Ebbsfleet could climb into the National League play-offs on Saturday when they face fallen giants Chesterfield.

Fleet were 17th just over two months ago but they’ve won five of their last six matches and have only lost once in 12.

They’re the division’s form team and head north just three points outside the top seven.

Manager Garry Hill said: “There’s a code going forward of commitment, competition in the squad and consistency with the results and the performances. I think we’re seeing that at the moment.

“We’ve got a lot to play for in the last 18 league games. We’re going to hit a spell – every club does at every level.

“We’re not the finished article, we know that, and there are teams and squads bigger and better than ours at the present time but we’ll take a view over the coming weeks and see what comes out of it.”

Hill has won 20 points from a possible 27 since replacing Daryl McMahon in November.

It’s a record to be proud of but tougher tests lie in wait and the manager is staying grounded.

“You know what this game’s like,” he said. “I’ve been in the game a long time and I’ve built a reputation for the right reasons.

“We know what the target’s been since me and Ian Hendon have come into the club if we want to have an opportunity to be competitive in the second half of the season.”

Chesterfield, in League 1 two years ago, are fighting against a third successive relegation.

Hill said: “It’s a sad state of affairs when you see a well-respected Football League club going through this period but I’m sure they’ll sort themselves out.”