With the 2013-14 kick-off only a few days away, some of our rivals in the race to the Skrill Premier may not be familiar to everybody so here is an introduction of rivals old and new who we will be meeting this season. The figures in italics represent number of games against the Fleet / first meeting / last meeting.
[button color=”blue” link=””]BASINGSTOKE TOWN[/button]
Formed in 1896 they first crossed our path in the Southern League in 1972 and we have now met them 21 times, the last of which was in 2011. One of only two clubs to have taken part in each season of Conference South since its 2004 formation. 21 / 1972 / 2011
[button color=”black” link=””]BATH CITY[/button]
Formed in 1889 and once a giant of non league missing out by just three votes to Wigan for a place in the Football League in 1978. 65 / 1947 / 2012
[button color=”blue”]BISHOP’S STORTFORD[/button]
Founded in 1874 the ‘honorary northerners’ have returned down south after two years of travelling to the far flung outposts of Workington and Blyth. 10 / 1988 / 2011
[button color=”black” link=””]BOREHAM WOOD[/button]
Gradually climbed the pyramid since their 1948 formation and appear comfortable playing somewhere between the Conference South and Isthmian Premier level. Their signings of Calum Willock and Ricky Shakes, plus Fleet’s BW old boys Osei Sankofa and Daryl McMahon, should give this fixture an edge. 12 / 1998 / 2011
[button color=”grey” link=””]BROMLEY[/button]
Formed in 1892 and regular cup opponents – although league games have been relatively few and far between. 30 / 1948 / 2011
[button color=”red” link=””]CHELMSFORD CITY[/button]
Formed in 1938 – like Bath we played them in our inaugural season and have done so regularly ever since. Certain to be in the promotion mix again this season. 80 / 1946 / 2011
[button color=”blue” link=””]CONCORD RANGERS[/button]
Who would ever have expected to visit Canvey Island again so soon and not against the familiar opposition. Only founded in 1967 the ‘Beachboys’ have risen rapidly. No previous meetings.
[button color=”black” link=””]DORCHESTER TOWN[/button]
Another side formed in the Victorian days of 1880. One of a clutch of clubs in the Dorset/Hampshire area and like Basingstoke have appeared in every Conference South season. 29 / 1972 / 2011
[button color=”grey” link=””]DOVER ATHLETIC[/button]
No introduction needed to the team who will be one our keenest rivals under the wily Chris Kinnear – especially after the large exchange of players between the sides. Formed in 1983 from the ashes of Dover FC. 26 / 1986 / 2011
[button color=”red” link=””]EASTBOURNE BOROUGH[/button]
Founded in 1964 as Langney Sports in the Eastbourne and Hastings League, they have climbed a long way since – right up to the Conference National. 7 / 2005 / 2010
[button color=”blue” link=””]EASTLEIGH[/button]
Founded in 1946 as Swaythling Athletic changing their name to the present one in 1980 and began their climb up the pyramid. Signings such as Stuart Fleetwood signal their intent. Ones to watch for promotion. 2 / 2011 / 2011
[button color=”blue” link=””]FARNBOROUGH[/button]
Formed in 1967 and had a see-saw ride that had plenty of success and failure with financial problems often raising their head, leading to them reforming in 2007. 17 / 1991 / 2011
[button color=”blue” link=””]GOSPORT BOROUGH[/button]
Formed in 1944 and were regular visitors in the 1980s before dropping down the leagues during the 1990s – but now coming back strong again. 10 / 1982 / 1986
[button color=”grey” link=””]HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE [/button]
The two teams combined in 1998 with both sides having been former rivals of ours in our Southern League days. 3 / 2006 / 2011
[button color=”red” link=””]HAYES & YEADING[/button]
Again two former clubs combining in the same year of 1998 and one of seven clubs in the division who have played in the Conference National. 5 / 2009 / 2012
[button color=”black” link=””]MAIDENHEAD UNITED[/button]
Formed in 1919 from the amalgamation of Maidenhead and Maidenhead Norfolkians. They were our first ever opponents in this division. 7 / 1973 / 2010
[button color=”blue” link=””]STAINES TOWN[/button]
Formed in 1892 and have rarely crossed our path as they marched up through the Isthmian League. 4 / 1975 / 2011
[button color=”orange” link=””]SUTTON UNITED[/button]
Another side formed in the Victorian days – 1898. Always remembered for their FA cup victory over Coventry in 1989. Never a side to underrate – they have former Fleet favourite Steve McKimm on their books. 12 / 1962 / 2002
[button color=”blue” link=””]TONBRIDGE ANGELS[/button]
Founded in 1947 and reformed in 1976, they have been regular rivals through the years and our last opponents in our ill-fated 2012/13 campaign. 82 / 1948 / 2013
[button color=”grey” link=””]WESTON-SUPER-MARE[/button]
Founded in 1899 and have produced some good performances and creditable finishing places over the last few seasons. 4 / 2004 / 2011
[button color=”red” link=””]WHITEHAWK[/button]
Founded in 1945 and hoping to change their name to Brighton City in 2014. They have risen rapidly up the pyramid in the last couple of seasons. No previous meetings
