Manager Dennis Kutrieb believes Ebbsfleet need at least five more wins before they can think about promotion. The Fleet moved 14 points clear at the top of National League South with just 11 games left to play following a 2-2 draw at Farnborough on Tuesday night.
They might need more to secure the title if nearest rivals Dartford hit a winning streak, and Kutrieb is keen to stress that the job is not over yet. “We could have easily lost the Farnborough game, and if other teams win their games then we’re in trouble,” said Kutrieb, whose side have 80 points from 35 matches. “We need to make sure we get the next one right.
If we win on Saturday then it looks a bit better as there’s just 11 games to go. But there’s still 33 points and if I’m good at maths then it means we’re not promoted. “We have to keep going as long as we can.
I would say we need a minimum five wins more. That’s definitely what we need as a minimum, maybe a few more, but just see the next game and try to get three points.” The Fleet boss feels his team are still learning lessons - and the heartache of their play-off final defeat at Dorking Wanderers last season is providing an additional motivating factor in the background. “It was nearly over on Tuesday, it was the 94th minute when Farnborough got the equaliser,” said Kutrieb. “Against Dorking it was 99th minute, it was almost done and almost over so it’s not over until it’s over - simple as that. “We’ve learned our lessons and we’ve got another lesson today, we have to do better.