Ricky Shakes scored twice in Ebbsfleet's 4-1 victory

Ebbsfleet took a huge step towards the Blue Square Bet South play-off final with a big win at Chelmsford in the semi-final first leg.

Michael West scored two goals for the visitors in the opening 25 minutes before Ricky Modeste pulled a goal back for the Clarets.

Midfielder Ricky Shakes sealed the win for Ebbsfleet with a brace in the second half.

The two sides meet again in the second leg on Sunday.

Chelmsford manager Glenn Pennyfather told BBC Essex:
"We just didn't turn up tonight, it looked like we'd spent a lot of energy getting here.

"Mentally and physically we looked drained.

"We were second best all over the pitch for most of the evening. Fair play to Ebbsfleet, they were much better than us."

Ebbsfleet boss Liam Daish told BBC Radio Kent:
"It's a great night for the club, a great result, but we've still got a bit of work to do. But I couldn't have asked anymore from the players - I thought they were excellent from start to finish.

"It's half-time and the lads know that. Nothing is taken for granted - we've got a bit of work to do but we've given ourselves a great platform and a great chance.

"It was a fantastic all-round performance and it's going to be hard to replicate that but we've got to strive to do that at home.

"I think it was our best performance of the season when you think of the occasion and what you're playing in - away from home, in a playoff against a team that beat us 3-1 at our place. Anyone who's turned up from Kent will go home very satisfied."

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