For Fleet’s first home fixture of the new campaign manager, Mick Catlin again had a 19-man squad on show as he continues to look at all of his players in match conditions. But despite the scoreline, Catlin was again upbeat about his squad’s performance.
“Matches at this stage of the season are not about results, but about seeing what the players can do. We have a lot of new faces at the club, so I am keen that everyone gets an opportunity to play. But on the evidence of tonight’s performance we are going in the right direction,” Catlin said after the match.
“It was a good workout against a tough side. We had most of the possession and created most of the chances. But unlike on Saturday, this time we failed to convert the chances into goals,” Catlin added.
Fleet dominated straight from the off. The first chance came after 30 minutes when striker, Ben Tiller just missed the target after good work by strike partner, Eddie Smith.
At the other end, Fleet’s defence was looking comfortable until, against the run of play, a clearance by defender, John Murphy fell straight to Croydon wingman, Danny Stassinoss, who scored with a firm drive into the right-hand top corner.
Fleet were then unlucky not to win a penalty after mid-fielder, Gavin Keogh was brought down on the edge of the area. The resulting free-kick from Fleet Skipper, Craig Anstey flew just over the bar.
After the break, Fleet again went close after a run from Smith left Tiller clear. But his shot rebounded off the bar.
With 55 minutes gone both managers then rang the changes as gradually all of the Fleet side, bar two were replaced. Fleet continued to press, and on 75 minutes looked to have bagged the equaliser but Keogh’s firm shot brought out a fine save from the Croydon keeper.
FLEET: Clayton, (sub, May, 72mins), Regan, (Buckland, 70), Dadson, Murphy, (Gillman, 80), Millerick, (Roberts, 55), Keogh, (Peter Lewis, 75), Black, (Hare, 65), Anstey, Smith, (Mark Lewis, 70), Tiller, (Matt Moore, 75), Proctor, (Adam Moore, 71).
¨ Fleet’s pre-season programme continues on Saturday when the squad visit Jewson Wessex side, Whitchurch United, ko 3pm. The game will see the return of veteran striker, Mark Frampton, now in his 12th season with the Fleet club.
¨ Fleet’s pre-season continues next week with two home fixtures against Conference clubs. Woking are the visitors to Calthorpe Park on the Thursday (31st), ko 7.45pm, followed by the visit of a Farnborough Town XI, on the Saturday, replacing the game against Ash United.