Ebbsfleet’s promotion credentials will get their sternest examination so far on Saturday when they travel to championship hopefuls Eastleigh.

The Spitfires were many people’s Skrill South title favourites at the start of the season and they’re chasing down long-term leaders Bromley.

Fleet are probably playing for third place at best, although they did beat Eastleigh 3-1 in October. The Hampshire side have won eight of their 11 home league games, losing only once and Fleet boss Steve Brown believes they’ll pip Bromley to automatic promotion.

He said: "It’s a case of respecting their home record. I’ll watch clips of all their games. When you’ve got the quality that Eastleigh have, we have to look at them.

"It’s no good going gung-ho. We’re the away side, they’ve got a great home record and we’ll have to address that and stop the things they do well.

"He has a lot of good players at his disposal, (Eastleigh manager) Richard Hill and he’s got the ability to change it quickly. It’s a tough task but they’re tasks that you have to relish.

"It’s down to us to go there and upset the apple cart."

Dean Rance completes a two-match ban this weekend and will miss the game, so Michael Corcoran should deputise in central midfield.