Ebbsfleet United manager Daryl McMahon hailed his side as “terrific” after their 3-1 win over Chelmsford City at Stonebridge Road on Saturday.

The hosts were stunned almost instantly when former Fleet striker Billy Bricknell volleyed spectacularly past Nathan Ashmore to give Chelmsford the lead after just seven seconds.

A disappointing first-half was soon forgotten though as Fleet scored three second-half goals in seven minutes to secure all three points.

The equaliser came through Sean Shields who fired past Christian Dibble on 53 minutes before the home side went ahead through Danny Kedwell.

The turnaround was completed on 60 minutes when Chelmsford's Rory McAuley gifted the ball to Godden, who comfortably slotted home.

McMahon admitted that Chelmsford made things tough for his side.

“They are a very good side. They have got pace and quality throughout their front four,” he said.

“It was a tough game and it was a terrible start, one that you would not expect.

“In the first half we played alright and had a great chance through Parkes and then I thought after the break we were terrific. We were very good.

“I believe in them so much, I think that they are a terrific team. They have been terrific all season.”

McMahon was impressed with the intensity his side showed in their pressuring of Chelmsford in the second-half after a change in shape.

“I do not think that we let them get out, to be honest,” he said.

“We had Lewis, Parkes and Kissock on the pitch and obviously we have two strikers and any ball they got out was quite long and was going to go back to our goalkeeper, putting them under really good pressure.

“I felt that we had to do something to change the game, to change the flow of the game and it worked.”

It is a potential title-deciding fixture for Ebbsfleet on Saturday as they visit rivals Sutton United, a game McMahon is relishing.

He added: “It will be a good game. It is two teams that have had a terrific season so far.

“It might be the first time that two teams go up from this league with 80 points for a long time and I think that is credit to us, Sutton and Maidstone for putting up a good title fight.

“There are lots of things to still happen I think. Sutton are in the driving seat, obviously and we will see what happens in the coming weeks.”

The crucial National League South clash will be backed by several hundred travelling Fleet fans as the club offers free travel to Sutton.

Vice-chairman Peter Varney has urged supporters to make the trip to South West London in a bid to claim the three points.

“The game is probably one of the most important matches this club has played for some years and the support of our fans will be vital,” Varney said.

“I want us to turn Gander Green Lane into a sea of red and white. I urge everyone to make the journey - your club needs you to make that all-important difference.”