The second match of 2024 gets under way on Saturday as the Fleet host Hartlepool United, the return fixture of the November clash that saw the points shared in dramatic final moments.
Form guide
A side with mixed form throughout the campaign, Hartlepool are 16th in the National League having suffered 15 defeats to their nine wins. Although they may be in the bottom half of the league table, striker Mani Dieseruvwe finds himself tied in sixth place in the goalscoring charts, along with Michael Cheek and the Fleet’s Dominic Poleon. Hartlepool’s last away visit was to AFC Fylde’s Mill Farm but they travelled back empty-handed and then crashed out of the Isuzu FA Trophy last week on penalties at home to National League South side Hampton & Richmond.
They have kept only one clean sheet despite a good start to the season and won one of their last eight games. A defeat at the Kuflink Stadium would see them only a single point clear of the Fleet in the table.
Last time out
The Fleet have never suffered a defeat against Saturday’s visitors although that record nearly came to an end at the Suit Direct Stadium until a last-gasp equaliser from Dominic Samuel earned a well-deserved point. The Fleet went behind early in the match, Dieseruvwe finding the back of the net with five minutes on the clock. Billy Clifford grabbed an equaliser minutes later. Hartlepool thought they found the winner through Jake Hastie in the 90th minute but Samuel grabbed his first goal in a Fleet shirt in the 95th minute. Hastie was suspended for this match but yesterday joined Hamilton Academical on a season-long loan.
New faces at the Suit Direct Stadium
Tom Parkes is a vastly experienced defender who joined Hartlepool on a permanent transfer from Livingston on the 8th January. Having spent a decade in the EFL with the likes of Bristol Rovers, Carlisle United and Exeter City, the 31-year-old is starting his first spell in the fifth tier.
Courtney Duffus has arrived on loan until the end of the season from League Two side Barrow. A former Everton academy striker, Duffus has also enjoyed spells at Yeovil and Bromley. He will probably feature with Dieseruvwe and Josh Umerah injured.
The manager
Lennie Lawrence is currently caretaker manager following the sacking of John Askey just after Christmas. It’s been 12 years since 76-year-old Lawrence last managed a side, following his caretaker role at Crystal Palace in 2012. Prior to this, he has managed the likes of Charlton, Middlesbrough, Cardiff City and Luton.
Club connections
This weekend’s matchday programme cover star Rakish Bingham spent a season at Hartlepool back in the 2015/16 season while striker Josh Umerah will return to the Kuflink Stadium this Saturday (though he has been injured), having made 30 appearances for the Fleet back in 2019/20. Umerah joined Hartlepool in 2022 from Wealdstone and has scored 14 goals in 61 appearances.
Ticket info
Tickets can be bought 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 1pm.
