Ebbsfleet United manager Harry Watling prepared to tinker with formation in quest for clean sheets

Ebbsfleet manager Harry Watling insists that he’s ready to change if it means he can get more clean sheets.

After enjoying victory in his first match in charge, Watling has seen his side give away cheap goals in defeats at Sutton and Maidenhead.

It means Ebbsfleet have just one win in 11 National League games - and no team in the league have conceded more goals.

“My big statement when I came in was I saw what I did on that Tuesday night against Aldershot, I saw a little bit of character and personality but I also see a team that lacked a bit of cutting edge and needed to score a goal,” said Watling.

“We managed to do that against Hartlepool, and we’ve scored three goals since but we’ve conceded too many at the other end.

“I’ve got to tighten things up at the back and look for a formula, a short-term fix to try and get us through the next couple of games and search for a clean sheet. It’s a big challenge.

“We’re scoring in every game. I’ve been here for three games, we’ve scored in every game, but we’ve conceded too many.

“We need to search for those clean sheets. I’ve got to discuss with the staff and the players about a system and a formula where we feel a little bit more comfortable at the back. The principles of what we want to do will always stay the same, systems and formations can always change.

“I’ve played a back four the whole time. It’s got to be what fits, round pegs and round holes. The game of football is a mentality game as well.

“It’s about learning as you go, what suits the players, what are they more comfortable with and going from there.

“It’s not going to be keys in the box and see what one comes out, it’s not going to be a coin toss. It’s going to be a proper discussion - let’s look at where the