Report by Steve Cantle

A string of fine saves by Fleet keeper, Justin Gray earned another away point for Fleet, and kept his side’s unbeaten season start going for yet another weekend. The draw stretched Andy Sinton’s side’s unbeaten league run to five matches and pushed Fleet up to 13th position in the Division One table.

Sinton will have been pleased with the point from Saturday’s game against a far more experienced and physical Leatherhead side. Sinton was forced to rest wingman, Tinoi Christie, and gave a start to 18 year-old, James Field, younger brother of former Fleet player, Lewis Field. Another 18 year-old, Matty Lewis, came in for the suspended, Phillip John.

Fleet’s youngsters started slowly and were immediately under pressure from the Leatherhead front men. A corner in the 5th minute provided Leatherhead’s Tom Moorhouse with the first chance of the game, but Gray stopped the shot with a brilliant diving save. Two minutes later Gray was in action again, this time keeping out a powerful shot by striker, Marc Smith. Gray needed to be on top form against his old club, as Fleet’s inexperienced side struggled initially against more powerful opponents.

It was all Leatherhead in the first 15 minutes, but gradually Fleet found their rhythm, and their faster, passing game soon began to test the Leatherhead defence. As the first half finished, Fleet were in control, and looked the side more likely to score. But despite dominating the possession, a header, by Fleet striker, James Rose on 45 minutes, was Fleet’s only chance of the half.

Gray was immediately in action after the break, saving well again from Smith, and blocking well from Leatherhead skipper, Dave Stevens. Fleet’s young side then took control again, with all three 18 year-olds, including wingman, Martin Girling, showing their running and passing skills. Lewis in mid-field was keeping and passing the ball well, and on the right wing, Field was just too quick for his marker.

The chances soon followed, one a fine shot from Field, and another from striker, Nathan Smart both went close.

In the final minute Fleet almost sealed it when a poor clearance from keeper, Tommy Dunn, fell to Rose, who, with Dunn to beat, just failed to capitalise on the error.