Ebbsfleet's performance against League 1 opposition on Saturday left Daryl McMahon full of optimism.

Fleet were excellent value for a 1-1 draw against Southend United at Stonebridge Road.

Both teams had spells on top and it wouldn't have been easy for any neutrals wandering into the ground to pick out who were the non-leaguers.

McMahon said: "It was a really good game, a good contest, some good football played by both teams, very competitive again and enjoyable.

"I was really encouraged. They're a side who finished one point off the play-offs in League 1 last year.

"Speaking to one or two of them, they fancy their chances of winning promotion to the Championship this season.

"I think we played some really good football, defended well for the majority of the game and it was very pleasing."

It's been a testing week for Fleet, who beat a young Tottenham XI 3-1 last Saturday before going down 2-0 at home to League 2 Cambridge United in midweek.

"I've been absolutely delighted," McMahon said. "They've worked hard in training this week as well. We've done a lot this week and we're in good nick.

"A lot of players performed well today who want to play against Guiseley (on the first day of the season) and I'm really happy with how pre-season's gone so far."

Fleet visit Hendon on Tuesday before hosting AFC Wimbledon in their final friendly on Saturday.

McMahon said: "They're two different games. Hendon will be a tough game.

"I know Gary (McCann, their manager) well and they do play football so it will be a football game and then we're back here for Wimbledon, which will be a tough test obviously.

"They're a League 1 team who, I imagine, will do all right. They've recruited well this summer and they've got some really good players in their group so I'm sure it will be another tough game."