Ebbsfleet boss Steve Brown has called for a response from his players when they tackle high-flying Basingstoke on Saturday.

Brown’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Bath last weekend after turning in a lifeless second-half display at Stonebridge Road.

That performance left the 41-year-old hugely frustrated and he expects better at the Camrose, where Basingstoke have yet to drop a point this season.

Brown said: “I’m hoping the players can’t wait to get out against Basingstoke. They were disappointed after the Bath game.

“Up to Saturday, I thought the performance levels had been excellent and we hadn’t got the points return we deserved.

“But on Saturday, I come away more disappointed than I have done previously. That was the flattest we’ve been.

“It’s only the players and us that can turn this round, no-one’s going to do you any favours. No-one’s going to roll over in this league and let you have three points. You have to earn it every week.”

Brown should welcome back Michael Thalassitis on Saturday, the striker having been away with Cyprus under-21s since last week.