The Peacocks face the hardest game of their season so far when they travel to National League South leaders Ebbsfleet United tomorrow afternoon (8th October), ko 3.00pm
The Kent side have made a blistering start to the campaign, winning their opening nine League fixtures and an Emirates FA Cup tie against Dover to set a new club record of ten successive victories. That sequence was ended when they drew 1-1 at Oxford City ten days ago but they were back on the winning trail last weekend with a 2-1 success at Hanwell Town in the FA Cup.
Ebbsfleet, who were originally formed as Gravesend & Northfleet in 1946 until they changed identity in 2007, have been members of the National League since 2002-03 after winning the Isthmian League Premier title. They were at the highest level as recently as the 2019-20 campaign when they were relegated but very nearly bounced back last season when they finished 3rd and reached the Final of the Play-Offs where they narrowly lost out 3-2 to Dorking Wanderers in extra time. They boast a wealth of Football League experience in their squad from back to front and across a wide range of clubs including Gillingham, Millwall, Dundee United and Wycombe Wanderers amongst many others. The magnitude of the task facing Town then is clear as they seek to improve on their 14th place in the division.
Town however have acclimatised very respectably in their first season at Step 2, with just three defeats from their opening ten games and having conceded a miserly six goals. Tuesday’s 7-0 win over Odd Down in the Somerset Premier Cup will also have boosted confidence in front of goal so they will not be making the long trip eastwards to just make up the numbers. Head of Football Rob Dray commented:” It is a huge test tomorrow against a side in top form and sitting at the top of the League. It is a test we are looking forward to though as it is a great opportunity for us to set our stall out before the Yeovil game. These are the games we all want to be involved in and which this group of players will thrive in. It promises to be a difficult challenge but one we are ready for.” Joe Guest is still not fit to return but Ross Stearn and Lee Lucas are both back in the squad after missing the midweek match.
Traveller Info
Ground: The Kuflink Stadium, Stonebridge Road, Northfleet, Kent DA11 9GN
Ground to Ground: 180.9 miles (via A303)
Directions: Exit the M25 at Junction 2 and take the A2 signposted Canterbury. Leave the A2 at the Northfleet/Gravesend West junction. At roundabout, follow signs to Ebbsfleet International Station/A226 which will take you on to Thamesway and past Ebbsfleet International. The stadium is at the end of the road. Car parking is available at Ebbsfleet International Car Park C at £3.
Admission: Adults £15, Concessions (over 60’s & Students) £12, Juniors (12-16 years) £7, Under 12’s £1
Tickets can be purchased online in advance HERE or at the ground on matchday from the windows by main reception. Payment is via card or cash. Turnstiles open at 1.00pm but will only accept online tickets or tickets bought at the ground.
Last meeting: this will be the first occasion the sides have met