The Fleet return to competitive action at the Kuflink Stadium after four months and start with the title favourites Barnet as both sides look to get their first points on the board after defeats on the road last weekend.
Head to Head
Last season the Fleet travelled to Barnet on August Bank Holiday which became a battle between the two strikers – Nicke Kabamba coming out on top by scoring a hat-trick to Dom Poleon’s two. Both men are still with their respective sides this time around. The return fixture in December saw the Fleet secure a valuable point in the survival push with an own goal enough to earn a 1-1 draw.
Barnet have failed to win in their three previous visits to the Kuflink Stadium with two wins and a draw for the Fleet, including two clean sheets.
Summer business
Fleet fans will be more than familiar with two of head coach Dean Brennan’s latest additions, Myles Kenlock and Billy Clifford arriving at The Hive during the summer. Further additions to the Bees include 6ft 4in goalkeeper Nick Hayes from Ipswich Town. The 25-year-old spent the second half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Solihull Moors where he helped the Birmingham side to Wembley on two occasions and before that he was at Southend United. Those are just a few of plenty of new faces brought in by Brennan.
Last time out
The Bees made the trip to Yorkshire where they faced FC Halifax Town in their league opener but they headed back to London empty-handed. Ben Coker equalised for Barnet but the visitors gave up the points to a side who “were a little bit better than us in both boxes” according to Brennan.
The manager
Dean Brennan heads into his fourth season in charge of the Bees and he has since overseen more than 150 matches. Previous managerial roles include Wealdstone, Kingstonian, Billericay Town and Hemel Hempstead, winning league title with two of those clubs.
Club connections
Fleet keeper Mark Cousins knows a thing or two about Saturday’s opponents having spent the 2018/19 season at The Hive, while an 18-year-old Josh Wright had a loan spell in League Two with the Bees in 2007/08. New signing Wes Fonguck was a big part of Barnet’s recent past, too, making almost 150 appearances before his move to Southend.
Ticket info
Tickets can be purchased here with prices rising at midnight by £1.
Car-parking is available for the special matchday price of £3 at Ebbsfleet International Car Park C.
Supporters are reminded that alcohol will not be permitted to be consumed within view of the pitch and that matches will be segregated as required at the Swanscombe End (or the far end of it). Please cooperate with the instructions of our security team and stewards.
Away supporters
Website : visitors’ guide
Away fans are allocated a section of the Swanscombe End and a number of priority seats in the Old Stand. Access is via the turnstiles at the Swanscombe End, situated to the left of the main entrance along Stonebridge Road and then up through the car-park.
Away fans have access to refreshments, food and a bar in the Swanscombe End. Our popular Eat Street van will be available for food (hot dogs and burgers) and beverages. Beers on tap include Brewdog, Hofmeister and Iron Pier while our Prosecco bar can be found in the away facility, clearly visible between the standing terrace and seating area. Both non-alcoholic and alcoholic refreshments along with sausage rolls and pasties can also be found in this bar.
Programmes
Programmes can be pre-ordered online with your ticket, or through our online club shop here. In the ground, you can purchase in the club shop, just past the main home turnstiles, at the Plough End social club and for away fans in the Old Sponsors Lounge/portakabin bar. Please note, pre-ordered programmes must be collected from the club shop at the main reception entrance BEFORE entering the ground.
