Fleet exited the Aldershot Senior cup on Tuesday night, going down by a clear margin to Ryman League side, Ashford Town.
Current holders of the Aldershot Senior Cup, the in-form visitors were just too strong for a Fleet side, still fighting their way out of a poor run of form.
Mick Catlin’s side, played brightly in patches, but two second-half goals sealed it for the Middlesex side, to leave Fleet without any prospect of silverware for the first time in many a season.
Once again there were significant absentees in the Fleet line-up. Keeper Steve May and mid-fielder, Craig Anstey were still suspended, and Shea Saunders was on the bench after a knock in Saturday’s match against Rothwell. Catlin was also forced to make other changes to his usual starting line-up to comply with the rules of this particular Cup Competition. There was though a welcome starting place for mid-fielders, Jamie Proctor and Brian Wood, now both recovered from injuries.
The Fleet goal was under pressure right from the off, with former Fleet hot-head, Aidan Kilner proving a handful for the Fleet defence, with his characteristic blend of uncontrolled aggression and powerful dead-ball play.
Ashford looked to have taken the lead in the 24th minute when defender, Paul Johnson struck powerfully from 20 yards out, only for the ball to strike the bar and run away to safety.
Eventually Fleet recovered their composure and opened the scoring on the half-hour when striker, Eddie Smith was tripped in the box; Craig Leworthy making no mistake with the resulting spot-kick.
Fleet’s advantage was to be short-lived however, when six minutes later, striker, Anton Headlington headed in from a Kilner corner.
Fleet started the second half brightly but were unable to threaten the visitors’ goal.
On 66 minutes Ashford took the lead when Johnson made no mistake with another fine long-range strike.
Catlin then rang the changes, but his side still failed to threaten. With only minutes remaining, Ashford then sealed the tie when Johnson fired home his second, this time from a narrow angle.
Fleet Town: Sparshatt, Buckland, Millerick, Brian Wood, Blakely, (sub, Shea Saunders, 76 mins), Ian Saunders, Proctor, (James Wood, 86), Hare, (Black, 78), Leworthy, Smith E, Hale. Subs (not used): Steele Saunders.