Ebbsfleet could go into Christmas with a 10-point lead at the top of National League South if they beat faltering Bath at Stonebridge Road on Saturday.

Daryl McMahon’s side replaced Bath at the summit in September and haven’t looked back since, while the Romans’ form has dipped in recent months.

They arrive in north Kent five places and seven points outside the play-offs having not won a league game on the road since August.

By contrast, Ebbsfleet are looking for a fourth straight league win which could extend their advantage over Maidstone and the rest of the chasing pack.

McMahon said: "It’s always important, getting through the Christmas period. If we can get a good return between now and Truro (on January 9), it’ll hopefully see us in good stead.

"It’s important that we pick up a good points tally through this period.

"We’re in a good position going into this Christmas period but we know that at any moment, if we take our eye off the ball, we can be under pressure again.

"We sit here hungry to go and win more games. We don’t rest on our laurels and we’re looking forward to this weekend.

"Everyone that comes here will make it hard for us.

"Andy Watkins is a good player for Bath. Dave Pratt’s a handful on his day, he runs the line well, he’s aggressive in the box, attacks crosses well and they’ve got Kaid Mohamed wide, who’s a decent player as well."

Read the full story in the Gravesend Messenger.