Gravesend boss Andy Ford has no fears about Fleet's tough Christmas run-in, which sees them play five of their next six games away from home.

Their crucial 17-day Ryman Premier League spell starts this Saturday when they play at Boreham Wood and culminates in the revised game against league leaders Canvey Island.

Ford said: "I don't know how it's worked out that way with all the away games. But we don't fear away them as we're good on our travels and our away supporters are always very noisy.

"We do have some tough games coming up. Purfleet are always a difficult side to beat on their own ground and a point from Chesham would be a good result. But when you're in the top positions, you will get big games and that's what it's all about.

"I'd rather be playing the big games at the top than the big games at the bottom or the meaningless ones in mid-table.

"We look positive and things are going well. If we lose, it's not the end of the world because Canvey could lose as well."

Che Stadhart is Fleet's only injury worry and they have no suspensions for the always-crucial festive period.

Meanwhile, Fleet had their 19th victory out of the last 21 games in all competitions with a 2-0 win at home against Kingstonian on Saturday.

Eliot Martin scored a penalty in the 58th minute after captain Jimmy Jackson has been brought down in the box. And the points were in the bag when Jackson netted the second three minutes later.

Ford added: "It was quite tight in the first half, when both defences were in charge.

"We're needing to create four or five chances before taking one and we've got to be more clinical in front of goal. In the second half, once we got the penalty, it eased the tensions a bit."

l Fleet stages a disco on New Year's Eve. Families are welcome to the social club from 7.30pm until late. Call 01474 533796 for details of ticket prices and full details.

Forthcoming fixtures

Saturday, December 22

v Boreham Wood (away)

Wednesday, December 26

v Purfleet (away)

Saturday, December 29

v Chesham (away)

Tuesday, January 1

v Aldershot (home)

Saturday, January 5

v Heybridge Swifts (away)

Tuesday, January 8

Canvey Island (away)

December 20, 2001 14:30