Aaron McLean only scored on his Fleet return on Saturday after Bradley Bubb turned down the chance of a glory-grabbing hat-trick.

When Fleet were awarded an injury-time spot-kick against Eastbourne at Stonebridge Road, Bubb looked set to complete his treble.

But it was McLean who stepped forward to mark his return from a seven-month injury lay-off with an emotional goal.

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"Firstly there was a chat with Cookie because Cookie seems to think he is the penalty taker which he's not!" explained McLean.

"I didn't even realise at the beginning but someone said Bubbsy was on a hat-trick so I offered him the ball to go and get a hat-trick.

"I know as a striker there's nothing better than taking a matchball home.

"But he was adamant that he wanted me to take it. That shows the character that we've got in the squad, that he wanted me to have the moment and I'm grateful for it."

It was that squad unity that saw the Fleet players race to celebrate their third goal against Eastbourne with McLean, who provided the pass for Bubb to convert.

"The lads’ reaction was a little overwhelming to be honest,” admitted McLean.

"I’ve been at clubs where that kind of thing wouldn’t happen so it just shows the unity in the squad.

"I am a bit emotional. There have been times when my knee didn't feel quite right.

"Everyone from Peter Varney making sure I’ve got the best of everything to the gaffer’s support and the coaching staff and the players, everyone’s been brilliant with me. That was a nice way to say thank you."

McLean was only involved after captain Danny Kedwell was ruled out for a minimum of two weeks with a broken arm, sustained at Truro.

"It’s been a long road to get back fit and I’ve worked hard over this last six or seven months," added McLean. "To get back and to score a goal is all I could have wanted really.

“It’s hard because I was predicted nine months (out). I knew that I was going to work hard and do everything I possibly could to get back this season. I think it’s been just over six months since the operation. I knew I’d put the hard work in and luckily it’s paid off.

“Keds is massive for us. When he scores or if he doesn’t, he’s a huge huge part of this team and we’re going to miss him massively. But if I can add a little bit to the team, I’m more than happy to do that.

“I feel good. Obviously match fitness is different to fitness in a gym. I was glad to be able to get on for 15 minutes.

"If I can try to extend that as the rest of the season goes on, then if we do end up in the play-offs, I’ll be firing ready for that."