Their pre-season delayed by three days, Ebbsfleet United lost no time in getting off the mark with a 1-0 win at Ryman League Premier promotion hopefuls Dulwich Hamlet.
A single strike by Ben May in a typical early July fixture separated the sides, with Fleet giving game time to 19 players including three trialists and youth academy graduate Leo Mazzone. The only members of the first-team squad not in action were Preston Edwards, Daryl McMahon, Shane Huke and Dean Rance – with Michael West of course injured.
Dulwich fielded ex-Fleet favourites Ashley Carew and Conor Okus.
The Fleet trialists had a distinctly international flavour with Canadian central or wide midfielder Daniel Iannacito, 22, having been on trial previously with Hull City, Lincoln City and Macclesfield Town, while Richie Dilemfu is another midfielder, hailing from Amiens in France. Also featuring, Jordan Sanderson is a 20-year-old midfielder who has played for Colchester United, having graduated from their youth academy, and Chelmsford City.
Stonebridge Road opens its doors for the first time since May this coming Saturday when Fleet play host to Dagenham & Redbridge, kick-off 3.00.
TEAM: Hall, Sessegnon, Howe, Acheamping, Clark, Johnson, Fraser, Osborn, Cook, Godden, May. Subs: Edwards (not used), Palmer, Corcoran, Bricknell, Sheringham, Sanderson, Mazzone, Dilemfu, Ianncito
Att: 221