Fleet striker John Akinde is rewarded as he signs a long-term contract to the end of 2008-09…

Ebbsfleet United have secured the future of John Akinde at Stonebridge Road having offered the young striker a deal until the end of the 2008-09 season. The 18-year-old, who made his league debut as a 90th-minute substitute against Woking on 29 November, has since made seven appearances in all competitions for the Fleet and scored four goals.

Having joined the first-team squad from the PASE youth side during the summer, Akinde has since spent time on loan at Margate and Whitstable Town but has seized his first-team opportunity at Ebbsfleet United with both hands.

The striker’s signature comes as Liam Daish expressed his desire to secure more of his players beyond their existing deals.