GRAVESEND & Northfleet boss Andy Ford believes the club's results over the Christmas and New Year period could be crucial if the team are going to gain promotion out of the Ryman League's Premier Division. Fleet, who have lost only one league since the start of September, currently lie in second place in the table - three points behind in-form Canvey Island.

They meet Boreham Wood this weekend, face Purfleet on Boxing Day and then take on fast-improving Chesham three days later - all three games away from home - before playing hosts to high-flying Aldershot on January 1. Ford said: "They're four massive games and if we come away from them with maximum points that would be unbelievable."

For this Saturday's trip to 10th-placed Boreham Wood, Gravesend are still without top scorer Che Stadhart, who is missing with a long-term shoulder injury, but Francis Duku is expected to be fit despite a slight Achilles problem.

The Fleet manager admitted: "Injuries and suspensions will play a big part in the coming months and I'm sure we'll suffer a few setbacks. This is why a big squad is so important and we have that. That will be vital and especially over the Christmas period, when we have some tough games."