Boxing Day, the day after the main event, or for some, the main event! A day to get out into the fresh air, swop stories about overdone roast potatoes or particularly soggy sprouts while supporting your football club.
Christmas 2025 brings a trip to Stonebridge Road, home of Ebbsfleet United, for (and please carefully take note) a 1pm kick-off.
After winning their first three games it was felt that many people’s league favourites would cruise to the title and practically have it in the bag by now, but they fell away, didn’t win a league game again until mid-October and now sit 10th in the table. Their home form is far superior, suffering their first defeat at Stonebridge Road in November, although they have lost their last two league games on their own patch.
In the summer they signed two-thirds of the Angels regular back three during 2024-25, but injuries have restricted Jamie Fielding and Ronnie Nelson’s appearances. Nelson has started nine games and Fielding just four and neither were involved at Chelmsford City last Saturday.
The man to watch could be Kwesi Appiah, last season’s golden boot winner in National League South, but he’s only scored twice in the league this season. Ebbsfleet’s current top scorer is ex-Gillingham striker Dominic Samuel with seven league and cup goals. Other players in the squad include Jake Hessenthaler, son of Andy, former Gills captain Max Ehmer, who has had an injury-hit season; the former Bromley and Dover full back Josh Passley, who got in the league team of the week from last Saturday and Charlie Seaman, who was one of the stars of Maidstone United’s team which reached the play-off final last season.
Our last visit to Stonebridge Road, in March of this year, brought a cruel exit for the Angels from the Kent Senior Cup as the home side scored a wonder goal in the 90th minute after the visitors had dominated proceedings for much of the game.
But, our last National League South visit brought a 2022/23 season high in November as Angels fans travelled to Ebbsfleet more in hope than any expectation, with the hosts top of the league, unbeaten in all competitions, the only club in the entire pyramid that could make that claim. But, every one of those fans, went home on a high of elation as their team upset the form books to win 2-1 with goals from Ben Swift and Sonny Miles.
The vast majority of our supporters will be familiar with the Kuflink Stadium, a place we have visited many times down the years. The match is subject to segregation and our supporters need to enter through the visiting turnstiles at the Swanscombe End and will be restricted to this area. This is a large, open terrace where the Eat Street van will be available for food (hot dogs and burgers) and beverages. The kiosk next to the Old Stand (“Geeks’ Corner”) will be stocked with pies, pasties and sausage rolls along with light snacks, soft drinks plus tea and coffee. In the absence of bar facilities, The Rose Pub (1 Rose Street, DA11 9EQ) is open to home and away supporters, which is located close to the ground with food available throughout the day.
Online admission can be purchased HERE Adults £17, Concessions £13, Young Adult (17-21 years) £11, Youths (12-16 years) £7 and Under-12’s £1 with prices rising at midnight prior to match day. Supporters are able to buy on the day at the ticket windows next to the stadium reception/entrance (but not at the turnstiles) and prices rise by £1.
Car-parking is available for the match day price of £3 at Ebbsfleet International Car Park C. This is cash only and parking is available from two hours before kick-off. Please make sure you get a ticket from the steward in attendance and not from the ticketing machines which will not apply the discounted match day price.
Enjoy the game!
