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Saturday: Ebbsfleet v Harriers

A look ahead to Saturday’s trip to Ebbsfleet United…

By Matty Paddock - 25/08/2023

Posted 2 years ago

HARRIERS travel to Ebbsfleet United for the first time in over a decade in National League action on Saturday.

Harriers and The Fleet were regular competitors back in Harriers’ last time in the top tier of non-league football – and indeed dating back to the Southern League days.

Saturday’s clash will be the 40th meeting between the two, but the first league meeting since 2013 thanks to relegations for both teams over intervening years.

There was a one-sided encounter in The FA Trophy four years later, but the two are now back on a level playing field after Ebbsfleet stormed to the 2022-23 National League South title and Harriers succeeded in the National League North play-offs.

Russ Penn knows all about Ebbsfleet’s qualities, saying: “They’ve made a decent start, they’ve won two and lost two.

“They’ve got a good manager and won the league – trounced the league, really – last season.

“They’ve kept the majority of the squad, similar to us… [but] we are going there looking to win the game, just like they’ll be looking to beat us on Saturday.

“I know a couple of players down there and they are strong, agile and have good experience.

“I put them in our mold, to be honest, but we’re going to go there full of confidence on the back of four really good performances.”

Harriers will be without injured duo Matt Preston and Shane Byrne for Saturday’s trek, and across the Bank Holiday weekend for that matter.

Preston continues to progress nicely through his calf injury while Byrne is a longer-term absentee as he begins rehab following knee surgery.

Kick-off on Saturday is at 3:00pm.

Ebbsfleet strongly recommend the advance purchase of match tickets online. Away supporters will access Kuflink Stadium via the away supporters turnstiles located behind the Swanscombe End. Stewards will help navigate fans, Away supporters will have access to a standing terrace and covered seating.

Visit the Ebbsfleet United website for details and tickets.

Away travel from Harriers to this game remains on sale up to Friday afternoon. Buy away travel tickets now