Match Report by Steve Cantle
An under-strength Fleet side found goals hard to come by at league newcomers, Burgess Hill on Saturday, losing out by a clear three goal margin. Missing four regular first team players, Mick Catlin's side struggled against a side that had lost its previous four league games against the current top four sides in the league.
Coming on the back of a heavy home defeat against Salisbury in midweek, Catlin will be looking for his side to recover their form tonight (Tuesday), against Newport IoW, and to move away from the rear of the table.
The manager will have at least two of his regulars back for tonight's game; wingback, Anthony Millerick and striker, Shea Saunders. Both were missing on Saturday, as were wingman, Shaun Hale, away on military duty, and Mark Frampton.
The absentees meant there were starting places for strikers, Barry Parker and Eddie Smith, both of whom had been scoring goals in the reserve side. 18 year-old Smith was making his first start in the Fleet line-up.
Right from the off the home side went on the attack. And with just a minute on the clock took the lead when skipper, Ben Andrews headed on a corner for Nicky Sullivan to open the scoring from close range.
Slowly Fleet got into their stride but struggled to convert their possession into good scoring chances. At the other end keeper, Steve May made a couple of great saves as the home side looked to extend their lead.
Immediately after the break, Fleet raised their game and could have scored from their first attack when Ed Hare¹s shot was only inches over the bar. A minute later Fleet had another chance to get back on terms, but Smith¹s shot was well-saved by Burgess Hill keeper, Ronan Callaghan.
On 50 minutes, the home side extended their lead, Sullivan rounding his marker to net his second from 15 yards out.
Despite this setback, Fleet kept going well and created further scoring chances, but neither Smith or Hare could convert good scoring opportunities.
The home side sealed the match with 8 minutes remaining, midfielder, Steve Harper firing home a great cross from man of the match, Sullivan.
FLEET TOWN: May, Buckland (sub, Tiller, 71 mins), Blakely, Hare, Saunders, Jeffrey, (Ryan, 86), Black, Anstey, Parker, (Scammel, 81), Smith, Proctor.