3rd Round
Fleet exited the Hants Senior Cup on Tuesday night, but in an above par performance, earned the respect of their higher league opponents and local rivals, Basingstoke Town.
Mick Catlin's side held the full-strength Ryman Premier League side throughout the 90 minutes, and but for conceding two late injury-time goals would have achieved a more respectable scoreline.
Once again there were significant absentees in the Fleet line-up. Army-man Shaun Hale was again unavailable and striker Shea Saunders was also missing, having picked up an injury in Saturday's match against Histon. Striker Craig Leworthy was unqualified to play having signed his new contract with Fleet earlier in the day. All three though are expected to be in Catlin's line-up for Saturday's away trip to Salisbury City.
Making his return on Tuesday to one of his former clubs, was inspirational skipper, Craig Anstey, following a two-match suspension. And there were starting places for youngsters, Ben Buckland and striker, Eddie Smith. Fleet started brightly and competed well against the more-experienced Basingstoke line-up.
The home side scored first, striker, Craig McAllister netting from close range in the 11th minute, after a fine passing move. Fleet responded well and deserved their equaliser, 20 minutes later when wingman, Jamie Proctor had time to pick his spot, after a great pass from Buckland. Five minutes later Fleet scored again, Eddie Smith netting with a well-struck volley into the top corner of the net, after a pass from Dan Jeffrey.
Fleet's lead was short-lived however, as straight from the re-start, Basingstoke mid-fielder, Alex Ewin dispossessed Anstey in the area and scored with a powerful angled shot. All-square again, Basingstoke continued to press but some great saves from Fleet keeper, Calvin Sparshatt kept the scores level. Fleet were then undone a minute before the interval, when an error in defence let in Basingstoke sub, Barry Elmore who scored from close range.
After the interval Fleet kept going well and enjoyed good possession without troubling Basingstoke keeper and captain, Scott Tarr. With 20 minutes to go Catlin made some changes as his side pressed hard for their deserved equaliser. Chances fell to Craig Anstey who struck wide.
In the end it was not going to be Fleet's night, as with the game in injury-time Basingstoke scored twice in a minute to seal the match. The first, in the 90th minute, was scored by striker, John Dyer, followed a minute later by a second for Elmore.
Fleet Town: Sparshatt, Buckland, Millerick (sub, Blakely, 65 mins), Hare, Jeffery (Bax, 75), Black, Anstey, Whitcher, Smith, Proctor. Subs (not used): Garrett, May, Kendall.
Basingstoke Town: Tarr, Ray, Stamp, Surey, Bristow, Allaway, Ewin, Elad, McAllister, Dyer, Burgess. Subs: Hemmings, Elmore, Dickens, Watkins.