GRAVESEND & Northfleet manager Andy Ford says his team needs to start winning matches against some of the bigger clubs if they are to remain in the Conference for another year.

The Fleet, who beat Leigh RMI 3-1 at home on Saturday to move out of the bottom three for the first time this season, face a difficult test on Saturday when they play hosts to ex-Football League outfit Exeter City.

Ford said: "We are capable of beating all the rest of the part-time teams in the Conference and against Leigh RMI we were the better team on the day and deserved to take the three points.

"But we need to do more than that. We have to win matches against some of the bigger clubs in the league as well, starting on Saturday. Playing against Exeter won't be as easy as facing Leigh. They had a very good win (5-2) at Forest Green on Saturday so it will be a tough game

"I haven't seen a lot of Exeter this season although I won't worry too much about them anyway because it's more important I get my team right.

"We have to get into the habit of winning games so Saturday's victory could be the platform we need to build on."

Gravesend's chances on Saturday won't be helped by suspensions for three players. Keeper Alex Reilly might not have played anyway, after injuring his knee against Leigh before being replaced by Paul Wilkerson at half time.

But the loss of left-back Justin Skinner and, particularly, captain Steve McKimm, who were also sent off in the 2-0 defeat at Scarborough earlier this month, could be crucial.

Ford will also be without Rob Howarth if the Fleet boss fails to persuade Hendon to extend the club's loan agreement with the striker for a second month.