Report by Steve Cantle

Fleet squandered what should have been their first league win of the season after a defensive error late on gifted an ill-deserved point to visitors, Burgess Hill Town.

A harmless punt up-field in the 81st minute provided the visitors’ first real chance of the match after a mistake by Fleet defenders, Jermaine Hinds and skipper, Steve Noakes. Striker Warren Burton ran clear with the ball and rounded keeper, Justin Gray to score easily.

Up to this point Fleet were looking comfortable, creating plenty of chances with some fluent, attractive football.

Fleet had taken the lead in the 15th minute, when striker Nathan Smart dispossessed his marker following a long through-ball from the excellent, Don Chislett. Smart’s quick left-footed strike was too good for out-stretched keeper, Pat Gannon, and just crept in under the bar. Fleet then dominated for the rest of the half, but failed to add to their advantage.

Fleet’s fluency deserted them a little after the interval, but the visitors were unable to put Gray under any serious pressure.

After the equaliser, both sides had excellent chances to seal things, Burton’s volley from close range somehow missing the target. At the other end, shots from youngster Martin Girling and striker, James Rose, both just missed. Then with the final attack, sub striker, Ed Smith’s powerful strike, was headed against the upright by Rose, after it rebounded into his path following Gannon’s despairing save.