NEWPORT County AFC defender Marvel Ekpiteta made his debut for Ebbsfleet United on Saturday after joining the National League basement boys on loan until January.

County announced the move on Saturday night, around six hours after Ekpiteta had played for 73 minutes in Fleet's 2-1 home defeat to Maidenhead United.

The 24-year-old moved to Rodney Parade in the summer but has so far featured just twice for the Exiles in competitive games, both in the Leasing.Com Trophy.

Ebsfleet caretaker manager Kevin Watson, who replaced the departed Garry Hill earlier in the week, explained the move.

“A couple of years ago I had Marv at Bishop’s Stortford, I also took him to Hungerford and he had an outstanding season and moved on to Newport," said Watson.

"He’s not really played loads of games so I knew he was going to tire but again he fitted in and slotted in and did well.”

South Wales Argus:

County were not in action on Saturday as their League Two match at Cheltenham Town was postponed due to international call-ups for Danny McNamara, Lewis Collins and Keanu Marsh-Brown.

Michael Flynn's men slipped from third in the table to fifth but they are now just three points behind new leaders Crewe Alexandra with a game in hand.

Crewe are top on goals scored after their 4-2 win at Carlisle United, while Exeter City are up to second after beating Forest Green Rovers 1-0 at St James Park.

Forest Green are down to fourth after Bradford City moved up to third with a 2-1 win at Morecambe, who are now bottom of the table.

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