LANCE Cronin claims Tottenham keeper Heurelho Gomes inspired him to pull off a crucial penalty save in Ebbsfleet’s 3-2 win over Eastbourne yesterday.

Cronin played a big part in grabbing the victory after blocking a Simon Weatherstone spot kick in the second half and then making three crucial saves to ensure a vital victory.

The keeper refused to reveal his routine for saving penalties but suffice to say he was happy with his save which drew comparisons in the press box to Tottenham custodian Heurelho Gomes, who saved two spot kicks in Spurs’ 3-1 defeat at Sunderland.

He said: “I watched the game the other day when he saved two, so I was really happy. “I’ve got a little routine I do on penalties but I can’t really give it away.

“The wind was picking up towards the end as well and they were putting some decent balls in to be fair but all of us at the back dealt well today with the wind.”

Cronin believes Ebbsfleet can beat the drop after yesterday’s welcome success.

Fleet remain second bottom after the victory but are two points behind Borough who occupy the fourth from bottom spot which guarantees Blue Square Premier football next season.

Cronin, who has amassed more than 150 appearances since signing for Ebbsfleet in 2006, has seen it all having been part of the Fleet side which won the FA Trophy at Wembley in 2008 but now is playing in squad which is struggling for survival.

“It’s been a bit up and down since I’ve been here,” he said.

“We’ve had the highs and now we’re down the bottom we’re having the lows so we’ve got to graft it out but what we’ve got in the dressing room we’re not a relegation side. We won’t go down.”

But while he believes six points will be enough to secure Ebbsfleet’s safety, Cronin knows Fleet face a tough task when they travel to play-off chasing Rushden on Saturday.

He added: “They are flying at the minute.

“Speaking to a few of their boys they said they’re playing really well so we know it’s going to be a difficult game but if we get a draw or a win I think we’ll be alright.”

But if Rushden watch a video of Ebbsfleet’s performance, they will know they will have to do something special to beat Cronin from 12 yards.