Ebbsfleet boss Daryl McMahon insists the National League South title race will still remain wide open – whatever happens this weekend.

The Fleet host leaders Maidenhead at Stonebridge Road on Saturday knowing victory could see them close in on top spot.

McMahon’s men trail Maidenhead by eight points but that gap could be down to just two if the Fleet can beat the visitors this weekend and then win again at home to Hampton & Richmond on Tuesday night.

But defeat against Alan Devonshire’s Maidenhead and the gap could be as big as 11.

“Whatever happens we will try and win and so will Maidenhead,” said McMahon.

“But it’s not going to affect the title. I can guarantee you that now. We were probably 15 points clear at this stage last year and we didn’t win the title so that says it all.

“It will be a tough game for them and a tough game for us. It’s going to be a good game. We know they are a good side, Alan Devonshire is a good manager who knows this level and Dave Tarpey is on fire for them.”

McMahon has averted a potential defensive crisis by drafting in Sutton’s Louis John on a two-month loan. The Fleet let Reiss Greenidge re-join Hemel Hempstead on loan last week and will now be without Dave Winfield after his red card at Welling.

Fleet will have John Paul Kissock back in contention following a dead leg but midfielder Stuart Lewis (ankle) is expected to be out for three weeks.

Read the full story in Thursday's Gravesend Messenger.