Ebbsfleet manager Josh Wright wasn’t interested in playing mind games after naming only three substitutes on Saturday.

With five players injured and three suspended, the Fleet boss was down to the bare bones for their 1-0 win over Chesham in National League South.

Wright named goalkeeper Matt Hall, forward Dominic Samuel and wideman Harvey Walker on the bench, the latter coming on to score the winner.

But asked if he’s considered naming a bench of seven, even if he couldn’t use many of them, Wright responded: “No, not really. I just don't really see the point.

“If you can't use them, you can't use them to do their work. I named what I had available. I wasn't ever going to put anyone in any risk or stress that they don't need to.

“I know what I can use, whether that's an advantage to the opposition, whether that's an advantage to your next opposition, it doesn't really bother me because it's about us.

“It keeps me focused, knowing what's behind me and what I've got, and the group have shown that, and it's full credit to them.”

Midfielder Toby Edser picked up an injury in training on Friday to join those on the sidelines.

The Fleet boss also confirmed that keeper Hall had an outfield shirt made up for him, had he been required to come on.

Wright admitted that such limited resources meant it put more pressure on the players available, but it also meant they knew they had the opportunity to stake their claim and get game time under their belt.

“They know pretty much all of them are going to be playing 90 minutes if all goes well,” said Wright. “They know there's not much to come on and add to it, to freshen it up.

“But at the same time, people might have a bit of a buzz or thrive off that. It might make people relax a bit and it might make people a little bit more at it.

“Who knows? Everyone's different. But I have no qualms with this group, no matter what's thrown at them, what's asked of them, that they're going to answer, because that's what they're about. They're just an incredible bunch of human beings, an incredible team.

“I’m as proud as I could be of them. This is up there as one of my favourite results and my favourite days since I've been a manager because we've had to really dig deep there.

“If the players continue showing what we keep talking about, all these other sides to them and what it takes to win football games, then I'm sure we'll be okay.”

Wright also deserved credit for his use of the substitutes.

The introduction of Samuel created more space for Finlay Barnes to be instrumental in the final half-hour while Walker ended up scoring the winner.

“I thought Dom was brilliant when he came on,” said Wright. “He's getting back to his fitness and his strength.

“I thought he was brilliant and then Harvey's obviously come on and added that athleticism, pace, power, directness and he scored the goal.

“That's a positive that it has come off but that's the group again, that's what I'm working with, that's what I've signed and that's what I have in the building. When you've got that, you've always got a chance.”