The pain of last season’s play-off defeat is driving Kenny Clark on to make sure there’s no repeat on Saturday.

Clark was part of the Fleet side which had promotion snatched away from by Maidstone’s 120th-minute equaliser in the final a year ago.

The centre-half, voted player-of-the-year by Ebbsfleet supporters this season, admitted that horrible moment will serve as motivation when Chelmsford visit Stonebridge Road.

Clark said: "What happened last year was one of the worst parts of my career, getting so close, within touching distance, and then failing.

"That’s definitely in the forefront of my mind and I don’t want that feeling again.

"The past is the past, it’s gone. But don’t get me wrong, going forward into the final, the pain and the hurt we had after the game, I can still remember it.

"It’s going to be another thing that pushes us when we’re digging deep and under the cosh.

"I’ll give that little bit extra because I don’t want that feeling again.

"The boys who were here last season are the same and this squad wants to succeed and go one above."

Clark is up against one of his former clubs in the final and knows exactly how tough a proposition the Clarets are.

He said: "Chelmsford are going to bring their A game and we’re going to have to stand up and do what we’ve been doing all season.

"I’m sure it’ll be a great atmosphere. Chelmsford always bring a good crowd, they’ve got a good following and our fans have been fantastic.

"We’re going to need them again, exactly how they’ve been supporting us all year."