Following a difficult day for the Fleet squad and travelling supporters on Saturday, the reds are back in action within three days for the first of two consecutive home matches, with former National South promotion rivals Dorking Wanderers in town this Tuesday evening. Saturday’s defeat sent the Fleet to 14th place but still above Dorking Wanderers, who currently lie in 16th. 

Last time out under the lights Fleet gave a convincing performance to see off Aldershot Town and will be looking to harness the home form that has also defeated Kidderminster and York this season to return to winning ways.

Form Guide

Saturday’s match against Rochdale at Meadowbank saw the former EFL visitors claim the three points with a late comeback to break Dorking hearts as the Wanderers suffered their first defeat in five matches. Dorking’s last away trip was an outing to Halifax where they snatched the three points following a tight affair. Only two positions separate the two sides in the table going into Tuesday night but the recent form is where they differ. Fleet’s previous five matches have seen four points out of a possible 15 secured while Dorking, in trouble at the foot of the table early on, have picked up to double that with two wins, two draws and a defeat.

Head to head

This will be the fifth time the sides have faced each other, the most notable being the National League South promotion final in 2022 when Dorking of course equalised late and profited in extra-time. The Fleet are yet to beat Tuesday’s opponents – other than in a lockdown friendly – with a 1-1 draw at the Kuflink Stadium (Dorking’s only previous visit here) in 2022 the best return.

Who’s who

In goal is young England C keeper Harrison Male who may have conceded 13 goals to the Fleet for Worthing last season but otherwise has been one to catch the eye. He made the move to Meadowbank in the summer having spent the early part of his career in the youth ranks of Leeds United. His youth career also saw him represent England at the age of 14. 

In the midfield is Dan Gallagher, brother of Chelsea midfielder Conor. The reliable engine room and flair of Niall McManus, Matt Briggs and James McShane remain at the club as well.

Up front is Jason Prior. Dorking’s number nine is in his second spell at Meadowbank following a four-year spell during 2018–22 when he then moved back to Havant & Waterlooville for a season. Usually partnered by Alfie Rutherford, who is nearing a return from open-heart surgery, Dorking can also call on ex-Hungerford and NLS top scorer Ryan Seager.

After a fairly quiet summer, Dorking have added a couple of new faces in the last month or so, although one of them – ex-York defender Dan Pybus – is suspended. Tom Blair has come in from Havant and scored on Saturday while former St Albans defender Alex Lankshear – on loan from Blackpool – may have to slot in to cover injuries if he himself is fit.

The manager

Marc White is famously the founder, owner and manager of Dorking Wanderers. Since 1999, White has enjoyed 12 promotions in 23 seasons, jumping from the 17th tier to the fifth.

Club connections

Bobby-Joe Taylor – injury permitting – and Luke Moore make the return to the Kuflink as old Fleet boys while midfielder Aaron Kuhl won silverware alongside Craig Tanner in the Reading youth team. New signing and experienced defender Tony Craig also lined up with Joe Martin at Millwall.

Tickets

Tickets can be bought online here until kick-off (the match is segregated so please select HOME or AWAY options as necessary) and also on the day at our ticket windows. Car-parking is available for the special matchday price of £3 at Ebbsfleet International Car Park C. Programmes can be pre ordered online with your ticket or from our online 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.

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.

Turnstiles open at 6pm.