Fleet v Darts; North Kent Derby.

After relegation from the Conference Premier last season, fans of Ebbsfleet United wouldn't have been expecting to play Dartford this soon, but the FA Cup has paired them together at the fourth qualifying stage. The winners could potentially face the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers or Portsmouth in the first round proper. The Darts hold bragging rights at the moment, but can the Fleet grab them back in one of the most eagerly anticipated derby for years?

Let's take a look at the sides...

Dartford FC

Founded – 1888

Nickname – The Darts

League – Conference Premier (known also as the Skrill Premier)

Ground – Princes Park

Manager – Tony Burman

Captain – Elliot Bradbrook

Last season's finish - 8^th

Current position - 18^th

• Founded in 1888, Dartford were only playing friendly matches at the time and begun entering Cup competitions later.
• Reached the Kent Senior Cup final (losing to Royal Ordnance Factory) in the 1893/94 season and became founder members of the Kent League the following season.
• Entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1895/96.
• Became founder members of the Southern League Division Two in 1896/97 and won the title at the first attempt. Would then yo-yo between the Kent and Southern Leagues for the next few seasons.
• Became recognised nationally between 1935 and 1937 for becoming the first club outside of the Football-League to reach the FA Cup third round proper in two seasons in a row.
• Spent numerous years in the Southern League Premier after the league was reorganised in the 1950s.
• 1973/74 was a successful season for the Darts as they won the Southern League Premier and reached the FA Trophy final at Wembley, although they just missed out as they lost 2-1 to Morecambe.
• Former Tottenham and England player Peter Taylor was appointed manager in 1986, and he was very successful. In his four seasons with the Club, the Darts never finished outside of the top four in the Southern League Premier Division. Incredibly, in each of the four seasons Dartford scored over 100 goals – a record that still stands.
• Financial difficulty lead to the Darts dropping out of the Southern League in 1992/93 after just four games. The rejoined the Kent League the following season.
• Played away from Dartford for a while at Erith and Belvedere, Purfleet and, of course, Gravesend and Northfleet.
• Played the first game at Princes Park in November 2006 against Horsham YMCA. The Darts won 4-2 in front of 4,097 spectators.
• Dartford finally completed their rise back to the top of Non-League football when they beat Welling United (1-0) in the Conference South play-off final at Princes Park in front of 4,088 people. Their first season in the Conference Premier was a very successful one as they finished in eight position beating the likes of Mansfield Town, Grimsby Town and Luton Town (twice!) along the way. They made the FA Trophy semi finals in the same season, although they lost 3-0 on aggregate to Grimsby.
• Current manager Tony Burman, in his second spell as boss, has been in charge since 2005.

The Squad

Goalkeepers – Alan Julian, Deren Ibrahim, Tommy Forecast (on loan from Chelmsford)

Defenders – Tyrone Sterling, Matt Fry, Jay Porter, Lee Burns, Kenny Clark, Mat Mitchell-King

Midfielders – Elliot Bradbrook ©, Max Cornhill, Ryan Hayes, Lee Noble, Mohammed Eisa, Ronnie Vint, George Monger

Attackers – Jason Prior, Danny Harris, Uche Ibemere, Nathan Collier, Adam Birchall (on loan from Gillingham), Matt Godden (on loan from Scunthorpe)

The Fleet will be familiar with some of the Darts squad. Of course, Matt Godden will be known to all Fleet fans for his natural instincts in front of goal during his short term loan deal at Stonebridge Road last season. Still out of favour at Scunthorpe, the youngster opted to join Dartford on loan recently and has already scored four goals, including a superb hat-trick against Hyde.

Lee Burns, Ryan Hayes, Lee Noble, Danny Harris and Elliot Bradbrook have all been involved in North Kent derbies before, the latter has been on the score sheet a couple of times before.

Adam Birchall's best chance to prove himself in the Football-League has been hampered by injuries since he joined Gillingham from Dover – where he scored against the Fleet in a Blue Square Bet South match.

Finally, Mat Mitchell-King will be briefly known to Fleet fans as he played a part in pre-season this year – he even featured against the Darts! He opted to join the Darts after trialling with both sides – Steve Brown will be hopeful his Fleet side can make King realise he joined the wrong side!

The Form Guide

After the high of last season, the Darts fans will be disappointed with the start they made to the season. They've suffered eight losses so far this campaign and sit a lowly 18^th, although they are currently on a three match unbeaten run. You'd be a fool to read too much into previous form of the two sides. It's a one-off Cup match and a derby match; anything can happen.

Last five matches

Dartford 4-3 Hyde – 19.10.13

Hereford United 2-2 Dartford – 12.10.13

Dartford 1-1 Salisbury City – 08.10.13

Gateshead 2-0 Dartford – 05.10.13

Dartford 1-0 Southport – 28.09.13

The Darts have also been in County Cup action during this period as a young side beat Charlton's Development Squad 1-0 at Princes Park.

WDDLW – eight points from a possible fifteen

Scored – 8

Conceded – 8

0

Last time out

Dartford 4-3 Hyde.

Dartford came out 4-3 winners at Princes Park after they let slip a two-goal lead against bottom side Hyde.

The visitors came into this match having not won in fifteen matches this season and fell two behind after 15 minutes with both goals coming from the on-loan Matt Godden. The Darts looked to be heading for a comfortable win, but the Tigers fought back brilliantly and went into the half-time break on level terms courtesy of goals from Scott Spencer.

Louis Almond looked to have given the visitors a surprise three points when he scored ten minutes into the second half, but it wasn't to be.

Youngster George Monger, on as a sub, brilliantly curled an effort in from the edge of the area on 83 minutes and then man of the moment Godden volleyed home with just three minutes on the clock.

The victory moved Dartford up to 18^th, level on points with pre-season title favourites Forest Green and just one point behind beaten play-off finalists Wrexham.

Attendance: 1,083.

Key players

Elliot Bradbrook. The Darts captain is extremely vital to the side and was sorely missed last Saturday as they just scraped past Hyde. As touched on before, the influential midfielder has experience in this derby and has scored two goals in four matches. He scored the Darts only goal as they lost 2-1 at Stonebridge Road in 2010 and scored the third goal from 25 yards in the 3-1 victory at Princes Park last season.

Alan Julian will need to be on form to keep out a Fleet attack confident of winning this tie, and Mat Mitchell-King will be wanting to perform well against a side he could well have signed for just a few months ago.

Team news

Striker Matt Godden has been refused permission to play by Scunthorpe. Adam Birchall will definitely be missing from the Darts squad. Full back Tryone Sterling looks set to miss the game, while Jason Prior (ankle) and Kenny Clark (hamstring) are doubts. Captain Elliot Bradbrook returns from suspension. Goalkeeper Tommy Forecast will be in contention after signing on an emergency loan deal from Chelmsford City.

Previous FA Cup campaigns

As mentioned, the Darts were the first side outside of the Football-League to reach two FA Cup third rounds on the trot. In the 1935/36 season they beat Cardiff City (3-0) and Gainsborough Trinity (4-0) before losing to Derby County (2-3) in round three, and the following season they beat Peterborough United (3-0) and Shildon (3-0) before losing 0-1 to Darlington.

Since then they have reached the second round on five occasions (Reading, Bristol City, Port Vale, Kettering and AFC Bournemouth the opponents) but no further. They have reached the first round numerous times, the most recent being in 2010/11 – a 0-4 replay loss to Port Vale after holding them in the original tie.

Last five campaigns

2012/13 – Dartford fell at the first hurdle as they lost out in a replay to Forest Green Rovers.

4^th qualifying round

Forest Green 1-1 Dartford

Dartford 1-4 Forest Green

2011/12 – The Darts won two games before losing out to Bromley in the 4^th qualifying round.

2^nd qualifying round

Dartford 5-0 Harrow Borough

3^rd qualifying round

Cray Wanderers 1-2 Dartford

4^th qualifying round

Dartford 1-2 Bromley

2010/11 – Dartford's most recent cup run ended with a big loss away at League Two Port Vale.

2^nd qualifying round

Dartford 2-1 Lowestoft Town

3^rd qualifying round

Canvey Island 2-2 Dartford

Dartford 3-3 Canvey Island – Dartford won 9-8 on penalties

4^th qualifying round

Leiston 0-0 Dartford

Dartford 3-2 Leiston

1^st round proper

Dartford 1-1 Port Vale

Port Vale 4-0 Dartford

2009/10 - A couple of decent wins came to a halt at Conference South side Chelmsford.

1^st qualifying round

Chipstead 1-6 Dartford

2^nd qualifying round

Worthing 1-2 Dartford

3^rd qualifying round

Dartford 1-4 Chelmsford City

2008/09 - A disappointing campaign for the Darts as they slumped at home in the 2nd qualifying round.

1^st qualifying round

Dartford 3-2 Hastings United

2^nd qualifying round

Dartford 0-1 Hampton and Richmond Borough

Ebbsfleet United

The Squad

Goalkeepers –Preston Edwards, Brandon Hall

Defenders – Joe Howe, Aiden Palmer, Osei Sankofa, Paul Lorraine ©, Shane Huke

Midfielders – Anthony Cook, Dominic Green, Chris Sessegnon, Dean Rance, Michael Corcoran, Daryl McMahon, Tom Phipp, Stacy Long

Attackers – Ben May, Billy Bricknell, Alex Osborn (on loan from Dagenham), Michael Thalassitis (on loan from Stevenage), Andy Pugh (on loan from Cambridge)

The Form Guide

Tuesday night's disappointing loss away at Bishop's Stortford put an end to the Fleet's seven match unbeaten run in all competitions. The Fleet have won their last four home matches scoring eight goals in the process, and conceding two. The boys in red have played two FA Cup ties at Stonebridge Road this season, beating Folkestone (1-0) and Eastbourne Borough (2-0).

Last five matches

Bishop's Stortford 3-2 Ebbsfleet United – 22.10.13

Ebbsfleet United 2-1 Gosport Borough – 19.10.13

Ebbsfleet United 2-0 Eastbourne Borough – FA Cup – 12.10.13

Ebbsfleet United 3-1 Eastleigh – 08.10.13

Weston Super-Mare 0-6 Ebbsfleet United – 05.10.13

LWWWW

Goals – 15

Conceded – 5

+10

Last time out

Bishop's Stortford 3-2 Ebbsfleet United.

It was hardly ideal preparation for the Fleet as they slumped to a disappointing loss at Woodside Park on Tuesday evening.

Cliff Akurang put the hosts one up just before the ten minute mark with a superb swivel and shot from outside the area, and the veteran striker added a second soon after before going off with a hamstring strain.

Youngster Kyle Vassell gave the hosts a three goal advantage shortly after the break as he turned in George Sykes' pass.

The Fleet looked to be heading for a big loss until the last couple of minutes of the match when two brilliant goals from Shane Huke and Anthony Cook made the score at least a little bit respectable!

The win pushed Stortford up to second in the Skrill South, while the Fleet dropped to seventh.

Attendance: 511

Key players

The Fleet will look to Anthony Cook to break down the Darts defence and create opportunities for himself and the rest of the Fleet attack. The winger has been in good form for the Fleet this season, and certainly knows where the goal is. It would be easy to underestimate a side lacking in attacking options, but captain Paul Lorraine will need to be on the top of his game if the Fleet are to progress. The central defender has experience of this derby and knows what it means to the fans, he'll be doing all he can to make sure the Fleet get through.

Team news

The Fleet will be without on loan striker Andy Pugh, who has been refused permission to play by his parent Club Cambridge United. Joe Howe (groin) looks set to miss out after going off injured against Bishop's Stortford but Alex Osborn (leg) is likely to return to the side.

Previous FA Cup campaigns

The Fleet's most memorable FA Cup campaign came way back in the season of 1962/63 when they progressed all the way to the fourth round and a tie with second division side Sunderland; the Fleet even took them to a replay! It started in early September and ended some five months later on 18 February.

In eight rounds, the Fleet were the home side for seven on them. The one away game came away at Carlisle in round three where the Fleet won 1-0. The six rounds previous to Carlisle, the Fleet overcome Chatham Town (2-1), Sutton United (2-1), Erith and Belvedere (5-0), Lewes (1-0), Exeter City (3-2) and Wycombe Wanderers (3-1) all at their Stonebridge Road home.

So the fourth round had arrived and the Fleet were paired with Sunderland. The Fleet managed a 1-1 draw at Stonebridge Road in front of 12,032 fans – the Fleet's record attendance. One fan recalls the pitch being very muddy and standing at the Swanscombe End terrace he saw Brian Skingly slide in the mud and force home the equaliser. The atmosphere was electric.

A resilient performance away in the replay wasn't enough for the Fleet as they lost 5-2 to their much higher opponents, but it was a run they can be proud of.

Another memorable campaign came in the 1995/96 season when the Fleet made it all the way to round three and a match against Premier League Aston Villa!

The Fleet ploughed through the earlier rounds beating Godalming & Guildford 7-0 and Molesey 6-0. The third qualifying round produced a closer game in which the Fleet ran out 2-1 winners against Carshalton Athletic and the Fleet needed two replays against Marlow to make it into round one! They beat them 4-0 at the third attempt.

Round One saw the Fleet beat Colchester United and Cinderford Town, 3-0 after a replay, in round two.

The Fleet were drawn at home to Aston Villa, although their Stonebridge Road home wasn't big enough so the game was switched to Villa Park. 7,000 Fleet fans had travelled to the game to see the Fleet give a good account of themselves, although it wasn't to be as the Premier League side came through comfortably 3-0.

Since then the Fleet have made it to the first round five times, losing out to Notts County (2000), Huddersfield Town (2001), Crewe Alexandra (2008), AFC Wimbledon (2010) and Carlisle United (2012).

The Fleet also made it to round two in the 2003/04 season, losing to Notts County at Stonebridge Road.

Last five campaigns

2012/13 – The Fleet made the long trek to Cumbria fifty years after 'that' Cup run, but lost out to Carlisle United of League One.

4^th qualifying round

Woking 0-1 Ebbsfleet United

1^st round

Carlisle United 4-2 Ebbsfleet United

2011/12 – It was disaster for the Fleet as they lost out to lowly Redbridge at the first hurdle.

4^th qualifying round

Redbridge 2-0 Ebbsfleet United

2010/11 – From disaster to heartbreak. The Fleet went on a run until they were stopped by Conference Premier side AFC Wimbledon. The Fleet lead the replay 2-1 until the 94^th minute of the match when Sammy Moore struck to send the tie to extra-time. It looked to be heading for penalties until that man again struck in the 121^st minute to send the Wombles through to a home tie with Stevenage, leaving the Fleet devastated.

2^nd qualifying round

Cray Wanderers 2-2 Ebbsfleet United

Ebbsfleet United 4-2 Cray Wanderers

3^rd qualifying round

Needham Market 0-1 Ebbsfleet United

4^th qualifying round

Ebbsfleet United 3-0 Boreham Wood

1^st round proper

AFC Wimbledon 1-1 Ebbsfleet United

Ebbsfleet United 2-3 AFC Wimbledon (AET)

2009/10 – Another disaster for the Fleet as they were hammered by lower opposition.

4^th qualifying round

Bromley 3-0 Ebbsfleet United

2008/09 – After beating Woking, the Fleet were handed a tie against Crewe Alexandra. Despite performing well against their higher opponents, the Fleet couldn't find the net.

4^th qualifying round

Woking 2-2 Ebbsfleet United

Ebbsfleet United 1-0 Woking

1^st round proper

Crewe Alexandra 1-0 Ebbsfleet United

Fleet v Darts

Over the years

The two sides have met over 100 times competitively and you'll have to travel back to September 1946 for the first meeting; a 4-0 Fleet victory in round one of the Kent Senior Shield.

The Fleet's highest victory against the Darts came way back in December 1946; a 5-0 Southern League Cup victory, however the Darts have trumped that. They hammered the Fleet 6-0 the following year in the Southern League.

The sides would meet (in the League) almost every year until the Darts dropped down to the Kent League in the 90s. The derby was reignited in 2010 when the Darts were promoted to the Conference South.

Fleet wins: 49

Darts wins: 50

Draws: 22

In the FA Cup

The two Clubs have met ten times in the country's most famous Club competition. The Darts have the highest win (4-0) but the Fleet have the most wins (5). The Darts have won three times and two matches have ended in a draw with the Fleet going on to win both replays.

Last five meetings

Ebbsfleet United 2-2 Dartford – Blue Square Bet Premier – 01.01.13

Dartford 3-1 Ebbsfleet United – Blue Square Bet Premier – 26.12.12

Ebbsfleet United 2-1 Dartford – Blue Square Bet South – 28.12.10

Dartford 1-1 Ebbsfleet United – Blue Square Bet – South – 28.08.10

Ebbsfleet United 4-1 Dartford – Kent Senior Cup – 29.01.08

Last time out

Ebbsfleet United 2-2 Dartford.

Nathan Elder's stoppage time goal was enough to rescue a point for the Fleet against their North Kent rivals.

Jon Wallis and Harry Crawford had put the Darts ahead but Elder's double prevented them from doing the double over the Fleet.

Attendance: 2,242

Who's your money with?

Despite the difference in Leagues, the Fleet are slight favourites with Ladbrokes at 29/20 with the Darts at 33/20. A draw for this match sees odds of 9/4. If you fancy the Fleet to grab a sneaky 1-0 win then the odds for that are 8/1 with a 1-0 away win 9/1.

The Fleet are also slight favourites with Bet Victor at 31/20 while the Darts are 7/4. You can get odds of 12/5 on a draw. If you fancy it to be a 2-2 draw like the last time the sides met at Stonebridge Road then the odds for that are 14/1. Both teams to score is 8/13.

The time for fun and games are over. Picture by BBC Radio Kent. 

If you're able to make this game then admission prices are as follows:

Adults - £10

Concessions (students, OAPs) - £8

Under 16s - £5

Under 12s – FREE with a paying adult

The turnstiles at Stonebridge Road are open from 12:30pm and the bar will be showing the early Premier League kick off.

Local pubs are open during the morning sometime. The Closest to the ground are the Rose, George & Dragon and the Edinburgh Castle amongst others.

If you're unable to attend the match then follow @EUFCofficial, @dartfordfc, @BBCKENTSPORT or @stevetervet for pre-match talk, live match updates and post-match reaction.

Also, BBC Radio Kent will have live match commentary with lineups and pre-match talk on air from 2pm.

Enjoy the game.

COME ON YOU REDS! 

Bishop's Stortford 3-2 Ebbsfleet United

Bishop's Stortford 3-2 Ebbsfleet United

It seems Ebbsfleet United had one eye on Saturday's big Cup game as they put in a poor performance and lost 3-2 away at Bishop's Stortford.

The scoreline flattered the Fleet in the end as the hosts dominated throughout the match. Stortford named the same eleven that beat Hayes and Yeading 3-2 the previous Saturday while the Fleet made two changes. Billy Bricknell was rested in place of Chris Sessegnon and Dean Rance returned from suspension to take his place alongside Daryl McMahon and Stacy Long. Alex Osborn was the casualty after picking up a knock against Gosport. The young on-loan attacker should be back to full fitness ahead of the game against Dartford.

In an open start to the game, neither side really got into any sort of pattern until just before the ten minute mark when Stortford struck. Veteran striker Cliff Akurang received the ball, back to goal, on the edge of the area and a superb swivel and shot with his left foot left Preston Edwards no chance in the Fleet goal. A goal fit to grace the highest level.

Anthony Cook came the closest for the visitors as he cut in on his right, but could only direct his effort straight at Joe Wright in the Stortford goal. The Fleet tried to get back into it, but could get nowhere near Stortford with their neat passing and play. It didn't help that every time the Fleet got forward, they gave the ball away!

Brilliant work from the hosts almost lead to goal number two. Influential midfielder Reece Prestedge and Ashley Miller combined, the latter fizzed in a brilliant ball for Akurang but he could only direct over from inside the area. Defender Callum McNaugton had another chance soon after, but couldn't quite make contact with the ball, however the hosts soon doubled their advantage.

Midfielder Matt Johnson's free kick was met by Sean Francis who headed across the six-yard box and of course Akurang was there to make it two! The striker fired home from inside the six-yard box to give Stortford a comfortable lead.

Full back Joe Howe limped off the field and was replaced by Osei Sankofa – the Fleet will be hoping Howe is fit for Saturday! Akurang was taken off soon with a slight hamstring strain. He'll be a huge miss for Stortford if he is to miss their big FA Cup tie on Saturday!

Despite one of their key men going off, the hosts were still in control of the match and former Fleet full back Johnny Herd went close with a long range drive before Kyle Vassell went close. The youngster, being trailed by a Premier League Club, just needed to grow a few inches as he stretched to get on the end of George Sykes' brilliant cross.

Anthony Cook's late free-kick was struck straight at Wright.

HT: 2-0.

The hosts put the game seemingly out of reach nine minutes into the second half as Herd beat two men and set up Sykes, who's neat touch on was met by Vassell. The youngster put the ball past Edwards from close range, and it was nothing more than Stortford deserved. The Blues were in total control and it could, and should really have been a rout.

Prestedge sent an effort over the bar and Sykes acrobatically sent an overhead kick into the fans behind the goal.

Anthony Church was sent off late on after receiving two yellows. The midfielder was booked midway through the first half for simulation, and then booked late on for a foul on Cook. Cook's free kick brushed the top netting as it went over.

Shane Huke went close from a corner as his header went just over, but he managed to grab a goal just a couple of minutes later.

Bricknell laid the ball across and the central defender took one touch and sent a volley out of Wright's reach and into the corner. Of course it was too little too late for the Fleet who only started to play when Church was sent off, but it didn't stop Cook adding to his goals tally.

The winger skipped past two challenges and unleashed a bullet into the corner from 25 yards. Any chance of the Fleet getting an unlikely (and undeserved!) draw were dashed as the referee blew for full time as soon as Stortford restarted.

The win pushed the hosts up to second just three points behind Eastleigh with a game in hand, but the Fleet dropped down to seventh after Dover demolished Eastbourne 4-0. Stortford travel to the New Lawn to face Forest Green on Saturday in the FA Cup 4^th qualifying round; a bit of a reward for the fans, and a great chance of progressing against a side looking worse for wear at the moment. The Fleet are also in FA Cup action, at home to North Kent rivals Dartford.

Team: Edwards, Howe (Sankofa), Huke, Lorraine, Palmer, McMahon (Bricknell), Rance, Long, Cook, Sessegnon, May (Thalassitis).

Subs not used: Hall, Corcoran.

Attendance: 511

Bishop's Stortford v Ebbsfleet United.

With the big derby match with Dartford coming up on Saturday, Ebbsfleet United must turn their attentions to Bishop's Stortford on Tuesday as they look to win their fourth league match on the bounce.

It won't be easy for the Fleet as they travel to an in-form Stortford who sit in fourth place in the division.

Bishop's Stortford FC

Founded - 1874

Ground – Woodside Park

Nickname – the Blues, the Bishops

Manager – Rod Stringer

Last season's finish - 17^th (Conference North)

Current position - 4^th

The Squad

Goalkeepers – Joe Wright, Sam Cowler

Defenders – Johnny Herd, Ashley Miller, Sean Francis, Callum McNaughton, George Allen

Midfielders – Anthony Church, Matt Johnson, Reece Prestedge, Luke Milbourne, Harry Baker, Nicky Symons, Ben Adams

Attackers – Cliff Akurang, Kyle Vassell, George Sykes, Kyle Asante

The Form Guide

Stortford have lost just two games this season and find themselves flying high in fourth place, six points behind first place Eastleigh and two points ahead of the Fleet who are in sixth. One of their losses came at home on the opening day to Bath City, but their most recent loss came on 21 September. A 4-1 loss away at Eastbourne Borough.

Only one of Stortford's matches this season have had less than three goals scored; a 1-0 victory over Bromley. An average of 3.6 goals are scored in Stortford's first ten matches played.

14 of Stortford's 21 goals scored so far have come in the second half of matches.

Last five matches

Hayes and Yeading 2-3 Bishop's Stortford – 19.10.13

Chispstead 1-6 Bishop's Stortford – FA Cup – 12.10.13

Bishop's Stortford 4-0 Gosport Borough – 05.10.13

Hendon 0-5 Bishop's Stortford – FA Cup – 29.09.13

Eastbourne Borough 4-1 Bishop's Stortford – 21.09.13

WWWWL

Scored – 19

Conceded – 8

+9

Last time out

Hayes and Yeading 2-3 Bishop's Stortford.

A brilliant comeback from two down ensured the Blues continued their fine start to the season at the expense of Hayes and Yeading.

Goals from Geoff Mitchell and former Fleet loanee Louie Soares put the hosts two up at half-time. The visitors should have reduced the deficit before half-time, but it wasn't to be, and they more than made up for it in the second half.

Cliff Akurang, Anthony Church and Reece Prestedge scored for the visitors to give them what looked to be a very unlikely victory going into half-time! The win pushed Stortford up to 4^th, while Hayes sit in 7^th.

Key players

Kyle Vassell has been in fine form for the Blues this season, notching eleven goals in all competitions so far. He's struck up a good partnership with veteran striker Cliff Akurang and the Fleet will need to keep the pair quiet if they are to get anything out of the game.

Manager Rod Stringer should have a near full squad to choose from.

Ebbsfleet United

The Squad

Goalkeepers – Preston Edwards, Brandon Hall

Defenders – Joe Howe, Aiden Palmer, Osei Sankofa, Grant Basey, Paul Lorraine, Shane Huke

Midfielders – Anthony Cook, Dominic Green, Chris Sessegnon, Dean Rance, Michael Corcoran, Daryl McMahon, Tom Phipp, Stacy Long

Attackers – Ben May, Billy Bricknell, Alex Osborn (on loan from Dagenham), Michael Thalassitis (on loan from Stevenage), Andy Pugh (on loan from Cambridge)

The form guide

The Fleet are seven unbeaten in all competitions now, with the last six being victories.

Last five matches

Ebbsfleet United 2-1 Gosport Borough – 19.10.13

Ebbsfleet United 2-0 Eastbourne Borough – FA Cup – 12.10.13

Ebbsfleet United 3-1 Eastleigh – 08.10.13

Weston Super-Mare 0-6 Ebbsfleet United – 05.10.13

Ebbsfleet United 1-0 Folkestone Invicta – FA Cup – 28.09.13

Goals – 14

Conceded – 2

+12

Last time out

Ebbsfleet United 2-1 Gosport Borough.

Goals from Stacy Long and Ben May were enough to overcome a resilient Gosport Borough, who slipped to the bottom of the table after this defeat.

Stacy Long opened the scoring after just two minutes after Ben May forced a smart stop from the keeper. The ball fell to Long on the edge of the area and his looping effort crept in under the bar.

Steve Brown said in his pre-match interview that Gosport would come to defend like many other sides have done this season, but they certainly proved him wrong as they knocked the ball around well and looked to get forward at every opportunity.

They were rewarded for their efforts just after the half hour mark when Sam Pearce's effort was deflected into the net.

The Fleet came out for the second half and played like they wanted the win, and they got the vital second goal when Ben May stabbed home from five yards despite being fouled in the process. Billy Bricknell missed a penalty soon after, but it didn't matter as the Fleet held out to record their sixth win on the bounce and move up to sixth in the table.

Attendance: 731

Key players

While Stortford are fairly high scorers, they're also weak at the back and have conceded the most out of all the top seven sides this season. That said, the Blues have conceded just three goals in four matches at Woodside Park. Ben May will be key for the Fleet in breaking down the defence and at the other end, Preston Edwards will need to be on form to keep out the Blues attack.

Team news

Dean Rance returns from his one-game suspension and will look to be in the starting line up. Striker Andy Pugh wasn't fit to play against Gosport, but Brown has extended his loan deal for another month and the striker could be in contention to take part on Tuesday. Grant Basey remains on the sidelines and it is unknown whether Alex Osborn will be able to feature. The young attacker limped off against Gosport after taking a nasty knock to his leg. Fleet fans will be hoping he's back soon as he's shown that he can be an asset to any side at this level.

Previous meetings

The first meeting between the sides came in an FA Trophy clash back in 1988; a 3-3 draw. The Fleet went on to win the replay 2-1.

The last clash came in March 2011, a 0-0 draw at Stonebridge Road. The last clash at Woodside Park wass in August 2010 and the Fleet ran out 3-0 winners.

Fleet wins: 5

Stortford wins: 3

Draws: 3

Last five meetings

Ebbsfleet United 0-0 Bishop's Stortford – Blue Square Bet South – 26.03.11

Bishop's Stortford 0-3 Ebbsfleet United – Blue Square Bet South – 21.08.10

Gravesend and Northfleet 2-3 Bishop's Stortford – FA Trophy replay – 15.03.05

Bishop's Stortford 1-1 Gravesend and Northfleet – FA Trophy – 12.03.05

Bishop's Stortford 1-3 Gravesend and Northfleet – FA Trophy – 09.10.99

Who's your money with?

Understandably, Stortford are slight favourites for this match.

Ladbrokes have the Blues at 11/8 with the Fleet at 7/4. A draw for this match sees odds of 11/5. If you fancy a repeat scoreline from August 2010 (3-0 AWAY win) then odds are a generous 28/1. If you fancy both teams to score, then the odds for that are 4/7.

Bet Victor have Stortford at 29/20 with the Fleet at 9/5. A draw for this is 12/5. If you fancy a repeat scoreline from when the sides last met (0-0) then the odds for that are 19/2.

If you are able to attend the match then admission prices are as follows.

Adults - £12

Concessions - £7

Students - £6

Under 16s - £5

Under 12s – FREE

If you are unable to attend the match then follow @EUFCofficial, @BSFCatthegame or @FleetAdventures for pre-match talk, match updates and post-match reaction.

Enjoy the game.

Come on you reds! 

Ebbsfleet United v Gosport Borough

Ebbsfleet United will have to put aside any thoughts of next Saturday's North Kent Derby as they're in League action against Gosport Borough this Saturday.

The Fleet will look to continue their impressive form of late when the 'Boro visit Stonebridge Road. The Hampshire outfit have struggled all season and find themselves second from bottom in the Skrill South.

Gosport Borough

Founded – 1944

Nickname – The 'Boro

Ground – Privett Park

Manager – Alex Pike

Last season's finish - 5^th (Southern League – play-off winners)

Current position – 21^st

• Founded in 1944 as Gosport Borough Athletic Club. The initial aims were to bring back football, athletics, swimming and cycling to the town of Gosport.
• Managed by former Southampton player Stan Cribb, the 'Boro won the Portsmouth and District League Division One in their first season.
• Gosport won the Hampshire League Division One the following season.
• They were elected into the Southern League structure for the 1978/79 season after winning back-to-back Hampshire League titles.
• The next four seasons they finished in the top four in each of them, and were placed in the Southern League Premier Division for the 1982/83 season after the league was restructured. This was the season the Fleet and Gosport first met in League action.
• The 'Boro did get relegated two seasons later, but bounced back straight away after winning 16 of the last 19 matches. A 5-0 victory over Salisbury on the final day ensured they were promoted.
• Two relegations in three seasons saw the 'Boro relegated to the Wessex League in 1992.
• In December 2005, Gosport appointed Alex Pike as manager. Pike had a history of success in the Wessex League, winning it three times, and he was successful once again as Gosport won the Wessex League in 2006/07. The were elected back into the Southern League two weeks later.
• Pike didn't settle for just one success with the 'Boro as he guided them to back-to-back promotions into the Conference South for the first time in their history. In 2011/12 they beat Poole Town to gain promotion to the Premier Division of the Southern League before beating Hemel Hempstead in the play-off final of the Premier Division the following season.

Facts:

• Much travelled professional footballer Steve Claridge played for Gosport Borough in the 2011/12 season.
• The highest attendance at Privett Park was set in 1953 during an FA Amateur Cup match v Pegasus - 4,770 spectators turned out.
• Gosport Borough have never gone past the FA Cup 4^th qualifying round in their history.

The Squad

Goalkeepers – Nathan Ashmore, Gareth Barfoot

Defenders – Jonny Brogden, Robbie Flooks, Paul Hinshelwood, Luke King, Ellis Martin, Lee Molyneaux, Sam Pearce, Brett Poate

Midfielders – Nick Awford, Jack Barton, Jamie Brown ©, Tom Dunford, Michael Gosney, Sammy Igoe, Bradey Norton, Danny Smith, Adam Wilde, Dan Woodward

Attackers – Justin Bennett, Tim Sills, Andy Forbes, Rory Williams, Dan Wooden

The Form Guide

In my Skrill South preview at the start of the season, I predicted Gosport to be a surprise package and shock a few teams in this division. Unfortunately for the 'Boro they've picked up just one win in their opening nine matches and find themselves down in 21^st place. Their only victory came at home to fellow strugglers Tonbridge Angels.

The 'Boro are the lowest scorers in the Skrill South so far, scoring just six goals in nine matches, conceding fifteen in the process. They have failed to find the net in four League matches so far this season and will be clear underdogs going into the game at Stonebridge Road.

Four of the six goals scored have come in the second half of matches, their goals against have been spread with eight coming in the first half of matches and nine in the second half.

Last five matches

Bishop's Stortford 4-0 Gosport Borough – 05.10.13

Bath City 2-0 Gosport Borough – FA Cup – 28.09.13

Gosport Borough 2-0 Tonbridge Angels – 21.09.13

Boreham Wood 2-0 Gosport Borough – 14.09.13

Gosport Borough 0-2 Maidenhead United – 07.09.13

The 'Boro have also been in County Cup action as they beat Fareham Town 2-0 in the Hampshire Senior Cup on Tuesday 8 October.

LLWLL

Scored -2

Conceded – 10

-8

Last time out

Bishop's Stortford 4-0 Gosport Borough.

It was a disappointing day out for the 'Boro last time as they took a hammering at Bishop's Stortford.

Goals from George Allen, Kyle Vassell (penalty), Cliff Akurang and Matt Johnson made sure Gosport continued their poor start to the season.

Attendance: 504

Key players

Captain Jamie Brown has scored three of the six goals that 'Boro have scored this season, and has been influential from midfield. Despite him being towards the end of his career, veteran midfielder Sammy Igoe is still a capable player at this level and the Fleet will need to make sure he has no effect on the game.

Team news

Recent signing Tim Sills is in contention to make his debut for the 'Boro.

Now let's look at the Fleet...

The squad

Goalkeepers – Preston Edwards, Brandon Hall

Defenders – Osei Sankofa, Joe Howe, Aiden Palmer, Grant Basey, Paul Lorraine, Shane Huke

Midfielders – Dean Rance, Stacy Long, Daryl McMahon, Tom Phipp, Michael Corcoran, Chris Sessegnon, Anthony Cook, Dominic Green.

Attackers – Ben May, Billy Bricknell, Alex Osborn (on loan from Dagenham), Michael Thalassitis (on loan from Stevenage), Andy Pugh (on loan from Cambridge)

The Form Guide

After a relatively poor start to the season, it finally looks as if the Fleet have picked up and are on the way up. The reds are now six unbeaten in all competitions, with five of them being victories including two league victories over top five sides.

The Fleet have turned their goal difference around in the League now, after hitting six past Weston Super-Mare and three past table toppers Eastleigh. 18 goals have now been scored so far this campaign, with 11 conceded.

The slightly worrying thing perhaps, is of course the amount of draws that have occurred for the Fleet with six of the eleven matches ending all squad.

Last five matches

Ebbsfleet United 2-0 Eastbourne Borough – FA Cup – 12.10.13

Ebbsfleet United 3-1 Eastleigh – 08.10.13

Weston Super-Mare 0-6 Ebbsfleet United – 05.10.13

Ebbsfleet United 1-0 Folkestone Invicta – FA Cup – 28.09.13

Ebbsfleet United 0-0 Boreham Wood – 21.09.13

The Fleet were also in Kent Senior Cup action as they beat Sittingbourne 6-1 away from home on Tuesday 3 October.

WWWWD

Scored – 12

Conceded – 1

+11

Last time out

Ebbsfleet United 2-0 Eastbourne Borough.

Two Ben May headers in the first half were enough to send the Fleet into the next round of the FA Cup and set up a derby day tie with local rivals Dartford.

Both of the goals came courtesy of Anthony Cook's set pieces. May could, and should, have made it three straight after half time as he hit against the bar from seven yards out when it was definitely easier to score.

Attendance: 901.

Key players

Since returning from his back injury, Ben May has been absolutely vital for the Fleet. A proper target man and somebody who can link up the play and create chances for himself as well as others, a real nuisance for defenders, the Fleet will be hoping he can stay fit for as long as possible. As always, Anthony Cook will pose a big threat to the Gosport defence.

Team news

Dean Rance definitely misses out after picking up his fifth booking of the season last time out, and Grant Basey still remains on the sidelines. Andy Pugh could return from the ankle injury he suffered at Sittingbourne, although this could well be his last game as his loan deal expires after the game. Manager Steve Brown has stated he would like to extend it, but the ball is in Cambridge's court. Daryl McMahon limped off against Eastbourne, but should be back fit and ready to play.

Previous meetings

You would have to go back to October of 1979 to see the first competitive meeting between the two sides; a 1-1 draw away from home in the FA Trophy 1^st qualifying round. The Fleet won the replay 2-1.

The sides have met ten times in competitive action over the years and the Fleet lead the head-to-head. The last meeting between the sides was in April, 1990. The Fleet ran out 1-0 winners.

Fleet wins: 5

'Boro wins: 2

Draws: 3

Last five meetings

Gravesend and Northfleet 1-0 Gosport Borough – Southern League Premier – 07.04.1990

Gosport Borough 0-1 Gravesend and Northfleet – Southern League Premier – 30.12.1989

Gravesend and Northfleet 4-0 Gosport Borough – Southern League Premier – 29.03.1986

Gosport Borough 1-0 Gravesend and Northfleet – Southern League Premier – 02.11.1985

Gravesend and Northfleet 0-0 Gosport Borough – Southern League Premier – 25.02.1984

Who's your money with?

Ladbrokes have the Fleet clear favourites at 2/5 with Gosport a very generous 6/1. A draw for this match sees odds of 13/4. If you fancy a 3-0 home win then odds for that are 8/1, compared to 80/1 for a 3-0 away win.

As you'd expect, the Fleet are also clear favourites with Bet Victor with a price of 4/9. Gosport are 13/2 and a draw is 33/10. A sneaky 1-0 away win sees odds of 19/1.

If you're able to make the match then admission prices are as follows:

Adults - £10

Concessions - £8

Under 16s - £5

Under 12s – FREE with an adult.

If you're unable to make the match then follow @EUFCofficial, @GosportBoroFC or @FleetAdventures for pre-match talk, match talk and post match reaction.

Enjoy the game.

Come on you Reds!