Liam Daish

Gateshead v Ebbsfleet

Gateshead host Ebbsfleet on Saturday in an all important clash, with both teams hoping to get one over their relegation rivals.

The Tynesiders will look to build on the home win against Barrow on Tuesday. Assistant manager Jeff Wrightson is looking for a better performance against the Fleet.

"We are looking for the same determination and effort with a bit more quality," Wrightson told his club's official website."I am looking for an improvement on Tuesday's performance all across the park but with the same outcome - a Gateshead victory." he added.

The Tynesiders may still be without captain Kris Gate who is close to fitness but may not be risked just yet. James Curtis is expected to be partnered in the centre of defence by either Rikki Bains or Wayne Buchanan. Steven Richardson is fit again and will be hoping for a place on the bench while Wayne Phillips is still injured.

Ebbsfleet will be bouyed by their win last Saturday against high flying York. Having gone 15 games without a win and being mired in the relegation zone, the Fleet have seen a decent run of form lift them up the table. Player of the Month for January, Magno Vieira, will once again be a threat up front with strike partner Moses Ashikodi.

Fleet coach Liam Daish expects the encounter at the International Stadium to be hard fought.

"Gateshead are another good team and it will be tough up there as they have the experience of Daryl Clare who can score goals in their side."

Clint Easton is likely to miss out for the Fleet having gone off injured against York after an elbow to the face.