Fleet Town 2-1 Farnborough XI

Match Report by Steve Cantle

Fleet's preparations for the new season got back on course on Saturday with a strong showing against a Farnborough Town XI.

Goals from an in-form Mark Frampton ­ his fourth in three outings so far ­ and a second from mid-fielder, Steve Black were enough to win this entertaining game at the Calthorpe Park ground. This after Fleet had conceded seven goals against another Conference club, Woking on Thursday night.

Mick Catlin's side now have two more friendlies ­ both against lower league opposition ­ before the league season starts with a tough opener against Tonbridge Angels on 16th August.

Speaking after Saturday's game, the new manager was pleased with his side¹s performance coming so soon after the tough game against an almost full-strength Woking side.

"Thursday was difficult, but I was delighted with how the lads put that behind them, and despite the hot conditions on Saturday, they fought hard and deserved to win the game," Catlin said.

With most of the Boro' first-team on duty at Cherrywood Road, Catlin's men were up against a very mixed side of triallists and hopefuls, but did include keeper, Will Packham and striker, Dalvinder Pardesi, as well as 20 year-old Alex Haddow, who has been training at Aldershot.

Fleet almost went ahead early on, when defender John Murphy saw his shot cleared from the line, with Packham grounded. Further chances followed for Fleet before the visitors took the lead in the 41st minute when Liam Byfield ran on to a fortunate rebound to tap in past keeper Carl Clayton.

After the interval the home side came out strongly, and almost immediately, Frampton hit the target with a header from a free-kick from skipper Craig Anstey, only to be denied by a fine save from Packham.

The same Anstey/Frampton combination eventually succeeded in the 68th minute, the striker rounding Packham to score neatly with his left foot.

Fleet then took complete charge of the game, their winner coming with three minutes remaining, Steve Black finding the corner after a great run from mid-fielder, Gavin Keogh.

FLEET: Clayton, Buckland, (sub Reagan, 75 mins), Millerick, Murphy, (Saunders, 80), Blakely, Keogh, Proctor, (Black, 33), Anstey, Parker, (Tiller, 80), Frampton, Dadson, (Martin, 55). Sub not used: Hare.

BORO': Packham, Pamberson, Haddow, Payne, Bellfini, Kanda, Byfield, Hodgekiss, Pardesi, Ryan, Rekovane. Subs (all used): De Crate, Belut, Ellis, Gapel, Gubung, Hats.