Ebbsfleet assistant manager David Kerslake was impressed by stand-in keeper Lucas Covolan off the pitch - as well as on it.

The 33-year-old former Maidstone goalkeeper was drafted into action by Fleet boss Josh Wright with first-choice Mark Cousins and on-loan Felix Goddard unavailable at the weekend.

Although Covolan was unable to prevent title-chasing York collect a flattering 2-0 win at Stonebridge Road, he produced a solid display between the sticks.

“He's come in and he’s a big character,” said Kerslake. “He sat in the office with us on Friday and asked all the right questions.

“He wanted to go through the analysis, he’s watched back us play over the last three or four games, asking the manager how we want to play, when we want to go long or not.

“The game was never going to faze him. He took up aggressive positions and it was a real top performance from him.”

Cousins is expected to be available on Tuesday night when the Fleet host Forest Green, another top-three side, at Stonebridge Road.

Forest Green lost at Braintree on Saturday and manager Steve Cotterill will expect an immediate response.

Kerslake warned: “They're another really big, powerful side.

“They're good on the ball, they can mix it as well. They can go route one and have good players all over the pitch.

“I've taken great heart in our recent performances. We'll be more in the match for them. Steve, no doubt, would have watched this game.

“He'll be watching this game and he'll know that we're putting up a big fight. They'll come here, it'll be a tough game, but we'll be ready.”