by Andrew Gidley

Liam Daish is backing his new-look side to discover some winning form despite a difficult start to the new Blue Square Premier season which leaves them still without a victory.

Ebbsfleet face two matches in three days over the Bank Holiday weekend – at home against Hayes & Yeading on Saturday followed by a trip to Eastbourne Borough 48 hours later.

Daish said: "It has been tough so far but we are learning all the time and will get better.

"I have been pleased with the boys in training and they have put in a lot of hard work.

"We have been using the main pitch to give them confidence from working on a decent surface, putting in the hours on different sessions.

"I think it bodes well and I’m confident we will soon be picking up wins."

Part-timers Hayes have had an identical start to the Fleet, collecting just two points from their opening five games.

But Daish warned: "It will be another tough test against a side who have just been promoted and have picked up draws against York and Stevenage."

Daish will be checking on the fitness of three players who missed the defeat at Mansfield – Ricky Shakes (ankle), Stefan Bailey (hamstring), and James Linney (back).

His latest recruit, Crystal Palace striker Simon Thomas, is set to make his home debut.

Thomas, who has joined on an initial one-month loan deal, netted 33 times in 71 games for Boreham Wood, form that earned him a two-year deal at Selhurst Park. However, he has had few opportunities to establish himself at the Championship club.

Picture: Dan Westwell