Daryl McMahon hailed the Ebbsfleet supporters as "awesome" after they helped roar his team through to Saturday's play-off final against Maidstone.

Fleet were on the ropes at times during their semi-final second leg against a Whitehawk side who won 2-1 on the day to level the tie at 3-3 on aggregate.

There were plenty of tired bodies and minds on the pitch but the home fans kept singing to lift their side and Ebbsfleet held on to force extra time and then penalties.

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Fleet won the shootout 3-2 and McMahon said: "I thought the atmosphere was brilliant.

"I really thought the fans were terrific. They inspired the players without a doubt.

"They were very noisy and I thought they were great.

"The fans were awesome and I’m delighted for them.

"We missed out on the league but we’ve given them plenty of good football and plenty of excitement over the season. Hopefully we can do it again next Saturday for them."

Fleet conceded at the start of each half as Whitehawk twice levelled the tie on aggregate, with Kenny Clark scoring for Ebbsfleet in between.

McMahon said: "It was poor, particularly the second goal.

"Dean Pooley had already nicked the ball off Dave Martin, then went back into him. A player of his experience, I wouldn’t expect him to do that.

"But it is what it is and I said to the players that I don’t care about the game. We’re in the final.

"In the first half we were OK, second half they got the better of it.

"In extra time it was two tired teams and you’re looking at maybe a mistake, someone doing something wrong or a moment of brilliance. But it didn’t come and penalties it was."

Fleet keeper Nathan Ashmore saved from Sam Rents and Jake Robinson in the shootout after Liam Graham had hit the post. Jordan Parkes, Charlie Sheringham and Matt Godden scored for Ebbsfleet and Ashmore was mobbed by his team-mates at the end.

McMahon said: "Nathan’s a big presence in goal. You wouldn’t like to take a penalty against Nathan.

"The whole game, in terms of set plays and crosses, he was commanding. He comes and takes it out of the air for you. They’ve got some big boys in there, Mills, Mendy, Rose and comes in between the pack and claims things.

"He’s positive, brave, strong and intimidating. That’s why we signed him."