Fleets good momentum continued on Sunday, going on to dominate the game in all areas, but it could have been alot different early on.
Kicking off, Fleet started well, passing the ball amongst the team, and creating a great chance within the first minute without any touch from a AFC Rose player. Fleet were on the front foot, with a good fast start. But a moment of madness and a mistimed tackle in the Fleet area on 5 minutes resulted in a blatant penalty to Rose, the forward stepped up and Dave brilliantly guessed the right way and saved Craigs bacon !! Although only 5 minutes in, it was a turning point in the game as Fleet immediately stepped up 2 levels and played fast flowing, scintilating football.
Fleets good play was rewarded as Plumb was fouled in the box and another blatant penalty was given. Duely despatched by Rich Saville for 1-0 to the Fleet on 18 minutes. Soon after it was 2-0 as Mark Crane squared the ball for Steve Plumb to tap in - although complaints were made by the Rose defence regarding offside (to their own linesman) the linesman, for once, did not bow to the pressure, standing firm, the goal was awarded. More good play saw Rich clear but couldnt quite get the shot off as half time approached, Rich was set clear again and the on rushing GK was caught on the knee by his own player - resulting in an ambulance being called, Rose had to change their GK as the prone player waited to go to hospital with suspected major knee damage. Here's hoping for a quick recovery.
Half time was blown soon after, the teams swagger seemed to be back and couldnt wait to return to the field, eager to put the game out of sight. The managers call for runners in behind and an emphasis on keeping it tight at the back was rewarded early after the re-start. A freekick by Nath was floated to the back post, which found Dan McNeill who excellently headed back across goal for Mark Crane to wander in unmarked to finish from 2 yds on 48 minutes. 3-0 and Fleet had the cushion their play deserved. 5 minutes later it was 4-0 as Plumb sliced open the Rose defence for Rich to casually finish. The game was safe on 68 minutes as Nath made it 5-0 his direct free kick high into the corner capped off a fine team display. Our defence, stood collectively firm and had resisted all attempts from Rose right upto the last 5 minutes, unfortunately a sloppy bit of play saw Craig slightly over run on the right and the ball fell kindly for their left back to score a consolation (5-1). But Fleet had not finished as Mo brilliantly set Nath free to score his second of the match with a neat finish for 6-1 and effectively the last kick of the game.
Although the outfield players had contributed to the good forward and defensive team play, allbeit except one silly challenge early on, I felt that Daves penalty save turned the game and is therefore he is deservedly named as man of the match.
Well done all, it was a joy to watch and be part of especially as we are scoring all types of goals, showing we can mix it if necessary, but we know there will be harder tests to come and we must continue this sort of application and desire to work hard and play well.
