Rance Facing An Injury Lay Off Confirm Ebbsfleet

Key midfielder Dean Rance needs groin surgery and will miss the start of the new campaign.

Daryl McMahon confirmed the news following the Fleet’s 2-1 victory over National League South Eastbourne Borough on Tuesday night.

Rance could miss the first three weeks of the season and is sure to sit out the exciting opening game at home to Chesterfield.

There was good news though for Fleet - striker Darren McQueen scored his first goal in a year on Tuesday after injury problems limited his game time last term.

McMahon said this morning: “It was kind of expected but it’s still not the news you want to hear as any surgery is difficult.

“He will be out for four maybe five weeks but it’s not long term - that’s the good news.

“Dean is a big player for us and he has had a great few years for the club. Everyone knows his quality.

“It’s been bugging him for some time but now we’ve got to make sure his rehab is right and help him through it.”