(Wessex League Division 1)
This was a typical fiercely contested local derby, and for the second time in three days Spurs needed some luck to emerge with all three points.
In the first half Fleet were the better side, though North End made it difficult for the visitors closing them down well and snapping into tackles. Sam Knowles might have given Spurs the lead within the first two minutes from an Adam Crittenden cross, but keeper Mark Tottle was able to block his close-range attempt. Both sides had a number of half-chances but were unable to convert them until just before the break Knowles headed a superb Luke Walsh cross against Tottle and fired the rebound into the top of the net to leave Spurs with a well-deserved interval lead.
(Wessex League Division 1)
A greatly depleted East Cowes side made the long journey to North-East Hampshire on a chilly Tuesday evening for a re-arranged fixture. Not surprisingly, Fleet attacked from the start and only six minutes had gone when Luke Walsh forced the ball home after visiting keeper Cameron Farley had blocked a firmly hit free kick from skipper Ben Edwards. Five minutes later, the referee spotted a push in Vics’ box, but the normally reliable Adam Crittenden struck the ball too softly and Farley saved. Spurs then forsook their normal passing game with far too many aimless long balls, until just before the half-hour mark Stuart Tanfield hit an accurate cross which Walsh headed home. Ben Edwards soon notched the third after a goalmouth scramble and almost forty minutes had passed before Vics had their first shot on goal, which was comfortably saved by Mark Appleby. Two minutes later, they had a real chance after a fine run by John Mckie down the left, but the ball somehow stayed out, leaving the half-time score 3-0 to Fleet.
Just to let you know that the draw was made yesterday in the presence of Steve and Anna Coupland and John Gawthorpe.
I would like to thank everyone for their hard work in selling tickets etc, and a big thank you to Steve Coupland who has helped organise the youth section.
Although we have tried contacting all the winners, if I have not managed to get hold of them can they contact me on 07717772979
(Wessex League Division 1)
Fleet took control of the game from the start and it was no surprise when they scored after eight minutes – the only surprise was that the goal came from a rare Tom Chillery header following a pinpoint corner from skipper Ben Edwards. Spurs soon doubled their lead when striker Adam Crittenden brilliantly lobbed the keeper after a brave header by fellow striker Luke Walsh. Portchester came back into the game after the half-hour mark, but never seriously threatened the home goal, and Fleet turned round with a well-merited two-goal lead.