Report by Steve Cantle

It was almost a dream season start for Fleet Town on Saturday as they so very nearly came away with all three points from their visit to highly fancied Tonbridge Angels.

In the end Andy Sinton’s men had to settle for one point only after Tonbridge cancelled out Fleet’s 6th minute opener, with a score of their own – six minutes into injury time.

But despite the disappointment, Fleet would have been happy with the point from such a testing opening fixture against a side playing Ryman premier football last season. They now look forward to tonight’s (Tuesday) first home game at Calthorpe Park, when they entertain Molesey, a side still managed by former Fleet boss, Steve Beeks.

Fleet’s new-look side started brightly and took the lead in the 6th minute with almost their first attack. A great cross from the right by wingback, Don Chislett picked out new striker, James Rose, who shot powerfully from 12 yards straight at keeper, Jerome John. The keeper couldn’t hang on to the ball and Rose neatly slotted the re-bound away for the opener.

Some great work in defence by skipper, Steve Noakes then kept Fleet ahead by the break. In the Second half Fleet came under a lot of pressure, as Tonbridge pushed for the equaliser. With three minutes of normal time remaining Fleet should have sealed things at 2-0, when from a fast break, mid-fielder, Phil John ran clear with only the keeper to beat. Rather than go it alone, John passed across the goal, but sub, Bernard Asante failed to hit the open goal mouth.

It looked however that Fleet had held on to their lead, when in the 6th minute of extra time, Angels striker, Jay May fired home from 10 yards through a crowded penalty area, to salvage something for the large, and increasingly anxious home crowd.