Ebbsfleet boss Dennis Kutrieb admitted he was “fuming” after they arrived late for their midweek game at Dulwich in National League South.

The Fleet didn’t make it to the ground until 7.40pm, with the kick-off delayed 20 minutes in total, after the team coach was stuck in traffic.

The players didn’t need to walk to the ground in the end but they got changed on the team coach to save time.

“The players were alright, they were not bothered, but for me it was a headache,” said Kutrieb.

“I’m a perfectionist anyway but if we’re not here on time you start to watch the clock, every two minutes. I was fuming to be honest but it is what it is and the boys adapted very well.

“We needed to make sure the other cars could clear up the street, we couldn’t pass and were stuck in traffic - it was not moving forward or backwards so everyone had to get out and try to organise something so we could get through. It took ages to get through there.

“We needed to get ready with the kit as we didn’t have much time to warm-up. We were sitting around anyway so we got changed on the bus, then when we got to the ground they put their boots on and went out for the warm-up.”

The Fleet also had traffic encounters on the longer journey to Hungerford earlier this season and Kutrieb conceded it can’t keep happening.

“I apologise for getting here late, it’s the second time this season and it shouldn’t happen,” he said.

“We need to be better prepared so I’m not happy about it. We had 20 minutes to get warm and get ready. We have to be better prepared and make sure we arrive in time.

“That’s the minimum (level of) respect we need to give the opponents, referee and every fan. We will sort it out. The most important thing was to get the three points, now we can recover and go again.”

Kutrieb also confirmed the club are closing in on a deal for a new signing. The unnamed midfielder will be the first fresh face in the squad since the start of the season.

With Craig Tanner and Kieran Monlouis both out injured, Kutrieb is keen to get an extra body on board.

“There might be someone,” said Kutrieb. “There are a few negotiations going on but I can’t say anything more.

“We are open-minded if someone comes around who can help us. Obviously, Kieran is out, Craig is out, so if something comes up that we can do and it will help us straight away, then we’ll do it.”

With regards to matters on the pitch at Dulwich, Kutrieb was impressed with his team’s first-half display and especially their second goal - another flowing Fleet move from one end of the pitch to the other.

“It was a great start, the first half was really sharp from us,” said Kutrieb, who saw his team race into a two-goal lead inside 18 minutes.

“Our second goal was outstanding, Chris Solly reacted straight away and went forward, we hit them on the counter. We said in transitions we could hurt them.

“It was an outstanding team goal as I said last week against Chelmsford. We played out from a goal kick and scored a goal, it can’t be any better as a manager.

“It’s a tough place to come, especially on a Tuesday night so I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

• Report: Dulwich 1-3 Ebbsfleet

There was a rare opportunity for Shaq Coulthirst to start in attack, and he delivered with a goal while also hitting the woodwork twice.

“He was outstanding,” said Kutrieb. “He could have scored three more goals but it wasn’t like he didn’t take the chances, it was just outstanding saves from the goalkeeper, all three of them. The first save he made was amazing. Shaq could have had four.

“We saw how sharp he was and that’s what he has shown me in training for many weeks, sometimes they need to wait for their chances but I could see it was the right time for him to go.

“We had a long chat with each other. When you see his pedigree and where he comes from, it’s nowhere near his target to be on the bench for Ebbsfleet United in National League South. I think he’s much better than to sit on the bench.

“Players always need to remember what they are able to deliver and not be happy with a six out of 10 performance. You have it in your locker and that’s what I told him.

“I wasn’t surprised by his performance as I could see it coming. I’m pleased he scored the goal as that may be a relief for him and I’m convinced more will follow.”