GRAVESEND manager Andy Ford is banking on the character of his side to bounce back from the weekend’s first defeat in 18 games as they take on Nationwide Conference leaders Barnet at Underhill on Saturday.

The North London club are unbeaten in their last seven matches, head the Conference by three points from Accrington and in Giuliano Grazioli boast the league’s top scorer with seven goals.

Also laying in wait for his old club will be former Fleet favourite Liam Hatch.

“They say you can measure the character of a side by the way they come back from a defeat and we could not face a stiffer task than going to Barnet,” said Ford.

“I’m looking forward to going there because our players have been hurt by Saturday’s defeat by Hereford and I would far rather be going to Barnet than say a side in the lower half of the table.

“Saturday’s match against Hereford was our toughest test and we face another against Barnet. I was so disappointed on Saturday because we are a side that is all about getting at teams, stopping them playing and then we play from there.

“We didn’t do that in the second-half against Hereford so we’ve got to get back to doing that for 90 minutes against Barnet. Otherwise, it will be another difficult 90 minutes.

“That defeat brought one or two at the club back to earth because some were getting carried away.

“I think it’s important you never get too high when you win and never too low when you lose.

“We’re not up there yet because there are a couple of things that are not right and over the next couple of months I’ll be looking to correct them.”

Ford will select from Saturday’s squad with Justin Skinner likely to return after missing the Hereford match through sickness. But centre-back Graham Porter remains out of contention with a groin problem.

The Fleet return to Stonebridge Road on Tuesday, September 21 for a derby with Dagenham & Redbridge.