Report by Steve Cantle

Steve Hemmings heads in Fleet's first goal

Michael Douglas scores Fleet's second

A late winner by mid-fielder Michael Douglas made it a happy Christmas all round at Calthorpe Park, capping off a fine run of festiveseason games for his side.

Douglas’ winner in the 82nd minute came after a fine second half fight-back by the Fleet side, and, following hard-fought, pre-Christmas draws against Tooting & Mitcham and Croydon Athletic, lifted Andy Sinton’s side back up alongside league leaders, Dulwich Hamlet on 40 points.

Sinton was able to name a strong side for this first-ever visit to Calthorpe Park of league new-boys, Godalming Town, last year’s Combined Counties League Champions. The only absentee was striker, Ed Smith, who pulled a hamstring in Saturday’s exciting 4-4 draw at Croydon. For the first time in several games, there was a starting place for wingman, Darren Campbell.

Normally bright starters, Fleet surprised supporters with an unusually sluggish start, surrendering the early advantage to a determined Godalming side. The visitors impressed with some fine passing moves and just before the half-hour converted their possession into the opening goal; striker, Shaun Lydon netting from just outside the area with a low shot that somehow evaded the grasp of Fleet keeper, Justin Gray.

Fleet did not manage to create a single first-half chance, but all that was to change after the interval.

Sinton switched James Field to the right wing and dropped Campbell back. The move immediately changed things for Fleet as the pacy Campbell was in a better position to run at the Godalming defence. On 50 minutes a fine run by Campbell set up Phil John for Fleet’s first chance of the game, and the mid-fielder’s powerful strike was only inches wide of the target.

Fleet were now in complete control and the equaliser soon followed. A run by Campbell earned a free-kick on the right. Field’s fast cross was met by the head of defender, Steve Hemmings, who gave Godalming keeper, Andy Parkinson no chance as the ball flew into the top right hand corner of the net.

Fleet continued to press, the ball rarely leaving the Godalming half for the next 20 minutes. With 15 minutes to go Sinton brought on striker, Nathan Smart for Jermaine Hamilton and immediately Smart’s pace put the visitor’s defence under further pressure. Smart went close with two fine efforts, each time Parkinson having to be at full-stretch to keep his side in the game.

Time was running out for Fleet when in the 82nd minute a long throw-in from the left by Steve Noakes was headed across the goal by a defender straight to the feet of Douglas, who had cleverly shaken off his marker. Douglas’ angled strike from 15 yards out was too good for Parkinson, setting off the celebrations amongst a large Boxing Day crowd. It was a well-deserved goal for Douglas after a tireless performance all afternoon, in the heart of Fleet’s mid-field.

Smart almost extended Fleet’s lead a few minutes later, but again Parkinson saved.

Fleet travel to Walton Casuals on Saturday, ko 3pm.