Ebbsfleet vs Dagenham: Fleet Eye Home Double at Kuflink

Key Points

• Ebbsfleet United host Dagenham & Redbridge this Saturday in their opening home league match of 2026 at Kuflink Stadium, presenting the first chance to complete a league double after two away wins.
• Ebbsfleet extended their league winning run to four matches with a victory against Chippenham Town last Saturday.
• Dagenham secured their first win of 2026 with a midweek home victory over Dover Athletic.
• Dagenham sit 12th in the National League South with an equal number of wins, draws, and defeats this campaign.
• In the reverse fixture in August 2025 at Victoria Road, Dagenham won with goals from Kwesi Appiah (4th minute) and Tom Dallison (late header); Dagenham have won their last two visits to Kuflink Stadium, including Jake Hessenthaler’s goal on New Year’s Day 2025.
• Key player for Dagenham: Joe Haigh, 22-year-old attacking midfielder from Chelsea youth, via Aldershot, South Park, and Farnborough; has scored four goals this season.
• Christian N’Guessan, former Ebbsfleet midfielder (72 appearances, key in 2022/23 title win), joined Dagenham from Sutton United ahead of 2024/25.
• Tickets available online in advance (prices rise at midnight) via Fanbaseclub link or from ticket windows on the day (not turnstiles).
• Parking at £3 (cash only) in Ebbsfleet International Car Park C from 12:30pm; get ticket from steward, not machines.
• The Rose Pub (1 Rose Street, DA11 9EQ) open from 11am for home and away fans, near stations, with food all day.
• Segregation enforced by police due to behavioural issues from a minority of travelling supporters elsewhere; Dagenham fans in Swanscombe End section with bar (alcoholic/non-alcoholic), snacks, and food stall (burgers, hotdogs, chips).
• Fleet fans in Main and Old Stands, Plough End, Geeks’ Corner, and part of Swanscombe End, with facilities like Eat Street Van, Social Bar, Main Stand bar, kiosks.

Ebbsfleet, Kent (East London Times) January 23, 2026 – Ebbsfleet United welcome Dagenham & Redbridge to Kuflink Stadium this Saturday for their first home league fixture of 2026, eyeing a historic league double after securing two away victories earlier in the campaign. The match carries added intrigue as the Fleet chase a first home win over the Daggers since their last meeting, building on a red-hot form streak. With both sides showing early promise in the National League South, fans anticipate a tense encounter at the heart of Kent’s football scene.

What is the Current Form Guide for Both Teams?

Ebbsfleet United’s momentum heads into this clash on a high note. As detailed in the official club preview, the Fleet’s win against Chippenham Town last Saturday stretched their league winning run to an impressive four matches. This surge positions them strongly in the table, with supporters buzzing about potential playoff contention.

Dagenham & Redbridge, meanwhile, have shaken off a sluggish start to 2026. Their midweek home victory over Dover Athletic marked their first win of the calendar year, providing a timely boost. According to the form guide in the match notes, the visitors currently occupy 12th place in the National League South, boasting a perfectly balanced record of equal wins, draws, and defeats so far this season. This equilibrium underscores their resilience, even if consistency has proved elusive.

How Did the Teams Fare in Their Last Meeting?

The reverse fixture set the tone for this rivalry. Back in August 2025, the 2025/26 campaign kicked off at Victoria Road, where Dagenham hosted Ebbsfleet. As recounted in the official preview, Kwesi Appiah struck the division’s first goal of the season just four minutes in, putting the Daggers ahead early. Tom Dallison then sealed a hard-fought victory with a close-range header in the dying stages, handing Dagenham a memorable opening-day success.

History at Kuflink Stadium tilts towards the visitors too. The preview highlights that Dagenham have triumphed in their last two visits to Ebbsfleet’s home, including a strike from Jake Hessenthaler on New Year’s Day 2025. These results add pressure on the Fleet to reverse the trend and finally complete that elusive home leg of the double.

Who Are the Key Players to Watch?

Spotlight falls on Dagenham’s attacking talents. Joe Haigh emerges as a standout, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder who progressed through Chelsea’s youth system. After stints at Aldershot Town, South Park, and Farnborough, he joined Dagenham at the season’s outset and has already netted four goals, per the club’s who’s who section. His journey down the leagues belies his potential to trouble Ebbsfleet’s defence.

Adding a familiar face is Christian N’Guessan, who swaps allegiances for this bout. The 27-year-old midfielder made 72 appearances for Ebbsfleet across all competitions, forming a cornerstone of their 2022/23 title-winning squad. He departed for League Two side Sutton United before linking up with Dagenham ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, as noted in the preview. His intimate knowledge of Kuflink Stadium could prove pivotal.

While specific Fleet stars aren’t named in the provided notes, their four-match winning streak suggests collective strength, with home advantage potentially unlocking individual brilliance.

Why Is This Match Significant for Ebbsfleet United?

For the Fleet, Saturday represents more than three points—it’s a landmark. Hosting the National League South’s opening home league match of 2026 offers the prime opportunity to secure a double over Dagenham, following those two away triumphs. Success here would cement their credentials as title challengers, extending that winning run and silencing any doubters after a strong Chippenham scalp.

The Kuflink Stadium faithful will relish the chance to roar their side to victory, especially against a Dagenham team that’s proven stubborn on their patch. Neutral observers note the psychological edge: overturning recent home hoodoo against the Daggers could propel Ebbsfleet up the table.

What Are the Ticket and Parking Details?

Practicalities are covered for a seamless matchday. Tickets go on sale online in advance via this Fanbaseclub link, with prices set to rise at midnight, as per the official guidance. On the day, supporters can buy from ticket windows—crucially, not at the turnstiles—to avoid hassle.

Parking eases pre-match logistics too. A special matchday rate of £3 applies at Ebbsfleet International Car Park C (cash only), opening from 12:30pm. Crucially, fans must obtain their ticket from the steward on site, steering clear of ticketing machines that won’t honour the discount.

Where Can Fans Enjoy Pre- and Post-Match Hospitality?

The Rose Pub stands as the go-to spot. Located at 1 Rose Street, DA11 9EQ, it opens from 11am, welcoming both home and away supporters. Its proximity to Northfleet and Ebbsfleet stations makes it perfect for a pre-match pint or post-game debrief, with food available throughout the day. This neutral venue fosters community spirit amid the rivalry.

What Segregation Measures Are in Place?

Police oversight shapes the atmosphere this time. Due to behavioural issues from a small minority of travelling supporters at other clubs this season, segregation is mandatory, according to the matchday advisory. Dagenham fans receive a dedicated section of the Swanscombe End, complete with a bar offering non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, light refreshments, snacks, and a food stall serving burgers, hotdogs, chips, and more.

Fleet supporters stick to familiar territory: the Main and Old Stands, Plough End, Geeks’ Corner, and a portion of the Swanscombe End. Amenities abound, including the Eat Street Van, Social Bar, Main Stand bar, food outlet, Main Stand Kiosk, and Geeks’ Corner Kiosk—all clustered around the home area for convenience.

Broader Context: National League South Rivalries and 2026 Outlook

This fixture slots into a competitive National League South landscape, where mid-table scraps can ignite promotion pushes. Ebbsfleet’s four-game streak positions them as dark horses, while Dagenham’s balanced record and recent win signal upward mobility. Historical nods—like Appiah’s lightning opener or Hessenthaler’s New Year strike—remind that grudges linger.

As reported across club channels, the double chance amplifies stakes. N’Guessan’s return adds narrative spice; will his Fleet familiarity backfire? Haigh’s goals keep Dagenham punchy. With segregation ensuring safety, focus stays on football.

Supporters’ logistics underscore professionalism: affordable parking, online tickets, and The Rose’s inclusivity. Kick-off promises drama—Ebbsfleet chasing history, Dagenham defending pride. Neutral journalists covering the league eye this as a potential six-pointer.