Report by Steve Cantle

Eddie Smith goes close	Steve Noakes hits the net for Fleet

A late equaliser by substitute, Adam Douglas snatched a valuable point for visitors, Chatham after second-place Fleet had dominated for most of the game.

Douglas’ 83rd minute, left-footed strike from just outside the 18 yard box provided some reward for his side, after they had worked hard to keep Fleet’s lead down to the single goal.

Fleet had gone ahead just after the half-hour when defender Steve Noakes ran on to a pass from striker Jermaine Hamilton, following a free-kick. Noakes finished the move well, giving Chatham keeper, John Whitehouse no chance to save.

Whitehouse was kept busy for most of the game, bringing off several fine blocks as Fleet’s forwards took charge. As early as the 4th minute, striker Ed Smith was put through by a neat pass from Hamilton, but Whitehouse anticipated well, and blocked off the danger.

After going ahead, Fleet created plenty of chances to extend their lead. Whitehouse saved well again in the 51st minute when Hamilton was put through after another neat move with Smith. On 70 minutes, Fleet’s Phil John shot was only inches past the upright, and five minutes later Smith went close with a lob that just missed the target.

For their part, Chatham had few chances to score, finding it hard to penetrate a tight Fleet defence.

Following Douglas’ equaliser, Fleet continued to press hard and only a fine injury-time save by Whitehouse from a Will Salmon close-range shot kept them from grabbing a late winner.