Ebbsfleet United v Bishop's Stortford

Ebbsfleet United will look to record another win in their fight for the play-offs when they entertain fellow play-off chasers Bishop's Stortford on Saturday afternoon. Stortford are just three points behind the Stonebridge Road outfit in fifth with three games in hand.

Bishop's Stortford FC

Founded – 1874

Ground – Woodside Park

Nickname – The Blues

Manager – Rod Stringer

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

Current position - 5^th

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepers – Joe Wright, Sam Cowler

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

Midfielders – Reece Prestedge, Anthony Church, Matt Johnson, Luke Milbourne, Harry Baker, Jack Hall, Nicky Symons (Dual Reg with East Thurrock United)

Attackers – Cliff Akurang, Liam Enver-Marum, Kyle Asante, Josh Fagbohum, Brian Woodall

Since facing the Fleet way back on October 22, the Blues have played eight league matches winning just three of these. With games in hand on the teams around them, Stortford could be well into the play-offs soon enough.

LAST FIVE MATCHES

Royston Town 0-1 Bishop's Stortford – Herts Charity Cup

Dover Athletic 2-3 Bishop's Stortford

Bishop's Stortford 1-3 Boreham Wood

Chelmsford City 2-1 Bishop's Stortford

Bishop's Stortford 5-3 Basingstoke Town

For: 11

Against: 10

LAST TIME OUT

Dover Athletic 2-3 Bishop's Stortford – 04.01.14

A magnificent second half comeback saw Stortford take advantage of other Skrill South matches being postponed. This 3-2 victory at Crabble saw the Blues climb to 4^th in the table.

Former Fleet midfielder Liam Bellamy and Tom Murphy put the hosts two goals up at half time. The Whites would have been three goals to the good shortly after the break but for a terrific save from Sam Cowler in the Blues' goal. Stortford took full advantage and goals from full back Ashley Miller and veteran Cliff Akurang brought the visitors level. Former Dover loanee Brian Woodall then completed the comeback six minutes from time to give the Blues a precious three points.

Attendance: 615

Stortford: Sam Cowler, Harry Baker (Jack Hall), Ashley Miller (Callum McNaughton), George Allen, Sean Francis, Cliff Akurang, Matt Johnson, Anthony Church, Brian Woodall, Liam Enver-Marum (Fagbohun), Prestedge. Subs not used: Nicky Symons, Andre Costa

ONE TO WATCH

Reece Prestedge. The influential midfielder, in his third spell with the Hertfordshire Club, has the ability to turn a game in a flash. Reece received the Manager's Player of the Year award last season as well as the Supporter's Player of the Year. Having played nearly 200 games for the Blues, the passionate midfielder has scored over 30 goals.

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

Ebbsfleet United

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepers – Preston Edwards, Brandon Hall

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

Midfielders – Michael West, Anthony Cook, Daryl McMahon, Dean Rance, Michael Corcoran, Tom Phipp, Stacy Long (on loan at Eastbourne Borough), Dominic Green (on loan at Tonbridge Angels)

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

LAST FIVE MATCHES

Farnborough 0-1 Ebbsfleet United

Havant and Waterlooville 1-0 Ebbsfleet United – FA Trophy

Ebbsfleet United 1-3 Bromley

Ebbsfleet United 0-2 Dover Athletic

Bromley 0-0 Ebbsfleet United

For: 2

Conceded: 6

LAST TIME OUT

Farnborough 0-1 Ebbsfleet United – 14.01.14

Billy Bricknell's 9^th league goal of the season was enough to give the Fleet a vital three points in their fight for the play-offs.

In a pitch not too dissimilar from that at Havant the previous Saturday, the game looked to be heading the same way until Bricknell's 69^th minute strike from the edge of the area.

Attendance: 219

Fleet: Edwards, Sessegnon (Howe), Lorraine, Sankofa, Palmer, West (Osborn), McMahon, Rance, Cook, May, Bricknell (Corcoran).

ONE TO WATCH

Billy Bricknell. The striker is well on his way to a respectable total of goals for the season and on his day, is unplayable at this level. Having scored in his last two league matches, he'll be looking to add to his tally here as the Fleet look to pull away from Stortford a bit.

TEAM NEWS

Dean Rance starts the first of his two game suspension for ten yellow cards. Chris Sessegnon limped off at the Rushmoor Stadium on Tuesday and although he's stated it is not as bad as first thought, it is unknown whether he will be available for selection.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

The two Clubs have met 12 times competitively with the Fleet leading the head-to-head with 5 wins to Stortford's 4. The first meeting between the Clubs came back in December of 1988, a 3-3 draw in the FA Trophy. The Fleet won the replay 2-1.

The most recent meeting between the sides came back in October with Stortford running out 3-2 winners, a scoreline that flattered the Fleet. The Blues were in control of the game and should have been 4 or 5 up before the Fleet's two goals in stoppage time.

LAST FIVE MEETINGS

Bishop's Stortford 3-2 Ebbsfleet United – Skrill South – 22.10.13

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

ODDS

Ebbsfleet 21/20 (favourites)

Draw 12/5

Stortford 21/10

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

Adults £10

Concessions £8

Under 16s £5

Under 12s FREE

If you're unable to make the game then follow @BSFCatthegame or @EUFCOfficial for match updates.

COME ON YOU REDS!  

Farnborough v Ebbsfleet United

Ebbsfleet United face another trip to Hampshire this week as they take on Farnborough FC looking to end a run of three straight defeats. The Fleet are in the play-offs, just, on goal difference. Bishop's Stortford (Saturday's opponents) and Staines Town are level on points. Farnborough can move up one place to 15^th if they win.

Farnborough FC

Founded – 2007 (reformed after Farnborough Town FC went into liquidation)

Nickname – The Boro

Ground – Rushmoor Stadium (renamed Paddy Power Park due to a sponsorship with Paddy Power)

Manager – Spencer Day

Last season's finish - 13^th

Current position - 16^th

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepers – Kevin Scriven, Matt Lovett, Dan Lincoln, Sam Johnson-Freeman, Ryan Hope

Defenders – Josh Huggins, Ollie Treacher, Alan Inns, Adam Doyle, Alfred Bosch, Nathan Koo-Boothe, Djibril Fofana, Courtney Fearn, Jesse Bowers

Midfielders – Steve Laidler, Merrick James-Lewis, Richard Monan, Bakari Sinclair-Smith, Jack Jeffrey

Attackers – Moses Ashikodi, Phil Page, Dan Bennett, Elvis Hammond, Tyrone Berry, Andrew Mensah

LAST FIVE MATCHES

Farnborough 1-2 Staines Town

Farnborough 2-2 Havant and Waterlooville

Basingstoke Town 4-0 Farnborough

Farnborough 4-0 Bemerton Heath Harlequins – Russell Cotes Cup

Aldershot Town 1-1 Farnborough (Boro won 5-4 on pens) – Hampshire Senior Cup

ONE TO WATCH

Tyrone Berry. The much travelled striker will be looking to inflict more pain on the Fleet who have conceded six goals in the last three games. The defence have looked a little shaky at times recently.

TEAM NEWS

Midfielder Steve Laidler will be missing as he serves the second of a two-game suspension while Adam Doyle returns from a three game suspension. Goalkeeper Kevin Scriven is a doubt. Scott Donnelly recently left the Club after receiving a better offer (financially) elsewhere. Defender Alfred Bosch looks to continue easing his way back in after he re-signed for Farnborough at the start of the month after failing to find employment in Spain. Former Fleet striker Moses Ashikodi is in contention to play against his former Club after signing for the Boro in December.

Ebbsfleet United

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepers – Preston Edwards, Brandon Hall

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

Midfielders – Michael West, Stacy Long, Tom Phipp, Giannoulis Fakinos, Dean Rance, Daryl McMahon, Anthony Cook, Dominic Green

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

LAST FIVE MATCHES

Havant and Waterlooville 1-0 Ebbsfleet United

Ebbsfleet United 1-3 Bromley

Ebbsfleet United 0-2 Dover Athletic

Bromley 0-0 Ebbsfleet United

Ebbsfleet United 2-0 Sutton United

ONE TO WATCH

Michael West. If he plays, the midfielder will be looking to get back to the form the Fleet fans saw in him last time the Club was at this level. The youngster has a good record against Farnborough scoring three goals and making one assist in his three games against the Hampshire outfit.

TEAM NEWS

Other than long-term casualty, Shane Huke, manager Steve Brown should have a near full squad to choose from.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Gravesend and Northfleet met Farnborough Town a handful of times before the Boro went into liquidation in 2007. Since reforming as Farnborough FC, Ebbsfleet United have played them just three times, winning two and losing one.

Farnborough 2-4 Ebbsfleet United – Blue Square Bet South play-off final – 15.05.11

Ebbsfleet United 0-3 Farnborough – Blue Square Bet South – 05.02.11

Farnborough 1-2 Ebbsfleet United – Blue Square Bet South – 18.08.10

The Fleet's meetings with Farnborough have been eventful to say the least. Michael West's 90^th minute strike from the edge of the area ensured the Fleet took three points back to Kent in their first meeting.

Preston Edwards became the fastest goalkeeper to be sent off (10 seconds) when he brought down Bradley Bubb after Ryan Blake sold him short with a backpass. Midfielder Tom Phipp went in goal as the Fleet lost 3-0.

The final segment in the 2010/11 season came on a beautiful day in May. Some 2,000+ Fleet fans had travelled to Farnborough's Rushmoor Stadium and a devastating performance in front of goal saw the Fleet promoted back to the Premier Division at the first attempt with a 4-2 victory. Michael West was first on the scoresheet as Craig Stone's long throw into the box caused panic in the box. Former Fleet defender James Smith's header stood up for 'Westy' to acrobatically hit home. The young midfielder turned provider in the second half as his defence-splitting pass allowed Ricky Shakes to lob Michael Jordan in the Boro net. Good work between Joe Howe and Tom Phipp allowed Westy to head home and seal the Fleet's promotion. Nervous moments came at the end of the game as Farnborough scored two goals in two minutes but Calum Willock killed the game off in the last minute of the match, sparking wild scenes in the stands.

Farnborough's side that day featured Daryl McMahon and Osei Sankofa who, of course, are now regular starters for the Fleet.

ODDS

Farnborough – 13/5

Draw – 5/2

Fleet – 17/20 (favourites)

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

Adults - £12

Concessions - £8

Under 16s – FREE

If you're unable to attend the match then follow @FarnboroughFC or @FleetAdventures for match updates.

COME ON YOU REDS!

Havant and Waterlooville v Ebbsfleet United

This Saturday sees a return to FA Trophy action for Ebbsfleet United and this presents them with a chance of progressing as they travel to Hampshire to face fellow Skrill South side Havant and Waterlooville.

Havant and Waterlooville FC

Founded – 1998

Nickname – The Hawks

Stadium – West Leigh Park

Manager – Lee Bradbury

Captain – Scott Bevan

Last season's finish - 10^th

Current position - 13^th

Top scorer – Sahr Kabba – 12 (all competitions)

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepers – Scott Bevan, Charlie Searle.

Defenders – Danny Blanchett, Ed Harris, Pedro Monteiro, Jake Newton, Joe Noakes, Dan Strugnell, Ryan Woodford.

Midfielders – Nic Ciardini, Eddie Hutchinson, Christian Nanetti, Steve Ramsey, Perry Ryan, Harry Wedlake,

Attackers – Dennis Oli, Scott Jones, Sahr Kabba, Alex Przpolewski

THE FORM GUIDE

After a slow start to the season, the Hawks are now nine games unbeaten in all competitions and they'll look to continue that fine run of form when the Fleet visit West Leigh Park. The Hawks' last last came away to Bromley on November 23 with goals from Pierre Joseph-Dubios and Ashley Nicholls giving the hosts a 2-0 win.

LAST FIVE MATCHES

Farnborough 2-2 Havant and Waterlooville

Havant and Waterlooville 3-0 Gosport Borough

Havant and Waterlooville 3-1 Whitehawk – FA Trophy replay

Whitehawk 1-1 Havant and Waterlooville – FA Trophy

Sholing 0-3 Havant and Waterlooville – Hampshire Senior Cup

KEY PLAYER

Sahr Kabba. The young striker has been Havant's star player this season and has contributed with twelve goals in all competitions (nine in league action). Troubled by injuries in the past, it looks as though the 24 year old is past that and eager to progress up the footballing ladder. The following snippet is taken from the Havant and Waterlooville official website:

“Sahr can only be described as ‘unplayable’ when he is in full flow. His acceleration and balance is extraordinary. With his ‘fitness problem’ now a thing of the past an increase on his 11 goal tally last season would see him pushing towards the Football League and a full-time career. His unselfish play and great temperament make him an important first team player.”

Manager Lee Bradbury should have a near full squad to choose from.

FA TROPHY CAMPAIGN SO FAR

All three of the Hawks' previous round games have been against fellow Skrill South sides so this Saturday will be a familiar thing for them. Can they add a fourth?

Sutton United 1-2 Havant and Waterlooville

Basingstoke Town 0-0 Havant and Waterlooville (Hawks won the replay 1-0)

Whitehawk 1-1 Havant and Waterlooville (Hawks won the replay 3-1)

Ebbsfleet United

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepers – Preston Edwards, Brendon Hall.

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

Midfielders – Michael Corcoran, Stacy Long, Dean Rance, Tom Phipp, Daryl McMahon, Anthony Cook, Michael West.

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

THE FORM GUIDE

The Fleet's run of nine straight wins was brought to a disappointing halt over the Christmas period as their title aspirations ended thanks to losses against Dover Athletic and Bromley.

LAST FIVE MATCHES

Ebbsfleet United 1-3 Bromley

Ebbsfleet United 0-2 Dover Athletic

Bromley 0-0 Ebbsfleet United

Ebbsfleet United 2-0 Sutton United

Whitstable Town 1-2 Ebbsfleet United – FA Trophy

KEY PLAYER

Anthony Cook. The winger will be key for the Fleet if they're to progress into the next round. The former Chelmsford man is vital in creating opportunities for himself and others and plenty of times this season we have seen that if you stop Cook, you stop the Fleet.

TEAM NEWS

Ben May and Daryl McMahon have struggled with niggling injuries of late but it is unknown whether they'll be fit at the weekend. Dean Rance is suspended for two matches after picking up his 10^th booking on New Year's Day. Former attacking midfielder Michael West re-signed for the Club on a free transfer from Crewe last week and will be available to begin his second spell with the Fleet.

TROPHY CAMPAIGN SO FAR

Ebbsfleet United 4-1 Bromley

Ebbsfleet United 3-0 Gloucester City

Whitstable Town 1-2 Ebbsfleet United

The Fleet made it to the second round with relative ease but struggled to overcome a resilient Whitstable Town side. With 400+ Fleet fans beginning to settle for a replay, Michael Thalassitis' late cross-come-shot looped over the Town keeper to set up this tie.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Due to the Club only being formed in 1998, Havant have only met the Fleet four times since then with the Fleet winning three of them.

Havant and Waterlooville 1-2 Gravesend and Northfleet – FA Trophy – 16.12.06

Havant and Waterlooville 2-3 Ebbsfleet United – Blue Square Bet South – 12.02.11

Ebbsfleet United 2-1 Havant and Waterlooville – Blue Square Bet South – 12.03.11

Ebbsfleet United 0-0 Havant and Waterlooville – Skrill South – 10.08.13

If you're able to attend the match then admission prices are as follows (taken from the Havant and Waterlooville website):

ADULTS - £13
CONCESSIONS - £8

If you're unable to make the match then please follow @EUFCofficial or @HavantWvilleFC for match updates and reaction. 

LIVE match commentary here - http://www.hawksfm.co.uk/home/4580419897 

With over 1,000 fans expected at West Leigh Park including 200+ Fleet fans it is sure to be a great occasion.

COME ON YOU REDS!