On-loan Middlesbrough defender Bryant Bilongo enjoys attacking role during Ebbsfleet’s 3-0 win over Eastleigh

Ebbsfleet’s Bryant Bilongo admitted he was expecting to play in defence for the club after a man-of-the-match display on Saturday.

Bilongo enjoyed a stunning debut, scoring the opener and then providing the assist for Rakish Bingham to add a second as the Fleet beat Eastleigh 3-0 in the National League.

The 22-year-old, on loan from Middlesbrough for the rest of the season, lined up at left wing-back and posed an attacking threat throughout.

“I’m a left-back, at Boro I played more as a centre-half as we played with a three,” said Bilongo.

“I did come here expecting to play centre-halve but Danny Searle’s put me at left wing-back as I have the ability to go up and down, one v one and, obviously, it has paid off!

“I did enjoy it, it gives me more freedom. Everyone wants to attack, everyone wants to be part of the goals.

“It’s all good being at the back and getting clean sheets but goals are goals, aren’t they!”

Bilongo instantly became a fans’ favourite with his all-action display and he loved the reception as much as they enjoyed watching him play.

Knowing he was playing in an advanced role, he was expecting to feature more at the right end of the pitch as well.

“It was amazing,” said Bilongo. “The fans were amazing and it was good to get the three points, a goal and an assist.

“I was half expecting to score as when I’m playing higher up the pitch I did think that I’d get a few more chances,”

“I did think it would be nice to get one or at least an assist but I ended up getting both.

“It’s my first senior goal and in front of the Plough End as well was brilliant.

“I enjoy training with the lads every day, it’s fun. That’s the main thing, as long as I’m enjoying my football then I feel like I can go out and play confidently