The Fleet return to the Kuflink Stadium after a two-week absence this Saturday to take on table toppers Hornchurch who have former players Darren McQueen, Giles Phillips, Myles Weston and Dave Winfield in their squad as well as an ex-Ebbsfleet staff of Daryl McMahon, Steve Gritt and Michael Jordan.
Form guide
Josh Wright’s side secured a point and a clean sheet under the lights at Hemel on Tuesday, leaving the Fleet eighth in the Enterprise National League South table.
Hornchurch remain the only team unbeaten this season having only dropped points away to Salisbury on Bank Holiday Monday. The Urchins have bagged 16 goals whilst conceding seven in the opening matches of the campaign. Although the Fleet sit below Hornchurch in the table, they do have the upper hand in defence after earning four clean sheets compared to the Urchins’ three – and with one goal less conceded too.
Previous meeting
There has only been one previous competitive match between the clubs, more than 20 years ago when Fleet lost 3-2 at Hornchurch in the FA Cup, with Garry Hill then Urchins manager. More recently, the clubs shared a 0-0 draw in Essex in pre-season 2020.
Who’s who
Angelo Balanta joined Hornchurch ahead of their first season in the National League South in summer 2024. The 35-year old has scored 11 goals in his 40 appearances for the club, three of them coming this season making him the club’s leading goalscorer alongside young striker partner Henry Hearn. Prior to his move to Hornchurch, Balanta had long stints with Dagenham & Redbridge and Boreham Wood across nine years.
Josh Rees was a notable capture from near neighbours Dagenham & Redbridge, where he partnered the Fleet’s Jake Hessenthaler in midfield last season. Rees played for Chelmsford against the Fleet in the 2016/17 promotion final before heading off for spells with Gillingham, Bromley and Aldershot Town.
Arthur Nasta is a young goalkeeper from the same Wolves academy that brought Louis Moulden to the Fleet. He arrived on a season-long loan in the summer to replace another successful loan goalkeeper at Hornchurch, Mason Terry of West Ham.
The manager
Daryl McMahon hardly needs an introduction having played at the Fleet from 2013–15 and then as manager here for three years after that. The 42-year-old former Leyton Orient, Stevenage and Boreham Wood midfielder took Fleet to promotion and the National League play-offs before a short spell at Macclesfield and then three seasons at Dagenham. He took over Hornchurch midway through the 2023/24 season and secured them the Isthmian title.
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 (but not at the turnstiles themselves).
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 from 11am 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.
Our cooling four-pint pitchers can be used 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 up until 10am on matchday. 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.
A reminder that fans have the chance to win two hospitality tickets at Wembley for England’s match against Wales – tickets can be purchased at the Social Bar and Main Stand Lounge Bar as well as online. The draw will be made following our match against Eastbourne on Saturday 4th October.
You also have the opportunity to win dugout sponsorships with the winner announced during our match against Hornchurch. There is still time to enter and you can do so online here.
