Daryl McMahon labelled Ebbsfleet United’s football as “terrific” after they earned a 4-2 win over Eastbourne Borough at Stonebridge Road on Saturday.

Fleet, who were already guaranteed second place and a play-off position before the game, took the lead on 13 minutes when Lewis Carey parried Anthony Cook's shot into the path of Matt Godden who slotted home.

The home side doubled their advantage when Danny Kedwell found Godden who shot past Carey for his 25th goal of the season.

Eastbourne pulled a goal back shortly after the break through substitute Nathan Pinney and it was 2-2 on 71 minutes as Pinney’s half-volley beat Nathan Ashmore.

But McMahon's side responded and retook the lead minutes later with Charlie Sheringham nodding home a Sam Deering free-kick.

Fleet wrapped up the win on 80 minutes when Matt Godden bagged his hat-trick with a fine volley.

McMahon said: “It was a good result. We played some terrific football and I was glad for Matt Godden to get a hat-trick.

“We conceded some poor goals, some really poor goals and we had a period at the start of the second half where we were not really at it.

“But we have got good players, bright players. In the first half they played some good stuff and could have scored five or six.”

The Ebbsfleet boss also praised his side for not losing confidence after Eastbourne clawed the game back.

“I do not think it was sleepiness. We could have dealt with it better without a doubt but they put four strikers on and smashed it up to them,” he said.

“It was quite direct and it was difficult to play against. We showed great character to get back on top.”

McMahon also spoke highly of his forwards: “Charlie [Sheringham] came on and did really well.

“He has been terrific around the place and is a good lad. Matt [Godden] goes and plays anywhere. He is a terrific footballer and a terrific finisher.”

A play-off semi-final against Whitehawk awaits for Ebbsfleet and McMahon acknowledges the Hawks will provide a challenge for his side.

He added: “It will be a difficult game. They have got some very good players but we are looking forward to it.”

Ebbsfleet travel to Whitehawk on Wednesday for the first leg before hosting the Hawks for the return leg on Sunday.