Win at Tooting & Mitchum keeps the Blues top of the table
Tooting & Mitcham United 0–2 Fleet Town. Fleet Town maintained their excellent start to the season with an impressive 2–0 victory away at Tooting & Mitcham United on Saturday, keeping the Blues firmly at the top of the Combined Counties Premier Division South.
On paper, this looked likely to be a tricky afternoon, particularly with Fleet missing key defenders George Wallace and Aaron Burchett. However, the Blues produced another high-quality and controlled performance to run out comfortable and thoroughly deserved winners.
Once again, Fleet were wonderfully supported on the road, with a large travelling contingent helping to boost the attendance to almost double that of Tooting & Mitcham’s previous home matches this season.
The Blues dominated possession from the opening whistle, controlling the tempo and keeping the hosts pinned back, although initially without finding the breakthrough their play deserved.
That changed in the 20th minute. Ollie Burke did brilliantly to chase down a ball in the corner before delivering into the area, where Kevin De Barros was brought down. The referee pointed to the spot and Alex MacAllister stepped up to confidently convert the penalty and give Fleet a deserved 1–0 lead.
Fleet continued to enjoy the majority of possession and their patience was rewarded again right on the stroke of half-time. A long throw from De Barros dropped to Connor Holland on the edge of the box and the midfielder rifled a superb left-footed strike beyond Toby McKimm in the Tooting goal.
It was another excellent finish from Holland and remarkably his fourth goal in just three games — an outstanding return from midfield.
The second goal gave Fleet a comfortable cushion going into the break and meant there was little need to take unnecessary risks in the second half.
The Blues continued to control possession after the restart, managing the game superbly and rarely allowing Tooting & Mitcham to make any meaningful progress. Clear-cut chances were at a premium at both ends, with neither goalkeeper seriously troubled during a professional and disciplined second-half display.
Fleet comfortably saw out the remainder of the game, securing another three points and an equally pleasing clean sheet.
The victory keeps the Blues top of the table, one point clear of Knaphill, who have played a game more.
Attention now turns to three consecutive home fixtures at the Easy As HGV Stadium, starting with Tuesday night’s Hampshire Senior Cup tie against Tadley Calleva. That is followed by two important league encounters, with Alton visiting on Saturday before Badshot Lea arrive the following Tuesday.
Another excellent afternoon for the Blues — three points, a clean sheet and top of the league.
