Lymington and New Milton 2 - 3 Fleet Town

Match Report by Steve Cantle

Fleet Town¹s new season preparations went up a notch on Saturday when they defeated a tough Lymington side in their opening friendly of the new campaign.

Two great finishes by 19 year-old newcomer, Barry Parker and a third by mid-fielder, Gavin Keogh opened up a 3-1 lead before manager, Mick Catlin rang the changes in the second-half.

On the evidence of the first 45 minutes, the Fleet faithful will have plenty to look forward to when Catlin¹s new look side run out for their first game at Calthorpe Park this evening (Tuesday), against Ryman Leaguers, Croydon Athletic.

Catlin was upbeat after Saturday¹s win against one of the top Wessex League sides, but expects to make several changes to his starting line-up for tonight¹s friendly.

"I was pleased with Saturday¹s performance. The fitness levels and work-rate were good and I was very pleased with our finishing", Catlin told The Mail.

Saturday¹s starting line-up included only five players from the Fleet side that finished last season just above the Dr Martens relegation zone. And of the 8 substitutes used, only one ­ Steele Saunders was playing at Fleet last season.

One new signing that impressed on Saturday was ex-Bashley mid-fielder, Craig Anstey who exerted great control in mid-field and set up two of his side¹s goals.

For the first, on 16 minutes, Anstey¹s through-ball picked out striker, Parker, whose first-time volley gave the keeper no chance. Fleet¹s second goal on 43 minutes was a repeat of the first, with another powerful strike by the young, ex-Petersfield striker, after a great pass from Anstey.

Fleet scored again two minutes later after 19 year-old wingman, Jamie Proctor threaded the ball through for mid-fielder, Keogh to blast the ball home from 20 yards.

Lymington had earlier equalised after a fortunate rebound put in striker, Phil Stone to score from close range.

The home side scored again late in the second-half after Kevin James was brought down in the penalty area. His spot-kick gave substitute keeper, Steve May no chance in the Fleet goal.

The ex-Havant keeper was one of eight changes in the Fleet line-up in the second-half, providing Catlin with further opportunity to see how his promising new squad is shaping up.

FLEET: Clayton, (sub, May, 55mins), Regan, (Buckland, 50), Dadson, Murphy, (Ian Saunders, 77), Blakely, (Roberts, 50), Keogh, Black, Anstey, (Worthington, 67), Tiller, (Steele Saunders, 67), Parker, (Gillman, 57), Proctor, (Ryan, 67).