Report by Steve Cantle

A goal conceded on the stroke of half-time saw Fleet exit the FA Trophy, missing out on what could have been a lucrative 3rd round tie against higher league opposition. But on the day Andy Sinton’s side were given another lesson in how to play possession football.

With the same two sides playing out a tense, six-goal see-saw of a league game last Saturday, this time around the play never reached the dizzy heights of that encounter. In the end the visitors deserved to win it, having dominated the mid-field for most of the game.

For Fleet keeping the ball proved difficult against lively, experienced opponents, although from set-pieces Fleet always looked threatening. Skipper, Steve Noakes went close from one free-kick early on, but in open play, too often Fleet just lost the ball. For the visitors, wingmen Martyn Lee on the left and Mazin Ahmad on the right both kept the ball well, and Ahmad proved difficult to dispossess all afternoon.

K’s first real chance came on 42 minutes when Reid ran on to a through ball but shot straight at Fleet keeper, Justin Gray, when he could have done better. But the experienced striker made amends a few minutes later, picking his spot well after running on to a rebounded shot from Lee. Reid’s shot, low and hard gave the grounded Gray no chance.

After the break, the visitors had several chances to increase their lead, but striker, Kenny Ojukwa shot wide on both occasions. For their part Fleet continued to press for the equaliser, but in the end, Kingstonian keeper, Richard Martin enjoyed an untroubled afternoon.

Chances did come for Fleet. Wingman James Field and sub Jermaine Hamilton, both went close, but each time were wide of the target.