With the National League Cup adding a fourth unbeaten game in the Fleet’s recent run of form, Josh Wright and his squad head back to league action this weekend at the Kuflink Stadium for the visit of Braintree Town.
Form guide
The Iron have lifted themselves into 19th place in the National League with recent wins over Solihull Moors and Dagenham & Redbridge, plus a 2-2 draw with Aldershot meaning defeat to Southend on New Year’s Day is their only loss in four games. However, those two wins were their only two in the last nine games.
Last time out
The Fleet picked up their first point of the season at the Cressing Road back in August in a goalless affair. That was where Dom Samuel picked up his broken-leg injury that saw him out of action for the following few months. Braintree’ last visit to the Kuflink Stadium came in the National League South when they lost 4-0 in September 2022. Their only win here came back in 2012.
New faces at Braintree
Jacob Pinnington and Aidan Francis-Clarke both joined the Iron on loan until the end of the season from Luton Town and have both featured twice since joining this month. Pinnington began his season on loan at Solihull Moors while Francis-Clarke enjoyed a successful loan spell in the South with St Albans City last season.
On loan from Ipswich is goalkeeper Henry Gray. Signing for Ipswich’s academy following an early career in New Zealand, Gray has also had a loan spell with Chelmsford City where he played 22 times for the National League South side. Gray replaces former Maidstone goalkeeper Lucas Covolan who, like Inih Effiong and Tariq Hinds, have exited the club since ex-manager Angelo Harrop also departed.
The manager
Newly appointed Steve Pitt was installed after the departure of Harrop, returning to Braintree after previously being Harrop’s assistant manager. He was previously a director of football at Billericay and Chelmsford, and has managed the likes of Clacton and Leiston.
Club connections
John Akinde returns for his first competitive match on his old ground since his departure in 2008.
Matchday information
Tickets can be purchased herewith prices rising at midnight by £1.
Car-parking is available for the special matchday price of £3 at Ebbsfleet International Car Park C. This is cash only and parking is available from 12pm. Please make sure you get a ticket from the steward in attendance and not from the ticketing machines which will not apply the discounted matchday price.
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 Hofmeister and Iron Pier, 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.
