It’s been 43 years since the Fleet last hosted Boston United who have been up to the Football League, down to the Northern Premier and now back at National League level in all that time. And Saturday’s match adds plenty to play for with both sides together at the foot of the table and looking for those crucial points on the board.
Form guide
Earlier in the week, Boston suffered a 4-0 defeat at Oldham Athletic but prior to that, the Pilgrims picked up their first win since the beginning of September against Braintree Town which gave new boss Graham Coughlan the bounce effect in his first game. Boston have enjoyed a couple of impressive away victories this season despite their league position, winning at York and Sutton.
Who’s who
Aidan Stone is in goal for Boston, on loan from Notts County since regular No.1 Cameron Gregory broke his jaw in September. Ex-England Schoolboy Stone played for the likes of Mansfield and Port Vale.
Defender and skipper Michael Bostwick had an excellent single season with the Fleet in 2007/08 and was part of our famous FA Trophy winning side, scoring the clinching goal in the semi-final at Aldershot. Bostwick went on to win the Trophy again with Stevenage and has plenty of promotions since with the likes of Peterborough United and Lincoln City, as well as Boston’s play-off win last season. He faces a late fitness test having taken a knock at Oldham in midweek.
Boston’s top scorer is Jacob Hazel who has seven goals this season after helping fire the side to promotion last year. Arriving from Darlington where he scored 23 goals in two seasons, Hazel heads into his second season with Boston.
The manager
Newly recruited Graham Coughlan will take charge of his third match for Boston. Previously manager of Newport County and Bristol Rovers, the 50-year-old replaced promotion-winning manager Ian Culverhouse who has just landed the St Albans job.
Matchday information
Tickets can be purchased here with prices rising at midnight by £1.
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 12pm. 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.
Supporters are reminded that alcohol will not be permitted to be consumed within view of the pitch and that matches will be segregated as required at the Swanscombe End (or the far end of it). Please cooperate with the instructions of our security team and stewards.
Away supporters
Website : visitors’ guide
Away fans are allocated a section of the Swanscombe End and a number of priority seats in the Old Stand. Access is via the turnstiles at the Swanscombe End, situated to the left of the main entrance along Stonebridge Road and then up through the car-park.
Away fans have access to refreshments, food and a bar in the Swanscombe End. Our popular Eat Street van will be available for food (hot dogs and burgers) and beverages. Beers on tap include Hofmeister and Iron Pier, found in the away facility, clearly visible between the standing terrace and seating area. Both non-alcoholic and alcoholic refreshments along with sausage rolls and pasties can also be found in this bar.
Programmes
Programmes can be pre-ordered online with your ticket, or through our online club shop here. In the ground, you can purchase in the club shop, just past the main home turnstiles, at the Plough End social club and for away fans in the Old Sponsors Lounge/portakabin bar. Please note, pre-ordered programmes must be collected from the club shop at the main reception entrance BEFORE entering the ground.
