by Andrew Gidley

Liam Daish is preparing for Ebbsfleet’s first local derby against rivals Dartford in nearly 20 years on Saturday, knowing his side is still a work in progress four games into the Blue Square Bet South season.

The Fleet boss is still short on numbers with Clint Easton and Scott Ginty both missing the midweek home defeat by Dover.

Ginty is doubtful for the trip to Princes Park with a hamstring problem picked up at Bishop’s Stortford at the weekend, while Easton may return after an Achilles injury.

Daish, though, anticipated being busy trying to bring in cover for Ginty and admits the squad needs strengthening after he was only able to name four substitutes on Tuesday.

Daish said: "It’s clear we need more options. The squad was very thin and I couldn’t fill the bench, so we need to bolster it and give ourselves a little bit more firepower up front.

"We must get that clinical edge in front of goal and that’s what you pay money for at any level.

"We need to try and get somebody as we have got two games in three days over the Bank Holiday weekend."

Fleet’s trip up the A2 is eagerly anticipated by fans of both clubs and the occasion is not lost on Daish, either.

He said: "Whether you are a player or a manager, you want to earn the bragging rights over your local rivals.

"I haven’t experienced a league derby against Dartford in my time at the club but I’m looking forward to it and hopefully it will turn out as good as everyone keeps telling me it will be.

"It looks like there will be a decent crowd, in a nice new stadium and I hope it’s a spectacle to enjoy and we come out on top."

Do you think Fleet can get a result at Princes Park? Have your say below.