The last time Hartlepool came to the Kuflink Stadium, they appointed a new manager. Now it’s the Fleet’s turn as Harry Watling takes charge of his first match as Hartlepool return to Kent this Saturday.
Last time out
Despite going a goal down inside five minutes in midweek, Hartlepool United took the three points back to the north-east courtesy of goals from Anthony Mancini and Mani Dieseruwve in the second-half to end a period of four games without a win.
Previous affairs
Hartlepool had never beaten the Fleet until their latest visit in January when Mancini’s well-taken only goal of the game gave them the three points. The reverse fixture back in November saw two late goals with Hartlepool scoring what looked like the winner on 89 minutes but Dom Samuel’s league debut goal gave the Fleet a 2-2 draw.
Fleet won four of the first six meetings between the clubs, a run which included five clean sheets in that time.
Who’s who
Hartlepool have just signed goalkeeper Brad Young on loan from Leicester City to bring their number to three keepers – and deputy Adam Smith has just taken over in goal from regular No.1 Joel Dixon who was injured in a recent game.
In defence, full-back David Ferguson arrived at Victoria Road four years ago from York City. He has gone on to feature almost 200 times for Pools and has also played for the likes of Blackpool and Sunderland.
Anthony Mancini arrived from Accrington Stanley in 2023 was an influential substitute on Tuesday night and the French midfielder scored here last season. Attacking midfielder Joe Grey might be only 21 but he has played more than 100 games for the visitors and is amongst the goals this season.
Up front is the highly experienced Mani Dieseruvwe. The 29-year-old has enjoyed spells in the EFL for Tranmere Rovers, Oldham Athletic and Salford City. Most recently with FC Halifax Town, he has enjoyed two promotions from the National League.
The manager
Former Woking manager Darren Sarll took charge of Hartlepool after the short-lived reign of Kevin Phillips. It followed his departure from the Cards in November 2023 after he had led them to the play-offs for the first time in their history. Sarll has also managed the likes of Yeovil Town and was academy manager at Watford.
Club connections
Rakish Bingham spent a season at Hartlepool back in the 2015/16 season where he featured 34 times for the club, scoring four goals after an earlier loan spell. A recent signing up front for Hartlepool, striker Gary Madine, was at Blackpool under new Fleet assistant manager David Kerslake. And Lewis Page lined up alongside Hartlepool defender Manny Onariase when the pair were at West Ham together.
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 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.
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 Brewdog, Hofmeister and Iron Pier while our Prosecco bar can be 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.
