Manager Dennis Kutrieb calls for Ebbsfleet United to reprise spirit shown in win at Oldham Athletic ahead of tough festive period

Ebbsfleet manager Dennis Kutrieb wants to see plenty of fight from his team before the turn of the year.

The Fleet remain in the National League relegation zone ahead of hosting promotion-chasing Barnet this Saturday.

They then face lowly York before a festive double-header against second-placed Bromley.

“We need to fight,” stated Kutrieb. “We need to leave everything on the pitch and make sure we show the desire to win a game of football like we did against Oldham.

“There are three games against opponents that are high in the table and York have changed since their new manager so it will be four tough games for sure.”

Ebbsfleet lost 3-2 at Barnet in August, a match most notable now for the knee injury sustained by Jack Wakely.

But it was an open game with chances at both ends and Kutrieb expects a similar challenge second time around.

“We know that Barnet are not the best in the defence and are very good going forward,” noted the Fleet boss.

“They press high, we know it will be high intensity and they want to get promoted. That’s what we need to be ready for.”

Kutrieb is hoping that their FA Trophy exit - despite a performance which saw plenty of chances created - does not have a negative impact.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if it did as every result affects you as a team, a player, an individual, a manager, as a fan, an owner,” he said.

“Everything that happens on the pitch affects you. We need to make sure we get ready as Barnet won’t be easier, they are definitely better than the opponent on Saturday and we weren’t able to beat them so we just need to make sure we make the right decisions, get the preparation right and get a better result.”

The injury sustained by defender Mustapha Olagunju has been described as “minor”