Report by Steve Cantle

Fleet’s recent run of poor form continued on Saturday as they were well-beaten by a highly-organised Dartford side. Coming after defeats against Hastings and Met Police, Fleet’s dip in form has left supporters mystified, after Andy Sinton’s side made such a fine start to the season.

Leading the division a few weeks back, Fleet have now won just one of their last 8 league games, and have dropped away to third place in the table.

Sinton has had to contend with significant injury problems in recent weeks, with at least six players being sidelined for some games, and on Saturday he had to do without central defenders, Mark Patterson and Steve Noakes, both off with illness.

Fleet started brightly, but once they conceded an early goal and were always chasing the game after that. The Darts opener after only 5 minutes was the first of a hat-trick for striker, Brendon Cass, who rose unchallenged, to head in Steve Hafner’s corner.

Thereafter, until just before half-time, Fleet completely dominated the play. With Michael Douglas again lively in mid-field, Fleet enjoyed plenty of possession, severely testing Dartford’s back pairing of John Guest and Alex O’Brien, the latter playing his first game for Dartford, on loan from Tonbridge.

But it was Dart’s keeper, Keith Hudson, who kept out Fleet’s best chance, on 15 minutes, a stinging 25 yard strike by wingman, James Field, which Hudson just tipped over the bar.

On the half-hour a header by Fleet skipper, Steve Hemmings went close. But as the interval beckoned, Fleet had not managed any further chances, the visitors’ back line holding firm.

As the first-half finished, a fast break from defence led to a second goal for Dartford. Fleet again failed to clear a cross from the right and Cass was on hand to tap in from close range.

Fleet started brightly after the break, but soon after the visitors took control of the game. O’Brien went close on 50 minutes, Fleet keeper, Justin Gray just managing to push the ball wide to make a fine save. But on 66 minutes Gray could do little to prevent Cass netting his third, after he followed in his own powerful 20 yard shot which the keeper just failed to gather.

Fleet are in cup action tonight (Tuesday) in the 3rd round of the Hampshire Senior Cup. The visitors to Calthorpe Park are Wessex League side, Romsey Town. Kick-off is at 7.45pm. On Saturday Fleet return to league action, travelling to Ashford Town.