Ebbsfleet United midfielder Gene Kennedy is pleased with his start to the season after scoring his best-ever goal in 2-1 win at Tonbridge Angels

Gene Kennedy has been pleased with his start to the season at Ebbsfleet.

The 23-year-old former Colchester and Welling United midfielder capped off a positive opening month with a stunning goal in their 2-1 win at Tonbridge on Saturday.

It was a goal-of-the-season contender from Kennedy but it’s his general play that has also caught the eye.

“I've been pleased,” admitted Kennedy. “I had a good off-season, felt good during pre-season, although we had a little bit of a longer pre-season due to what we went through.

“But I've probably felt the best I've felt in a few years coming into the season.

“Obviously we're winning, we're in good form and I feel confident, not just myself, but as a team as well. It's nice to be in a team that is playing with confidence, that always makes it easier.”

The summer addition of James Vennings brings extra quality to the Fleet midfield.

But rather than worry about his place in the side, Kennedy is excited by the potential combinations.

“When everyone's fit, Jake Hessenthaler included, we've got healthy competition, but I think we all complement each other,” said Kennedy.

“So, whoever you play with, it's nice because you can always get the best out of each other.

“For me personally, I just want to enjoy and play. Whenever I'm playing, I want to do the best I can. I want to win games, I want to help the team, I want to impress when I'm playing.

“Obviously, competition is good. It keeps you going, but I just want to enjoy it.”

Kennedy scored only once last season for the Fleet but has set his sights on beating the eight goals he netted at Welling during the 2024/25 season.

He’s got an extra incentive to find the net this season with his kit sponsor offering an added bonus should he reach double