Fleet Town exited their third cup competition in a week on Saturday, after they failed to overcome Ryman League side, Arlesey Town in the first round of matches for this year's FA Trophy.
But this was a much better performance than last week's humiliating exit from the FA Cup at Eastern Counties side, Newmarket Town, when Fleet were never in the contest.
This time it was Fleet that made the early running, going in at the break with a deserved one goal lead against a strong Arlesey side that had scored 15 goals in their last two matches. But Mick Catlin's men then conceded two goals in two minutes at the start of the second period, and despite creating further chances couldn't get back on terms.
After coming on for the last 20 minutes of Tuesday's match against Arlesford, this time there was a starting place for Fleet's new signing, Shea Saunders. And in the continued absence of Craig Anstey through suspension, and John Murphy, the captain's armband went once again to defender, Ian Saunders.
18 year-old Shea Saunders was soon in the thick of the action as Fleet made the early running. Mid-fielder, Dan Jeffrey went close with the visitors' first chance in the 13th minute, which was just tipped over the bar by Arlesey keeper, Martyn Patching. At the other end Fleet keeper, Steve May was also busy, making a fine stop from Arlesey front man, Shane Blackett, five minutes later.
Fleet then took the lead on 22 minutes when Shea Saunders let fly from the edge of the 18 yard box after a great pass from striker, Mark Frampton.
The home side then piled on the pressure with both wingmen providing a serious test for Fleet's defences. Youngster, Lee Blakeley was once again the pick of the Fleet back four, bringing off some great saving tackles against the impressive Arlesey front-men, to keep his side ahead at the break.
But all quickly changed immediately after the interval, when from a corner, defender, Matt Corbould headed against the bar and fellow defender, Nathan Buckland drove the rebound into the net for the equaliser.
Arlesey then took the lead straight from the re-start, when an unmarked Leon Gutzmore fired in from 10 yards, giving May no chance in the Fleet goal.
To their credit Fleet rallied well and from a great move down the right should have squared things when wingman Jamie Proctor rounded two defenders and crossed to Frampton, in a great position in front of goal. But unusually for Frampton his header was wide of the target.
Fleet had a further good chance late on when sub Eddie Smith made a fine run down the right, but his shot was saved by Patching. With time running out for Fleet, Arlesey then sealed the win in the 90th minute with a strike by right wingman, Craig Mackail-Smith.
FLEET TOWN: May, Buckland, Millerick, Blakely, Jeffrey, Ian Saunders, Black, Shea Saunders, (sub, Parker, 78 mins), Hale, Frampton, Proctor, (Smith, 72). Subs not used: Hare, Tiller,