Once again Fleet managed to lose to a side they had outplayed for most of the match. But it was defensive errors this time that cost Mick Catlin's side the points.
ICatlin was able to name a strong line-up, with new striker, Fraser Quirke, from Bashley, coming in up front to join Lee Paul, allowing wingman, Shaun Hale to return to his usual position on the left. Also in the line-up was fans' favourite, Andy Sinton, recovered from a recent groin niggle.
Fleet were again slowly into their game, and after just 3 minutes disaster struck when a free-kick was conceded just outside the 18 yard box, right in front of goal. Burgess wingman Matt Geard then couldn't believe his luck when he simply struck the ball round a poorly positioned wall into an open net to put his side in front.
Fleet's response was immediate, and with a strong showing in mid-field began to control the match.
The pressure told on 25 minutes, when Sinton struck a powerful 25 yard free-kick but was denied by the crossbar, with the Burgess keeper beaten.
Fleet continued to dominate, but 10 minutes later conceded again, again from a free-kick. This time Burgess defender, Mark Cable was allowed a free header over Fleet keeper, Peter Houkes' head and into the net - another goal given away by the hard-working Fleet side.
Things didn't improve after the break, when on 50 minutes, a defensive error by Lewis Johnson, gave Burgess mid-fielder, Kevin Townsend crucial seconds to line-up a powerful shot, which flew past Houkes into the net.
Sinton continued to drive his dejected side forward, and showing his obvious class was creating plenty of chances for Fleet to get back in the match.
From one such cross, Sinton found Quirke, who flicked the ball past the advancing Burgess keeper, Ian Chatfield.
Fleet continued to press and spent the final 25 minutes camped in their opponents' half. But despite their domination of the play, Fleet couldn't break through. Wingman, Pete Murphy was only inches away with a spectacular shot from the right. Quirke several times went close, and strike partner, Lee Paul perhaps should have done more with an even better chance with 10 minutes to go. But his shot was easily blocked by Chatfield, to keep his side in the lead.
Fleet Town: Morant, Johnson, (sub Millerick, 58 mins), Connolly, Darnton, Murphy, Keeping, Sinton, Paul, Quirke, Hale. Subs not used: Buckland, Jeffery, Jason Smith, Ian Saunders
