Dartford assistant manager Christian Jolley reacts to 4-0 win over Ebbsfleet in National League South

Dartford assistant boss Christian Jolley felt Ebbsfleet paid them a big compliment by changing their style of play on New Year’s Day.

Ebbsfleet manager Dennis Kutrieb abandoned his footballing philosophy after their Boxing Day drubbing but plan B saw the visitors come unstuck at Princes Park as Dartford completed a festive double with a 4-0 success.

“I see it as a compliment,” said Jolley. “We addressed their strengths when we went to their place, as you do when you go away from home. You find out what they’re good at, try to exploit their weaknesses and we managed to execute that on Boxing Day.

“When they then come to us there is more pressure on us because we’re expected to take ownership of the game and get the three points. We weren’t surprised as we prepared for all eventualities but it made for a different game in terms of our style of press on them.

“They lengthened the pitch really well, they did it with quality as their strikers are very athletic and they stretched the game. There was a 20-minute spell in the first half when they were better at lengthening the pitch, picking up the second balls and getting themselves up the pitch.

“They’ve got great quality, they had two of the better chances before our goal and it didn’t go in and then we were clinical to take our opportunity.

“I’m very pleased with the group. Ebbsfleet really challenged us again, it was a different game to Boxing Day, a different style of play and different personnel and the boys adjusted brilliantly to it.

“There were set pieces, no short corners, it was all setting things up and I’m pleased that we were able to adjust to that, match it and then go one step further by showing our qualities in the final third that we know we’ve got.”

Jolley