Match Preview | Ebbsfleet (A)

Match Preview | Ebbsfleet United

Rovers travel to Northfleet in Kent tomorrow as they take on Ebbsfleet United in the fourth round of the FA Trophy. The Fleet, as they’re known, were relegated from the National League last season, where Rovers picked up a 3-1 victory at TNL and a point on the road in the reverse fixture after a 0-0 draw.

The Opposition: Ebbsfleet United

League: National League South

League Position:  9th

Nickname: ‘The Fleet’

Ebbsfleet United have had a mixed campaign so far, currently sitting 9th in The National League South, four points outside of the play-off places . However, they have won their last four fixtures, including a 3-1 victory in the FA trophy over fellow National League opponents Braintree Town on Saturday, 13th December.

More recently, they have picked up results against Dover, Tonbridge, and Chelmsford. Their last game, however, was on 30th December, after back-to-back postponements due to poor weather.

In the Dugout:

Josh Wright is the current manager of Ebbsfleet United. A former professional midfielder, he initially joined the club as a player, making 92 appearances and scoring four goals.

Wright made over 500 appearances during his playing career, the majority of which came with clubs in the English Football League.

He later moved into management at the Fleet and took over as full-time manager in December 2024, following a short interim spell that began in September 2024.

Player to watch: Dominic Samuel

Samuel signed for the Fleet in October 2023. The 31-year-old has made 19 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring eight goals and contributing one assist.

Four of those goals came in his last four appearances. The Rovers' backline will need to be alert to neutralise the threat of the experienced Englishman.