Ebbsfleet have one foot in the National League play-offs after a stunning 5-2 win at Gateshead on Tuesday night.

Danny Kedwell was the Fleet hero, scoring his first hat-trick for the club to lift them above Dover, Boreham Wood and AFC Fylde.

Fleet are fifth heading to the final day of the season and just need a point at relegated Torquay to book their play-off place.

"It's a good result," said Kedwell. "We pushed on and went up a couple of gears.

"We've been away since Monday and we've had a lot of travelling lately, with Barrow, Eastleigh and now this one.

"Losing on Saturday (to Sutton), it just goes to show what great character we've got in the team."

Kedwell opened the scoring from the penalty spot and struck again just after the hour but both times Heed replied through Danny Johnson.

However, when Kedwell completed his treble there was no way back for the hosts as further goals from Luke Coulson and Jack Powell killed the game off.

"It's brilliant," said Kedwell. "It's been a long time since I scored a hat-trick - my last one was for AFC Wimbledon.

"I've had loads and loads of twos but never got the hat-trick so to get this one was unbelievable for me and a great achievement."

Kedwell scored his 50th goal for Ebbsfleet on Tuesday and also reached 20 for the season.

"I'm celebrating three things really," he said. "It hasn't sunk in yet but it will do.

"I wouldn't have done it without the lads out there. They've been magnificent this year for me and I'm glad I can chip in with the goals for them."