Match Report by Steve Cantle
There was no Christmas present on Saturday for Fleet boss, Mick Catlin as his side continued their current losing streak once again going down by a single goal, this time to third place King's Lynn. But the good news for Catlin is that his team's run of matches against top six sides is now at an end as he now starts a run of games against lower table sides, starting with a trip to Burnham next Saturday.
Fleet were again at full-strength, striker Eddie Smith being preferred to Steve Whitcher up front to partner Craig Leworthy. Visitors, King's Lynn were without their leading scorer, Carl Holmes, and ex-Tamworth mid-fielder, Gary Setchell was out through suspension.
Both sides started well and the King's Lynn defence was immediately tested when Fleet wingman, Shaun Hale couldn't quite control the ball when through on goal, and defender, Adam Jones was able to clear the danger. Gradually King's Lynn took control and despite the wet, slippery conditions were soon putting pressure on the Fleet defence.
The first chance fell to front-man, David Staff after only 6 minutes, but he shot wide, despite having a clear view of the target. King's Lynn kept up the pressure, and on 23 minutes another fine shot by Staff needed an acrobatic save from Fleet keeper, Calvin Sparshatt to keep the scores level. Under considerable pressure, the Fleet defence eventually buckled 7 minutes later, when Staff was given the time to turn and unlease a powerful right-footed shot from 25 yards, which rocketed into the far corner, with Sparshatt at full stretch.
It was just reward for the striker, whose probing runs had created huge problems for the besieged Fleet defence. The visitors continued to dominate for the rest of the half, without being able to find a second goal. Sub Chris Bacon went close with a header just before the break, after another great run from Staff. Fleet came out strongly after the break and straight away had their best chance to equalise when Smith rounded Lynn keeper, Steve Wilson, only to see his narrow angle shot cleared from the line by a defender.
Fleet threatened several more times over the next 20 minutes, with Leworthy going close with a long-range effort, after spotting Wilson well out of his goal. But it was King's Lynn who looked more likely to score, as they finished the game strongly. Wingman, Richard Woodrow just missed with a shot from 15 yards out. Staff hit the post late on and missed the target again a few minutes later. Sub striker, Stewart Cobb also went close on several occasions.
Fleet Town: Sparshatt, Buckland, (sub, Black, 85 mins), Clark, Hare, Jeffery, Saunders (Capt), Wood, (sub, Whitcher, 69 mins), Anstey, Smith, Leworthy, Hale. Subs (not used): Proctor, Millerick, Blakely.