Daish's Ebbsfleet side won the FA Trophy in 2008

Ebbsfleet boss Liam Daish has fired a warning to his players by demanding an instant improvement in form.

He told BBC Radio Kent: "I need to see players step up to the mark and show that they can play in this league.

"I'm not going to hang about for them. I've given them loyalty. I've given them a chance. They must do something about it."

The Fleet lie one place above the relegation zone in the Blue Square Bet Premier after just one win this season.

Daish's remarks came after Ebbsfleet lost 3-1 at home to Fleetwood Town, having led at half-time.

"We've got to show a bit more backbone and character," he continued.

"We've got to be quicker, stronger and stand up to people. We don't impose ourselves enough physically and it's too easy.

"Certain players need to grow up very quickly and realise that you're not going to get space and time. We've got to do better in everything we do."

I need men that will go there and not shirk a challenge, be up for it, take responsibility, physically fight, scrap, bite, scratch - anything Liam Daish

Ebbsfleet travel to mid-table Cambridge on Tuesday before a crucial trip to fellow strugglers Alfreton Town on Saturday.

And Daish issued a stern order for his team to respond to the weekend defeat.

"I've got boys. I need men that will go there and not shirk a challenge, be up for it, take responsibility, physically fight, scrap, bite, scratch - anything."

He added: "We're in this game to win. If you want to play it as a sport, you can go and join a local 5-a-side league and have a beer after and no-one gives a monkeys."

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