive at Ebbsfleet's ground until 3pm because of problems in the Dartmouth Tunnel.

And it seemed that the players were still in the coach as sloppy defending allowed burly hitman Chukki Eribenne to rise unmarked and head Stacy Long's free-kick into the back of the net in the third minute.

For rookie goalkeeper Dean Coleman, who replaced the injured Scott Bevan in goal before the kick-off, it was the worst possible start on his Harriers debut.

The young keeper produced a jittery performance but he could not be blamed for all of Ebbsfleet's goals because Harriers defended poorly collectively throughout.

The visitors slipped 2-0 down in the 12th minute when substitute Mark DeBolla turned Long's effort in from close-range.

Stunned Harriers tried to fight back and Mark Creighton saw a powerful header from Johnny Harkness' corner hit the bar.

As the away side pushed for a goal, Ebbsfleet looked sharp on the break and Eribenne made it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time.

He accepted a deft header from strike partner Raphael Nade, held off Mark Creighton and blasted the ball past Coleman into the top-right corner.

Harriers came out more purposefully in the second-half and pulled a goal back when Warren Goodhind hooked Russ Penn's cross onto his own bar and over the goalline. After talking to his linesman, referee Halliday awarded Harriers a goal.

DeBolla looked to have made the game safe for Ebbsfleet on the hour mark when his 30-yard effort beat Coleman.

But spirited Harriers never gave up and pushed for more goals.

The hard-working Justin Richards muscled his way past Goodhind down the right and slipped the ball to Constable, who made no mistake.

Substitute Michael McGrath then flighted a lovely pass to the red-hot striker and he made it 4-3 with a great effort.

With the result in the balance, substitute Lee Coleman tipped it in Ebbsfleet's favour when he accepted Nade's low cross and steered it past the keeper late on.

Ebbsfleet failed to clear Jeff Kenna's corner and Constable volleyed a spectacular shot past Cronin. But it wasn't enough as the referee blew for full-time straight after.

Harriers: Coleman, Kenna, Harkness (Hurren 33); Creighton; Constable; Richards; Penn; Blackwood; Ferrell (McGrath 65); Bignot; Bennett.

Referee: Mr M A Halliday.

Attendance: 812.