Ebbsfleet v Rushden & Diamonds

Ebbsfleet boss Liam Daish believes his side could get sucked into a relegation battle unless results improve.

Daish’s side have lost their last five league games and remain just four points clear of the Blue Square Premier drop zone.

The Fleet face a crunch game against Rushden & Diamonds at Stonebridge Road on Saturday and Daish admitted he is in unknown territory.

He said: “I think most teams from halfway down could be in a relegation battle. It’s something that we’ve not experienced in the last three years. We’ve always looked up the table and not down.”

The former Republic of Ireland international is looking to bring in at least four new players during the January transfer window.

He added: “We’ve got to strengthen. I can’t let this transfer window go without getting some other players.”

Ebbsfleet go into the game against Rushden on the back of a 2-1 win over Stalybridge Celtic in the second round of the FA Trophy.

Daish is expecting a tough battle and added: “Rushden have got a bit of pace and power. They are organised at the back and we will have to stand up to them.”

Darius Charles (ankle) and Paul McCarthy (thigh) are unlikely to be fit.