GRAVESEND & Northfleet will be hoping to close the gap at the top of the Ryman League, Premier Division, to five points when they meet Maidenhead United at Stonebridge Road tonight.

With current pace-setters Canvey Island playing Yeovil in the FA Trophy, the game gives Andy Ford's side the perfect opportunity to keep the pressure on at the top of the table.

The Fleet boss said: "We try to concentrate on our own performances and results and not take any notice of how Canvey get on but we know that if we win every game we will go up.

We might even be able to afford to lose one or two games and still get promotion into the Conference because there is a long way to go."

Ford added: "Maidenhead are a tall side, who like to get the ball in the box, particularly from long throw-ins. They will make it difficult for us so it is vitally important that we stay patient."

Fleet centre-back Aaron Barnett is expected to be fit despite needing strapping on an ankle injury at half time on Saturday while striker Che Stadhart could be set to return to the bench after recovering from a persistent shoulder injury. Simon Parker is unavailable.

Gravesend (from): Turner, Burton, Lee, Barnett, Lye, Duku, McKimm, Smith, Owen, Wilkins, Jackson, Booth, Martin, Stadhart, Hatch.