Report by Steve Cantle

Any hopes that Fleet had of unsettling their higher league rivals in this FA Cup tie evaporated early on, when they conceded a penalty and were reduced to 10 men after only five minutes of play. Fleet defender, Wayne Noad was judged to have pulled back Stortford striker, Julian Edwardes as he ran through on goal, and was then shown red by referee, Chris Williams for his reaction to the penalty decision.

The spot kick was fired home confidently by Stortford skipper, David Rainford, off the fingers of diving Fleet keeper, Justin Gray.

Making his first start of the season, Fleet Manager Andy Sinton then tried to settle his side, and on 18 minutes mid-fielder, Terry Davies almost equalised with a powerful curling shot from 20 yards. But keeper, Danny Gay covered the shot and saved well.

Fleet continued to press but with the man advantage, the Stortford central defence of Andy Hodges and Rob Gillman was giving little away. At the other end Gray saved well from Edwardes, and the visitors’ only other chance came on 38 minutes when striker, Ben Lewis shot wide.

Soon after the interval, the visitors increased their lead, when a cross from the right was not gathered cleanly by Gray and Edwardes was on hand to fire in from 15 yards.

Fleet continued to press, and striker Ed Smith almost got one back for Fleet on 58 minutes, after a mix-up in the Stortford defence. At this point Sinton took himself off and now with three men up front, Fleet continued to fight to get back into the match.

Sub Paul George shot wide, when in a good position, following a corner on 80 minutes, and late-on Davies went close from a free-kick. But it will be Stortford that go into Monday’s draw for the next round.

Bookings:

Fleet Town: 5 minutes; Noad (sent off)
37 mins, Davies (booked)
80 mins, Noakes (booked)