Ebbsfleet United manager Dennis Kutrieb reacts to 3-0 National League win over Kidderminster Harriers

Ebbsfleet manager Dennis Kutrieb told his team to take their foot off the gas in the second half on Saturday.

The Fleet cruised to a 3-0 half-time lead against 10-man Kidderminster with a brilliant first-half display in the National League.

That gave Kutrieb’s men the relative luxury of being able to ease through the rest of the game, mindful that they are in action again with a trip to Barnet on Bank Holiday Monday.

“I’m very happy because Kidderminster have had a good start to their season,” said Kutrieb, who substituted leading scorer Dominic Poleon after an hour to keep him fresh.

“They came here and wanted to win and from the first minute we were on top of them.

“The red card helped them get through the second half without too much trouble (because) we play in less than 48 hours again so we needed to make sure we get the energy levels right for Monday.

“We wanted to get a clean sheet, we had enough chances to score (more) but if you know you’re playing in less than 48 hours you need to be ready for that.

“We had the game under control. They had a few shots but it was outside the box, we know we have a good goalkeeper so if someone wants to shoot from outside the box it’s always a good chance for our goalkeeper to get it.

“In the second half we had clear-cut chances but I’m more than happy. I’m totally fine with a 3-0 win, we can tick this one off and get ready for Monday because I think everyone agrees to play professional football, two games in 48 hours is ridiculous, but it is what it is.

“We need to make sure that we get the recovery right because usually second day after the game is the highest risk of getting injured.”

Craig Tanner was named man-of-the-match but razor-sharp Poleon was Kutrieb’s pick.

The former