Ebbsfleet United assistant manager David Kerslake reacts to 5-0 FA Cup win over Ashford Town (Middx)

Ebbsfleet assistant boss David Kerslake was pleased they came good during the second half of their FA Cup win on Saturday.

The Fleet struggled to break down Combined Counties League visitors Ashford Town before going ahead in first-half stoppage time.

But they showed their class after the break and Kerslake revealed they took on board what was said at half-time.

“We've got good, intelligent players,” explained Kerslake. “We know that.

“We respect the level that Ashford had. We were quite a bit above it, so we expected to dominate the ball, have the possession.

“Probably, first half, we didn't create as many chances, but the gaffer got tucked into them and explained how we can get that.

“I thought the second half, we were outstanding with the ball. Every single time we went forward, I thought we were causing a problem and we looked like we were going to score a goal.”

Ebbsfleet made six changes from the side that drew with National League South leaders Hornchurch seven days earlier.

Unlike earlier in the league campaign when a much-changed Fleet side lost at Slough, there were no mishaps this time around.

“The boys that have come in, they've been, of course, disappointed that they haven't played (much so far),” said Kerslake. “But there's only been eight games played.

“We know we've got a decent squad. It will be rotated, there'll be suspensions, there'll be injuries.

“But what I will say is that the players that came in have really made a claim for a shirt next week.

“It was a game at Slough where they went ahead within the first three or four minutes and then defended. There was no zip about our passing or whatever and we couldn't get in behind.

“This was completely different. We pinned them back and there was no