Ebbsfleet boss Daryl McMahon believes being a former player helps him handle the pressure at the club.

All eyes will be on McMahon’s men in the second half of the season as Fleet look to hunt down National League South leaders Maidenhead.

They went second on New Year’s Day but still remain 10 points off the top.

McMahon knows every game will be under increasing scrutiny as the race for promotion reaches its climax and said: “You get used to it, it’s just the way it is.

“It’s probably helped me that I’ve played here because I know what it’s like when you’re on the pitch playing and you lose a game and everyone is looking at you wanting you to lose.

“The players understand what it is like now, especially the new players, what it’s like to be here. It’s not like a normal National League South team in that sense. You are under more scrutiny and pressure than any other team in the league.”

McMahon made four changes to his team that lost at Dartford for the return fixture and it had the desired effect as Fleet beat their rivals 1-0 at Stonebridge Road.

He said: “I had it in my mind that we’d play that formation at home, we normally do. I got the reaction. Mark Phillips was terrific, (Bradley) Bubb got his goal and worked hard, (Danny) Kedwell worked the line and won so many headers and flick-ons."

As for the title race, no monthly targets have been set and McMahon's focus now is on Saturday’s trip to Wealdstone (3pm).

“We just go and try win every game,” said McMahon. “It was the same at the start of the season and it won’t change."

Fleet midfielder John-Paul Kissock has extended his loan at AFC Telford for the remainder of the season.

Read the full story in Thursday's Gravesend Messenger.