Ebbsfleet United Set for FA Trophy Clash with Braintree Town

LONDON (Interstat) — Ebbsfleet United FC will host Braintree Town FC County Cup in an FA Trophy fixture on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Stonebridge Road.

The non-league matchup pits a Fleet side seeking consistency against a Braintree Town CC team looking to rebound from a recent defeat.

Ebbsfleet United enters the contest following a 1-1 home draw with Sittingbourne on Nov. 15. The result extended a run of mixed form for the National League South side as they navigate a busy schedule.

The visitors, Braintree Town County Cup, fell 2-0 on the road to Saffron Walden Town in their last outing on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. The Essex-based club will aim to reignite its cup campaign with an upset against higher-tier opposition.

The FA Trophy, England’s premier knockout competition for non-league clubs, provides a showcase for teams outside the English Football League. Saturday’s winner will advance to the next round.

According to a projection by Interstat’s game simulator, the contest is forecast to be a tight, low-scoring affair, with a predicted final score of Braintree Town FC County Cup 1, Ebbsfleet United FC 0. Such an outcome would be considered a cup shock, given the clubs’ respective divisions.

Historically, fixtures between these two clubs have been rare. The trophy setting often produces unpredictable drama, a fact not lost on either squad.

“The FA Trophy is a special competition for clubs at our level,” said Ebbsfleet United manager Dennis Kutrieb. “We respect Braintree and will be prepared. Our focus is on advancing and giving our supporters a performance.”

Braintree Town CC manager Angelo Harrop emphasized the opportunity. “It’s a tough draw away from home, but it’s a one-off game. We’ll go there with a plan and give everything. Cup football is about moments.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. local time. The match will be played at Kuflink Stadium in Ebbsfleet, Kent.