Ebbsfleet midfielder Toby Edser is hoping the floodgates will open after ending his long wait for a goal.

The talented 26-year-old had gone 18 months without a goal after last scoring against former club Aldershot in March 2024.

But he netted twice in last weekend’s FA Cup win over Ashford Town (Middx) and is keen to add to his tally.

“I feel I’ve been a little bit unlucky this season,” said Edser. “I’ve tried to add a few more shots in my game this year.

“It’s something I looked at last season. I don’t think I had enough shots on goal, let alone on target, so I’m trying to add more of that.

“I feel like I’ve been unlucky as I’ve hit the bar and the post this season.

“I haven’t shown quite as much composure in front of goal as I’d like, but it’s nice to get a couple of goals to get me up and running.”

Even though Edser was playing in a struggling team last season, it’s surprising that a player of his quality didn’t find the net.

“I wasn’t very happy with that,” he added. “I wasn’t happy with a lot of things last year, to be honest. I want to put that to bed, but it’s something I’ve looked at and wanted to add more to my game.

“I know I’ve got it in my game because the year [we won the league], I think I scored 13 from midfield which is a good return.

“It’s just about sticking to the basics and, without being silly with it, the more shots you have on goal, the more you’re going to score.

“I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s a confidence thing. Maybe it’s a bravery thing. But hopefully there’s more to come.”

Edser makes the Fleet tick from midfield with his range of passing and ability to drift past players at will. He’s getting plenty of encouragement from manager Josh Wright to get his scoring stats on an upward trajectory.

“I back myself in and around the area,” said Edser. “I’m doing it a lot in training.

“I spoke to the gaffer about it and he’s been very vocal towards me about having more shots on goal and just letting them go.

“He sees me in training every day and he knows what I can do, so it’s about doing it on a game day now.

“I think we’ve got a very good squad this year. We’ve just got to be focused every week and stick to the plan, stick to the job.

“Last year was very difficult, I’m not going to shy away from that. Like I said about my goal return last year, it’s been and gone.

“The boys that have been retained and the ones that have signed are here for one reason only. I think everybody knows what the goal is this year.

“There’s no time to think about last year. We’ve just got to get on with the next job.”

Ebbsfleet make the trip to Torquay, another side expected to be challenging for the title in National League South, this Saturday.

Edser added: “I think every game is a big game in this division, especially when you’re us. I think we’ve got a little bit of pressure on us.

“It’s about being focused. We’ll be going into it like we do every week with a structure and a plan on how we win the game, and hopefully we can execute that.”

Edser certainly has plenty to occupy his mind at the moment.

He missed the opening game of the season at Dagenham as his first child was born.

“It’s made my life a lot better,” he smiled. “My son was born just before half-time during the Dagenham game.

“I managed to listen to the second half on the radio, holding him in the hospital. I think I made the midwife jump when Tom Dallison scored!”