It’s the second National League opposition of Fleet’s season in the 1pm kick-off Isuzu FA Trophy tie as Braintree Town visit in Round Three.
The visitors are currently just above the National League relegation zone with 20 points and seemed to be building some momentum with a run of victories, but their recent visit to The Shay ended in a heavy 4–0 defeat to FC Halifax Town.
Braintree’s fellow NL club Solihull Moors fell short to the Fleet in the final qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup back in October.
Head to head
This is the 28th meeting of the clubs and the third in the FA Trophy after two ties in 2014/15 saw Fleet win a replay 2-0 at Stonebridge Road following a 1-1 draw. Fleet have 14 wins to Braintree’s seven but only one of those wins has come in the last five meetings.
The most recent visit was one of those Iron wins with a John Akinde penalty the difference on that occasion – and the club fought out a goalless draw in Essex before that in the reverse fixture.
Who’s who
Terrell Works is on loan from Fulham, where he has caught the eye in the club’s academy ranks. Works is the current leading goalscorer for the Iron this season with four goals. His move to Braintree is his first chance of senior first-team football having played his entire career within the London club’s youth system.
John Akinde is a familiar face to Fleet fans having played for the club in the early stages of his career and won the Trophy with us. Akinde was snatched up by Bristol City before making a career with the likes of Wycombe Wanderers, Barnet, Lincoln City, Gillingham and most recently Colchester United. He has had to settle for a place on the bench over the last few weeks but could get a start in the Trophy.
Braintree will be without Frankie Terry, nephew of John, who has just returned to parent club Colchester United after his second loan stay at Cressing Road.
A reminder that the kick-off is at the earlier time of 1pm – gates and ticket windows will be open from 11am.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online in advance here. Supporters can also buy on the day at our ticket windows next to the stadium reception/entrance (but not at the turnstiles themselves).
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 11am. 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 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. Our four-pint pitchers can be used 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 from our online 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.
