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Ebbsfleet United striker Matt Godden proud to score 30 goals this season including three hat-tricks

This has been the best season of Matt Godden's career and now he's looking to fire Ebbsfleet to play-off glory.

Godden, 24, scored three goals on the final day of the National League South season as Fleet signed off with a 4-2 win at home to Eastbourne Borough.

That took him to 30 in total, of which 26 have come in the league, including three hat-tricks.

Matt Godden shields the ball during Ebbsfleet's 4-2 win against Eastbourne Picture: Ruth Cuerden
Matt Godden shields the ball during Ebbsfleet's 4-2 win against Eastbourne Picture: Ruth Cuerden

Godden said: "I take a lot of pride in it, I’ll be honest with you.

"I didn’t set a target at the start of the year but if you stay injury-free as a striker, I’m looking to score because it’s the main part of my game.

"If I have a good run like I’ve had this year, I’d be disappointed to not make 20 but to get to 30 is a special achievement for me.

"I made it my main target to stay in the side and keep scoring goals. I’ve had the rub of the green this year and everything’s gone to plan. I’m very pleased."

During five years at Scunthorpe United, Godden was loaned out to Ebbsfleet (twice), Dartford and Tamworth but struggled to break into the Iron side.

He was offered a new contract by the League 1 club in the summer of 2014 but chose to make a new start by playing non-league football closer to home.

Matt Godden believes Daryl McMahon's side are stronger than this time last year Picture: Ruth Cuerden
Matt Godden believes Daryl McMahon's side are stronger than this time last year Picture: Ruth Cuerden

It was a bold decision, and the correct one, as Godden's stock has never been higher.

He said: "It was always my idea. I felt wanted, ever since I came here on loan. Everyone wanted me back and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time. Long may it continue.

"It’s been stop-start (in the past), going out on loan, scoring goals out on loan but never having a run.

"This is my first proper full season. I know I played last year and was top goalscorer but it was a disappointing season for the club. I’m delighted to get 30 goals."

Godden added: "I was a bit disappointed towards the end not to get the Golden Boot but full credit to Elliott Buchanan at Bishop’s Stortford. He’s been unstoppable these last couple of games."

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