Experts say that at the highest level, there’s a magic about evening games that transcends anything seen in daylight. Experience shows that this axiom doesn’t apply at Wessex League level, and tonight’s game was no exception. After a promising start, the game got worse as the evening got colder, and both sets of supporters were glad to get back to the warmth of home. Spurs’ fans were the happier as they had gained the three points that they deserved on the day.

From the outset, Adam Aimable’s long throws were a threat to the Tadley defence, and after 10 minutes Chris Musgrove gave Fleet the lead with a flicked header on the near post from an Aimable bomb. Five minutes later, 16-year-old Matt Cooper should really have doubled the lead after a fine run and unselfish pass from Musgrove, but somehow the youngster hit the bar. Midway through the half, Peter White deflected a Tadley shot into the Fleet net, but the ‘goal’ was ruled out for handball.

That was just about as good as it got, as for the rest of the game both teams cancelled each other out. Fleet had more of the possession, but were unable to turn it into goals. The second half was devoid of much real incident, though Cooper just failed to reach a flick-on by Musgrove when any touch should have led to a goal.

Manager Andy Hunt is pleased that while not playing at their best, Spurs are undefeated since Christmas. They move up one place to eleventh in the table. On Saturday they entertain Petersfield Town, who are one place behind with a game in hand (Southwood: kick-off 3.00).

Team: Ryan Bone; Sam Cobbett; James Wills; Glen Hunt; Mike Ford; Dave Richards; Aaron Jessavala; Kevin Vallance; Matt Cooper (sub Rinaldo Kumbakisaka 65); Adam Aimable (sub Dale Smith 72); Chris Musgrove (c).

This was the second consecutive draw for Spurs. The game was disappointing, with both sides guilty of giving the ball away too frequently. Overall, the result was fair, as neither team was capable of doing enough to deserve victory on the day.

At the start of the game, Spurs had more of the possession, and Vale’s opening goal came from out of the blue after quarter of an hour when Jack Hopper shot from more 35 yards and keeper Ryan Bone could only watch as the ball dipped just under the bar. Neither side created many other chances before half term, though ten minutes before half-time home keeper Louie La Touche had to be alert to turn a goal-bound Sam Cobbett drive over the bar.

There was little change after the break, though Pewsey had more of the possession. Just before the hour mark, Spurs’ equalised with a goal that – like their hosts’ – was somewhat against the run of the play. After a slick passing movement down the left, Chris Musgrove hit a left-footed drive from just outside the box which beat La Touche at the near post. Pewsey put the Spurs defence under pressure towards the end. However, they defence held firm, though they have to thank Bone, who made a fine save from a free kick from Ricky Franklin that looked destined for the top corner of the net. The game ended with no addition to the score and with both camps feeling a grudging satisfaction with the result.

Spurs remain in twelfth place, and have two home games in the next week. On Tuesday 31st, they entertain Tadley Calleva (kick-off 7.45) and on Saturday the visitors to Southwood are Petersfield United (kick-off 3.00).

Team: Ryan Bone; Glen Hunt; James Wills; Mindy Kuodys; Alex Pickering; Dave Richards; Sam Cobbett (sub Rinaldo Kumbakisaka 65); Chris Musgrove (c).; Matt Cooper; Neil Selby; Aaron Jessavala.

This was a frustrating game with defences on top throughout and the quality of play marred by a blustery wind. Overall a draw was a fair result, though Spurs had the clearer chances.

The first chance of the game came from an Adam Aimable long throws which Fleet skipper Chris Musgrove headed against the inside of the post, the ball rebounding to safety. The first half was very competitive, with each side closing the other down well and preventing and neither side having the spark to create clear-cut scoring opportunities.

The game continued in the same vein after the break, with play becoming more ragged as the ever-increasing inevitability of a goalless outcome frustrated both sets of players. Both sides were reduced to speculative long shots, none of which threatened the goal. Both keepers had little to do, though Musgrove got the ball into the net but goal was chalked off as the referee awarded a foul for a push, and towards the end Spurs’ skipper had a goalbound header turned smartly round the post by Jordan Brownrigg.

Spurs remain in twelfth place, and next Saturday have a long journey to Wiltshire where they face Pewsey Vale (kick-off 3.00).

Team: Ryan Bone; Glen Hunt; James Wills; Anthony Millerick; Alex Pickering; Dave Richards; Sam Cobbett (sub Rinaldo Kumbakisaka 75); Kevin Vallance; Matt Cooper (sub Neil Selby 35); Adam Aimable; Chris Musgrove (c).

Spurs continued their successful 2012 with a comfortable victory against Hythe & Dibden. This was particularly pleasing, as they had already suffered two heavy defeats this season at their visitors’ Solent-side ground.

Fleet started off like a train, with skipper Chris Musgrove making inroads down the left into the Hythe defence. They had also threatened with Adam Aimable’s Rory Delap-like long throws, and the opening goal came after seven minutes when a mis-timed header a Hythe defender from a more looping Aimable throw by deceived keeper Steve Moss and lobbed gently into the far corner. Five minutes later, Musgrove again broke down the left and was unlucky to see his powerful cross-shot rebound to safety off the inside of the far post. Two minutes later, the same post soon kinder to Spurs, as James Wills was allowed an unobstructed run from well inside his own half to the edge of the Hythe box, and this time the rebound sent his low shot into the back of the net. At this stage, Fleet were threatening to score with every attack and only brave defence by Hythe, poor finishing and some good luck kept the score down. However, Hythe came back in to the game and after half an hour, Sean Stone reduced the arrears after home keeper Ryan Bone was caught off his line, the visitors’ skipper scoring low into an empty net with a cool shot. Half time came with Spurs feeling that a one-goal lead was inadequate reward for their first-half performance.

After the interval, the game continued in the same vein, with Fleet creating and missing numerous chances and keeper Moss saving the visitors with a number of saves, notably when he tipped a goal-bound Musgrove drive over the bar. At the same time, Hythe’s threats on the break prevented any feeling of complacency by Spurs. Eventually after 75 minutes, Musgrove met a Wills corner with a far-post header to score the goal his performance justified. Two minutes later, Aimable turned on the edge of the box and rifled a drive past the helpless Moss into the top of the net. Five minutes from the end, Alex Pickering volleyed home a clever ball from sub Neil Selby, and there was just time for Stone to claim a consolation goal as Spurs’ defence appeared to doze off, believing the game to be well won.

Overall, this was by a long way Fleet’s best attacking performance of the season. If there is a quibble, it is just that the ratio of goals to attempts should have been much higher. Manager Andy Hunt has strengthened the team in a number of areas, and the new players are blending in well with those who have been there from the start. Next Saturday Spurs hope for more of the same as they entertain East Cowes Victoria at Southwood (kick-off 3.00).

Team: Ryan Bone; Mike Ford; James Wills; Glen Hunt; Alex Pickering; Mindy Kuodys (sub Chris Sallows 80); Sam Cobbett (sub Martyn Williams 70); Kevin Vallance; Matt Cooper (sub Neil Selby 75); Adam Aimable; Chris Musgrove (c).

Spurs made a bright start to 2012 as they gained a well merited victory at Andover New Street.

Andover started strongly, retaining the ball much better than Fleet, and it was no surprise when they took the lead midway through the half with a well-taken lob from George Dallarda. However, the visitors gradually improved and ten minutes later scored a deserved equaliser when Mindy Kuodys headed a free-kick across the goal and Dave Richards placed his header into the corner of the net. Following this goal, Spurs’ confidence rose, but half time came with no addition to the score, which was a fair reflection of the play.

After the interval, Fleet continued to play confidently, finding their men with some incisive passing, and took the lead just after the hour mark after another bout of head tennis in the New Street area, this time Sam Cobbett putting the finishing touch with a header that went in off the underside of the bar after Chris Musgrove had headed the ball across goal. Although there was almost half an hour to play, Andover never looked like equalising and the game finished with no addition to the score.

Overall, it was a good team performance by Fleet. Every player played his part, and Dave Richards was particularly impressive in his new role of centre-back. Spurs have now moved up three places to thirteenth position in the league. Next Saturday they will hope to continue this good form as they entertain Hythe & Dibden at Southwood (kick-off 3.00).

Team: Ryan Bone; Mike Ford; James Wills; Mindy Kuodys; Alex Pickering; Dave Richards; Chris Musgrove (c); Danny Roberts (sub Sam Cobbett 15); Matt Cooper; Adam Aimable (sub Jamie Coales 80); Martyn Williams (sub Jason Kingston 60).

This was another battling performance by Spurs, but this week there was no happy ending, as a hard-fought victory for Verwood enabled the Dorset side to climb to the top of the league table.

The first half was very tight with defences generally on top. There were a few goal chances with Mike Haskell hitting the bar for Town, whilst Fleet were causing problems for the home defence who struggled to cope with debutant Adam Aimable’s searching long throws. Overall it looked as though the score-sheet would remain blank at the break. However, in the last minute Charlie Gajic got on the end of a fine Jack Satterley cross and hammered a close-range volley into the top of the net. It was a very well-taken goal, though a rare lapse by the Spurs defence made it almost look as if they were playing statues as they stood and admired the move.

After the interval, play continued in the same vein, though Town were creating the better chances, and only the customary resolute performance by Spurs’ defence and a number of good saves from Ryan Bone kept the deficit down to one goal. The visitors sporadically had a number of half-chances on the break, without ever really looking likely to make the breakthrough.

Spurs have now fallen to fifteenth position in the league, though after the match the Verwood officials praised the visitors’ performance, saying that they’d had to work as hard for victory as in any game this season. Next Saturday Fleet have game against another of the likely title challengers when they entertain AFC Portchester at Southwood (kick-off 3.00). Naturally they will go into the game with the best wishes of everyone at Verwood Town.

Team: Ryan Bone; Glen Hunt; James Wills; Adam Aimable; Alex Pickering; Chris Musgrove (c); Mindy Kuodys (sub Danny Roberts 60); Jason Kingston; Dave Richards; Sam Cobbett; Martyn Williams

This was another brave performance by Spurs, which this week had a happy ending for them as they gained a point against leaders Brockenhurst with a stoppage time equaliser.

Just as happened last week at Team Solent, the first half never really took off with both sides giving the ball away easily and with little coherence in the play of either side. Neither goalkeeper was really troubled during a half which produced few if any memorable moments, and the ball spent far too much time at treetop height.

After the break, both sides began to keep the ball better without creating many openings. Then on the hour mark visiting midfielder Warren Kenna picked up a loose ball in the middle of the Fleet half and from fully thirty yards hammered the ball left-footed into the top of the net. Ryan Bone got fingertips to the ball but was unable to keep it out. The game now was much more open and both sides hit the bar from long range. Spurs were at last beginning to create chances, though Brock were dangerous on the break. The entertainment value of the game was much higher, notably when James Wills caused confusion among the players and mirth in the crowd by kicking the corner flag rather than the ball in an attempt at a short corner. However, it looked as if the leaders would hold out but then two minutes into stoppage time, home skipper Chris Musgrove headed the ball across the area and substitute Sam Cobbett dived to head the ball home.

Manager Andy Hunt said “I’m very pleased with the result, which the lads thoroughly deserved for their do-or-die spirit. It was particularly pleasing to get the point with a last minute goal, as we’ve suffered with conceding late goals recently.” Spurs remain in fourteenth position in the league. Next Saturday they have another difficult game when they visit high-flying Verwood Town (kick-off 3.00).

Team: Ryan Bone; Jason Kingston; Ben Easey (sub Bimal Balal 15; Philip Fisher 70); Dave Richards (sub Sam Cobbett 70); Alex Pickering; Chris Musgrove (c); James Wills; Mindy Kuodys; Martyn Williams; Matt Cooper; Neil Selby

This was a brave backs-to-the wall performance by Spurs in which they narrowly failed to earn a point at windy Test Park against the students of Team Solent.

The first half never really took off with both sides giving the ball away easily and with little coherence in the play of either side. Solent had more possession but created very few real chances, the best being when a Fleet defender deflected a close-range shot for a corner via the crossbar. Spurs only made one real chance when Dave Richards headed a Chris Musgrove cross from the right wing narrowly past the post.

After the break, Solent soon scored, though began to dominate there was a touch of luck as keeper Ryan Bone was only able to push out a hard low cross from the left wing and the ball struck the division’s leading goal scorer Leo Churms and trickled into the net, the tall striker seeming not to know much about the goal. Team Solent were now dominating play and only resolute defending by Spurs, some good saves by Bone and more than a slice of luck kept the deficit to one. Then twenty minutes from the end, Andy Hunt brought on Philip Fisher as a sub. This was to prove an inspired decision as within a minute of coming on Fisher equalised with a cool low shot after slackness in the home defence. Encouraged by this, Spurs got on top for a spell and it looked as if they might gain a hard-earned point. However, as the game moved into injury time, Declan Edwards at last got the better of the Fleet defence, and curled a left-foot shot into the top corner of the net to gain all three points.

Despite the result, this was a much improved Spurs performance, and more of the same should see them rise swiftly from their present fourteenth position. However, next Saturday they have another real challenge when leaders Brockenhurst visit Southwood (kick-off 3.00).

Team: Ryan Bone; Kirk Smith; Ben Easey; Chris Musgrove (c); Glen Hunt; Mindy Kuodys; James Wills; Danny Roberts (sub Jason Kingston 80); Bimal Balal; Dave Richards; Martyn Williams (sub Philip Fisher 71).

Spurs never recovered from a lacklustre first-half performance and eventually succumbed to a Hythe side that throughout were physically stronger and quicker to close down their opponents. Fleet can take some consolation because they are a young side who are showing signs of development and because their heads never dropped.

The game started with Hythe having far more territory and possession without creating any clear chances. Indeed the first decent goal opportunity came when 16-year-old Matt Cooper outpaced the Hythe defence and flashed a low ball across the face of the goal, but the stretching Bimal Balal couldn’t quite get a finishing touch. After twenty minutes, Hythe took a deserved lead when Steve Knight was left in far too much space in the Fleet box and shot powerfully home off the underside of the bar. Ten minutes later, the Spurs defence failed to deal with a bouncing ball in the goalmouth and Sean Stone doubled the lead with a looping header.

Manager Andy Hunt’s half-time words had the desired effect as Spurs started with much more intent, and Kirk Smith soon reduced the arrears after a good through ball from Balal. Game on, we thought. Not so. Fleet conceded a free kick close to the edge of the area and home skipper Martin Harris restored the two-goal lead with a fine shot past Ryan Bone’s left hand, though the positioning of the wall left something to be desired. The game became much more open, with chances at both ends, though Hythe were still sharper and stronger. Quarter of an hour from the end Stone put the game out of Spurs’ reach after the visitors lost concentration following a minor skirmish after a booking.

Spurs are now twelfth in the league, and next Saturday they visit high-flying new boys Team Solent (kick-off 3.00).

Team: Ryan Bone; Glen Hunt (c); Ben Easey; Kirk Smith (sub Danny Roberts 82); Alex Pickering; Mindy Kuodys; Sam Cobbett (sub Martyn Williams 45); James Wills; Rinaldo Kumbakisaka (sub Dave Richards 45); Matt Cooper; Bimal Balal.

As the A’s pulled into the car park Meako stated that he had played here before and had in fact scored direct from a goal kick. That meant one thing… a small pitch and a rubbish keeper. Pre match banter was flying around as the team quizzed social butterfly Nicolle amid allegations of a night out on the lash with Frankie Cocozza. Nicolle was unable to confirm or deny this allegation and the team made their way to changing room. As everyone sat down Wallace cracked open the wine gums and an already jubilant dressing room took full advantage of the popular chewy treat. All eyes then turned to Thornett for the team news. As Thornett began reading the team out all seemed well. Selections 1 to 9 made sense and there were even enough wine gums for another round… ‘I’ll have a black one please, sure no problem….’ and then it happened. For all football fans the number 10 shirt is sacred. A number ten is not chosen he is born; Pele, Maradona, Zico…. On Saturday 5th November 2011 between the hours of 1.45pm – 4.00pm the number 10 shirt for Fleet Spurs A would be worn by none other than Matthew Thornett. A man who to date had played no less than 20 mins up top and has carved himself a successful career as a keeper and a central defender. They say you start as a forward and as you get older you make your way back, just look at Gullit. Thornett doesn’t listen to what ‘they’ say and why should he. After all what do ‘they’ know? Kitted up and stunned the un defeated ‘A’ team made their way out onto the pitch.

The game kicked off and a ‘shell shocked’ Spurs struggled to get a foot in the game. It was like something was on their mind… Something didn’t feel right. Farnham were up for this one after last week’s defeat and it showed. On 25 mins with Spurs struggling to put more than 3 passes together Farnham took a deserved lead, breaking the offside trap and coolly slotting past Meako. This gave Spurs the jolt they needed and finally they began to influence the game. Chances started to come and go for the A team but unfortunately they were not troubling the keeper. As another shot flew wide of the Farnham net a small black Clio pulled into the Farnham car park containing a man dressed for goals. Stepping out of his car and adjusting his tie the driver sensed his team needed him now more than ever, and boy was he right. Spurs continued to huff and puff with no real end product and half time arrived with the A team trailing.

As the second half kicked off Spurs started the brighter but Farnham continued to threaten on the break. The hit man was licking his lips at the prospect of entering the arena and surely only a few more calf stretches and it was time for him to be released. Chances came and went as the team grew frustrated. Spurs needed a goal… Spurs needed a goal scorer… Spurs needed the ‘hit man’. Wallace and McGhie made way for Capon and Gammon as Thornett made way for the ‘hit man’. Little did we know what we were about to witness was worth the entrance fee alone. With goals all other the pitch surely it was only a matter of time before the sides were level, after all we had the ‘hit man’ in our ranks. As the fans returned to their seats ‘buzzing’ from his arrival, Farnham were awarded a free kick deep in their own half. The ball was played forward and a mix up at the back saw Meako beaten for a second time. 2 – 0 Farnham.

More chances came and went as the Farnham back four retreated deeper and deeper into their half. They were happy with what they had and were prepared to hold it. Spurs continued to pepper the Farnham goal but never looked like scoring. Spurs needed a hero and the ‘hit man’ was only too happy to oblige. Nothing looked on as Simmons picked the ball up on the right hand side. Spotting the ‘hit man’ in the box he sent a great ball in towards him. Shrugging off his marker the ‘hit man’ showed his fans why he has this name. With one swing of his trusty right boot he got his team back in the game. Meeting the ball sweetly on the volley and sending it crashing into the net. Keeper you’re not the first to feel the wrath of the ‘hit man’ and I guarantee you won’t be the last. 2 – 1 Farnham, game on!

A few more chances came with time now against the A team and that elusive equaliser looked like it would never come. Then Simmons again found some space wide on the right hand side, looked up and spotted the ‘hit man’. He sent a high looping ball in his direction and the ‘hit man’ took over. With his back to goal the ‘hit man’ had 3 options. Try and bring it down and tee up one of his teammates. Head it (?!!) or attempt arguably the most difficult skill in football… The overhead. The ‘hit man’ is not called the ‘hit man’ for nothing and he of cause went for the overhead.

Gliding into position effortlessly he extended his left arm for balance and the crowd held their breath as the reality of what was about to happen set in. Wallace turned to Phillip’s and uttered the words ‘he’s not is he?’ ‘I think he is you know!’ was the reply. Taking to the air like Beth Tweddle on a mission for Olympic gold, the hit man laughed in the face of gravity and manoeuvred his right foot where his head had been only moments before. The keeper adjusted his position anticipating another chance to earn his corn. The crowd sensed they were about to see the goal of the decade. Now the key component of the over head or bicycle kick is timing. Without timing your nothing! On this occasion the hit man’s timing was off. Crashing to the earth like a hippo on a wet clay bank the ball bounced a clear foot from where he lay. The ‘hit mans’ work was done. He would not be scoring any more today.

With the clock ticking down it looked like Spurs would be going home with nothing. That was until Simmons found some space on the edge of the penalty box. Showing composure as the defenders closed him down he played the ball out wide to Adam in space. Adam took a touch and whipped a great ball into the box. With the ‘hit man’ still in shock it was up to Goof to get his side level. After what he had just witnessed Goof sensibly chose to go with his head and rose like a rocket. Meeting the ball perfectly with his head he sent it spinning towards the Farnham net. Had he beaten the keeper..? Yes. Were the side’s level…? No. The ball crashed against the bar and bounced down into the penalty area. The Spurs faithful held their heads in their hands…. Seconds later they were held aloft! Newton reacting first met the ball on the volley and sent it rocketing past the Farnham keeper! Spurs were level. 2 -2!

As Farnham kicked off the full time whistle was blown and this roller coaster had come to a stop. The final whistle was met with mixed feelings, as Spurs although delighted with the point they had rescued believed they could have and should have performed better. However, this must be seen as a point gained rather than 2 dropped and attentions now turn to what will be a tough game against Eversley in the cup.

Team: Meakings, McGhie (Gammon) Friel, Baker, Mocca, Wallace (Capon), Newton, Simmons, Butler, Thornett (Hammond), Nicolle.

Man of the match – Friel: Another solid performance at the back.
Tw@t of the match: Thornett number 10?