Sutton United’s winning streak has its roots in far more than what fans see on the pitch, says midfielder Craig Eastmond.

The former Colchester man’s playing relationship with Bedsente Gomis has been hailed by boss Paul Doswell as key to United’s fine form.

There may be an element of truth in Doswell’s assumption because since the pair joined forces in the 1-0 win over Gosport Borough in September, United have lost just four times in 22 games.

However, Eastmond points towards a healthy team spirit and insists United can push National League South leaders Ebbsfleet all the way.

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“It’s all down to the way we’re grafting on the field and in training,” he said.

“We have a really good team spirit and we’ve bonded really well, everyone is coming together and realising we can push Ebbsfleet.

“As long as we put in the graft both on the field and off it, then who knows?”

Speaking after the scrappy FA Trophy win over Curzon Ashton where Jamie Collins’ close-range strike sent United in to the last 16, Eastmond added: “Bedsi and I work well together. He is more of an attacker midfielder, and I am more defensive, so he has more licence to go forward and he knows I am always going to be sitting in behind him.

“I can pick up the pieces, give the ball to him and he can move forward and begin an attack and get in the box.”