Ebbsfleet United are delighted that Michael Cheek has been awarded the Vanarama National League player of the month for December 2018. Cheek, who scored his ninth goal of the season at Chesterfield in the Fleet’s last game, scored eight of those in the club’s last 10 games.

All of us at the Kuflink Stadium would like to congratulate Michael for his richly deserved recognition.

The National League said of the award, “There’s been something brewing at Ebbsfleet United as their play-off push goes quietly under the radar – one defeat since mid-October has fans dreaming of a place in the EFL.

“Their new-found optimism stems from a string of convincing wins throughout the month of December and Michael Cheek is one man who the fans rightly aim their adulation towards. The 27-year-old helped his side to four wins including a 3-0 triumph over fellow promotion-chasers Eastleigh in which he claimed a goal and man-of-the-match gong.

“Another goal against Aldershot Town, along with wins against Braintree Town and Barnet saw Cheek’s efforts earn reward – the Fleet sit just three points behind the top seven as we head into the business end of the season.”

Elsewhere in the league, Barrow’s Ian Evatt won manager of the month while Bromley’s Andrea Ellis was named volunteer of the month.