MATCH PREVIEW: Ebbsfleet United vs Chippenham Town | National League South | Saturday 16th August 2025
For the first time since 2022 we visit the Kuflink Stadium, as Sam Hart previews the action!
The Bluebirds are back in action for their first away trip of the new league season, as they travel to The Kuflink Stadium to face recently relegated Ebbsfleet United.
The Opposition
Last season, Ebbsfleet were relegated from the National League after a very lacklustre season, seeing them finish rock bottom on 22 points. Due to the poor run, they ran through 2 managers, Danny Searle who started the season, and Harry Watling who was then sacked in December, before sticking with Josh Wright, who is the current manager of the Fleet.
The Fleet have made a host of signings, adding a lot of top quality experience to their squad, with some notable names like Max Ehmer from Gillingham, Journeyman Kwesi Appiah, and Jake Hessenthaler from Dag & Red.
In their first game of the new National League South season, they defeated Dag & Red two-nil with Appiah and Dallison on the scoresheet, sealing their win. With a newfound confidence, Josh Wright’s Ebbsfleet will be looking to push on and bounce straight back up to the National League.
Last Time Out
Chippenham opened the new campaign with a two-all draw at home against Marc White’s Dorking Wanderers, which will come as a disappointing result for the Bluebirds, as they let slip a two-goal lead, conceding in the dying moments of the game.
The Bluebirds broke the deadlock within six minutes through a wonderful half-volley strike from Harry Parsons which fired off the underside of the bar and into the back of the net. Things would get even better for Chippenham, and for Harry Parsons, who pounced on an error from the Dorking goalkeeper and netted again with a stunning left footed strike from 40 yards out.
The visitors began their comeback in the second half, and grabbed their first back on 64 minutes, as Brennan Camp beat the Chippenham Town defence to a header from a corner. Dorking would find the equaliser in the 99th minute, stealing a point from the match with Alfie Rutherford firing in from inside the 18-yard box.
Ones To Watch
One player to watch for the opposition is midfielder, George Moncur. The former Hammer and Wiltshire born player signed for Ebbsfleet initially on loan from Leyton Orient in the second half of the 2024/25 season, but that move was made permanent in March of 2025.
With over 400 appearances in the EFL for clubs like Leyton Orient, Luton Town, and Hull City, in the upper echelons of the EFL. Moncur brings a wealth of experience with him, as well as top quality product, which is very valuable to Ebbsfleet’s team and a very useful signing for the season.
Another one to watch is new signing Kwesi Appiah. Similarly to Moncur, Appiah has a wealth of experience. The 35-year-old knows how to find the back of the net and will be a danger for the Chippenham defenders this weekend.
Past Games
There is one notable fixture for Chippenham Town fans, that being in our historic National League South play-off run. The Bluebirds fell to a one-nil defeat in the play-off semi-final, due to a 97th minute winner from Lee Martin.
Our first visit to Ebbsfleet came in the Covid-19 season 0f 2020/21, as we visited Kent in the FA Cup 3rd Qualification Round. Adam Mann got us up and going, before the sending off of Callum Gunner and a late equaliser from the Fleet sent the game to penalties.
With the 20th spot kick, CTFC goalkeeper Will Puddy sent Jordan Holmes the wrong way to secure our spot in the next round, and a historic cup-set against the Fleet.
Chippenham haven’t had much luck against Ebbsfleet as of recently, not winning in their last six against the Fleet. That being said, Horgan’s men will be looking to change that this coming Saturday!
Ticket and Travel info
If you chose to purchase an online ticket from our hosts, please make sure that you purchase an ‘AWAY SUPPORTER’ ticket! You are urged to buy online.
You can purchase tickets from the ticket office on the day, not directly at the turnstile.
Ebbsfleet International Station is only 18 minutes from London’s St Pancras Station, and Northfleet Station is also within walking distance of the stadium on the Charing Cross Line. The nearest town centre is Gravesend (one stop away on trains from Northfleet or Ebbsfleet) and also a short taxi or bus ride away.
Purchase online tickets here!
