Back in league action and aiming to get a win under their belts, the Coasters get set to host Ebbsfleet United in the National League.
Last weekend’s FA Cup Fourth Qualifying win has given Chris Beech’s side a platform to go and perform and pick up three points, but standing in their way is the Fleet, who we cast an eye on.
The Lowdown
The Coasters come into this clash against Ebbsfleet United with a new sense of optimism after a 3-1 home win against Leek Town in the FA Cup.
Three set-piece goals sent the Coasters into the First Round of the cup, where they’ll face bottom of League Two Sutton United.
Ebbsfleet travel to the Fylde coast with an unwanted record, which is one win in 10 and recently got knocked out of the FA Cup by National League South side Slough Town in midweek.
However, the Fleet have made National headlines this week for other reasons, which is the signing of former Liverpool and Bournemouth man Jordan Ibe, who bolsters their attack considerably. With both teams struggling for league form, it’s set to be a cracker.
The Manager: Dennis Kutrieb
Berlin-born Kutrieb was seen as a left-field appointment when joining the Fleet – however, it has turned into a successful appointment in his short tenure at the club so far. As a player, Dennis turned out for many German sides in the lower leagues, such as RSV Waltersdorf and Makkabi Berlin.
Dennis never really reached the high life of the Bundesliga, but he was a technically gifted midfielder with an eye for a pass, and at the lower levels, he was always a key player for any side he played in.
In 2014, Dennis switched his focus from the playing aspect to the coaching aspect, joining Makkabi Berlin once again. However, during Dennis’s one-year stay, he could not provide them with any success but did manage to keep them in Berlin’s top league.
Dennis then moved on to East Berlin side VSG Altglienicke, where he would spend two seasons from 2015 to 2017. During those two years, he oversaw two promotions, which saw them rise from the Berlin Liga to the Regionalliga Nordost.
A better job opportunity came up, and Dennis jumped at it, making the switch to Ebbsfleet United. In his first fortnight at the club, the Fleet got relegated, just like the Coasters, due to points per game without him even managing a match.
In his first season, the Fleet sat in 8th position, gaining 28 points from 18 games before the season once again got cancelled due to COVID-19. The following season saw playoff heartbreak as the Fleet lost 3-2 to Dorking Wanderers in a game where timekeeping was seen as a massive factor.
Nothing stopped Dennis and Ebbsfleet, as they went on to win promotion in style after accumulating 103 points. With a distinct way of playing, Ebbsfleet will certainly be a team to watch.
Key Players
Dominic Poleon – 61 goals and counting for Poleon in Ebbsfleet colours. Pace and power to get around a man and finish the move off is something rare at this level, which he certainly has.
Poleon has been a massive miss these past few weeks, having been out injured, which has coincided with the downturn of Ebbsfleet’s form. However, if he’s fit for the meeting with the Coasters, he will certainly be the danger man.
David Amoo – Amoo gives the frontline a different option and has bags of EFL experience to back it up. A tricky winger back in the day, Amoo now plays with a different style and offers Ebbsfleet an option to provide for Poleon when fit.
Darren Mcqueen – A versatile player who can play in numerous positions when needed but is at his best with facing the opposition goal. With four goals in his last three league starts, Mcqueen will be someone to watch for the Coasters.
Previous Meetings
12th August 2017 – Ebbsfleet United 3-3 AFC Fylde – National League
Goalscorers – The Fleet – Kenny Clark, Danny Kedwell & Andy Drury.
Fylde – Henry Jones, Danny Rowe & Sam Finley.
23rd December 2017 – AFC Fylde 1-1 Ebbsfleet United – National League
Goalscorers – Fylde – Danny Rowe
The Fleet – Danny Kedwell
1st September 2018 – Ebbsfleet United 1-3 AFC Fylde – National League
Goalscorers: The Fleet – Corey Whitely
Fylde – Danny Rowe (X2) & Gime Toure
22nd December 2018 – AFC Fylde 2-0 Ebbsfleet United – National League
Goalscorers: Fylde – Ryan Croasdale & Danny Rowe
10th August 2019 – AFC Fylde 1-0 Ebbsfleet United – National League
Goalscorers – Fylde – Danny Rowe
Opposition Form
The Fleet started the season strongly for a newly promoted side, with four wins out of seven – however, one win in 10 since then and out of the FA Cup shows a massive downturn in form.
Injuries to key players like Poleon were a massive blow for the Fleet. A team that likes to build from the back and not rush things when on the ball has seen them notch impressive wins, such as away at Rochdale, but at the moment, things aren’t going right for the Kent side.
The game is seen as a massive one for both sides as the Coasters & the Fleet go in search of three points, which should make for a good game.
Match Preview is written by Benji Jenkinson
