Report by Steve Cantle

Two quality second-half goals were enough to get Fleet through this pulsating cup-tie at Calthorpe Park. The win stretched Andy Sinton’s side’s unbeaten run to 6 matches and earned Fleet a place in next week’s next round draw.

Wessex Leaguers, Thatcham Town took the early advantage scoring in the 4th minute when, from a corner, Adam Champion fired in the loose ball from 20 yards. This after Fleet keeper, Justin Gray had saved well from Thatcham skipper, Paul Worsford.

Fleet eventually got going, and following 10 minutes of attractive, fluent play, were awarded a free-kick 18 yards out, from which Terry Davies equalised, with a curling free-kick into the top corner of the net. That was on 26 minutes, and the scores then remained level up to the interval.

Fleet went ahead 10 minutes into the second half. Striker Ed Smith was put through by a great pass from mid-fielder, Martin Girling. Smith rounded the keeper, Paul Strudley and his cross was headed into the open goal by his unmarked strike partner, James Rose.

Almost immediately, Thatcham equalised when a direct free-kick by Chris Blackford took a deflection from the wall and flew into the top corner of the net.

Fleet continued to press and were rewarded in the 66th minute when a cross from the left by wingman, Tinoi Christie was brilliantly headed home by Girling, past the despairing dive of Strudley.

The visitors kept up the pressure, but the Fleet defence held on well. With 6 minutes remaining, a bad miss from Thatcham striker, Sean Cook could have earned his side the replay, but his shot went over the bar, from close range.