Ebbsfleet manager Liam Daish was thrilled at the condition of his players when they returned to action on Saturday.

Fleet were back after a two-and-a-half week lay-off and won a place in round two of the FA Trophy with a 3-1 victory over Blue Square Bet Premier side Hayes & Yeading at Stonebridge Road.

Daish (pictured) said: "I was pleased with how the lads had looked after themselves while not being at the club or in training and it was good for them to get a game.

"There were just a few little signs (of rustiness) but they grew stronger as the game went on."

Daish’s men are back in league action on Saturday with a trip to Staines.