The Fleet face the final of five successive Saturday home fixtures as Salisbury make their first visit since reforming in 2015.
Form Guide
Following a difficult start to the campaign, the Whites have picked up back-to-back wins against Slough Town and Farnborough in the past week, pushing them up from the bottom to 20th in the table. Without a win up to that point, Salisbury came into this season having saved their National South place on the final day of last season.
The Fleet will look to bounce back from Tuesday’s match at Enfield ahead of the Emirates FA Cup tie away to Grimsby Town. The Fleet remain unbeaten at home this season having picked up three league wins and three draws as well as three FA Cup victories along the way.
Who’s who
Tommy Willard is a versatile attacking player who began his early football development with Barnsley. He later progressed through the youth ranks at Aldershot Town, successfully earning a place in their first-team squad and showcasing his potential at senior level. During his time at Aldershot, he gained valuable experience on loan with Farnborough. He went on to sign for Worthing before joining Salisbury in the summer and has scored in the past two matches.
Matt Briggs is primarily known as a fast and dynamic right winger with an impressive goal-scoring record. A native of Tyneside, he made close to 300 appearances for Dorking Wanderers over a decade, central to the club’s rise through the divisions. He scored against the Fleet in both 2020/21 and 2021/22.
Matty Taylor is an experienced forward who began his career in the Conference with Oxford United and Forest Green Rovers, playing for both clubs again in the League. His career also includes spells with both Bristol City and Bristol Rovers and he was most recently with Cheltenham Town before the switch to Salisbury in the summer.
The manager
Brian Dutton enjoyed a playing career that included several spells with Salisbury, as well as with Weymouth, Eastleigh, Harrogate Town, Havant & Waterlooville and Eastbourne Borough. Following his playing days, he turned to coaching, starting out at Salisbury before roles at Bristol Rovers ansd Walsall. Dutton returned to Salisbury in 2022 to take on the role of manager, leading the club to promotion in the 2023/24 season.
Previous history
Although Salisbury reformed in 2015 after Salisbury City were wound up the year before, the Fleet have played the old club numerous times from the 1960s through to the 2000s. The last meeting came in 2009/10 (below).
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.
Grimsby FA Cup tickets
Grimsby tickets will be on sale from reception from 1pm. More information about those tickets is here.
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 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.
