Haydn Hollis made his first start of the season for Ebbsfleet on Saturday and hopes he’s done enough to claim a regular spot.

With Chris Solly ruled out through suspension, Hollis impressed at the heart of the Fleet defence against his former club as the Fleet went down 1-0 to new National League leaders Chesterfield.

It wasn’t the result he wanted but Hollis was pleased with his own display, getting through the 90 minutes after previous substitute outings against Kidderminster and Barnet this term.

“I enjoyed it, getting back playing is what everyone wants to do,” said 30-year-old Hollis.

“I enjoyed being out there on the pitch and doing what I do but I didn’t enjoy losing and I thought we deserved probably a point.

“I thought I did okay but I’d rather have been average and got a point as that’s what it is about. It’s something to build on as I’ve not played properly for so long.”

Ebbsfleet manager Dennis Kutrieb has a habit of picking players to feature against their former club.

He didn’t disappoint as Hollis was included in the starting line-up.

“It’s nice for him as well because I’d have been fuming if I hadn’t played,” smiled Hollis. “I hate not playing anyway but against my old club as well, I appreciated it.

“They are a good team and they’ll find ways to win. It’s a huge football club, an unbelievable club, and we’ve matched them for so long.

“When we got promoted, especially for me as it’s my former club, that would have been the first fixture you look for as you want to play in the big games, in front of bigger crowds and against bigger clubs.

“I think every player wants to play. I feel I’ve proved I’m more than good enough to play. It’s frustrating, I understand the manager’s got a difficult job, but you just want to play and show what you can do.

“When you get to my age, you need to be playing regularly. I missed a lot of football with my injury (two years ago) so I can’t really afford to miss another season.

“But you’ve got to bide your time, every player has been in this position and what will be, will be.”

Hollis certainly appeared to relish his battle with experienced Chesterfield striker Will Grigg.

He kept the frontman largely quiet and limited his chances, and then revealed the duo have spent time together previously.

“I did my rehab with Will Grigg so I knew him anyway,” said Hollis. “He’s a fantastic lad and his career speaks for itself.

“He’s a great player, really clever, he might not do much for 10 minutes but then he’ll get a chance and score. He’s not had the career he’s had for no reason.

“I did my Achilles and he did his knee so we spent two weeks at St George’s Park together. I knew him from before that and we spent most of the time together then.”

Ebbsfleet are away to Woking in the National League on Tuesday night.