Chelmsford City cross the river this evening for the Kuflink Stadium’s first game under the lights as it hosts two sides yet to concede a goal in the league this season.
Form guide
Back to back wins and clean sheets for the Fleet have made it a positive start to the season, with Aaron Cosgrave’s winner on Saturday sealing the win over Chippenham. Chelmsford also remain unbeaten and their start has seen them secure an opening day victory against Horsham and a goalless draw on Saturday away at Weston-super-Mare. They also recorded clean sheets in their last three friendly matches.
Head-to-head
Last time the two sides met in the National League South, the Fleet secured the double. A 1-0 victory away from home in February 2023 was matched by a 2-0 win on home soil the month before (pictured) as Fleet won the title and Chelmsford made it into the play-offs.
The Fleet and Chelmsford aren’t far off 100 meetings with the Fleet just edging the head-to-head in the number of wins. Chelmsford’s last win at Stonebridge Road was 10 years ago under the lights in the FA Cup and they also won their league visit here in 2015.
Summer signings
Chelmsford began a busy summer transfer period with a statement signing as Jack Barham of Aldershot Town joined after helping his previous side to FA Trophy glory at Wembley. Barham also played for Kent rivals Maidstone United (winning the title in 2022) and Dartford before making the move to Aldershot.
Another new face, though one familiar to Fleet fans, is goalkeeper Chris Haigh. The 28-year-old featured 28 times for the Fleet during his three-season spell with the club. He spent last season with Worthing and is now back in Essex where he previously played for Concord Rangers and Heybridge Swifts. In defence, Harry Barbrook rejoined the Clarets on a permanent deal from Ipswich Town following a successful loan spell last season.
Chelmsford’s big-news signing was Lyle Taylor from Colchester United but along with another new face, Tom Lapslie, they are yet to have reached the fitness levels to make an appearance so far.
The manager
Chelmsford announced Angelo Harrop as manager on a two-year deal last March and he took over in the summer. The 37-year-old spent three seasons with Braintree Town where he guided them to promotion in 2024, defeating Chelmsford in the play-offs along the way.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online in advance here with prices rising at midnight. Supporters can also buy on the day at our ticket windows next to the stadium reception/entrance (but not at the turnstiles).
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 6:00pm. 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.
The Rose pub
A reminder that The Rose Pub (1 Rose Street, DA11 9EQ) is open to home and away supporters. Located close to both the ground and Northfleet and Ebbsfleet stations, it’s an ideal venue for that pre- and post-match drink with food available throughout the day.
Food and drink
Our popular Eat Street van will be available for food (hot dogs and burgers) and beverages. Our Main Stand Kiosk and Geeks Corner Kiosk will be stocked with pies, pasties and sausage rolls along with light snacks, soft drinks plus tea and coffee.
Alcoholic drinks can be purchased in the social bar (located in front of the turnstiles) and the Main Stand Lounge bar. Beers on tap include Fosters, Cruzcampo, Brixton Reliance, Inchs Cider and Moretti.
At the Kuflink Stadium once again is Lowrise lager and Pale Ale. This can be purchased at an exclusive pop-up bar located next to the German bratwurst grill as well as inside the social bar and the Main Lounge.
Ice-cold four-pint pitchers are also being introduced for you to enjoy. Please note they can be used only in the Main Stand Lounge bar, the Social Club and the area behind it. Please do not bring pitchers into the Main Stand, the Plough End or the Geeks/Swanscombe End terraces.
Programmes
Our Fleet Review programme 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 turnstiles and at the Plough End social club. Please note, pre-ordered programmes must be collected from the club shop at the main reception entrance BEFORE entering the ground. Please also be aware that pre-orders for matchday programmes will cut off at 3pm.
