Ebbsfleet United v Gloucester City; Will the Tigers roar again?

Ebbsfleet United take a short break from League action this Saturday as they host Gloucester City in the FA Trophy. The Tigers are currently bottom of the Skrill North with ten points from sixteen games. The Fleet's 2-1 victory away at Hayes and Yeading midweek moved them up to third in the Skrill South.

Let's take a look at our visitors...

Gloucester City

Founded – 1883 (as Gloucester FC)

Nickname – the Tigers

Stadium – Whaddon Road (groundshare with Cheltenham Town FC)

Manager – David Mehew

Captain – Matt Coupe

Last season's finish - 11^th

Current position - 22^nd

• Gloucester FC were founded on March 5, 1883 but did not play their first competitive match under 1889; a 10-0 victory over Clifton Association Reserves in the FA Junior Challenge Cup.
• Changed name to Gloucester City in 1925 and turned semi-professional in the 1934/35 season after a league (Gloucestershire Northern Senior League) and cup double. City joined the Birmingham Combination League and moved into a new stadium in Longlevens.
• Reg Weaver (former Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers) destroyed previous goalscoring records in the 1937/38 season when he hammered home 67 goals! He went on to score a very respectable 103 goals in 84 appearances for the Club.
• The Club joined the Southern League structure in 1939 where they would remain for the next 70 years.
• Reached the FA Cup first round in three consecutive seasons from 48-51, losing to Mansfield Town, Norwich City and Bristol City on each occasion.
• The following season, the record attendance at Longlevens was set. Tottenham Hotspur were the visitors and 10,500 spectators saw City beat their much higher opponents 2-1.
• The 1955/56 season saw City's first taste of success in the Southern League when they beat Yeovil Town in the Southern League Cup final. Astonishingly, it all looked over for City as they lost 4-1 in the first leg but fortunately for them they put on a show in the second leg to win 6-5 on aggregate.
• Moved to Horton Park in 1964 to be closer to the centre of Gloucester. At the time, Horton Park could hold over 30,000 spectators!
• The Club clinched promotion to the Premier Division of the Southern League in the 1981/82 season after a sixth placed finish and were runners up in the League Club. City lost 2-1 in the final to Wealdstone, a side that featured Stuart Pearce.
• The Club yet again moved grounds in 1986, this time to Meadow Park in the Hempstead area. Horton Road became a housing estate and some of the roads were named after City legends: (Stan) Myers Road, (Dicky) Etheridge Place and (Ron) Coltman Close.
• After spending three seasons in the Midland Division, City finally won promotion in the 1988/89 season when former Aston Villa player and Wales International Brian Godfrey was appointed manager. City won the League away at Kings Lynn in the penultimate game of the season.
• The following season, the Tigers enjoyed their best ever FA Cup run; they lost in a second round replay at home to Cardiff City.
• The winter of 1990 was harsh to Gloucester City as Gloucester's worst snow in a century which caused flooding in the local areas once it had thawed. The Meadow Park pitch was under four feet of water and the pitch was out of action for a month. When the Tigers returned to Meadow Park, they beat Gosport Borough 9-0.

• 

  Meadow Park under eight feet of water.

  There was more Meadow Park heartbreak for the Club in 2007 when floods were destroying parts of Britain. Unfortunately for the Tigers, their stadium was destroyed as the pitch lay under eight feet of water. The Club have been playing away from home since.
• Despite the devastation, the Tigers managed to secure promotion to the Conference North in 2009, beating Farnborough FC 1-0 in the Southern League Premier play-off final. This was to be the first time the Tigers have ever played at this level.
• The Club have played at Cheltenham Town's Whaddon Road since 2010 after having brief spells at The New Lawn (Forest Green Rovers) and The Corinium Stadium (Cirencester Town).
  
  

The Squad

Goalkeepers – Mike Green, Steve Sparrow, Nathan Phillips

Defenders – Michael Green, Matt Coupe, Jack Harris, Sam Rawlings, Ryan Batten, Danny Haile, Kirtys McKenzie (on loan from Torquay United)

Midfielders - Tom Webb, Sam Turl, Matt Groves, Lewis Hogg, Darren Mullings, Matt Liddiard, Jordan Goddard (on loan from Bristol Rovers), Zack Kotwica (on loan from Cheltenham Town)

Attackers - Will Morford, Darren Edwards, Scott Wilson, Joe Parker (on loan from Newport County), Connnor Waldon (on loan from Swindon Town)

• Tom Webb has made over 500 appearances for the Gloucestershire outfit. Webb, 29, joined the Club in 2001 and, remarkably, played every single minute of every match during the 2004/05 campaign. At just 29 years of age, if he stays with the Tigers, he could end up making over 700 appearances for them!

One to watch

Darren Mullings. The box to box midfielder has been influential in the three years he's spent with the Tigers and certainly has an eye for goal, scoring over 20 goals in his time at Whaddon Road. Joe Parker is the 'future star' in this side. The 18 year old has already scored an FA Cup hat-trick (v Yate Town) and has been snapped up by a Football-League Club. Newport County of League Two pounced to secure his signature last week but have allowed him to spend the rest of the season on loan at the Tigers. One City fan had this to say: “Joe Parker is a great prospect, but , although scoring an FA Cup hat trick and signing for Newport, has yet to truly become a first team regular.''

Team News

Lewis Hogg could be the only casualty for Saturday's clash.

The Form Guide

Other than a run in the FA Cup, it's been a season to forget for the Tigers so far. Rooted to the bottom of the table with just two victories in sixteen games isn't what fans were forecasting in pre-season. When asked about expectations and the season so far, Gloucester fan DaveAngel had this to say: “Awful, apart from the Cups. Bottom, and I expected mid table. I'm confident we will start climbing the table soon... Ish. “

The Tigers have lost ten games in the League so far this season, conceding 36 goals in the process.

Of course, the cup's have been fairly kind to them as they made it to the first round proper of the FA Cup, losing 2-0 to League Two outfit Fleetwood Town. The Tigers beat Skrill South side Boreham Wood to set up this tie with the Fleet.

Last five matches

Vauxhall Motors 3-2 Gloucester City – Skrill North

Boreham Wood 0-1 Gloucester City – FA Trophy

Gloucester City 2-3 Colwyn Bay – Skrill North

Gloucester City 0-2 Fleetwood Town – FA Cup

Bradford Park Avenue 3-1 Gloucester City – Skrill North

LWLLL

Goals – 6

Conceded – 11

GD: - 5

Last time out

Vauxhall Motors 3-2 Gloucester City

Despite a dominating second half performance, the Tigers were handed yet another defeat in the Skrill North as Karl Clair's 87^th minute free kick gave Vauxhall Motors all three points.

Stephen Tames put the hosts a goal up with 14 minutes gone but Darren Edwards equalised with 27 minutes on the clock. Just two minutes later Louis Barnes put Vauxhall back in front. The lead, once again, didn't last too long as Darren Mullings equalised five minutes later.

Mullings himself had a great chance in the second half, along with loan signings Connor Waldon and Kyrtys MacKenzie and Jack Harris but City hearts were broken with three left.

When you're stuck near the bottom of the table, nothing seems to go your way and Clair stepped up and produced a stunning free kick to send City to the bottom of the table.

Attendance: 147

The View from the Meadow Park dugout now.

Previous FA Trophy campaigns

The FA Trophy hasn't really been kind to Gloucester over the years. The Club has only reached the Quarter final twice and they've only reached the semi-final once.

1996/97 was Gloucester City's memory campaign.

The Tigers were just 90 minutes from a Wembley final, but Dagenham and Redbridge beat them 2-1 at Slough Town to progress. The Daggers went onto lose 1-0 in the final to Woking, the last of the Cards' three FA Trophy victories.

It started way back in the third qualifying round with a 3-1 victory at home to Kingstonian. The Tigers then went on to beat Yeading, Halifax Town, Runcorn and Bishop Auckland before falling at the last hurdle.

Gloucester's last FA Trophy campaign (2012/13) was ended at the first hurdle thanks to a 1-0 defeat at home to Maidenhead United.

Ebbsfleet United

Squad

Goalkeepers – Preston Edwards, Brendan Hall

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

Midfielders – Tom Phipp (on loan at Maidstone), Giannoulis Fakinos (on dual-reg at Margate), Dominic Green, Anthony Cook, Stacy Long, Dean Rance, Daryl McMahon, Michael Corcoran

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

• Preston Edwards and Paul Lorraine recently made their 150^th appearance in Ebbsfleet colours as the Fleet beat Hayes and Yeading 2-1.

One to watch

Michael Thalassitis. The striker has started the last three games and has shone in each one. His presence up top proves vital as he makes a nuisance of himself running at defenders and winning balls in the air. The Cypriot U21 international chases down everything. He doesn't score many, but he's vital to the team all the same.

Team news

Ben May (shoulder) looks set to miss out, but Steve Brown should have a near full squad to choose from.

The Form Guide

The Fleet continued their rise up the Skrill South table thanks to a 2-1 victory over Hayes and Yeading. The Fleet are now five unbeaten in all competitions. Manager Steve Brown has said that he and the squad are taking every competition seriously, and this tie has given them a perfect opportunity to progress. The Fleet beat Skrill South table toppers Bromley to set up this tie.

Last five matches

Hayes and Yeading 1-2 Ebbsfleet United – Skrill South

Ebbsfleet United 1-0 Basingstoke Town – Skrill South

Tunbridge Wells 1-3 Ebbsfleet United – Kent Senior Cup

Ebbsfleet United 4-1 Bromley – FA Trophy

Ebbsfleet United 4-0 Concord Rangers – Skrill South

Last time out

Hayes and Yeading 1-2 Ebbsfleet United

A two minute turnaround in the second half gave the Fleet three vital points at Kingfield Stadium with Stacy Long being the master behind it.

Jake Reid put the hosts up midway through the first half and the Fleet were lucky to go in at the break only one behind. Geoff Mitchell, Anthony Furlonge and Luke Williams were all close to scoring.

The Fleet upped the ante in the second half, with Michael Thalassitis, Alex Osborn and substitute Billy Bricknell all going close before the goals came.

Stacy Long was introduced from the bench in place of Daryl McMahon and within six minutes the Fleet were ahead. The Fleet hero firstly blocked a goalbound Anthony Cook effort, turned and struck into the bottom corner before sending a free-kick over that Mitchell turned into his own net. The travelling contingent were delighted but, more importantly, relieved!

Attendance: 139

Previous FA Trophy campaigns

Up until the 2004/05 season, the Fleet had never even made it to the quarter final stage of the tournament, losing out early on most of the time.

The boys in red beat Eastbourne Borough, Histon and Slough Town before falling to Bishop's Stortford. Just two seasons later the Fleet made the QF again.

The Fleet lost at home to AFC Wimbledon in round two but the Wombles were removed for fielding an ineligible player. Gravesend and Northfleet, as they were at the time, went on to beat Rushden and Diamonds in the next round before losing to Northwich Victoria.

After changing their name to Ebbsfleet United before the 2007/08 season, the Fleet had a little success in the FA Trophy.

That very season was the FA Trophy winning season. The Fleet eliminated Carshalton Athletic, Dorchester Town, Weymouth and Burton Albion to set up a two-legged semi-final with runaway Conference Premier leaders Aldershot Town. With the first leg at Stonebridge Road the Fleet knew they needed to achieve a lead to take to the Recreation Ground the following Saturday, and they did just that! Two penalties from Chris McPhee and a second half header from captain Paul McCarthy gave the Fleet a 3-1 lead.

With large travelling support backing them at the away game, a last gasp Michael Bostwick goal tied the game at 1-1 (4-2 on aggregate) and sent the Fleet to Wembley for the first time in their history.

It was a special occasion and with 26,000+ Fleet fans in attendance, McPhee scored the only goal of the game, against his former Club, to make sure the Fleet were victorious.

The following season the Fleet yet again had an FA Trophy run, but fell at the semi-final stage after a 4-2 aggregate loss to Stevenage.

The Fleet's last FA Trophy campaign (2012/13) saw them lose in the first round, 1-0, at home to Hereford.

We've met before

The Fleet and Gloucester were regular opponents back in the Southern League days, before the Fleet's switch to the Isthmian League. This meeting on Saturday is to be the first Cup meeting between the sides.

The two clubs have met 54 times over the years, with Gloucester leading the head-to-head by quite some distance!

Fleet wins: 12

Gloucester wins: 29

Draws: 13

Fleet goals: 67

Gloucester goals: 108

First meeting – Gloucester City 1-6 Gravesend and Northfleet – 12.10.1946

Last meeting – Gloucester City 3-1 Gravesend and Northfleet – 19.04.1997

Biggest victory margin – Gloucester City 7-0 Gravesend and Northfleet – 14.10.1950

Last five meetings

Gloucester City 3-1 Gravesend and Northfleet – Southern League Premier – 19.04.1997

Gravesend and Northfleet 2-3 Gloucester City – Southern League Premier – 22.02.1997

Gravesend and Northfleet 0-0 Gloucester City – Southern League Premier – 26.03.1996

Gloucester City 3-1 Gravesend and Northfleet – Southern League Premier – 02.09.1995

Gravesend and Northfleet 1-0 Gloucester City – Southern League Premier – 15.11.1994

Who's your money with?

Ladbrokes have the Fleet favourites at 1 / 2 with Gloucester at 9/2. A draw for this match sees odds of 3/1.

Bet Victor have pretty much the same odds. The Fleet are 1 / 2 and Gloucester are 9/2. A draw is 33/10.

Predictions:

Tigers fan Dave Angel gave a brief prediction ahead of Saturday's game...

“Hard one. We really need to work on staying up. But I can't want to lose, so I want to win convincingly and give us confidence for our next league game.

I'd say Gravesend and Northfleet will win 3-0 though. They're called what now?''

I'm not normally one for predicting, but I will this time. 3-1 home win with a crowd of 831. 50 or so from Cheltenham Gloucester.

If you're able to attend the match then admission prices are the same as normal league games...

Adults - £10

Concessions - £8

Under 16s - £5

Under 12s – FREE with an adult.

If you're unable to attend the game then follow @EUFCofficial, @FleetAdventures or @GCAFCOfficial for live match updates and post match reaction.

Enjoy the game.

COME ON YOU REDS!