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Ebbsfleet United match-winner Lee Martin says there's still work to be done after beating Chippenham in play-off semi-final

Ebbsfleet’s extra-time win over Chippenham sparked a pitch invasion and scenes of jubilation at Stonebridge Road on Sunday.

But one man keen to keep a lid on his emotions was match-winner Lee Martin.

Lee Martin scores the winner for Ebbsfleet against Chippenham on Sunday. Picture: Keith Gillard
Lee Martin scores the winner for Ebbsfleet against Chippenham on Sunday. Picture: Keith Gillard

The 35-year-old former Manchester United and Gillingham forward came off the bench to book the Fleet’s spot in this Saturday's National League South play-off final at Dorking Wanderers.

And rather than get carried away by the emotion of the occasion, Martin’s immediate focus was that there’s still more work to be done.

“I’ve scored late winners and numerous goals before but that was obviously special,” said Martin.

“It’s hard, if I was 10 years younger then maybe I’d look at it and say ‘great, fantastic, it’s all about me’ but we’ve done nothing yet.

“It’s going to be a tough game next week and we need to get our heads on that. We weren’t great on Sunday, truth be told, we’re capable of a lot more.

“The boys went flat out and were brilliant in terms of endeavour and effort but we’ve done nothing.

“Dorking are an excellent team. They blew Oxford away in their semi-final, 2-0 up in 19 minutes.

"It’s going to be a tough ask but we’ll be confident. However, we need to be at it. We need to focus on that and don’t get carried away.

“I sound like a broken record but it really is one step at a time. From my point of view, and Chris Solly and Joe Martin, it’s like ‘get them in and get them focused’. Obviously enjoy it amongst your team-mates but don’t get too caught up in the moment.

"It's a good thing but it's one stepping stone. We need to stay grounded and focus on the bigger picture. For me, what I've learnt is that we've done nothing yet.

"It's great to be in a final but we've got to look forward now."

Lee Martin celebrates his goal en route to the halfway line in the National League South play-off semi-final. Picture: Keith Gillard
Lee Martin celebrates his goal en route to the halfway line in the National League South play-off semi-final. Picture: Keith Gillard

Even Martin’s goal celebration underlined his thought process.

It was a strike worthy of much more than simply running back into his own half ready to kick-off again.

He reflected: “I didn’t want to celebrate too much as there were still 20-odd minutes left on the clock.

“Experience tells you to run back into position, celebrate with the fans a little bit but realise there is still a job to be done.

“You live for moments like that and that’s something that I’ve managed to do over the years.

“Pressure is pressure and these games make you a man, you enjoy them and thrive on them.

"A final next week as well is brilliant, it’s what you work the whole season for.”

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