It’s a swift return to the Kuflink Stadium as the Fleet welcome newly promoted Horsham a few days on from the 2-1 win over Chesham United at the weekend.
Form Guide
The Hornets are fifth in the National League South table and unbeaten since September 20th when they fell short to AFC Totton on home soil. Both sides have the same amount of wins but Horsham have played an extra two matches than the Fleet so far this campaign. Horsham’s last defeat away from home came at the end of August at Maidenhead.
Who’s who
Lewis Carey is in his third season with the club after arriving from rivals Lewes in the summer of 2023. The goalkeeper began his career as a Bristol City apprentice before featuring for Bromley, Tonbridge Angels, Eastbourne Borough and Thamesmead Town. During his time at Lewes, he was named Player of the Year in his first season and established himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the Isthmian League. He finished last season with both an Isthmian Premier Division title and a second straight Sussex Senior Cup winners’ medal.
Harvey Sparks is a 29-year old defender who signed back in 2018 from Bognor Regis and has made over 300 appearances for the West Sussex side with 20 goals along the way. Sparks also played for Worthing earlier on in his career and won promotion to the Isthmian Premier in 2016 with them. During his time at Horsham he has added the Isthmian League Cup, Sussex Senior Cup and two further promotions to his achievements.
Isaac Philpot was a permanent summer signing, following an impressive loan spell in the second half of last season. A versatile defender, he was first spotted playing for Cardiff University before joining Dorking Wanderers. He became a key figure in Dorking’s rise from the Isthmian League to the National League’s top tier.
The manager
Dom Di Paola – After spells with Worthing and Worthing United as a player, Di Paola began a successful managerial career by guiding local side Clymping up the leagues before winning promotion again at Worthing United. He made his biggest impact at East Preston, securing two County League titles and multiple Sussex cup finals. He joined Horsham after a short stint at Hastings United, rebuilding a relegated side and delivering the 2015/16 Southern Combination League title. Dom has since led the club back to the Isthmian Premier Division, achieved a best-ever fifth-place finish, and overseen notable cup success, including the Isthmian League Cup, Sussex Senior Cup, and the club’s best FA Trophy and FA Cup runs – all that before last season’s Isthmian League title.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online in advance here. 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 6pm. 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
The Rose Pub (1 Rose Street, DA11 9EQ) is open 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 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.
