A fine exhibition of goalkeeping by Fleet’s Steve May was almost enough for his side to grab a point from this tough season opener at Calthorpe Park. The ex-Havant keeper brought off a string of high quality saves in both halves to keep his side in this contest for the whole 90 minutes. In the end, visitors Tonbridge went away with the three points but had to rely on a spot-kick and a deflected rebound to secure the win.
Fleet’s starting line-up was bolstered before the off by new signing, Shaun Hale, a versatile, left-sided player who had been training at Dr Martens Premier club, Havant & Waterlooville. Facing three tough league matches in 7 days, boss Mick Catlin elected to play 27 year-old, Hale up front with Mark Frampton, leaving striker Barry Parker on the bench to rest a slight thigh strain. Otherwise there were no surprises in Catlin’s line-up.
Tonbridge dominated from the off, their experienced mid-field closing Fleet out of the game. The Angels frontmen were soon testing May in the Fleet goal, but the 36 year-old showed his class with some fine saves.
Tonbridge eventually took the lead in the 29th minute when wingman, Nick Barnes was brought down after a fine run. Angels striker Hamid Barr made no mistake from the spot. Fleet’s only chance of the half came just before the interval, when Hale’s shot went just wide.
After the break Fleet raised their game and deserved their equaliser in the 55th minute, Hale heading in a free-kick from skipper, Craig Anstey. The Angels’ winner came 12 minutes later, sub Brendon Cass tapping in after May just failed to hang on to a shot from the left which took a deflection off a defender.
Fleet rallied well in the final quarter, with the pacy Parker causing a few problems in the Tonbridge defence. But Angels keeper, Jamie Turner was fortunate to keep his side ahead.
FLEET TOWN: May, Regan, (sub, Buckland, 69 mins), Millerick, Murphy, Blakely, Hare, (Proctor, 89), Black, Anstey, Hale, Frampton, Dadson, (Parker, 69).
Attendance: 201.