The Emirates FA Cup returns for another season and as the fate of the draw has it, the Fleet’s journey begins at the Gallagher Stadium against familiar county rivals, Maidstone United.
Last time out:
The Stones secured a 2-0 victory away from home against the team that beat them in last season’s play-offs – Worthing – with goals coming from former Fleet trialist Charlie Seaman and Sam Corne. The three points lifted Maidstone to 16th in the National League South in a campaign that has seen a 5-1 home defeat to Chelmsford so far, as well as further defeats at the Gallagher to Weston-super-Mare and Truro City.
Previous affairs
There have been a number of league battles between the two sides over the past years. Fleet’s last win at the Gallagher Stadium in front of a packed-out away end saw three points won courtesy of goals from Gozie Ugwu and Michael Cheek. It’s been difficult to separate the clubs, who won the NLS one after the other in 2022 (Maidstone) and 2023 (the Fleet), and the last 10 matches have produced four wins apiece and two draws in all competitions. This will be the seventh meeting of the Fleet and Maidstone in the FA Cup but the first since 1982.
Who’s Who:
Alexis Andre Jr played against the Fleet for Woking last season and the goalkeeper arrived at the Gallagher in the summer. The 27-year-old originally from France has made 10 appearances and kept four clean sheets.
In his fourth season for Maidstone after initially joining on loan, George Fowler has played more than 100 times for the club. The 26-year-old defender played a huge part in last season’s memorable FA Cup run that saw the Stones make it to the fifth round.
Club captain Sam Corne has become a fan’s favourite following his arrival in 2019 from Ashford United. With 29 goals in over 130 appearances, Corne was announced as club captain ahead of the campaign. He scored four goals against the Fleet in Maidstone’s title-winning season in 2021/22.
Club connections
Shaq Coulthirst signed for Maidstone following his Fleet departure in the summer after playing 64 times during his two-year spell at the Kuflink Stadium. Former Fleet defender Reiss Greenidge is also in amber and black, while making the reverse move are ex-Stones Jephte Tanga and Sha’mar Lawson in red and white.
The manager
In his first managerial role, former Wolves defender George Elokobi retired from playing at Maidstone before landing the main job. He masterminded last season’s wins over Barrow, Stevenage and Ipswich Town and run to the Fifth Round in the Emirates FA Cup.
Ticket info
There are still a number of tickets for Fleet fans available for Saturday’s clash. These can be purchased at the main reception from 9am-6pm today (Friday) and then from 6-11pm at the main lounge bar on Friday; there will be no ticket sales on Saturday. It is an all-ticket game and they will not be available on the turnstiles on the day of the game. Turnstiles open at 12.30pm and Fleet fans will be in their previous position in part of the Genco Stand.
