The Kuflink Stadium opens for league business with the visit of Chippenham Town for the first home game of the Enterprise National League South campaign.
Opening weekend
The Fleet were off to a flying start in last weekend’s visit to Dagenham & Redbridge, securing three points and a clean sheet on the road. Kwesi Appiah opened the scoring with just four minutes on the clock and Tom Dallison headed home the second in the final 10 minutes in front of 307 Fleet fans at Victoria Road.
Chippenham started their opening match well with Harry Parsons bagging a brace inside the first 20 minutes to put the hosts in front against last season’s play-off qualifiers Dorking Wanderers. The Bluebirds held on to their two-goal advantage through to the hour mark before Brennan Camp pulled one back for the visitors and the points were eventually shared after Alfie Rutherford secured a late equaliser. Goalscorer Parsons was stretchered off in that game so could be a doubt for this one.
Head-to-head
The last time the Fleet hosted Saturday’s opponents was back on the opening day of the 2022/23 campaign (pictured below) when three goals helped take the three points – Greg Cundle, Toby Edser and Darren McQueen all on the scoresheet to see off 10-man Chippenham, who lost Mat Jones to a first-half red card.
Chippenham haven’t won a league game against the Fleet in their previous six attempts but did win an FA Cup tie here on penalties back in 2020.
Who’s who
Reece Fleet is a well-known name in the National League pyramid after spending eight seasons with Oxford City. The 33-year-old racked up more than 400 appearances for the National League North side with 14 goals to his name, one of them against us in 2021/22. The midfielder also featured for Solihull Moors after breaking through the Birmingham City academy.
Will Henry is heading into his fifth season with the club, having made more than 200 appearances and he has kept 50 clean sheets during his time. During his early career, Henry played for the likes of Swindon Town, Gloucester City and Hereford before finding a more permanent home at Chippenham.
Tom Owens-Evans is a midfielder who made the switch from Kidderminster Harriers to Chippenham ahead of the 2023/24 season. Since his debut the 28-year-old has scored nine goals in 61 appearances for the Bluebirds.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online in advance here with prices rising at midnight. Supporters can also buy on the day at our ticket windows next to the stadium reception/entrance, not at the turnstiles.
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
A reminder that 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.
Debuting at the Kuflink Stadium is Lowrise lager and Pale Ale. This can be purchased at an exclusive pop-up bar outside the social club, as well as inside the bar and the Main Lounge.
Ice-cold four-pint pitchers are also being introduced from this weekend for you to enjoy. Please note they can be used only 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 through our online club 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.
There’s also still time to reserve your copy every home game with our programme season subscription here.
