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Ebbsfleet United boss Daryl McMahon saw his team come from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Whitehawk

Daryl McMahon got his half-time team talk spot on at Stonebridge Road on Saturday.

With his team trailing 2-0 to Whitehawk, the Ebbsfleet boss had 15 minutes to inspire his players.

He made a double substitution and issued this rallying cry to get the Fleet going.

Ebbsfleet United manager Daryl McMahon Picture: Andy Payton
Ebbsfleet United manager Daryl McMahon Picture: Andy Payton

McMahon said: "Just go out and be men. You’ve got 45 minutes to go and play against a good side.

"We haven’t performed in the first half so go out and get in their faces. Make it difficult for them and move the ball quicker.

"We looked to get it wide quicker and to load their box with crosses - and I thought it worked well."

It worked so well that Ebbsfleet salvaged a 2-2 draw thanks to goals from Matt Godden and Danny Haynes - the two players sent on for the second half.

Having seen his side come from 1-0 down to win at Wealdstone seven days earlier, here was further proof that McMahon's side have the character to turn games around.

"The spirit’s good," he said. "I know the spirit’s good because I’m with them most days.

"They’re so together, the group. You can’t foresee that you’re going to come back from 2-0 down but you know that you’ve got characters in there. They fought for each other and they do it every day.

"The lads who are not in the side train so hard. Training’s so competitive because they all want to get in the team and play. There’s a really good atmosphere among the players."

Ebbsfleet's Stuart Lewis gets up well to win this header against Whitehawk Picture: Andy Payton
Ebbsfleet's Stuart Lewis gets up well to win this header against Whitehawk Picture: Andy Payton

Stonebridge Road was rocking in the second half as the home fans urged their side forward.

McMahon said: "They were excellent. We mentioned at half-time that if we started the first five or 10 minutes on the front foot, the crowd would get behind us because they want us to do well.

"The atmosphere in the stadium has been excellent this season. I’ve really noticed, and the players have noticed as well, that the club seems a lot more together now.

"It seems that they want us to win. I’m not saying they didn’t before but it seems that they’re right behind this team and the boys are responding. They’ve put on some good performances for the fans. In the second half on Saturday they were outstanding."

Ebbsfleet, second in Vanarama National League South, visit Dartford on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm).

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