Five-Minute Goal Blitz Seals Victory for Fleet Town

A stunning five-minute spell early in the second half proved decisive as Fleet Town struck three times in quick succession to defeat Horley Town and secure another valuable home win.

The first half was a tight affair, with both sides struggling to find clear openings. The first real chance fell to Horley after 25 minutes, when Coby Acquaye’s strike was well saved by Fleet goalkeeper Sam Gray, who pushed the effort away for a corner. Fleet soon responded with chances of their own. Sam Bartlett attempted an audacious lob after Horley’s defence failed to clear, but keeper Zac Basey comfortably gathered. Moments later, Ollie Burke rounded Basey and looked certain to score, only for Horley defender Joe Carrington to sprint back and clear off the line. Burke went close again after good play from TJ Taylor, but his shot across goal drifted wide.

Fleet were forced to play the final ten minutes of the half with Andy Matthews in the sin bin. Despite their numerical advantage, Horley created just one meaningful chance as Liam Trevatt’s strike was again blocked by the impressive Sam Gray. The sides went in level at 0-0 at the break.

The second half began with Fleet looking brighter, Bartlett curling just over inside the opening minute. Managerial changes soon followed, with Charlie Postance replacing George Sellick. The switch paid off almost immediately. On 59 minutes, a right-wing cross found Bartlett in space at the far post, and he calmly slotted into the corner to give Fleet the lead.

Barely three minutes later, Postance’s pressing forced a turnover deep in Horley territory. Though his shot was blocked, Theo White pounced on the rebound to double the advantage. Fleet’s momentum was unstoppable, and within another two minutes they had a third. Bartlett and White combined down the left, delivering a low cross that skipped past Postance and goalkeeper Basey, falling kindly to Burke who swept the ball home.

That blistering spell effectively settled the contest. Horley attempted to rally with changes and half-chances, but Fleet looked comfortable. Trevatt and Lewis Hillary both fired off target, while late opportunities for Burke, Ryan Griffiths, and Postance were either blocked or saved.

The final whistle confirmed a 3-0 victory for Fleet Town, maintaining their impressive home form. With other leading sides also winning, Fleet remain firmly in third place, continuing their push at the top end of the table.

Starting Lin-Up:

• 1 Sam Gray
• 3 Andy Matthews
• 4 Lewis Hilary
• 6 Liam Avery
• 7 Sam Bartlett
• 8 Sean Swift
• 10 Theo White
• 11 George Sellick
• 12 bead manning
• 19 Ollie Burke
• 20 TJ Taylor

Subs:

• 9 Charlie Postance (on for Sellick)
• 14 Ryan Griffiths (on for Bartlett)
• 15 Rodney Dos Santos (on for White)
• 16 Finlay warren
• 17 Jack Lewis (on for Swift)