Christmas is right around the corner but before that arrives, there’s the Fleet’s trip to York City for the first time in nearly 12 years – and to their new stadium for the first time ever.
Form Guide
York City currently sit just one place above the Fleet in the Vanarama National League table in 20th, with a single point separating the two sides. Before visiting the Kuflink Stadium, York had failed to pick up their first win of the season but since the two sides met, the Minstermen have reached five wins in the League. They have suffered just three defeats in their past eight league matches with wins coming against relegation rivals Oxford City and AFC Fylde plus draws away to Rochdale, Maidenhead and Halifax. For the Fleet, a victory on Saturday would see Dennis Kutrieb’s side jump out of the relegation zone and ahead of York City.
Last time out
Early September at the Kuflink Stadium saw the Fleet produce a clinical 4-1 victory over Saturday’s hosts. Two goals in either half cancelled out Zanda Siziba’s leveller in the 28th minute following an opener from Omari Sterling-James. Franklin Domi fired the Fleet into the lead moments before half-time with an instant addition from Craig Tanner from the second-half kick-off, earning the Fleet a comfortable lead. The points were confirmed in the 87th minute when Dominic Poleon capped off the scoring to claim Fleet’s fourth of the match.
New faces at York
George Sykes-Kenworthy is a 24-year-old goalkeeper, arriving at the club at the end of October. Following a successful two-year spell with Bradford (Park Avenue), he made a total of 87 appearances for the then National League North side. He also broke through the ranks at Bradford City’s academy but spent his time at a number of clubs on loan.
Will Davies made the move to York from Braintree Town following a successful start to the National League South campaign with eight goals in 15 appearances. Having only joined Braintree in the summer after a prolific spell with Southern Premier Central Division club Leiston, he has risen through the levels quickly this season.
Luke Daley is on loan from Huddersfield Town until January, arriving at York in November. Daley started out at Port Vale’s academy where he initially played on the wing but since moving to Huddersfield has established himself as a central defender.
The manager
Tony MacMahon was in caretaker charge of York when they visited the Kuflink Stadium but that was his last match in charge with the experienced Neil Ardley appointed. He began his managerial career at Cardiff City’s academy and then moved on to manage AFC Wimbledon for six years. Notts County were next in Ardley’s career with Solihull Moors shortly after that. Ardley has already brought in his own players in addition to the large overhaul York carried out in the summer.
Club connections
Defender Tyler Cordner spent a few months at the Fleet during the 2019/20 season where he appeared 24 times for us, while midfielder Alex Woodyard is a Gravesend-born former Dartford player. In the other direction, Fleet’s Luke O’Neill was on loan at York a decade ago.
Ticket info:
For more info on ticket arrangements at York, see here.
Next up:
Following the York City match, don’t forget we’ve got a quick turnaround and straight into the Boxing Day clash v Bromley. Ensure you’ve got your tickets in advance to save queues on the day by buying them now, right here.
