Danny Searle has no intention of playing for a draw in Ebbsfleet’s final-day relegation decider at Boreham Wood.

A point at Meadow Park on Saturday would keep the Fleet in the National League at the expense of their opponents.

But that’s a risky strategy as far boss Searle is concerned.

“We have to go out to win the game and take care of our business,” he said.

“We talk about the integrity of the league and we have to do it properly.

“We’d take a point, of course we would, but at the forefront of everything we do is a desire to win football matches.

“The National League is full of surprises, last-minute set-pieces and things like that.

“You can think you’re in a secure place and before you know it, you’re done and you’re out on your luck.

“For us, it’s about can we take care of our business and win the game, then we don’t have to worry about anything that anyone else is doing.”

Ebbsfleet’s survival bid is going to the wire following a goalless draw away to FC Halifax on Tuesday night.

Boreham Wood start the day in the relegation zone, with Fleet two points clear in 19th and at risk along with Wealdstone, York and Woking.

There might be a few nerves on the day but that’s no bad thing.

“I think you have to channel those nerves and create an excitement,” said Searle.

“If you’re nervous about something it’s probably because it matters and, if it matters, you’re in a privileged position to be doing something that’s of great significance.

“So let’s be excited about the challenge.

“We’ve put ourselves in a position where we shouldn’t fear anyone and that’s going to be the general message across the week.”

Emotions will be running high in the Boreham Wood camp as long-serving boss Luke Garrard takes charge for the final time.

Wood will be desperate to send the most successful manager in their history out on a high after nine years in charge.

It’s up to Fleet to stay professional and worry about their own jobs.

“From our perspective, we can’t get caught up in what Boreham Wood are going to be about," said Searle.

“We have to focus on what we’re about. We need to look at their strengths and weaknesses, of course, but that’s a technical and tactical thing.

“How they turn up with their mindset, we don’t know. I can’t control that, so I’m not going to waste energy on that.

“We’ll focus on the things we can control but Luke’s done an amazing job.

“I wish him the best of luck for the future and I’ll have a little hug ready for him on Saturday.

“I’m sure he won’t be out of the game long because he’s a very good manager.”

At the other end of the scale, Searle has been in his post for just a couple of months.

He stepped in, initially as caretaker boss, after Dennis Kutrieb was sacked with Fleet in the relegation zone and on a desperate run of form.

He’s transformed their fortunes, giving them every chance of staying up, with the players buying into his methods.

“If you’d said we’d go into the last game in control of our own destiny, I think everyone would have bitten your hand off, and that’s what the lads have done,” said Searle.

“When we came into the building, we were second from bottom and had played more games than everyone else.

“I believed in the squad but you never know how they’re going to react to a new manager and that’s why I give the players full credit.

“I’ve come in with a different philosophy, a different manner of doing things, a different culture, and they might not buy into that but they have.

“To a man, they’ve all bought into that and we’ve reaped the rewards collectively.

“Hopefully we can complete the job on Saturday.

“I back myself as a manager and a coach but I’m not going to stand here and take all the credit.

“It’s a collective effort - players, staff and the fans - and it’s just nice to work with a group of lads who thrive off that.”