After waiting seven months to join Ebbsfleet’s promotion push, Sean Shields has wasted no time making an impact.

Shields, 24, didn’t play a single minute of league football for Fleet until the middle of
March – since when he’s featured in six games and scored twice.

The former Dagenham winger offers a new attacking option to manager Daryl McMahon and his attitude towards the game, and this season in particular, is equally refreshing.

Ebbsfleet agreed to sell Shields to Margate after a successful loan spell there but the move fell through when Gate withdrew their offer of an 18-month contract.

Shields said: "It’s such a funny game and that’s why you can never read too much into anything or get too down in the low moments or too excited by the highs.

"Things change so quickly but I’m just delighted to have my chance to help the team.

"With us being in a title-chasing position, it’s great to get it.

"I’m not going to rest on my laurels. Saturday was fantastic but I’m going to carry on training as hard as ever and look to the next two games."

The first of those sees second-placed Fleet clash with new National League South leaders Sutton at Gander Green Lane on Saturday.

Shields said: "Days like that, when there’s loads of fans, it lifts you. It’s so great to play in front of them, especially in a title-chasing situation.

"We’re going for it and Sutton are going for it. I don’t think there’s anywhere we can’t win in this league – and even in the league above. We’re fully confident."