Noakes keeps Brickies at bay

Report by Steve Cantle

A 13th minute header by defender Steve Noakes sealed this win for Fleet against fifth-place Sittingbourne.

Fleet started strongly, and almost scored twice in the opening minute. A lob by striker Ed Smith was just palmed wide of the post by Brickies' keeper, Josh Willis. From the resulting corner, Adam Wallace's header went just wide of the upright, when he looked certain to score.

Fleet capitalised on a lethargic start by the visitors as they continued to press, and it was Smith again in the 13th minute whose efforts earned a further corner, which Noakes converted, cleverly heading the ball down to evade the outstretched Willis.

Eight minutes later Wallace had an even better chance to score after Smith again had run around his marker. But the ex-Slough striker somehow skied the ball over the bar from just a few yards out.

In defence Fleet also looked strong, restricting Sittingbourne to just a single chance in the first half, skipper, Kieran Marsh shooting wide in the 22nd minute, after a quick break down the left.

After the interval the tempo of the game changed, as the visitors began to compete more strongly. Paul Ainsworth went close in the 63rd minute, but shot wide. Fleet remained dangerous on the break, and sub Darren Campbell went close in the 78th minute when his header hit the crossbar. Sub Jermaine Hamilton was denied a few minutes later by a fine save from Willis.

Sittingbourne continued to press for the equaliser, but despite playing ten minutes of injury-time in Fleet's half, failed to convert the chances that came; the best of them again falling to Marsh, who again shot wide.