Ebbsfleet United 1, Aldershot Town 2

ALDERSHOT Town boss Danny Searle says his side are going into September “full of confidence” after ending a gruelling opening month of the season with a win.

Goals from Aaron Eyoma and Ethan Chislett were enough to give the Shots their first win in five games at Ebbsfleet United.

The 2-1 win was the culmination of a frantic eight-game spell to kick-start the National League season.

And now they host long travellers Barrow at the EBB Stadium on Saturday with a chance to climb the table.

“We’ve got through it (a tough August) and that’s the best way to look at it,” said Searle.

“We’ve lacked a little bit of a cutting edge, which we’re working on, but generally I’ve been pleased. I’ve been pleased with how the squad has bonded together, I’ve been pleased with the progress we’re making, albeit we would like to have a few more points on the board, and we go into September full of confidence.

“Take away the Torquay performance, the boys have been superb and the win on Saturday gives us that little bit more confidence on top of what we already had and we’re excited for it.”

Against Ebbsfleet, Eyoma slotted home Connor Shields’ cross two minutes before half-time for his first goal for the club before Chislett doubled the lead following a defensive mistake just before the hour mark.

In between, Shields had a penalty saved by home goalkeeper Jordan Holmes.

“It’s nice to get some just rewards for the work we’ve done,” said Searle.

“It hasn’t always been that easy for us in the sense that we’ve performed well enough but not necessarily put the ball where we should put it. And it was a breath of fresh air to take the 2-0 lead in the game.

“We tried our best not to, missing the penalty, but we were quite dominant, and it would have been criminal if we hadn’t extended our lead. But we needed it because they’ve got quite a lucky goal toward the end and then piled on the pressure.”

The Shots’ second win of the season moves them out of the bottom four after a tough opening month which has already seen them face highflyers Woking, FC Halifax Town, Bromley and Solihull Moors.

And a first home win of the season on Saturday could potentially see Searle’s charges move into the top half, such is the packed nature of the ultra-competitive National League.

“I didn’t really feel under any pressure because we know what we are about, we know we are going to get better and better, and we know that it is going to take a bit of time, but of course it’s always good to put points on the board,” said Searle.

“I’m pleased for the players and pleased for the fans, because the boys and the support have been excellent and they have deserved something out of pretty much every game we have played so far, barring Torquay.”

Aldershot were due to play Barnet on Tuesday night at The Hive, a game which was postponed by international call ups involving the home side. It will now be played on September 17, giving the Shots the chance to rest some weary limbs after a hectic month before tackling Barrow.

“Barrow are a good side,” said Searle, who has snapped up young Plymouth Argyle forward Alex Fletcher on an initial one-month loan.

“I think they would probably describe themselves as similar to us in that their league position is probably a little bit false. I’ve watched quite a few of their games and their ball retention and ability to build from the back is very good.

“I watched the Woking game and they played some great football, but Woking are a powerful side. I think it will be a really entertaining game on Saturday with some good football.”

Saturday’s game at the EBB Stadium kicks-off at 3pm.