Garry Hill paid tribute to goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore after Ebbsfleet's 2-0 win over Leyton Orient on Saturday.

Ashmore turned in his best performance of the season, making a string of great saves to frustrate the National League leaders.

But his display had to be viewed in the context of what happened to Ashmore the last time he was on the pitch.

Report: Ebbsfleet United 2 Leyton Orient 0

He was confronted by pitch invaders at Chesterfield two weeks ago, Spireites fans running into Ashmore's goalmouth after he'd conceded a late equaliser.

The incident made national headlines but Ashmore had clearly moved on by the time kick-off arrived on Saturday.

"He's a great lad," said Hill. "I talked to him last Monday, told him what I expected and he has been absolutely first-class.

"You could see his response, in front of such a large crowd, to be able to handle the occasion the way he had to.

"He relishes that. He likes a challenge, the boy, you won't take that away from him.

"As a team, we've done brilliant and I don't usually stand here and praise one individual but he warranted that today.

"He's gone through a fair bit but his performance today was the best performance I've seen from him since I've been at the football club.

"I mean all round; his handling, his kicking, his reflexes, the way he conducted himself out there.

"I thought he looked a real quality goalkeeper, which we know he is.

"I made a special point of going to see Nathan (after the game) because that performance was absolutely outstanding all the way round."

Ebbsfleet's collective response to the Chesterfield game, when they let a three-goal lead slip, was equally impressive.

Hill said: "There was always a question of how we'd respond after not having a game for 14 days.

"With certain players, you have a little concern in your mind. Have we gone rusty? Have we had too much rest?

"You don't know but we saw out there today that I've got very good staff members behind me, I've got a very good playing squad and a great fanbase.

"We're all trying ever so hard to take the club in the right direction.

"It was a great day for the club and I've seen another side to the players.

"Our players now are not only being committed, they dug deep and showed great character."

"There were some very tired legs out there but big hearts. If you want to push on over the last 16 games of the season and be in contention for a play-off spot, you've got to have a big heart and we've shown that now.

"The home form down here is becoming what we wanted it to be, it's becoming a fortress.

"If you keep as many clean sheets as we have over the last 10 or 11 games and you're getting goals at the other end, it certainly puts you in the right direction.

"It was a test to see how far we've come and we've shown lots of people that we are consistent with our performances, with our results and with clean sheets."