Chances missed in Tooting stalemate

Report by Steve Cantle

An evening of missed opportunities and thick fog ended goal-less, with Fleet having to settle for a point against a lively Tooting side.

Both sides spurned chances during an even, entertaining first-half. But decreased visibility after the break made it hard for players and spectators alike to see the ball, and abandonment seemed the more likely outcome.

The game marked the start of a crucial run of Christmas matches for Andy Sinton’s team, against sides which are in the bottom half of the league table, yet Fleet have never beaten. Tuesday night’s visitors Tooting, took six points from its two matches with Fleet last season, winning both by the same 4-0 margin. Saturday’s opponents, Croydon Athletic have a similar record against Fleet.

Sinton was forced to make just one change in the line-up that won on Saturday against Sittingbourne; the injured Steve Hemmings being replaced by Michael Douglas, who was back from suspension.

Fleet again started brightly and in the opening minute striker Ed Smith created the first chance, after rounding his marker, but Douglas shot wide. Tooting also started well and the first 10 minutes saw the play move quickly in and out of both halves. Tooting’s Vernon Francis went close in the 3rd minute. Fleet keeper, Justin Gray saving well from close range.

On 10 minutes, Tooting’s best chance fell to Allan McLeod, who had plenty of time to chose his spot after a great passing move down the right. But the mid-fielder’s wild shot rose steeply over the bar.

Both sides were passing the ball well, and a great move down the left by Fleet on 20 minutes provided Douglas with a further chance to score. But again the shot went wide of the target.

As the half progressed, the visitors began to dominate possession, and Fleet’s defence had to work hard to keep out the lively Tooting strikers, which included ex-Farnborough front-man, Carl Gibbs. Fleet’s Phil John in particular brought off some great tackles on the talented Gibbs, to keep the scores level.

Fleet’s best chance came in the 40th minute, after Smith broke free of his marker and was clean through on goal with just the keeper, Dave King, to beat. But Smith rushed his finish and again the shot missed the target.

As the first-half finished King made a superb block to deny Douglas, after he had palmed away a curling, 20 yard free-kick from James Field. King had to save a third time after Josh Millar ran on to the re-bound.

After the break there was just one further chance, Wallace going close for Fleet in the 51st minute, after Smith had again broken through the Tooting defence.

For the rest of the half, there were no further chances, the decreasing visibility making things difficult for both sides. Many spectators were surprised that the match was allowed to continue as they couldn't see the ball.

Fleet travel to Croydon Athletic on Saturday, ko 3pm.

Fleet have a home tie in the Hants Senior Cup quarter-final draw made last week. Their opponents will be Southern League side, Winchester City. The full quarter-final draw is:

Farnborough Town v Lymington & New Milton
Eastleigh v Aldershot Town or Brading Town
Fleet Town v Winchester City
Gosport Borough v Fareham Town or United Services Portsmouth

Fleet’s tie will be played at Calthorpe Park on Tuesday 30 January