The old year is almost behind us and the Fleet turn to the new one with Dagenham & Redbridge – the only team in the division we have still to play – the visitors for the New Year’s Day game.
Form guide
The Daggers have failed to win away from home in the National League since 21st September with a 1-0 victory over Hartlepool – the same scoreline and opposition as the Fleet’s last win on home soil. Success away from Victoria Road for Dagenham, however, has come in the Emirates FA Cup against EFL opposition AFC Wimbledon.
Dagenham are 16th in the National League, with seven wins so far in the campaign.
Previous affairs
There have been plenty of battles between the two sides, most recently on Easter Monday when Billy Clifford’s late goal secured a valuable point for the Fleet at Victoria Road, while Dagenham secured the three points at the Kuflink Stadium in similar fashion – that late goal coming from Charley Kendall, now at Southend. The last time the clubs were joined at New Year was in 2019/20 when a 1-1 draw opened the new year at Stonebridge Road.
Who’s who?
Elliott Justham is the Daggers captain and long-standing No.1 goalkeeper. He joined the club after being released by Luton Town at the end of the 2015/16 season. Justham is a multiple-winner of the player of the year award and has played more minutes for the Daggers than any other current squad member.
The goalkeeper previously played for Waltham Forest, Leyton, Redbridge, Brentwood Town, East Thurrock United and Luton where he made his Football League debut for the Hatters at AFC Wimbledon in 2014.
Luca Woodhouse was one of the summer signings after the left-sided defender agreed a loan deal from Wycombe Wanderers until January 1st – making tomorrow’s fixture against the Fleet potentially his final match for the Daggers. Woodhouse, a teammate of former Fleet loanee Declan Skura, has featured 14 times this season with one goal along the way.
Josh Rees joined the Daggers in June 2023 following the expiry of his contract at Boreham Wood, where he spent two seasons. He was the club’s leading goalscorer last season from midfield and has played against the Fleet for the likes of Bromley and Chelmsford City previously.
Finally, top scorer Dion Pereira has enjoyed a good season with nine goals so far. The former Luton Town wide player spent last season on loan at Sutton and then Dagenham, signing permanently for the Daggers in the summer.
The manager
Following their Boxing Day defeat, Dagenham announced the departure of ex-player Ben Strevens after two years at the club, with assistant manager Lewis Young taking temporary charge. The former Crawley Town defender spent seven years in Sussex as a player featuring over 200 times during his spell. Young is the brother of Everton player, Ashley Young.
Club connections
Christian N’Guessan spent two seasons at the Kuflink Stadium during which he won the National League South title with the Fleet. Josh Umerah has struck five goals for the Daggers this season, having spent 2019/20 in a Fleet shirt while Jake Hessenthaler, son of Andy, is Gravesend-born. For the home side, Lewis Page spent last season at Dagenham while Mark Cousins had four years with the Daggers.
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.
