Two penalty saves by Fleet keeper, Justin Gray brought Fleet success in this difficult cup tie in front of a large Andover crowd on Tuesday night.
The win brought Fleet their second cup success in 7 days, after last week's emphatic 3-0 win against Brook House in the Bryco Ryman League Cup competition.
With only one league match played in the last three weeks, Ian Saunders' side looked short of match practice, as they took on the lively Wessex League Andover side, currently fourth in that league
Saunders was forced to make several changes to his line-up after the departure this week of mid-fielder Gareth Keeping to Conference South side, Dorchester Town; and wingman, Shaun Hale, who has stepped up two levels, by joining Conference side, Welling United.
In addition Saunders was without mid-fielder, Gary Connolly, out through suspension, and defender, Steve Riley, still out injured.
The home side started strongly, and opened the scoring in the 14th minute. A defensive error on the left letting in Andover striker, Justin Bennett, who fired in from a narrow angle past keeper, Gray.
Fleet's first chance came in the 29th minute. Striker Ed Smith went clear on goal with only the keeper to beat, but his shot went wide of the far upright.
But the young striker made amends 5 minutes later when he followed in a powerful strike by wing-back, Tony Millerick, which Andover keeper, Colin Hopkins couldn't hold. And Smith reacted smartly to tap home.
After the break, the Fleet side found their rhythm, and went ahead on 65 minutes when Millerick fired in from 25 yards, his first senior goal for the Fleet side.
Fleet then looked to have the tie sealed up. Sub striker, Lee Paul worked well with strike-partner, Richard Mealey, but neither could find an elusive third goal.
In the end, it was Andover who scored again, with just 10 minutes remaining, Bennett netting his second, with a strong finish, after running on to a ball from Phil Andrews.
The tie was then deadlocked, with neither side seriously threatening to break through. 30 minutes of undistinguished extra-time play then followed, and the scene was set for Gray to try to win the game for his side.
Skipper, Andy Darnton stepped up to take the first penalty, which he converted confidently. Gray then saved the first Andover spot-kick, diving to his left and blocking the shot. Mealey then made it 2-0 with another confident spot-kick.
Gray then sustained his side's advantage saving the second penalty low to his left to make it 2-0. Pete Murphy then made it 3-0. And when goal-scorer, Bennett fired his spot-kick way over the crossbar, Fleet could start their celebrations.
Fleet Town:
Gray, Morant, Millerick, Archbold, Darnton, Middleton, Sinton, (sub, Jason Smith, 90 minutes), Anstey, (Cole, 120), Ed Smith, (Paul, 62), Mealey, Murphy. Subs not used: Ian Saunders, Paul Smith.
