One swallow don't make a summer, says Daish

Sunday 03rd January 2010

EBBSFLEET UNITED boss Liam Daish says he is on the phone constantly as he aims to climb out of the Blue Square Premier drop zone, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Fleet completed a Christmas double over fellow strugglers Grays Athletic to climb up one place and are just one point and one place adrift of safety with nineteen league games remaining.

All seemed lost before December as the Fleet went eight games without scoring, but wins over Stevenage Borough, Mansfield Town and two over Grays Athletic has certainly lifted spirits at Stonebridge Road.

First half goals from Peter Holmes (a 35-yard screamer), Magno Vieira and Ricky Shakes stunned the Essex hosts, who are managed by West Ham United legend Julian Dicks, as the Fleet recorded their largest win of a troubled season.

Daish, who was speaking to BBC Radio Kent, was naturally pleased with his side’s performance over in Essex.

He said: “I thought today we’ve actually raised our standards. I thought we were absolutely magnificent. Everyone played their part, great goals, really, really all round professional performance.”

He added: “We haven’t had the best of times this season but our decision making was good. We played as a real team instead of individuals (at Monday’s 4-2 defeat at Hayes & Yeading). Everyone worked hard and if you do that and people closing people down like they did today, it makes you want to be part of it.

“We played some good football as well, three good, great goals, some real quality.”

With his side 3-0 up at the break, Daish knew his side had to remain focused for the second half.

“Everyone played their part,” he said. “As much as thee team’s having a bard time or whatever you’ve still got to do the job and apply yourself. Crawley came here and they went three goals up and it ended up 4-3 so we were aware of that at half-time.

“It’s great that we kept a clean sheet and done a thoroughly professional, disciplined job.”

With the transfer window now open, Daish has funds to bring in new players, with a striker to go with his leading goalscorer, eight-goal Brazilian Vieira on his shopping list.

“We’ve got a window that we’ve got to make use off,” said Daish. “Hopefully there will be some funds to bring maybe one or two players in and extend Alex Stavrinou’s (loan deal from Charlton Athletic) as well so this doesn’t change anything.

“A swallow don’t make a summer so we’ve got to keep our feet on the ground.

“I thought I might have had one in today but it wasn’t to be. We’ll see. We’ve got some avenues to explore. I’m waiting on a few phone calls back.”

Quotes courtesy of BBC Radio Kent www.bbc.co.uk/kent/sport

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk

Ebbsfleet United v Kettering Town

Blue Square Premier

Saturday 9th January 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Stonebridge Road, Northfleet, Kent DA11 9BA