The Fleet get set for the visits of two title contenders over the next few days, starting with York City, writes Ava Bullas.
York are enjoying a strong campaign, sitting third in the league table but with two games in hand and the destiny of the title in their own hands. They have secured victories in their last two matches, defeating Woking 3-0 and Dagenham & Redbridge 2-1.
Historically, York have had the upper hand in this fixture, winning nine out of 18 encounters between the two clubs, while the Fleet have five wins. One of those was last season’s 4-1 win here over York but the improved Minstermen inflicted a 4-0 defeat on the Fleet earlier this campaign (pictured).
Men to watch
Ollie Pearce, returning from a one-match suspension, is top scorer and he joined the Minstermen from Worthing in the summer following an incredibly successful six-year stint on the South Coast. He spent several years at Bognor Regis Town before regularly top-scoring under York boss Adam Hinshelwood at Worthing. Last season he managed 46 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions, and has shown he has what it takes to make the step up with 16 so far in the higher division.
Defender Joe Felix is another recruit from Worthing who was a Fulham scholar before playing for Dulwich Hamlet, Maidstone United, Torquay United and Billericay Town. He assisted 15 goals at Worthing last season.
Alex Hunt is a central midfielder who has played 29 matches so far this season. He earned a place in the Vanarama Team of the Week and the Non-League Paper Team of the Week after scoring the winning goal against Dagenham last weekend.
The manager
Adam Hinshelwood is celebrating a year in charge at York, taking them from the lower reaches of the table to title challengers. He was a long-term manager of Worthing in two spells, with a coaching role at his former playing club Brighton & Hove Albion in between. He won the Isthmian League title with the club and made them into solid play-off contenders in the National South.
Matchday information
Tickets can be purchased here with prices rising at midnight by £1.
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 12pm. 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.
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.
Away supporters
Website : visitors’ guide
Away fans are allocated a section of the Swanscombe End and a number of priority seats in the Old Stand. Access is via the turnstiles at the Swanscombe End, situated to the left of the main entrance along Stonebridge Road and then up through the car-park.
Away fans have access to refreshments, food and a bar in the Swanscombe End. Our popular Eat Street van will be available for food (hot dogs and burgers) and beverages. Beers on tap include Hofmeister and Iron Pier, found in the away facility, clearly visible between the standing terrace and seating area. Both non-alcoholic and alcoholic refreshments along with sausage rolls and pasties can also be found in this bar.
Programmes
Programmes can be pre-ordered online with your ticket, or through our online club 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. Please note, pre-ordered programmes must be collected from the club shop at the main reception entrance BEFORE entering the ground.
The Rose pub
A reminder that The Rose pub will be reopening on the morning of the game. Supporters will receive a free bacon roll with their first paid drink. The pub will be open from 10:30am through until midnight.
