It’s the last of four successive home games this Saturday as the Fleet renew ties with Maidenhead United at the Morrow Stadium, writes Libby O’Connell.
Form guide
It’s officially 10 games in now for Josh Wright’s squad, and also 10 games unbeaten. Tuesday saw the Fleet play another of their rescheduled games, to leave them now only a game or two behind the rest of their league competitors. The face-off against Horsham witnessed an impressive comeback from the Fleet, who were 1-0 down until the final 12 minutes. The first hour was a struggle to unlock a Horsham side that had a lead to protect before Lennon Peake levelled the game with less than 15 minutes to go, firing a ball towards the far post and into the net. Though a quick response from Horsham saw the Hornets go 2-1 up just minutes later, Charlie Seaman epitomised the never-say-die attitude with an equaliser in added time, his second goal in two substitute appearances.
Maidenhead are in the lower half of the table in 18th place, a rare position for them over the past decade. A rough spell of late has seen them suffer three losses in their last five games, with only one win. Though a big victory it was, 4-0 over Chesham in late September, their league games against Kent opposition since have been a 2-1 defeat to league leaders Maidstone last Saturday, and a 1-0 loss to Tonbridge the week prior. Before their break from league action for a brief FA Cup spell, which Fleet fans will remember well, there was a 2-2 draw against Billericay Town.
Last time out
Saturday’s game might be off to a more tense start than usual, as the two clubs have already faced each other this season. Back in September, of course, the pair met in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup. It was the Fleet who progressed to the next round in a 3-1 triumph, which saw goals from Peake, Finlay Barnes and Camron Gbadebo.
This also now makes it three victories in a row against Maidenhead for the Fleet, who won both games against them in the 2025/26 season, also scoring three goals on both those occasions. Three certainly seems to be a lucky number against the Magpies, but let’s see if the Fleet can make it four this Saturday.
Who’s who?
Former Fleet frontman Josh Coley is likely to make the squad list this Saturday, having returned to league action in early September after serving a one-match suspension following a red card. Since then, he’s added to the tally for Maidenhead, grabbing a goal back in their 2-1 defeat against Maidstone.
Whilst at the Fleet last season, he made 50 appearances and scored four goals – one of them against Maidenhead.
Another old boy is Josh Umerah who was top scorer and player of the year for the Magpies last season and he leads the way in this campaign with three goals. He departed the Fleet after the 2019/20 season and went on to play for multiple teams, including Hartlepool United and Dagenham & Redbridge. During his time with the Daggers, he also played alongside current teammate, and another ex-Ebbsfleet player and title winner, Christian N’Guessan. The Fleet connection doesn’t stop there, with former youth player Mathew Achuba also in the Magpies midfield this season.
Daniel Nkrumah is certainly a new name to watch out for. The 22-year-old forward signed for the Magpies ahead of this season after departing from Worthing, having spent the latter half on loan at Hampton & Richmond. He secured Maidenhead their first victory of the season, with his goal crucial in a 1-0 victory over Hemel Hempstead in August. He also scored within 15 minutes of entering the pitch in the side’s most recent victory, a 4-0 win over Chesham.
The manager
Ryan Peters officially took over as Maidenhead manager in May, after spending over a decade at the club in various roles, including as a player and assistant manager. He stepped into the interim role last season after Alan Devonshire’s departure and landed the permanent position ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
During his time in charge last season, he managed to take the Magpies from 13th to seventh in the league standings, with the team securing a play-off spot in the last game of the season. Maidenhead also finished with the best defensive record in the league, conceding just 41 goals across last seasons campaign. Peters played once on loan for the Fleet before his career took him to Margate, Braintree Town and Maidenhead.
The referee
Ethan Murray is a new name on the teamsheet as far as officials are concerned and he’s more used being in charge in th enorthern leagues, hailing as he does from Lancashire. He was promoted to this curent level in the summer.
Comentary/programmes
BBC Radio Kent are providing matchday commentary this weekend. Matchday programmes can be bought online here, or purchased in the club shop or just inside the home turnstiles.
