Ebbsfleet boss Dennis Kutrieb has defended his side’s attacking play at set-pieces.

Some fans feel the Fleet don’t make the most of corners, but Kutrieb insists it’s not as easy as it looks.

“We had a few chances from set-pieces to score on Saturday and we’ve already scored from them this season,” said Kutrieb.

“At Eastbourne we scored through Luke O’Neill, at home through Sido Jombati against Dover in the last FA Cup game. But it’s not easy to score goals from set-pieces because the opponent is up for it defensively.

“When you see how many goals we concede from set-pieces, it’s not many because we are aware of it and we pay much attention on defending on them and that’s the same for the opponents.

“Most of the attention they do is to set-pieces so we need to be very good to score from them.”

Ebbsfleet return to league action this Saturday when they host Taunton.

The Fleet have won nine and drawn one of their first 10 games in National League South but it’s their work-rate that has impressed Kutrieb the most.

Kutrieb always states to judge his team after 10 matches and he said: “The judgement is I can’t ask for anything more. We’ve had nine wins and a draw, it’s an amazing start but it’s just a start.

“I know it’s not easy and it’s getting tougher and tougher. But in terms of the start, if someone had said we’d have 28 points and be through both rounds of the cups I think everyone would bite your hand off for it. We need to deliver the same quality and performances again.

“I think the work-rate has impressed me most. Oxford City was a good example, with 20 minutes to go we could have said we were happy with a draw but, no, we tried so hard to win the game and put pressure on the opponent to try and get the winner.

“That’s what pleases me most, I never take it for granted if the team works hard. Even off the ball, when we lose it, everyone tracks back to try and win it. I think that’s one of the key things for us. We need to work hard as that’s the basics of winning games.”

• Fleet duo's healthy competition

Christian N’Guessan was rested last weekend but the Fleet boss was still waiting to find out how long Kieran Monlouis and Josh Wright will be out with injuries.

Kutrieb was also pleased with Toby Edser’s display against Hanwell in the FA Cup win, that sets up a tie at home to Sevenoaks in the Fourth Qualifying Round on October 15.

“It was a well-taken goal by Toby, he was busy everywhere on the pitch, he tried to help the team and do the right things,” said Kutrieb.

“It’s working the other way as well, it’s not just about going forwards he is working back as well and doing that other side. He’s a very good character, I’m happy for him.

“He finished his goal off and then for the penalty he did a good run and it was a quick reaction from a throw-in, which is exactly what we need from him.”