Tom Bonner believes the support from travelling Fleet fans could prove pivotal in the National League South clash with Sutton on Saturday.

Daryl McMahon’s side travel to Sutton knowing a victory will see them re-establish their lead at the top of the table.

However, a home win could put an end to Ebbsfleet’s hopes of sealing automatic promotion to the highest tier of non-league football.

With free coach travel arranged, the club expect a huge away following and Bonner believes the fans could make the difference.

“The support from the fans will be massive,” Bonner said.

“It could make the difference in a close game. They have been unbelievable all season and deserve a lot of credit.”

Early pace setters Fleet have seen their lead at the top of the table swept away by a Sutton side who have not lost a league game since early November.

Bonner insists Sutton deserve credit for their run, but says the Fleet camp are confident of taking all three points from Gander Green Lane.

He said: “They’ve been on a fantastic run and full credit goes to them.

“But we are confident that we can beat them on the day. We know we are as good as anyone in the league when we are at our best, hopefully we can put a performance in and get the three points.

“We are all looking forward to it. We’ve been at the top for a long time and want to stay there.

“The last two results and performances have been good so we will go there full of confidence – if we play like that we can pick up a result.”

The Fleet go into the match on the back of a 3-1 win over Chelmsford and a 5-0 thrashing against Hayes & Yeading.

In-form forward Matt Godden has scored seven goals in the last four games and Bonner admits it is a boost to play alongside him.

“He’s on fire at the moment and it’s great to play with someone in that form. He just gets a sniff at goal and seems to put it away, hopefully he keeps it going against Sutton,” Bonner said.

“The Sutton defence will have to be on their toes to keep him out.

“These games are the reason why you play football – it’s a massive game and hopefully we get a result.”

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