Match Report by Steve Cantle
A point was just reward for a much-improved Fleet performance at mid-table Ashford on Saturday. With other relegation zone sides losing, the single point was enough to pull Fleet away from the bottom of the Eastern Division table.
Fleet dominated the first-half after Shaun Hale had put them ahead early on after only 14 minutes. The wingman's 12th goal of the season was a powerful drive into the top corner of the net, giving Ashford keeper, John Whitehouse no chance. The goal was crafted from great build-up play down the right and a fast cross from striker, Craig Leworthy, which fellow striker, Richard Mealey stepped over for the un-marked Hale to smash into the net.
The home side struggled to pose any serious threat at the other end, and it was Fleet that finished the half strongly. Mealey¹s powerful strike in the 45th minute needed a brilliant save by Whitehouse to keep his side in the game.
Seconds later mid-fielder, Craig Anstey just shot wide after more great build-up play by the Fleet side.
Fleet continued to control the game after the break, and Whitehouse was soon in action again, saving well from a powerful Leworthy shot. Things picked up for the home side with the introduction in the 60th minute of subs, Joby Thorogood and Simon Glover, the latter a new signing from Premier Division club, Dover Athletic. But before these changes could take effect, Fleet had their best chance to extend their lead, when Steve Black ran on to a cross from Hale. But the mid-fielder couldn't control his shot, which flew over the bar from barely five yards out.
Gradually Ashford forced their way back into the game and began to put Fleet keeper, Steve May under pressure for the first time in the match. Ashford's equaliser eventually came in the 72nd minute, Thorogood hitting a powerful strike into the top corner, with May at full stretch.
The equaliser set up a tense final quarter for both sides. There were good chances created at both ends, with May having to make a string of fine saves to keep out the invigorated Ashford side.
Ashford striker, Adrian Stone then saw his strike rebound off the upright, with May beaten. But Fleet held on well, and themselves could have the sealed the game with any one of several good chances, the best falling to Leworthy who was unlucky not to score on several occasions.
Fleet now have a week to prepare for their next match away to title challengers, Eastleigh, next Saturday.
Fleet Town: May, Clark, Blakely, Hare, Jeffery, Saunders, Black, Anstey, Mealey, Leworthy, Hale. Subs (not used): Sparshatt, Smith, Buckland, Millerick
Attendance: 241