Report by Steve Cantle

Fleet warmed up for Tuesday big County Cup clash at neighbours, Aldershot Town with a comfortable league victory on Saturday, at Ashford.

Goals by striker Ed Smith and wingman, James Field saw Fleet home, as they returned to winning form, the three points moving Andy Sinton’s side to 10th place in the Ryman League table.

Sinton was again forced to make changes to his side, after the departure in midweek of leading scorer, James Rose to the Kingstonian club. The young striker had impressed in both recent matches against the Surrey club and having agreed terms left the Fleet club on Thursday.

In his place on Saturday was youngster Martin Girling, partnering Ed Smith for the first time up front. The new partnership started well, with both strikers getting plenty of opportunities from a switched-on Fleet mid-field.

The opening goal came in the 25th minute. A corner from the left by Terry Davies was flicked on by defender James Mann, falling for Smith to head in from close range.

Both Smith and Girling had further chances to increase the lead, Smith only being denied his second by a fine save from Ashford keeper, Dave Wietecha, newly-signed from Ryman Premier club, Folkestone Invicta.

Wietecha made numerous further saves as Fleet pressed for more goals. Wingman Field’s shot early in the second half finally beat the experienced keeper, but rebounded safely off the upright.

Fleet’s defence continued to deny chances to the home forwards, skipper, Steve Noakes and defender, Paul George working hard to provide keeper, Justin Gray with a quiet afternoon in the Fleet goal.

Sinton adjusted his side midway through the second period, bringing on new striker, Damian Panter, signed from Kingstonian in midweek, in place of Smith.

Fleet continued to dominate and eventually Field sealed matters in the 88th minute with a powerful low drive into the bottom corner of a crowded goal-mouth. This after a shot from Girling was palmed away by Wietecha.

Man of the match: Field