Performance levels can’t drop now – that’s the message from Ebbsfleet United boss Kevin Watson.

The Fleet made it back-to-back away wins in the National League at Hartlepool last weekend.

Watson’s men visit play-off hopefuls FC Halifax in a televised Saturday clash (kick-off 5.20pm) looking to make it a hat-trick of victories.

“That's how it's got to be from now until the end of the season,” demanded Watson.

“If that doesn't give us confidence then nothing will.

“Hartlepool is a difficult place to go at the best of times. We only had 16 fit players so it was a fantastic effort.

“It puts things in a different light at the bottom now. We've won four out of seven and we're doing okay – we just need to carry that on again.

“It will be tough against Halifax but we'll do our homework and come up with a game plan.

“The boys carried it out perfectly against Hartlepool, they did exactly what we asked of them. When we needed to be compact, we were.

“I won't tell the players what the other scores are before the game. I'll know the other results but they won't.”

While Ebbsfleet were able to complete the signing of Michael Timlin, there has been no official announcement that their transfer embargo has been lifted.

That means a replacement for Adam Mekki, after he was recalled from his loan spell by Bromley last week, seems unlikely.

Mekki’s departure is a major blow for Fleet, who were just starting to see the best of the winger having been forced to play him in various positions.

Frankie Sutherland (groin) is expected to make the trip but there are doubts over Andre Blackman (calf) and Alex Lawless (ribs).

Lawless picked up his injury in training and Watson added: “It's unfortunate for him, he's lost a lot of football this year but I think he's a really good player.”

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