by Andrew Gidley

Ebbsfleet boss Liam Daish has praised goalkeeper Lance Cronin after his superb display in the Blue Square Premier victory against Eastbourne Borough at Stonebridge Road on Monday.

The 24-year-old England C international (pictured)has been an ever-present for the last two seasons and is closing in on his 200th game for the Fleet after joining the club in 2006.

Daish said: "Lance is still young in goalkeeping terms and can be whatever he wants to be.

"He has all the attributes and qualities needed. He has been brilliant since I signed him and never been an ounce of trouble.

"He has always been fit and up for the challenge. He has been a model professional, kept his head down and got on with his work in what has been a difficult season for him, having been involved in successful Fleet teams who have really achieved.

"Players sometimes have downs playing in a struggling side but the experience makes them stronger and they can use that as a positive in their career development.

"I have learned a lot myself this season and it’s all part of being involved in the fabric of football and the same whether you are a manager, coach or a player."

Fellow strugglers Barrow can move further away from Fleet if they beat Kidderminster on Thursday night before Daish’s men face another tough test at fourth-placed Rushden & Diamonds on Saturday.

He added: "We needed a win hook or by crook against Eastbourne and it was nerve-jangling at times. We can draw confidence from the win but it will be another tough game on Saturday and we need to go there focused on beating sides away from home who are doing well."