The Fleet’s Isuzu FA Trophy journey begins on home soil with a Kent derby against Sittingbourne, the first visit by the Brickies to us since 1997.
Form guide
The Fleet continued the unbeaten run on home soil with the derby win over Maidstone United nearly a fortnight ago, while a victory on the road at AFC Totton last weekend made it three straight league wins. In cup competition, the Fleet have lost only one tie in six so far this season.
Sittingbourne’s last five league matches have seen them on a poor run of form with one win and four defeats, most recently losing at midweek at Margate. That was their third loss in a row for the first time since January 2023. But with another Trophy run gathering steam, they should be backed by a sizeable following this weekend.
Sittingbourne’s journey in the FA Trophy
The Brickies had a memorable run in this competition last season as they reached the quarter-finals after beating four higher-ranked sides, including Southend at Roots Hall. They were evenutally knocked out by Trophy winners Aldershot Town.
Four victories in this competition so far this season has earned Sittingbourne this Second Round place, with Faversham Town, Crowborough Athletic, Hashtag United and Cray Valley (PM) all falling to the Swale club.
Who’s who:
Troy Howard is in his second spell with the club, on loan from Billericay Town. The dynamic wide player had an outstanding campaign for Sittingbourne last season, finding the net 15 times and adding 16 assists across all competitions. Pacy, creative and direct, he signed for Billericay in the summer but the Brickies are now looking to bring him back permanently. Howard has quickly become a key attacking threat and a fan favourite with his previous experience including spells with Deal Town and Hythe Town.
Jean-Baptiste Fischer signed from Hayes & Yeading. A versatile midfielder, he brings experience as former PSG youth captain in France. He spent time in college football in the USA before earning a move to Wycombe Wanderers. He later linked up with Sittingbourne boss Ryan Maxwell at Braintree, and also enjoyed a spell with Oxford City.
Former Fleet defender/wing-back Bagasan Graham (pictured below) skippers Sittingbourne having been at the club since 2022, while former Liverpool and Bournemouth man Jordon Ibe – who was with the Fleet during 2023/24 – signed for the Brickies last month. He made three appearances but has not been in the squad for the past two games.
The manager
Ryan Maxwell had a short spell with the Fleet as a player back in 2005. The Belfast-born midfielder also represented a number of clubs throughout his career, including Purfleet, Tonbridge Angels, Harlow Town and Whyteleafe, among many others. After hanging up his boots, he moved into management, taking on the role of player-manager at Walthamstow from 2018 to 2020 before spending two years in charge of Braintree Town in the National League South and he was in charge when the Iron beat the Fleet at Cressing Road in 2022. He was appointed manager of Sittingbourne in January 2023 and has taken them to two play-off campaigns, including the runners-up spot in the league last season.
Travel
Please be aware if you are using this route that there are major roadworks taking place from 10-28 November between the Pepperhill/Sainsbury’s roundabout and Springhead Parkway which has caused delays in surrounding roads.
Tickets
Match tickets can be purchased here with prices rising at midnight.
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 12:30pm. 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
The Rose Pub (1 Rose Street, DA11 9EQ) is open from 11am to home 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.
Segregation
As a result of safety advice, this match will be segregated. Sittingbourne fans will be allocated a section of the Swanscombe End and will have available a bar with non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages along with light refreshments and snacks, as well as a food stall that includes burgers, hotdogs, chips and more.
Fleet supporters will be allocated the Main Stand, Plough End, Geeks’ Corner and a section of the Swanscombe End and can enjoy the usual matchday drinks and refreshments facilities which include the Eat Street Van, the Social Bar, the Main Stand bar, food outlet, Main Stand Kiosk and Geeks’ Corner Kiosk around the home segregation area.
Programmes
Our Fleet Review programme can be pre-ordered for £2 online with your ticket, or through our online club shop here up until 10am on matchday. 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.
