Ebbsfleet United manager Jamie Day praised his side’s performance as they recorded a 5-1 Boxing Day win at Chelmsford City.

After an even first half ended 2-1 to The Fleet, they stepped up their game in the second half to take the match away from their play-off rivals.

Goals from Kenny Clark, Daryl McMahon, Sean Shields and a Billy Bricknell brace secured Day’s first league win as Fleet manager after winning in the FA Trophy away to Welling on Tuesday night, leaving him delighted.

“I thought we started the game really well,” Day said.

“I thought we always looked a threat going forward but, in fairness to them, they had a couple of chances that, if they took them, then things might have been a little bit different.

“I thought they boys took off from Tuesday night and were clinical when they took their chances.

“On Tuesday, the tempo and desire to win games was shown and that was carried into today. We played on the front foot and deservedly got the win.

“We’ve got players who can score goals and cause a threat, so we want them on the pitch, but we’ve got to be solid as a group, which I felt we did today."

Day added: “We scored at the right times and had two goals ruled out, both of which we questionable, but I can’t praise the team highly enough for the effort they’ve put in over the last week.

“At half-time, I told them to keep going in the same manner that they did in the first half, but maybe show a bit more composure on the ball in the defensive area.

“I felt we panicked a little bit and it was disappointing to concede when we did, but we came out and showed a good tempo again in the second half, got straight on the front foot and it was a great free-kick from Macca to make it 3-1.”

With a busy Festive schedule now well under way, Day also admitted that he feels that momentum could well be a defining factor in how his side fares.

He said: “We have to hit the ground running, as we’re not in a position to bed in and take a month or so to do that.

“There are a lot of games coming up, so the boys need to be on the front foot and play like they have done in the last two games over the course of the season.

“That’s what we’ve got to get into them and nail down and if the squad is willing to do that then hopefully we can keep picking up wins.

“We’ve got to look after the players during this time and they’ve got to look after themselves as well, but I trust them all to do that.

“There’s a load of games coming up, thick and fast, so the whole squad will be used and rotated round.

“The boys that come in have obviously got to do what the boys who’ve been playing have done.

“We all know where we want to be, so I’m pleased for them, it’s now just a case of keeping it going.”

Day revealed that injured pair Michael West and Ben May have both started to do some light jogging, yet he feels they may both need game time before being able to challenge for a first-team place.

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