Report by Steve Cantle

Fleet returned to the top of the Ryman Division One table on Saturday, despite a below-par showing at league new boys, Horsham YMCA.

The draw – Fleet’s third in as many games – leaves them a point clear at the top of the table. But three points in three games has to be improved upon if Fleet are to stay ahead of sides further down the table with games in hand as a result of FA cup runs.

Goal-less after 90 minutes, Saturday’s game became an opportunity missed for Fleet as a result of careless finishing. Chance after chance was missed, only one, a powerful header by defender, Mark Patterson from a free-kick in the 61st minute actually hitting the target, and requiring a save by Horsham keeper, Dean Ruddy. Up to a dozen other chances were either hit wide or over, or not reached at all.

Manager, Andy Sinton was forced to name a slightly under-strength side to start Saturday’s game. Wingman, Shaun Hale was unavailable due to work commitments; Phil John was ill and Ben White and Steve Hemmings were nursing injuries. Striker, Jermaine Hamilton was however back in after injury and he started the match upfront with Eddie Smith.

Fleet dominated right from the off and for the first 30 minutes enjoyed by far the greater possession. The first chance fell to Steve Noakes from a James Field corner after just 7 minutes. But the defender’s powerful shot went several feet wide of the far upright.

On 43 minutes Hamilton saw his shot hit the crossbar following a great pass from Smith. A minute later Smith was clear through on Ruddy, but lost control of the ball before being able to shoot.

After the break Sinton brought on Darren Campbell on the right-wing, replacing Martin Girling. The pacy youngster made an immediate impression making several darting runs through the Horsham defence. Following one such run Michael Douglas had a clear chance to score, but shot wide from close range. Field also shot wide after similar attacks.

With Fleet unable to score, the home side grew in confidence and for several periods in the second half threatened Fleet with some quick passing attacks. Wingman, Andy Ottley was the pick of the Horsham side, and Fleet keeper, Justin Gray had to bring off several smart saves to keep the scores level. One strike by Ottley saw Gray at full stretch to tip the shot around the upright.

With 10 minutes to go Fleet’s best chance of the game fell to Smith, following a brilliant run from Campbell down the right. But the striker failed to control his close-range shot and the ball squirted harmlessly away past the post.

For the final 5 minutes Fleet raised the tempo of their play, but were still unable to hit the target. In the final minute Campbell himself missed from 18 yards, after another great run.

Fleet are in Hants County Cup action tonight (Tuesday) at Cove. Kick-off 7.45pm.