by Craig Tucker

Ebbsfleet boss Liam Daish is urging his new-look squad to keep believing in themselves after a tough start to the new Blue Square Bet Premier season.

Fleet lost 4-1 at big-spending Forest Green on Tuesday, despite scoring first in a match for the first time this season.

Fleet host Mansfield at Stonebridge Road on Saturday and Daish is expecting another big test – but he wants his side to keep the faith.

“I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for us but it’s all been about fine lines so far,” said Daish (pictured).

“Decisions have hampered us and little things have proved the difference in almost every game.

“Having won the first game at Nuneaton, the Braintree defeat was hard to take.

“We missed a penalty in the last five minutes against Wrexham and you can write off the Hereford game because our preparation was so poor. Then another penalty decision went against us against Luton when we were on top.”

Goalkeeper Preston Edwards has been named in the England C side for International Challenge Trophy trip to Belgium next week.

Meanwhile, Daish has brought in former Vancouver Whitecaps under-23 keeper Lucas Menz to provide competition for first choice Edwards.

Menz replaces youngster Tom McNeil, who has left the club looking for regular first-team football.

Do you think Fleet can turn things around against Mansfield? Have your say below.