As far as the Vanarama National League South is concerned on this final day of the 2022/23 campaign, everything is pretty much wrapped up.
There is one play-off place left to decide, though a few clubs inside them could change position, and one relegation place still open.
For Fleet fans, the only stat they’ll care about is that their side ends the campaign top of the tree, champions, and promoted back to the National League. But there’s always work to do, no matter the occasion, and Fleet can still grab a few records before the curtain closes.
A win would earn Fleet:
• 103 points, level with Newport County’s 2009/10 record in this division
• 32 wins, breaking the club record of 31 set in 2001/20
• 32 wins, equalling Newport’s divisional record
• four more goals would equal the Fleet’s 109-goal record achieved in the 1957/58 season. Five goals then, of course, would break that record.
Supporters can do their bit too by turning up in numbers to increase our current average of 1,466, the highest at this club at this level and only 100 off our most recent best achieved in the National League in 2017/18. That’s also a 27% increase on crowds last season.
Dennis Kutrieb’s final team selection of the campaign sees Dominic Poleon still suspended, which will carry over into one game of the 2023/24 season. Omari Sterling-James has been nursing a knock and the attacking options will likely rest on a decision between a lone striker in Shaq Coulthirst or a twin threat with Elliott Romain added into the mix.
The Fleet Trust will be presenting the Supporters’ Player of the Year award and the Bruce Sewell Award before kick-off and we will have our parade of those ex-players at half-time who have answered the call to return for this last match.
Also playing their last game in this division, but for very different reasons, are bottom club Hungerford Town. A late draw against Dulwich at home last weekend was enough to relegate the Crusaders after seven years at this level and they lost to Bath in midweek to remain rooted to the bottom. A final trip to the league champions is probably not the most appetising finale for Hungerford but they could certainly go out with a bang if they could rip up the formbook and take the points that could see them off 24th place.
Danny Robinson’s side will have their work cut out, however, with two key defenders missing as Louis McGrory and Curtis Angell are suspended following two red cards last weekend. That brings an already small squad to barebones and they have fielded a succession of goalkeepers as well so far this season. And red cards have been a feature of our meetings with four sendings-off issued in the last four Fleet-Hungerford meetings.
The visitors won 2-1 here last season, the last side to beat the Fleet in 90 minutes of football until Tonbridge broke our unbeaten run in November. Of that side, only four players are likely to feature this time around, which says much about the troubles Hungerford have had in 2022/23. Losing top scorer Ryan Seager to Dorking was just one of them and Robinson has been unable to fill the gaps sufficiently to avoid relegation.
Which is not to say Hungerford are firing blanks – Dan Roberts, on loan from Dartford, is experienced at this level with Slough Town and new signing Joe Boachie has scored four in his last nine appearances. Jake Evans gets goals from midfield and despite their lowly position, Hungerford don’t let in a huge amount either, having conceded the same number as Havant & Waterlooville 16 places above them.
Earlier in the season, Hungerford held Fleet at bay after Toby Edser scored an early goal and a slender 1-0 victory was the outcome.
The visitors have won just one of their last eight matches, but before that won two on the spin to suggest they might fight their way out of a bottom-four position they had occupied for much of the season. Alas for the Berkshire side, it was not to be and their last chance to savour victory comes before 4.45pm and the end of this memorable nine months of football.
• Please note the road closure at Swanscombe along Galley Hill Road and plan extra journey time accordingly.
MATCHDAY SMALL PRINT ——–>
ONLINE SALES
Our online ticketing sales platform at fleetlive.club has tickets available until 12.00pm on matchday. We would, however, strongly advise pre-purchase for both your and our convenience in gaining admission to the ground.
On-the-day ticket sales are available from the windows by main reception, accepting card and cash payments. Turnstiles open at 1pm but they will only accept online tickets (printed out or on your device) and tickets bought at the windows on matchday.
This game is not segregated.
MAIN STAND BAR
All supporters are welcome in our Main Stand and Social Club bars. To access the Main Stand bar, enter through the turnstiles and walk the length of the gangway in the Main Stand to the door at the Swanscombe (uncovered) End. There is signage pointing you in the direction. Dennis Kutrieb does a pre-match teamsheet run-through. Post-match music entertainment is free after the final whistle.
CATERING OUTLETS
We have a new bar opening in the old Sponsors’ Lounge (the building situated by the Swanscombe End) serving beers from Iron Pier Brewery and Hofmeister so please do check that out. And in the corner of the Main Stand and Swanscombe End is a new food catering outlet, Fleet Feast, which opened to the public along Stonebridge Road last week and will be serving teas, coffees, other drinks and hot food/snacks.
Check out our other existing food stalls (to the left of the main turnstiles entrance, there is our Würtsel Haus German sausage experience and straight ahead as you enter the ground is the Manhattan Grill for all your burger, hot dog and more needs!). Pop-up bars are also situated near to the turnstiles and by ‘Geeks Corner’ between the Plough End and old stand. We have a popup to be found in the marquee between the main turnstiles entrance and the Main Stand.
CAR PARKING
Car-parking as per usual on matchdays is available at Ebbsfleet International Car Park C for £3. Please have the correct change if possible to aid our parking staff and again, we would recommend an early arrival. Please note that the areas near to Northfleet Station, namely Railway Street and Hamerton Road, are resident/permit-only parking and non-valid vehicles will be ticketed. The area on Thamesway before the roundabout as you approach the Kuflink Stadium is a designated clearway – though that is not particularly apparent as you approach – so you are advised not to park here because of the risk of being ticketed.
MATCHDAY PROGRAMMES
If you wish to purchase your programme in advance for collection from our club shop before you enter the ground, you can do so either via our online shop or when booking your matchday tickets online.
Programmes are also on sale at the ground from the club shop, the popup bar as you enter the turnstiles, the Main Stand tea kiosk or in the Social Club behind the Plough End, costing £3. Advance-order programmes will be available to pick up from the club shop before the game and before you enter the turnstiles.
