Ebbsfleet United defender Tom Dallison on 2-0 win at Dagenham & Redbridge and why their talented squad need to maintain a positive work ethic in National League South

Tom Dallison knows Ebbsfleet’s talented squad won’t get anywhere this season without hard work.

The centre-back scored in last weekend’s opening win at Dagenham and revealed he’s embraced the extra endeavour that’s gone on – including the toughest pre-season of his career.

“It was nice to come away with a win and a clean sheet,” said the 29-year-old.

“We've been working so hard behind the scenes for a number of weeks now since we returned back.

“We've got a really strong, solid blend of athleticism and experience. I think Saturday was just everyone so looking forward to showing what we've been working on.

“I'd like to think we look like a new group. I know there's been a lot of turnover in players but I think the blend we've got now, it feels different.

“Not that the work ethic was any different last season, but the work and the running we've put in, I think it's my 13th pre-season, it's probably the toughest one I've had.

“I'd really been looking forward to that first game. You just want your just rewards for the work you've put in.

“It was nice on a personal level to get a goal myself but (it was great) just to see the boys out there working and grafting for each other.

“There’s a togetherness and that's going to be massive for us this season. We really do have a good group of people.

“We're looking forward to Chippenham and the next game now. We’ll be working hard all week and kind of doing what we did last week because we know that brings rewards and we want to have this feeling again many more times.”

Former Crawley and Colchester defender Dallison has spent the majority of his career in the Football League.

He dropped down to the National League last season with the Fleet and now finds himself in National League