Ebbsfleet United defender Tyler Cordner says there’s still plenty to play for in National League relegation battle

Ebbsfleet defender Tyler Cordner doesn’t blame people who have written their season off already – but insists there’s still plenty to play for.

The Fleet are 13 points from safety at the halfway stage of the National League season after winning just one of their first 23 league games under three different managers.

But centre-back Cordner, who is on a season-long loan from York, hasn’t thrown in the towel.

“I’d say it’s been a long season but it’s not, it’s gone very quick,” reflected Cordner. “It’s been difficult but we can only look forward and try to change it.

“A lot of people have probably written us off already and, to be honest, I don’t blame them at all.

“But there’s a group of us and a manager who has come in, we believe in him and we believe in the group and hopefully, if we get everyone back fit, we’ll get a few results.

“Pride’s massive in the game, it’s desire, it’s heart, it’s winning. It means everything to you.

“As kids we grew up wanting to play football, you’ve got to give it your all or you end up losing the game.

“At the moment it feels like we’re defending more than we’re attacking, I don’t know whether that’s down to work-rate or a bit of heart, desire and aggression. It’s not been good enough.

“We’ve played two top teams in Gateshead and Barnet last week so when it comes to the games we’ve got to play, the teams down there and around us, then we need to get some results.”

The Fleet travel to a Southend side who themselves are lacking form at the moment on Boxing Day.

Expected to be among the title challengers this term, Southend are just seven points above the drop zone and have won just one of their last seven league games.

“No-one’s giving us a chance against anyone at the moment, and it’s only