Michael Cheek has spoken of his relief at scoring his first goal for Ebbsfleet.

After eight appearances with finding the net Cheek broke his duck in the 1-1 draw with Havant & Waterlooville.

He showed real composure just when Fleet needed it having gone a goal down early on.

Corey Whitely's pace had left Hawks keeper Ben Dudzinski stranded but as the cross came in, Cheek still had plenty to do with the ball bouncing waist-high.

"The lads said it was a good finish," he said. "It's quite easy to put over the bar, that sort of technique, but I managed to put it the other side of the defender and it hit the back of the net so I'm delighted.

"It was great work from Corey. We linked up at Dagenham as well so we know each other's game.

"I think the relief showed that in my celebration, a wipe of the head to get the sweat off.

"It's mixed emotions. I'm happy to get off the mark but gutted for the team, that we didn't get the three points."

Since joining from Dagenham on the eve of the season, Cheek has had to be patient for his chance in the Fleet side.

Six of his first eight appearances for the club came as a substitute and he's only started once alongside Danny Kedwell.

"It was strange how it came about," he said. "In my mind, I was going to start the season at Dagenham and play up front for them but it happened three days before (the season).

"After I heard (Ebbsfleet) wanted me, I had to come across. The boys have been great, they've welcomed me with open arms.

"Keds is a great player and I'd like to think I can play with him. I can certainly learn a lot from him.

"I've had to bide my time and to score when I get (a start) is even better so hopefully I keep my place after that performance.

"Every player will say, having come off the bench, it's hard to get to the tempo of the game so it's nice to get a start."

Ebbsfleet have gone five games without a win but Cheek believes they're close to ending that streak.

"There were definitely lots of positives," he said.

"The boys put more work in (than at Wrexham) and we were on the front foot a lot.

"Me and Corey, down the side of the defenders, got in a couple of times.

"We put them under pressure a lot in the first half. We had so many corners and balls in the box but it just didn't fall for us.

"First we had to get the performance and we did that on Saturday.

"But we didn't get the result so hopefully we can do that (against Bromley) on Tuesday."