Report by Steve Cantle

Defensive errors proved costly as an under-strength Fleet exited the Ryman League cup in dramatic style on Tuesday night, after dominating play for the first 45 minutes.

The turn around came after almost an hour of fast, attacking play by a confident Fleet side, that looked to be cruising, after an Ed Smith goal, just before the break put them ahead. Then a series of defensive errors allowed an inexperienced Hastings side back in the match, and into the draw for the next round of the league cup, after Fleet conceded three goals in the final 30 minutes.

Fleet boss, Andy Sinton went into the match, deciding to rest several first-team regulars, and by the interval, the boss’ gamble seemed to be paying off. Resting first-team keeper, Justin Gray, and mid-fielders, James Field and Terry Davies, Sinton brought in new signing, Arron Lennon, from Burnham, to replace Tinoi Christie who had signed for Walton & Hersham. Sinton also gave starts for youngsters, Martin Girling and keeper, Paul Smith.

After an even first 10 minutes, Fleet began to take charge, and on 18 minutes, Girling almost opened the scoring, but his powerful header went just wide of the post. A minute later, another attack saw James Rose’s header cannon off the crossbar, with the Hastings keeper beaten. Fleet continued to press and were rewarded on 45 minutes when a pass from new wingman Lennon found an unmarked Ed Smith, who had time to slot the ball home from five yards. Immediately from the re-start, Smith almost netted a second, his speculative shot from the right just missing the target.

At the other end, namesake, Paul Smith had little to do, as the visitors failed to create a single scoring opportunity. This was all to change after the interval. A missed tackle by wingback, Alfie Bonsu, led to the visitors’ first goal, scored on 57 minutes by mid-fielder, Danny Ellis. Ten minutes later a corner from the left was not gathered in by keeper Smith, and Shaun Loft was able to drill the ball home from a wide angle to put his side ahead.

Sinton then brought on Field and Davies, but this failed to staunch the goals as Hastings’ Duncan McArthur extended his side’s lead in the 81st minute to seal the match. To their credit Fleet continued to press to get back into the game, but chances to Rose, Lennon and sub striker, Nathan Smart were all wide of the target.

Fleet continue in Cup action on Saturday, when they travel to Doc Martens side, Enfield, for the First Round of the prestigious FA Trophy. Kick-off at Enfield’s Ware ground is at 3pm.