(Wessex League Division 1)

Spurs’ long unbeaten run finally came to an end with a whimper rather than a bang against Stockbridge.  Both sides were weakened by injuries and other absences, but Fleet started strongly and soon established a dominance which lasted for the whole of the first half.  However, crucially they were unable to convert this dominance into goals, being foiled by some good saves by keeper Alex Thompson, but also missing a number of straightforward goal chances.  The visitors were relieved to get to the break on even terms, but the home supporters felt a sense of impending doom following the inability to convert so much possession into even one goal.

After the break, Spurs became increasingly desperate as they turned to route one football, although keeper Thompson had to make good saves from a well-placed free kick from skipper Luke Thorn and a point-blank effort from substitute Neil Selby.  Stockbridge were coming more into the game with a number of threatening raids through the centre of Spurs’ defence mainly featuring the dangerous Steve Witt, and it was no real surprise when the inevitable happened.  Witt sidestepped a number of half-hearted attempted challenges and gave Nick Coates an easy chance which he despatched coolly past Fleet keeper Mark Appleby.  Spurs continued to attack but created very little, and the game finished with Spurs having only themselves to blame for the defeat.

With other teams around them also dropping points, Spurs have dropped one place to 4th, though only four points separate them from Ringwood in 13th.   They entertain local rivals Farnborough North End at Southwood on Tuesday (kick-off 7.45) and visit Downton on Saturday (kick-off 3.00).