Home   Gravesend   Sport   Article

Ebbsfleet United defender Luke O'Neill says momentum will make the difference in race for the National League South title

Defender Luke O’Neill believes momentum is key for Ebbsfleet as they head into the second half of the season.

The Fleet have bounced back from the double Dartford drubbing to record three successive wins in National League South and regain top spot from their neighbours.

Luke O'Neill says Ebbsfleet are starting to hit their stride again. Picture: Keith Gillard
Luke O'Neill says Ebbsfleet are starting to hit their stride again. Picture: Keith Gillard

“We’ve got to keep doing what we’re doing, be solid as a team and take our chances,” said O’Neill.

“Dominic Poleon and Rakish Bingham have been brilliant in the last couple of games, especially after the big defeats against Dartford. We’ve picked ourselves up and we’re moving forward again.

“We’re going into games confident. As long as everyone on the pitch turns up, we know we’ve got a massive chance of winning the game.”

O’Neill scored his third goal of the season late on to seal a 2-0 home win over Chelmsford on Tuesday night.

He’s happy to chip in, and is enjoying playing for boss Dennis Kutrieb as the style of play enables him to get forward from his defensive position.

“I have scored a couple of goals, they’ve mainly been free-kicks,” he said. “The way we play as well means I can go forward a lot so it’s brilliant that I’m chipping in. I feel confident and I’m loving it.

“I probably should have had a couple more goals earlier in the season. I’m pleased to keep chipping away with the goals but the most important thing was the three points.”

O’Neill was mainly used as a traditional right-back when he featured for Gillingham but his current role on the right of a back three is not a new role.

After leaving Priestfield, it’s where he featured during a successful time at AFC Wimbledon.

“I’ve done it for a while now,” he said. “I had two seasons in League 1 at right-side centre-half. I think now it probably suits me better.

“The way the gaffer plays, we played a bit like that at Wimbledon as well. It’s nothing new and I’m experienced enough to deal with it.”

It means O’Neill slots in alongside Chris Solly. The pair first crossed paths when they were coming through the England youth system together, both as right-backs, at under-16 and 17 level.

“We go back quite a while, we played at England together so I knew him then,” said O’Neill.

“He’s brilliant, he’s a good lad to have around and is a great player.

“I’ve played against him loads of times as well when he was at Charlton and I was at Gills or Wimbledon.”

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More