Ebbsfleet manager Daryl McMahon was delighted with his side after Monday’s 1-0 win at Dartford rivals in what was a fiercely fought Princes Park derby.

Fleet secured local bragging rights thanks to a goal from Jordan Parkes after seven minutes.

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The home side, who felt aggrieved Ebbsfleet were not a man light after last man Kenny Clark appeared to pull down Tom Bradbrook, pushed for an equaliser but to no avail.

Dean Rance was sent off for two bookable offences in the second half, leaving Ebbsfleet with 10-men as they clung on for the win.

McMahon said: “I’m delighted we won it. We defended really well.

“It was an ugly game.

“There wasn’t loads of quality from either side, but we got the goal when there wasn’t anything else in the match.”

On Rance's sending off, the Ebbsfleet boss added: “The first one I did not think was a yellow card.

“The second one was. There is nothing I can do about it now.

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“He will be suspended and we will take it on the chin.”

Yesterday’s win kept Fleet second in the Conference South table and was the perfect response after they dropped points for the first time in Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with Whitehawk.

McMahon highlighted the depth of his squad and how important it will be if his side are to achieve their promotion aims.

He explained: “Throughout the season I’m sure the team will change - different horses for different courses.

“I don’t think we will have a proper settled starting XI.

“I think it will be 16 to 18 players that are going to be needed this year if we are going to be successful.”

Ebbsfleet now turn their attention to a tough game at home on Saturday against fellow promotion hopefuls Maidenhead (3pm) and McMahon is expecting a challenge.

“They are a good side,” the Fleet chief explained.

“I do fancy them to be in the play-offs this year. It will be a tough game.”

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Tom Gardiner (left) and Danny Kedwell challenge for a header

Yesterday’s defeat meant more points dropped at home for Tony Burman’s side, but the Dartford boss felt they were unlucky after going behind early.

He said: “In the previous games we created a lot more chances than today.

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Joe Howe tackles Ryan Hayes

“I just think that we did not get that bounce.

“It was unfortunate but it was a good start for them and it gave them incentive. It calmed them down.”

Burman also acknowledged McMahon’s Fleet reacted well to the home side’s pressure.

The Darts gaffer said: “We came back into it, got more organised and had a couple of more chances.

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“They have not had that many chances.

“It got a bit scrappy, but they managed the game probably a little bit better than we did.

“They are good players, some with league experience with that knowledge.”

A big positive for Burman, however, was the performance of Darts youngster Ebrima Adams (below).

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“It was his first game,” the long-serving Princes Park manager added.

“He will be a good player. He is one for the future, that’s for sure.”

The Darts now face a tricky away day at Bath on Saturday.

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