The new year dawns and 2024 begins with the reverse clash against Wealdstone and one thing is certain… the temperature will certainly be down on the scorching day the two sides last met.
Form guide
Wealdstone sit 12th in the National League with 33 points. A side with mixed form throughout the campaign sees them balanced with nine wins and the same number of defeats. The Stones were set to host Maidenhead United on New Year’s Day, however a waterlogged pitch put a stop to the local derby but Wealdstone will still hope to continue their great run of form at the Kuflink Stadium this Saturday. Their four wins from the last five has them second in the form table.
Last time out
The Fleet travelled to Grosvenor Vale in 33 degrees for one of the longest games of the season, the referee playing 18 minutes of added time! The Stones came out on top, Rochdale loanee Tahvon Campbell scoring either side of Josh Wright’s equaliser. The winner came from the spot following a challenge that resulted in a red card for Chris Solly.
New faces at Grosvenor Vale
There hasn’t been much action for Wealdstone in the transfer market since our visit back in September. Teenaged academy graduate Jaiden Bartolo signed first-team forms in the middle of December but is yet to feature for the Stones. Olufela Olomola was signed by Bromley in October and he scored in both games against us over Christmas. Goalkeeper Marcus Dewhurst has come in after being with Sheffield United with Jed Ward having been recalled by parent club Bristol Rovers.
Brooklyn Ilunga has also returned to the Stones for his second loan spell from MK Dons after a spell last season.
One player who didn’t feature last time out was Sean Adarkwa, an unused substitute, but the striker is top scorer after a number of goals lately and will probably lead the line.
The manager
Stuart Maynard has managed Wealdstone since 2021 having taken over as caretaker manager from Dean Brennan who moved on to Barnet. Though his management experience is limited having been Brennan’s assistant for many years, he made a number of appearances as a player in the fifth and sixth tiers. His most notable club was Aylesbury United, where he made 76 appearances across two spells at the club. He also played for Wealdstone.
Ticket info
Tickets can be bought here until kick-off (the match is segregated so please select HOME or AWAY options as necessary) and also on the day at our ticket windows. Car-parking is available for the special matchday price of £3 at Ebbsfleet International Car Park C. Programmes can be pre-ordered online with your ticket, or from our online 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.
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.
Turnstiles open at 1pm.
