Ebbsfleet will climb into the play-offs for the first time since August if they can beat old foes Sutton this weekend.

Garry Hill’s side are riding the crest of a wave after beating leaders Leyton Orient to move eighth in the National League.

They’re five matches unbeaten and have picked up 24 points from 11 matches under Hill – form only bettered by three teams in the Football League.

Fleet head to Gander Green Lane on Saturday buoyant, knowing another win would see them leapfrog the U’s and enter the top seven.

Hill said: “I’ve seen another side to us. Our players are not only being committed, they’ve dug deep and showed great character.

“If you want to push on over the last 16 games and be in contention for the play-offs, you’ve got to have big hearts and we’ve shown that.

“Paul Doswell’s done very well at Sutton over the last five years, pushing them into areas where they’ve got noticed for the right reasons and we know it’s going to be tough down there.

“But the Orient game was a test to see how far we’ve come and we’ve shown lots of people we are consistent with our performances and results.”

Sutton have lost three of their last four games while Ebbsfleet’s performance against Orient was their best of the season.

Hill said: “The boys know the rules at the football club. There’s no secret. I know what I want and everyone’s worked very hard.

“You’re either in totally or you move on, that’s where it is. That’s how it’s got to be with the playing squad and staff.

“You’re in or you’re out and to be in, you’ve got to do everything in your capabilities to give full power and effort.

“It’s been an awkward time for a lot of people but it’s nice to see so many people smiling, with the brand of football we’re trying to play.

“You’re on that run when momentum’s with you but you mustn’t get carried away. It happens at every level, things go against you sometimes and then you have to ask other questions.

“But I’ve got very good staff members behind me, a very good playing squad and a great fanbase. We’re all trying to take the club in the right direction.

“We’ll just take the games as they come along, put our work in on and off the field and hopefully we’ll get rewarded.”