Back at home with a Balham Banger and a 3-1 win for the blues

Fleet Town returned to winning ways on Saturday afternoon, earning our first, and only, points of November with a much-needed 3 – 1 victory. After a tough run of results, we knew we needed a fast start and the players delivered.

A strong opening spell set the tone for the afternoon, and although we had to work hard to see the game out on a heavy pitch, we came away with three vital points that keep us within touching distance of the leading pack in the league.

We took the lead inside twelve minutes after some excellent build-up play down the left. A neat passing move allowed us to work the ball into Jake Rumble, who struck his finish cleanly beyond Balham goalkeeper James Smith to give us an early advantage. Confidence was clearly flowing, and just three minutes later we doubled our lead. After being awarded a free kick in a dangerous area, we sent a teasing delivery into the box where Charlie Postance rose highest and powered a header past Smith to make it 2 – 0.

Balham gradually settled into the match, seeing more of the ball but finding it difficult to break through our defensive line. Eoin Fraser and Joe Dyett were solid at the back, blocking off attacks and keeping the visitors at arm’s length. However, in the twenty-ninth minute, Balham pulled one back. Dan David took a direct approach, striking the ball first time as it came to him and catching us out with a well-taken finish.

Rather than letting the momentum swing, we regrouped and pushed back before half-time. With pressure building again, we worked the ball into space inside the box and Lewis Pearch reacted quickest, beating the onrushing keeper to the ball and squeezing his finish home. That goal restored our two-goal cushion and sent us into the break 3 – 1 up.

The second half never quite matched the intensity of the first. The pitch, heavily affected by the previous day’s relentless rain, made flowing football difficult for both sides. Several local fixtures had been postponed altogether, so simply getting the game on felt like a battle in itself. As the surface cut up, chances became limited and the match turned into more of a physical contest. We had to dig in during the closing stages, defending with determination and showing resilience to protect our lead.

In the end, we saw the game out professionally to secure the 3 – 1 win. The result lifts us back up to seventh place in the table. While other sides play league fixtures next weekend, we turn our attention to FA Vase action as we look to build on this important victory, with an away trip to Fisher FC in Bermondsey on the bank of the river Thames in London.

Looking forwards to a busy December for Fleet Town, which starts with the FA Vase trip to Fisher on Saturday 6th, followed by league games Home to Abbey Rangers on 13th, away to Alton on Tuesday 16th, away to Eversley & California on 20th and Home to Knaphill on Saturday 27th.

In the draw for the second round of the Aldershot Senior Cup, Fleet Town have a home tie against Yateley United, which is likely to be planned for a Tuesday night in January or February.

Starting XI:

1 Sam Gray

2 Tom Drinkwater

4 Lewis Hillary

5 Joe Dyett

6 Liam Avery

7 Sam Bartlett

9 Charlie Postance ⚽

10 Chike Kandi

14 Eoin Fraser

15 Jake Rumble ⚽

17 Lewis Pearch ⚽

Subs:

8 Sean Swift (on for Avery)

11 George Sellick (on for Bartlett)

16 Hadif Darwysh (on for Kandi)

10 TJ Taylor (on for Hillary)

Not used 3 Andy Matthews