Ebbsfleet need to win nine of their last 19 league games to avoid relegation from Blue Square Bet Premier.

That’s the view of manager Liam Daish, who insists his team can still beat the drop despite a winless run which stretches back to November.

In each of the last five seasons, 45 points has been enough to ensure survival in the top-flight of non-league football.

However, that bar could be raised this term and Daish (pictured), whose side have 27 so far, has called for his players to rise to the challenge.

He said: "If we can win nine and get a couple of draws, we’ve got a chance.

"Games are slipping by, so we’ve got to stick in there, become men. I want men around me now, I don’t want boys. If they can be that and take it on the chin and move forward, who knows?

"I wouldn’t be here now if I didn’t think we could do it.

"We’ll work hard during the week, so we go into the next game knowing we’ve got a bit behind us and we’ll feel better about ourselves.

"We’re only 90 minutes away from feeling good about ourselves."

Fleet host a Gateshead side on Saturday which have slipped into relegation trouble over recent weeks. The Tynesiders have won only once on the road in 11 outings.