Following on from last weeks first win of the season and impressive league form since the turn of the year, the Boro were looking to rack up another 3 points....... and in some style!
1st Half:
With the Gaffer again opting for a solid 4-5-1 formation, he was able to put out a strong starting 11. With Pete "playmaker" Flodman starting on the bench (re-occuring mangina injury), Nicoll was brought into the middle, alongside Trigger and capatain Inman in an attacking looking line up. The team also saw the return to fitness of key defender Rob Barnett.
As the game got under way Fleet set about with their slick passing and quick movement, which with the wind behind them, made for a very tough and contesting first half. However, Boro's backline was once again proving to be formidable, with Barnett and C. Ankers dominant in the air.
Although Fleet were enjoying the majority of possesion, it was clear to see frustration was starting to creep into their game. This did not go unoticed by Boro and the home side soon created the best chance of the half, as Eller broke free down the right channel and crossed for Nicoll who came agonisingly close to opening the scoring.
With Captain Inman supplying dangerous delivery from set pieces, the first half came to a close with both teams evenly matched.
2nd Half:
After a reassuring team talk from the Gaffer, Boro started the second half with confidence as they knew with the wind in there favour, more chances would come.
Prior to kick-off Boro stiker Tim Ankers (once of Fleet Spurs) stressed the importance of winning and getting one over his former manager, who had dismissed his goal scoring abilities.
GOAL! 62 min T. ANKERS
This proved to be famous last words as T. Ankers made no mistake in tapping home the first of a sublime hat-trick, after a marauding run by Taylor down the left wing.
GOAL! 65 min T. ANKERS
With Boro asserting their authority on the match, T. Ankers scored his sceond of the game, with a bullet of a header from a superb cross by Inman. Much to the delight of the team, Boro were sensing another victory.
Fleet PENALTY 66 min
GOAL! 67 min Fleet Striker
As any football fan will tell you, you are most likely concede after having scored only moments earlier and such was the case for Boro. Right from kick-off Fleet came flying forward and Jonno Nicholas who had not had much to do in the game, pulled off a world class save only for Hughes to bring down the opposing striker on the follow up. The ref had no option but to point to the spot and just like that, Fleet were back in the game. 2-1.
With Fleet's renewed confidence and pushing forward in search of an equaliser, Boro were on the ropes.......
GOAL! 70 min NICOLL
Bang! Just when Boro needed a goal, Nicoll restored a 2 goal lead with a goal of the season contender. After a swift counter attack from Boro, T. Ankers laid the ball off to Nicoll, who after nutmegging the Fleet defender, looked up and chipped the Fleet keeper in off the bar from 25 yards out!
Cue wild celebrations as Boro knew this would deflate any potential comeback from Fleet.
GOAL! 86 min T. ANKERS
With the game drawing to a close and Boro running the clock down keeping possesion, T. Ankers completed a sweet Hat-trick and calmly slotting home from new signing Bailey's pass. It was a special moment for T. Ankers as he had proved his former manager wrong along with notching up his first Hat-trick for the mighty Boro!
Full Time: Boro 4 Fleet Spurs 1
Man of Match, Tim Ankers.
