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Ebbsfleet United forward Rakish Bingham pays tribute to National League South top scorer, 28-goal striker Dominic Poleon

There’s no limit to the number of goals Ebbsfleet forward Dominic Poleon could score this season.

Poleon took his tally to 27 with a hat-trick in the 6-2 win over Hampton last weekend and added another goal in the midweek victory at St Albans.

Rakish Bingham, left, and Dominic Poleon celebrate one of their 45 goals this season. Picture: Ed Miller/EUFC
Rakish Bingham, left, and Dominic Poleon celebrate one of their 45 goals this season. Picture: Ed Miller/EUFC

So, who better to talk about Poleon than the man who knows him best - strike partner Rakish Bingham.

“That’s my guy. He’s a top striker, he has a knack of knowing where the goal is,” said Bingham.

“He’s doing really well. We just want to keep pushing him and make sure he’s on top of his game.

“He can go as far as he wants to go. If he continues to be as professional as he is, the season is not finished yet and he can reach whatever he wants to.

“That’s down to Dom and a credit to his ability and what he’s got going for him. We will push him as much as we can, and it’s not just Dom - everyone here will push each other.

“I’m just really proud of him. You can see the focus and the way he is playing, his determination to chase balls down, to get there first, even in the past week or so to twice look up and see a team-mate and put it on a plate. Credit to him, he’s doing a marvellous job.”

There’s been a drive and hunger about Poleon this season.

His work-rate has clearly improved, and it’s been rewarded with a stellar campaign in front of goal.

“It’s about his approach and his professionalism,” added Bingham. “He’s come back for pre-season and you could see it from day one.

“As strikers you go through patches of not scoring but that happens and as long as you have the same approach, whether you are scoring or not, you have to offer what you can to the team still.

“What he brings to the team now is a lot more than what he did last season. That’s the improvement I see in him every day.”

Bingham has already netted 17 times this season so the deadly duo have scored 45 times between them.

It means Bingham has an easy answer when asked if Poleon is the league’s best striker.

“Me and him have that little debate about who is the best!” he smiled.

“We’re both the best strikers - we come as a pair!

“He’s in the running for top scorer at the moment and it will be great if he can get that.

Rakish Bingham and Dominic Poleon have proved unstoppable front pair for Ebbsfleet. Picture: Ed Miller/EUFC
Rakish Bingham and Dominic Poleon have proved unstoppable front pair for Ebbsfleet. Picture: Ed Miller/EUFC

“The special bit is the chemistry and the understanding. We’ve played together quite a lot now and I know what works for him.

“I know what brings the best out of him, whether it’s a one- versus-one chance when I know he doesn’t need much space, or time to take someone on. With time it has just grown, it’s lovely to be a part of.”

The duo have never played together before their time at Ebbsfleet but they hail from the same part of London and, as their friendship off the pitch has continued to grow, the pair have proved unstoppable this season on it.

“We’re both from east London and have the same mutuals,” said Bingham.

“That was way before he even came to Ebbsfleet. We’ve never played together before but since he came here we’ve just gelled straight away.

“Our understanding off the pitch has led to on the pitch as well and it’s telepathic at the minute. We know what works for each other, he knows my game inside out, I know his game inside out.

“He’s a cool guy, we banter all the time, it’s light-hearted but off the pitch he’s a good person and everyone in the dressing room loves Dom.”

Ebbsfleet striker Dominic Poleon gets more advice from boss Dennis Kutrieb. Picture: Ed Miller/EUFC
Ebbsfleet striker Dominic Poleon gets more advice from boss Dennis Kutrieb. Picture: Ed Miller/EUFC

Poleon has even taken spot-kick duties for the Fleet now and Bingham doesn’t begrudge his strike partner the chance to add to his tally, although he’ll never say no if given the chance again.

“I will never not want to take a penalty,” Bingham stated. “You know me, I will not shy away from them.

“I’ve missed two for the Fleet but I’ve scored all the others. People score and miss penalties but Dom scored his one last Saturday so long may it continue.”

Ebbsfleet are away to Chelmsford in National League South on Saturday.

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