Ebbsfleet United player-of-the-year Ben Chapman ready for National League South play-offs

Promotion-chasing Ben Chapman believes the best is yet to come in Ebbsfleet’s season.

The versatile 23-year-old is popular among Fleet fans who, quite rightly, voted him player-of-the-year after an all-action campaign which saw Chapman shine both in defence and midfield.

He’ll be part of the Fleet side that takes on either Dartford or Chippenham in Sunday’s National League South play-off semi-final and he can’t wait for the challenge ahead.

“It’s been an enjoyable season so far but the best is yet to come - it’s not over yet,” said Chapman.

“We’ve played everyone twice and we feel we know what we’ve got to do against anyone who plays us.

“We know our strengths, and I feel we can beat anyone on the day. I don’t doubt us doing what we want to do.

“Every player in National League South wants to be in this position, to get to the final. It’s a memory that we want to look back on in time.

“You don’t want to fear it, you want to embrace it as much as possible.”

On his award, Chapman added: “It’s nice if the fans think I’ve done well throughout the season. I go out every week and give 100 per cent so the fact they can see that and have recognised it makes me happy.

“It’s a big award to get and I’m very grateful for it, hopefully I can continue what I’ve been doing.”

Chapman signed for the Fleet from Dulwich but, due to Covid, it’s actually the first full season in senior football for the former Gillingham youngster.

It’s been a tough grind but he’s embraced the challenge and hasn't let his levels dip throughout the year.

“It’s both physical and mental,” he reflected. “Physically it’s hard training every day and then playing week in, week out, but mentally it’s hard as you have little niggles or you’re a bit tired one week.

“You