Match Report: Tooting & Mitcham 1 Fleet Town 0
Fleet Town Secure Play-Off Spot Despite Late Defeat at Tooting
Fleet Town made the trip to Imperial Fields on Saturday afternoon, knowing that a single point against Tooting & Mitcham United would be enough to secure their place in the play-offs. With a solid recent run of form behind them, Fleet arrived full of determination and focus for what promised to be a tense and closely fought encounter.
The opening stages of the match were cagey, with both sides battling for control in midfield. Fleet showed discipline and composure at the back, absorbing early pressure from the hosts. Tooting looked to make inroads down the flanks, but the Fleet defence held firm, restricting them to half chances and long-range efforts. At the other end, Fleet looked threatening on the break, with quick transitions and a few promising moments in the final third. However, neither side could break the deadlock before the interval, and the teams went in level at 0–0.
The second half continued in much the same fashion, with chances at a premium and defences largely on top. Then, in the 73rd minute, the home fans thought they had something to cheer about when Max Oldham tucked the ball into the net. The celebrations were cut short, however, as the referee consulted with his assistant. After a lengthy discussion, the goal was ruled out, much to Fleet’s relief and the frustration of the home side.
As the game edged towards full-time, it looked as though Fleet would leave South London with the vital point they needed. But in the 88th minute, Shey Brannan struck a late blow for Tooting, pouncing on a loose ball in the box and firing past the keeper to give the hosts a 1–0 lead.
The final whistle brought disappointment for Fleet Town players and supporters alike, but the mood shifted dramatically just minutes later. News filtered through from the Epsom & Ewell vs Tadley Calleva match that Epsom had scored twice in the second half to seal a crucial win. That result meant that Tadley could no longer overtake Fleet in the table, confirming Fleet Town’s place in the play-offs despite the narrow loss.
Fleet may have left empty-handed on the day, but they achieved their bigger goal — a shot at promotion remains firmly on the cards.
