Report by Guest Writer

On a magnificent surface and in a stadium befitting a cup final Fleet Town succumbed to two headed goals from Aldershot Town striker John Grant.

The Blues seemed to have got over the major disappointment of the play-of defeat at Tooting and started brightly and played some good football. Within the first ten minutes a quality cross from James Field was met with a strong header from Tony Reid at the far post and just as the travelling Blues fans jumped to their feet for a goal the Shots keeper brought off a superb save to deny the underdogs the lead.

After this though Aldershot, who had fielded a very strong team in order to get their hands on their only chance of silverware this season, started to take control and move the ball around with confidence. Fleets chances to score were becoming fewer and it was left to the defence to prove yet again why they have been so impressive this season as Mark Paterson and Steve Noakes mopped up several promising Shots moves.

After the first goal the Blues cause wasn't helped as Ben White had to leave the field with concussion and a hasty rearranging of tactics ensued for the second half

The second Aldershot goal left the Blues with a hard task and yet they continued to plug away and the fitness and determination that has been a key factor this season paid off when Jermaine Hamilton ran on to a through ball from Tony Reid to hammer the ball home from 15 yards. As time ran out the boys pressed for an equaliser and Aldershot looked shaky and their keeper had to save on the line in added time to avoid extra-time.

As the whistle blew for the end of the match an approving roar and 'We love you Fleet town' erupted from the travelling Fleet fans who appreciated that their team had put up an excellent effort against professional opponents from three divisions higher.

Off to Gosport we go...................