Fleet’s chances of avoiding the drop this season were dealt a serious blow as they struggled to deal with gale force winds and a Dartford side determined to keep their distance from the relegation zone.
Both sides struggled to deal with the very strong winds, but it was Dartford that took its chances when they came, to claim the three points.
The defeat leaves Fleet still adrift at the bottom of the table, having missed a good opportunity – with all four other bottom sides losing – to finally move away from the bottom spot in the Eastern Division table.
The home side took the lead after only 11 minutes, when Fleet keeer, Calvin Sparshatt couldn’t hold a fast, swirling corner. Dartford mid-fielder, Ted Ansell was on hand to fire home from only 10 yards out.
Four minutes later Fleet then had an excellent chance to square matters. But with only the keeper to beat, Fleet striker Richard Mealey couldn’t control the ball, and Dartford keeper, Jimmy Simpson was able to collect.
With 30 minutes gone, Fleet had their second chance to equalise, following a great move down the left by Shaun Hale. The wingman’s subsequent shot almost got though Simpson, but the keeper was just able to turn the ball round the post to keep his sides’ lead intact.
The home side then extended their advantage with another opportunist goal, finished well by Ansell – his second.
After the break Fleet again found the conditions difficult. Their task became harder in the 55th minute when Tostoa Kwashi twice rounded the Fleet defence to score his side’s third to more or less seal the match.
Fleet Town: Sparshatt, Byfield, (sub, Smith, 52 minutes), Millerick, Leworthy, Dalton, Ian Saunders, Black, Hare, Mealey, Shea Saunders, (Boyle, 57), Hale. (Buckland, 65).