Sparkling Fleet go top

Report by Steve Cantle

An 81st minute goal by midfielder, Will Salmon sealed a sparkling performance for in-form Fleet, extending their winning league sequence to six wins out of six.

It was a welcome return to winning form for Andy Sinton’s side after recent cup disappointments, and they now sit two points clear of nearest challengers, Dover Athletic at the top of the Ryman Division One South table.

With opponents, former Conference side, Kingstonian sitting in 7th place before the game, this was always going to be another tough test for the Fleet side. Without three regular first-team players, once again Sinton had to make changes to his starting line-up. Wingman Shaun Hale was ill, striker Jermaine Hamilton was off with a groin injury and Phil John was nursing an ankle injury. Back in the side was pacy wingman, Darren Campbell, and there were starting places for wingback Tony Millerick, striker Nathan Smart and last season’s skipper, Steve Noakes.

Fleet started sluggishly and in the opening minute Ks skipper, Scott Corbett was presented with the first chance of the game, but his shot went wide. On 5 minutes Fleet were slow to defend a free-kick on the right and the resulting cross gave striker, Tony Reid the chance to head past keeper, Justin Gray to open the scoring for Kingstonian.

After the early setback Fleet soon got into their stride and began to dominate the play. Their controlled possession in mid-field and quick-passing soon began to test the Ks defence. The reward eventually came just before half-time, Smart producing a great finish from the edge of the area, after a brilliant, jinxing run by Campbell.

Kingstonian remained dangerous on the break, but Fleet’s backline denied them any further chances, Millerick working hard on the left to keep out Ks pacy wingman, Glen Boozey and striker, Mazin Ahmad.

After the break, Sinton was forced to bring on Griffin for Millerick, after the wingback was unable to continue through illness. Immediately a not-fully-fit Griffin had a chance to score after running on to great pass from Field. But his hurried shot sailed over the bar.

Fleet continued to dominate in mid-field, with Michael Douglas again outstanding. But Kingstonian always looked capable of scoring and on 62 minutes, Ahmad had a shot hit the bar, when he looked certain to score. A few minutes later Gray was tested again following a long throw-in, but brought off a great block when off-balance to keep the scores level.

At the other end Fleet continued to pressurise the Ks defence, Field hitting the upright with one strike in the 75th minute. The deadlock was eventually broken with 9 minutes remaining. A cross from the left by Field landed at the feet of Salmon, and the youngster’s first-time volley from close range gave Ks keeper, Luke Garrard no chance.

Minutes later Campbell looked to have sealed things for Fleet, but after running round three defenders, his lob from a tight angle hit the crossbar and rebounded away to safety.