With two finals in successive years behind the Fleet, Josh Wright’s side embark on another GoCardless Kent Senior Cup season with a first ever competitive visit to Cray Valley (Paper Mills), managed by former skipper Steve McKimm.
The visit to the Artic Stadium is our first away draw in the competition since going to Folkestone in 2022 – Fleet have played eight county cup ties at the Kuflink Stadium since then.
Fleet warmed up for last season at the stadium in Eltham back in July 2024, winning 5-1 against the then Isthmian Premier newcomers.
Former Tonbridge boss McKimm has led quite the revolution at the Millers since his appointment in summer 2023. In his first season, the side lost only one league game as they coasted to the Isthmian South-East title with a +71 goal difference and a run to the First Round of the FA Cup where they held Charlton Athletic to a 1-1 draw at The Valley before bowing out in the replay.
Last season, their first at Step 3, Cray Valley finished in fourth place and just missed out on a play-off final thanks to a late Dartford revival in the semi-final.
The campaign so far in 2025/26 has been a little more tricky, with the Millers sitting in 16th place, having won three and lost five – and they were well beaten in an FA Cup replay by Tonbridge by 5-0. They have, however, emerged victorious in four of their last seven games in all competitions.
Former Fleet defender Marvel Ekpiteta is Cray Valley’s most familiar face while ex-Bromley midfielder Danny Waldren has returned to playing with the club after leaving his manager’s post at Beckenham Town.
Cray Valley have beaten Ashford this and last season in the Kent Senior Cup but last season lost in Round 2 at Dover.
Ticket and ground information
If the scores are level at the end of normal time, the match will go straight to penalties.
VENUE: THE ARTIC STADIUM, BADGERS SPORTS, MIDDLE PARK AVENUE, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 5HP
Please be aware the ground is situated within the new ULEZ zone so certain vehicles could be subject to charge. Limited parking at the ground, on a first come basis, although there is plenty of free street parking close by. Nearest train station is Eltham, about 20 minutes walk to the ground.
Admission:
Link to purchase tickets online
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Dashboard?clubId=324
Matchday Prices
Adults £14 * (£12 in advance),
Concessions 65+, 16/17 £7,
U16s Free (if accompanied by a paying adult or senior concession (max two)
Cash and Card accepted at the turnstile.
* Save £2 on Adult admission by purchasing in advance, up to midnight the day before kick-off, online via Fanbase
SUPPORTERS PLEASE NOTE: Alcohol, Musical Instruments including drums and air horns are not permitted to be brought into the ground.
PROGRAMME – £1.50
