Report by Steve Cantle

A first-half penalty was enough for Fleet to come through this entertaining cup tie between two well-matched sides.

With both clubs winning three of their opening four league games it had the making of a close contest, but at half-time there only appeared to be one side at the game. Right from the off the Southern League visitors struggled to match Fleet’s pacy style of play, and for the first 45 minutes could do nothing about the Ryman League side’s almost complete domination.

Fleet’s goal came early on after mid-fielder, Michael Douglas, was brought down in the 18th minute, when clean through on goal. Striker Ed Smith made no mistake from the spot, sending Thatcham keeper, Paul Strudley the wrong way.

Once in front, Fleet cranked the pace up even further, and but for some fine saves by Strudley could have scored many more. One reflex save from a fast strike by Fleet’s Jermaine Hamilton was of specially high quality. But despite their dominance, Fleet had to settle for the one goal advantage at the interval.

Strudley was in action immediately after the re-start, just getting his fingers onto a header from Fleet’s Steve Hemmings, just doing enough to knock it on to the crossbar and away to safety.

Gradually the visitors found their feet, encouraged by their keeper’s efforts. Thatcham’s Sam Rea went close after a good attack down the right and Fleet keeper, Paul Smith needed to be at full stretch to save a second chance to the same player.

Fleet continued to threaten, and looked to have sealed things with ten minutes to go, but Hamilton’s shot hit the upright after good work by his strike-partner, Smith.