Fleet 3rds XI returned to winning ways this weekend in a keenly fought encounter with local rivals Yateley in which Fleet ran out 4 – 1 victors. The first half ended 1 – 1 having seen Carl Young collect the ball well outside the D and dribbling past several players before beating the goalkeeper. Fleet dominated for much of the second half and squandered several chances before a well worked short corner routine put Rob Scott on the score sheet. This was quickly followed by two further gaols from captain, Rob Belsher. Yateley responded and only stout defending ensured there were no further changes to the score line.

Fleet Ladies 1st XI  (1) vs. City of Portsmouth 1st XI (0)
Fleet returned to league action after a few weeks break with a visit to
Portsmouth on a bitterly cold Saturday morning. Fleet looked very rusty in
the opening exchanges and Portsmouth piled on the early pressure. Fleet
weathered the initial storm and gradually started to get back into the game,
and near the end of the first half took the lead with a well taken
individual goal. With Fleet creating the majority of chances they could and
should have increased the lead, however, with a solitary goal lead, there
was always the danger that Portsmouth would get a breakaway goal. Early in
the second half Portsmouth won a penalty flick but when they failed to
convert following a fine save, Fleet made the game safe. This was a game
where the result was more important than the performance, and Fleet will
surely play better in the remaining two games of the season.

Fleet inflicted the first home defeat of the season on a very strong Wimborne side. An outstanding defensive performance soaked up wave after wave of Wimborne attacking pressure, including ten short corners. Jon McCall had his best game of the season in goal and the midfield quartet worked tirelessly throughout in conjunction with the ever dependable FB4 . At the other end, chances were carved out purely in freeplay on the counter, where the value of a striker in form was amply demonstrated by another Gary (smiling assassin) Madge hat-trick.

Fleet Men's 3rd XI  (2) vs. Swanage 1st XI (3)

Swanage started strongly against a 10-man Fleet side and took an early lead. Only an excellent penalty flick save from Jonathan Camp prevented Fleet from going further behind.

Some sterling defence from Chris Edmonds helped turn the tide and Fleet’s Mark Woolford grabbed a deserved equalizer just before half-time.

After the break, Swanage exerted further pressure and regained the lead with a skilful passing move. This spurred Fleet into action again and despite a nasty injury to James Edwards, a period of sustained attacking gave Charlie Colbeck the space to equalize for Fleet with a neat reverse-stick shot.

Swanage responded immediately and took a 3:2 lead with a strong shot from the edge of the area.

Despite continuous pressure from Fleet right to the end, Swanage held on for a hard fought victory.

12 Feb 2005
Fleet Men's 2nd XI  (4) vs. Southampton 2nd XI (2)
Despite the result, this was a close run thing. It was another superb team effort – and with three walking wounded hobbling as best they could, the team ground out a great result against a much stronger Southampton side (who had scored six against US Portsmouth the week before).

We got off to a flying start when a defence splitting pass in the first minute from Jeff Lucas put Gary Madge one-on-one with the keeper. Cue David Coleman… “1-0!”. After that, Southampton piled on the pressure, eventually scoring from a short corner. Not to be outdone, a well worked short corner saw Gary Madge put Jeff Lucas in the clear for JL’s second goal of the season. 2-1 at the break.

Back came Southampton, with another short corner goal early in the second half. There ensued the hockey equivalent of trench warfare – both sides slugging it out for long periods without reward. Then came a turning point. A Southampton forward slipped the otherwise resolute and robust Fleet defence and missed from two yards out… whilst from the resulting 16, FHC2XI went down the other end and Gary Madge forced the ball over the line. Shortly afterwards, Geoff Slack scored the fourth and, against a tiring opposition, the game was won. GM would have completed another hat-trick with the last hit of the game, except for Gibson getting in the way

Fleet Men's 3rd XI  (5) vs. Fareham 8th XI (2)
After a cautious start, Fleet put together some excellent passes and started to control the midfield. Their patience paid off when Carol Young scored the first goal and soon after Charlie Colbeck fired a well executed second goal. Carl scored his second goal and Fleet were cruising at half time. After the interval Fleet continued in the same vein and were soon 4 goals up through a well taken individual goal by Ollie Edmonds. The hosts came back with two late consolation goals with Rob Scott having the final say for Fleet. Overall Fleet displayed some excellent passing up-front and were backed up with staunch defence.  Man of the match was Carl Young.

Goals: Geoff Slack (2), Phil Hutson, Paul Gibson, GaryMadge

Fleet Ladies 1st XI  (0) vs. Southampton 1st XI (0)
Fleet travelled to Southampton on Saturday on a cold and overcast morning. With just 10 available players, Fleet were still able to demonstrate the superiority illustrated by their respective league positions and quickly put Southampton under pressure. Creating numerous chances through the game, only a fine performance by the Southampton goalkeeper prevented Fleet taking the lead. Southampton only looked dangerous on the break, and almost took the lead against the run of play when they hit the post midway through the first half. However, this was their only real chance in the game. Fleet dominated the game but were unable to make the breakthrough they deserved, and the game eventually finished all square.

Fleet Ladies 2nd XI  (1) vs. Basingstoke 5th XI (0)
This proved to be a totally frustrating game where the score did not reflect the possession dominance achieved by Fleet. Fleet were both persistent and tenacious in their play but could not get the ball past Basingstoke's goalie, who should play for their first team not their fifth! Within the first 5 minutes of play, Fleet were clearly dominating and even after 7 successive attempts on the goal, the ball would not go in! Fleet's goalie, Emma Gilbert came into contact with the ball only 3 times - she was really cold by them end of the game. Catherine Allen tried out in the ladies for the first time and wasn't scared off and we welcomed another new player, Sallie Blanks. Fleet battled on but managed only one goal but a clear win. Especially good play from Cara and Denise and man of the match was awarded to Sally Ockwell-Page.

The Alton side started with 10 players and where later to lose a further player due to injury. This helped Fleet to play good flowing hockey with Gary Madge scoring another hat-trick, with Phil Hutson and Geoff Slack adding one each. Geoff slack from the penalty flick spot. This keeps Fleet at the top of the table by one point.

Fleet Ladies 1st XI  (3) vs. Petersfield 1st XI (2)
Fleet entertained Petersfield Ladies on Saturday. The Petersfield team looked to be significantly changed and stronger than the team Fleet had easily beaten earlier in the season, and the opening exchanges were quite even. After 20 minutes, Fleet took the lead, but were almost immediately pegged back when Petersfield scored on the break. Fleet nudged ahead again soon after with a well taken short corner, only for Petersfield to hit back again soon afterwards with the ball somehow ending in the goal after some scrappy play. The second half was much more comfortable for Fleet as they nullified the long ball game that Petersfield were relying on. Midway through the half, Fleet took a winning lead, and never really looked troubled for the remainder of the game. Although not the most attractive game to watch, Fleet worked really hard to secure a well deserved victory.

Fleet Men's 3rd XI  (7) vs. Bordon Harlequins 2nd XI (0)
A very pleasing 7-0 win for Fleet. With 4 goals in the first half, 1 for Martin Camp, 1 for Rob Scott , 1 for Rob Belsher and 1 for Carl Young. Also Jonathan Camp made 2 great saves, giving him a well deserved clean sheet.

The second half saw Rob Belsher decided to go down the left and 3 more goals came in quick succession. 1 from Rob Belsher and 2 from Martin Camp, giving him his hatrick.

Fleet Ladies 1st XI  (3) vs. Romsey 1st XI (0)
Fleet entertained Romsey Ladies on a sunny but chilly day on Saturday, keen
to gain revenge for the surprise defeat inflicted by Romsey earlier in the
season. Within 10 minutes Fleet took the lead, with a well taken goal high
into the net from Sharon Hough which gave the Romsey goalkeeper no chance.
Fleet maintained a firm grip of the game, never really being troubled in
defence. After 25 minutes, Fleet extended their lead with the ball being
forced into the goal following a rebound off the post from a short corner,
number 2 for Hough. Fleet continued to maintain control in the second half,
and midway through the half went another goal ahead to make the game safe.
With Romsey forced into the long hopeful ball, Fleet easily saw out the end
of the game.

Fleet Ladies 2nd XI  (2) vs. US Portsmouth 1st XI (1)
The first half proved to be challenging with United Services finding our weakness on the pitch and using it to their advantage. We conceded a goal and felt quite hard done by at half time.

A couple of changes on the pitch meant that Fleet had a stronger second half, although it was still a real fight. The players were some what distracted by the sideline banter and drunken comments, but never the less managed to pull back and score 2 goals.. The first goal was slipped in by Cara Newman and the second came from a touch by Michelle Turner from a short corner, returning after 8 weeks out from a broken collar bone. A good effort by the team with another new youngster, Roxy Todd and another outstanding performance by Sarah Colpus, who was awarded Man of the Match.

Fleet began the game under pressure from a team benefiting from additions to their squad, yet defended stoutly from the front with Madge ploughing a lone furrow up front.

Fleet were at a disadvantage when Slack was injured in the warm up, but Gasser showed excellent
discipline and resolve in an unaccustomed role.

Despite the excellent defending however Fleet could not hold out and a scrambled effort from New Milton resulted in the ball being squeezed over the line.

This acted as a spur to Fleet who started to hit on the counter effectively, and this was shown in the fact that Fleet had 6 short Corners to zero from New Milton.

From a short corner, Hutson scored following a well drilled move and Fleet had the upper hand.

However numbers and fitness told in the second half, and whilst Fleet had an excellent chance to win it
when Madge forced an excellent save from the New Milton goalkeeper it was New Milton who had the
majority of the play and scored a well worked goal with about 10 minutes to go.

Fleet probably gave their best efforts of the season and can hold their head high as this result still
leaves them top of the table.

Fleet Mens 3rd XI  (0) vs. Trojans 5th XI (0)
This was a closely fought game which ended fairly at 0 - 0. Trojans had a
goal disallowed in the first half and Fleet created many chances to score,
including a penalty flick, but failed to find the back of the net.
Jonathan Camp had a fine game in the Fleet goal making several fine saves.

Fleet Ladies 1st XI  (1) vs. Eastleigh Ladies (2)
Fleet travelled to play Eastleigh in a very scrappy encounter on Saturday.
On a damp, miserable morning, the play reflected the weather, with neither
side playing particularly well. Fleet eventually managed to break the
deadlock on the stroke of half time with a well struck short corner, but
straight from the re-start, following some sloppy play by Fleet, Eastleigh
pulled level with a well taken goal. With neither side being able to string
any meaningful passes together, the game looked to be heading for a dour
draw, but 5 minutes before the end, Fleet conceded a penalty stroke which
was converted to give Eastleigh a well fought victory. This was a
disappointing performance and result for Fleet, and they will need to
demonstrate some bounce-back-ability next week if they are to retain any
chance of promotion this season.

4 Dec 04
Fleet Mens 2nd XI  (2) vs. Petersfield 2nd XI (0)
Fleet overcame Fordingbridge in a scrappy match that saw plenty of Fleet players below par. Against a side struggling in the lower reaches of the league Fleet did not raise their game and a series of sloppy passes and mistimed tackles saw Fleet looking at their first defeat.Gary Madge the leading goal scorer dug the team out of the hole it was in with a well-taken goal and despite a little rally and more pressure from Fleet they could only increase the lead again through Gary Madge.

The Fordingbridge keeper made a series of saves and Fleet missed several chances that may have calmed nerves, as it was with 5 minutes to go, Jonathan McCall the Fleet goalkeeper was yellow carded, allowing a glimmer of hope to Fordingbridge. Yet again Michael Meakin went in goal and yet again kept a clean sheet as the Fleet defence kept out all Fordingbridge's frantic efforts.

Fleet have played better this season, but still did enough to win and keep another clean sheet.

Fleet Ladies 1st XI  (3) vs. Waterside (0)
Fleet travelled to Southampton on Saturday to play Waterside Ladies.
Waterside put Fleet under early pressure and had the ball in the net, only
to be called back for an earlier infringement. Fleet struggled to get into
the game against the "route one" style of play adopted by Waterside.
Eventually, Fleet started to counter the Waterside threat, and finally
started to get their passing game going, striking two goals before half
time. The second half was a well fought contest, with Fleet converting
midway through the half to make the game safe.

27 Nov 04
Fleet Mens 2nd XI  (5) vs. Yateley 3rd XI (0)
Fleet comfortably won this local derby, but did not perform to the recent high standards seen.
On a crisp day the pitch was greasy underfoot and this led to some early errors on both sides,
however Fleet settled better and a fine solo effort from Hutson put Fleet 1-0 up.

The rest of the half was ragged and Fleet had to defend earnestly with McCall in goal earning
his clean sheet with a series of saves.

In the second half Fleet came alive and once again had the clinical finishing of Madge, with his
fourth hat trick in a row to ensure that Fleet won comfortably.In between numbers 2 and three for
Madge a fine solo effort from Lucas, following an excellent tackle made the score line a little flattering.

Fleet Mens 3rd XI  (10) vs. Yateley 6th XI (0)
After their rather lacklustre display the previous week, Fleet's 3rd XI sprang in to life against Yateley's 6th team giving an excellent performance throughout. They were quickly in to their stride pushing the ball around well and creating many chances. Goals quickly followed and at half time Fleet were 3-0 up including a rare contribution on the goal front from James Edwards. In the second half Fleet continued the good work and outplayed a gallant Yateley side who never gave up trying. A further seven goals were added as Fleet ran out 10-0 winners. The other scorers were Rob Scott (2), Martin Camp (2), Kenny Marsden (2), Mark Woolford, Nick Williams and Matthew Gasser.

Fleet Ladies 1st XI  (6) vs. City of Portsmouth 2nd XI (2)
Fleet entertained City of Portsmouth on Saturday in what was an entertaining
and ultimately very successful game. The opening exchanges were very evenly
matched, but the pressure applied by Fleet gradually paid dividends as they
moved to a 2 goal lead. Fleet were unfortunate to concede a short corner,
which Portsmouth scored from, but then soon regained their 2 goal advantage
with another well worked goal. The second half continued with Fleet moving
the ball around well and applying great pressure to regain the ball whenever
it was lost. With Portsmouth reduced to 10 players, Fleet were consistently
on top, with only some excellent defensive play from Portsmouth keeping the
score down. The second half eventually ended with 3 additional Fleet goals,
and a breakaway effort from Portsmouth. Overall this was a comfortable
victory for Fleet, and the performance bodes well for the upcoming games.
Special mention should be made of Karen Ferguson for scoring a hat-trick of
superbly taken individual goals.

20 November 04
Fleet Mens 1st XI  (2) vs. Winborne Wayfarers 1st XI (2)
Fleet extended their unbeaten home record to 19 games with a 2-2 draw
 against Wimborne Wayferers. After conceeding a sloppy early goal stand in
 skipper Alban Desouza never doubted his sides 'Bouncebackability'. WIthin 5
 minutes Fleet showed why they are second in the table as they scythed
 through the Wimborne defence with a great move between Sands and Smith,
 with stricker Stuart Lavine finishing cooly. Fleet continued threatening
 the Wimborne goal, and 5 minutes before half time Richard Eggleshaw smashed
in a reverse stick strike to make it 2-1. From the restart Fleet continued
 their domination creating chance after chance, but unfortunately unable to
 finish. A lapse in concentration let Wimborne in for their equalizer which
robbed Fleet of all 3 points.

Fleet Mens 2nd XI  (6) vs. Petersfield Panthers (0)
Another fine team performance. Geoff Slack scored after 90 seconds to set the pattern of the game and Matt Viney and Mike Meakin provided plenty of width and pace in attack to allow Gary Madge to complete another hat-trick. Then... Gary Ferguson scored his first goal for Fleet with a penalty stroke that went in off the keeper (<--- they all count). On the overlap, fullbacks Dave Watler and Alan Dow found themselves suffering altitude sickness in the D, but it was another fullback - Gavin England - who showed them how to score with a well struck shot from the edge of the D (Ed. Oddly enough, Gavin maintained a dignified silence about his achievements?). Whilst the entire defence wasn't in attack, they once again restricted the opposition to few shots at goal, which replacement goalkeeper Jonathan Camp dealt with comfortably to maintain a clean sheet

Fleet Mens 3rd XI  (2) vs. Sabah 1st XI (0)
After a bit of a struggle, and playing through snow at one point, a depleted 3rds came away with a 2 – 0 victory. In truth we were reliant on the opposition to deflect both gaols into their net, but a win is a win nonetheless. My thanks to Chris Collins for standing in as goalkeeper and Jack Scott for making up the numbers. Both played well as did our two wingers Carl Young and James Maull.

The first goal came in the first half from open play in which James Maull beat the left back, moved into the D and struck the ball hard. A deflection off a defenders stick saw the ball beat the goalkeeper and hit the backboard. In the second half, Mark Woolford collected the ball from a short corner hit and struck the ball along the ground. Again the ball hit a defenders stick and looped upwards over the goalkeeper.

Fleet Ladies 1st XI  (3) vs. Andover 1st XI (5)
Fleet travelled to Andover and started the game with only 10 players,and in
10 minutes, Fleet were already 2-0 down. And at half time had a comfortable
4-0 interval lead. Fleet started the second half in a much more positive
mood, and finally started getting into the game pulling back two goals. As
Fleet piled on the pressure, they were awarded a penalty flick, which was
coolly slotted home, to give Fleet hope of a remarkable comeback.
Unfortunately Andover scored a breakaway fifth goal, and Fleet eventually
ran out of time to get back into the game. All in all, this was a very
disappointing result, resulting mainly from a very poor first half showing.
Fleets second half display was much better, and if they can take that good
form into their upcoming games, more positive results will surely follow ...

“Away from home, against a team on form, and 3 points, we’ll take that.  The boys did good today” Fleet’s Game on Saturday is at home against Wimborne.  Fleets 100 per cent home record has extended to over 12 months (18 games), lets hope this continues.

Fleet Mens 2nd XI  (7) vs. Winbourne Wayfarers 2nd XI (1)
The 2nd XI carried on there winning, with a good result that was straight from the training ground. As Coach/Captain Paul Gibson said, every training move happened in the game, it was great to watch. The goals where scored by Gary Madge getting his second hat trick of the season, returning from the treatment table, Matt Viney, Richard Potter, Kenny Marsden on loan from the 3rds and saving the best 'til last, DAVE WATLER.
This result now gives Fleet a 4 point gap over there nearest rivals New Milton.

Fleet Mens 3rd XI  (1) vs. Swanage 1st XI (4)
This game was a top of the table clash as Fleet were 2nd in the league and Swanage were 3rd.

1st half Swanage played strongly in the first half going 1, 0 up within the first twenty minutes. Fleet defended well with a few good goalie saves that kept the team on course. Some good plays were made by both teams which kept the competition alive. The score stayed persistent and the 1, 0 lead to swanage remained all the way up to the halftime whistle.

2nd half It was a good start for fleet as they continued to build up the pressure against the home team and marginally missed out on some greatly needed goals. However swanage managed to snatch another goal with a flooky bit of goal hanging. Fleet pushed on desperately and half way through the 2nd half there prays were answered with a well struck short corner scored by Gavin which had the goalie clueless. 2, 1 And with a while to go Fleet were on the offensive. With 15 minutes to go Swanage again managed to slip one past the keeper.
Fleet were demoralised but not defeated until the final blow was struck by Swanage in where they yet again scored with 5 minutes to the final whistle.

The overall score was Swanage 4, Fleet 1, an undeserving lose for the fleet 3rd team. The refereeing in the match was not up to standards and was thoroughly disappointing. Both referees were provided by Swanage and Swanage was able to get away with many illegal moments in which a better refereed game would not go unpunished. Fleet are expecting a more hopeful game against swanage next time they meet.

Fleet Ladies 1st XI  (1) vs. Southampton 3rd XI (0)
Fleet entertained Southampton ladies in uncharacteristic November sunshine.
Fleet turned in a strong performance, with the ball being moved
around well. The Southampton side were under constant pressure, and did well
to keep a clean sheet in the first period, where Fleet had numerous chances
to go ahead. Fleet did "score" just before half time, only for the umpire to
rule it out for an earlier offence. The second half continued where the
first had left off, with Fleet creating numerous chances, and put in a lot
of effort to regain the ball when possession was given away. Only
occasionally did Southampton threaten on the break, and while the game
remained scoreless, there was always an outside chance of a surprise
Southampton win. However, with Southampton reduced to 10 players owing to
injury, Fleet maintained pressure right until the end of the game, and soon
after another "disallowed" goal, they were finally rewarded with a well
taken winner in the last five minutes. This was an excellent win, and with a
little bit of luck, it could have been a far more comfortable victory. There
is still room for improvement in certain areas of play, but generally Fleet
are now playing some very good hockey, and should look forward to the
remainder of the season with confidence.

Ladies 2nd XI (2) vs. Basingstoke 5th XI (0)
Fleet 2nds played at home against Basingstoke. In the first half, the team were not letting the
ball do the work but battling up the pitch continually taking the defence head on. As a result the
result was 1-0 at half time but could have been a lot higher; our goal scorer was Sara Giles.
In the second half, we played more like a team with the ball being distributed better.
All credit to Basingstoke’s goalie who managed to keep out at least 4 goals but conceding
another from Sara Giles leaving the final score at 2-0. The second half was cut short with
Michelle Turner diving for the ball in the penalty area and having to be taken off the pitch in
an ambulance. Michelle had broken her collar bone and will not be playing for 6 weeks.

Fleet Mens 2nd XI  (2) vs. Southampton 4th XI (2)
Fleet lost their 100% record but remain undefeated after a hard fought performance that was in many parts below par for the team.

Missing several regulars from both midfield and upfront Fleet were always on the back foot on a slow pitch and went behind to a short corner where a defensive mix up allowed Southampton an easy goal.

Fleet slowly clawed themselves into the game with some neat attacking play and Potter equalised via a short corner to take the game to half time equal.

Again frailties at short corners were exposed for the second Southampton goal and once again Potter stepped up to the mark to bring Fleet level.

A rousing final 10 minutes saw Fleet create several chances but did not deserve to win and were justly held to a 2:2 draw

Fleet Mens 3rd XI  (5) vs. M'mersh & Timsbury 2nd XI (4)
Fleet 3^rd’s secured another vital home win to keep up the pressure on Bournemouth in a scrappy but entertaining game. 2 goals from Martin Camp and one apiece from Kenny Marsden, Rob Scott and Nick Williams saw Fleet home in at the end, but it should have been by a much more comfortable margin. Fleet had the better of the first half but failed to capitalise on their chances. Fareham began the second half much sharper and dominated much of the half but failed to take their opportunities, most notable from a plethora of short corners. Fleet eventually woke up and some good passing movement saw them score two late goals. On balance Fleet deserved the win, and some of the passing and play showed the potential within the side, but greater consistency will be needed as the season wears on if they are to be serious challengers for the title.

The opening exchanges were fairly even – but gradually Fleet took a grip on the game, with some excellent phases of passing play.
Fleet converted three times before the half time break – and looked well in control of the game, although Petersfield always looked dangerous on the break.
Following the interval, both sides upped their effort with a string of robust challenges being made by both sides – but eventually Fleet scored 2 more well taken goals to wrap up a very good and entertaining game. Despite the hard-fought game both sides displayed excellent sportsmanship throughout. If Fleet can build on this exceptionally encouraging performance, they can look
forward to rest of the season with great confidence.

Ladies 2nd XI (10) vs. Alton (0)
An away game against Alton, fielding a team short of a player proved to be another comfortable win by Fleet. The forwards moved the ball around with skill and ease, whilst the defence were keen to get in to the game by continually pushing up to support them. The end result was 10-1 with the opposition’s captain ending up having surgery to a smashed finger which was subject to a blow from a stick in their D in the last 10 minutes of the game.

Fleet bounced back after there previous local derby loss, to take the points which moved them up the table to fifth.

Fleet Mens 2nd XI  (5) vs. Basingstoke 3rd XI (2)

Fleet overcame a very spirited Basingstoke side thanks to the old heads on wise shoulders in the forward line.

Fleet began the game with Meakin in gaol as Carter had an embarrassing lapse of memory in the protection region, and were fired up to the point that the opposition did not get into the Fleet half.

Slick passing and support play enabled Fleet to win short corners abounding and despatched one with a measure of efficiency not yet seen by Fleet.

Once the substitution had been made and Carter, fully protected made his bow, Fleet relaxed and Basingstoke came back forcing Carter to make an excellent save.

Further goals for Gibson and Madge made the score 3-0 at halftime.
The fitness of ‘stoke told in the second half and Fleet had to defend resolutely, but conceded a goal quickly.
A Fluke goal from Madge in which the ball was kicked into his goal by the keeper made it 4-1, but there was no question on the fifth, a quick 16 from Dow to Edmonds to Viney to Lucas to Gasser to Madge…5-1 a training ground goal!

Basingstoke got a second via a contested short corner but it did not detract from the best performance of the season for the boys in black

Fleet Mens 3rd XI  (3) vs. M'mersh & Timsbury 2nd XI (3)

A well matched game, between the teenage  of M&T and the senile experience
of Fleet.

First blood went to Martin Camp who kindly declined to whack the ball at the
diminutive keeper, but expertly put the ball past him. M&T replied and then
Ollie Edwards put Fleet ahead again.

The game stayed equally matched as each side scored again, with Nick Smith
opening his score sheet for Fleet.

The last minutes saw M&T equalize from a penalty corner and despite an immediate
response at the other end, Fleet failed to grasp the victory that they only just deserved.

A long journey up to fleet for the Weymouth, and that was just for starters.
The opening game of the season saw a very open first half with both teams having missed chances,
but it was Fleet that took the lead through Alban DeSouza, which was shortly followed up by a second from Richard Eggleshaw, both from set pieces. Just before half time, Weymouth pulled one back.
The second half saw another bright start from Fleet, which led to Fleets third and Rich Eggleshaws second. Fleets fourth came from Fleets first short Corner of the game. Matt Desouza hit the post, but John Pearl was there to Slot home from inches. The Final goal came from the best move of the game, a first time strike came from Matt D, only to see it rebound off the goalkeepers shoulder, Alban followed in to calmly slot home.

Fleet Ladies 1st XI  (1) vs. Yateley Ladies 1st XI (4)
Fleet ladies team travelled away to meet Yateley on a day of sunshine and heavy showers. Following the previous week’s excellent performance; a 6-0 victory against Aldershot & Farnham, hopes were high of another good result. However, it soon became evident that they were in for a very tough game. Yateley playing with excellent high-tempo movement and passing dominated much of the first half. Fleet did threaten occasionally on the break, but it was no surprise when Yateley broke the deadlock after 20 minutes. Fleet raised their game as half time approached, and also at the beginning of the second half, however, ten minutes into the half, Yateley went further ahead with a well worked goal. Soon afterwards, Fleet pulled a goal back from a deflected short corner strike. As Fleet tried to push for an equaliser, Yateley made the game safe with two quick well worked goals. This was a disappointing performance by Fleet, but overall there can be no complaints about the result on the day, against a well drilled and highly motivated Yateley team.

Fleet Mens 2nd XI  (8) vs. Gosport 2nd XI (0)
A new look Fleet, excellently marshalled by the administrative qualities of their non-playing Captain P.Gibson (retd.) gave a commanding performance to begin the season with a thorough trouncing of a youthful Gosport.

On Field Skipper Ferguson had little to do defensively as Fleet took control in the first half, with well-drilled moves swing play across the park in a pendulum like approach that had Gosport chasing shadows.

The half time score of 4:0 did not reflect the chances created and Hutson and Slack were guilty of leaving their shooting sticks at home!!!

The second half was a little scrappy as Fleet, let their discipline wander and started to dribble and run with the ball, much to the consternation of Ferguson.

An excellent spread of goals, Matt Viney 2 on his debut, Potter 2 Gasser 2 Slack 1 Hutson 1

However 4 more goals settled the result. One consolation for Gosport was the world class save made by their goalkeeper from a rapier like flick from Ferguson, however this was a solid result and leaves Gibson with a selection dilemma!!!

Fleet Mens 3rd XI  (4) vs. Weymouth 3rd XI (2)
A much better game with everyone beginning to remember the basics, moving into positions to receive the ball and looking before passing – but still a long way to go. This was reflected in the result 4 – 2 in Fleet's favour. Goal scorers were Nick Williams, Rob Belsher, Kenny Marsden and James Maull. Jonathan Camp had a much improved game in goal with some excellent positioning whilst Jack Scott made a significant contribution at inside left. Man of the match was James Maull at right wing / right half through tireless chasing and tackling, which was justly rewarded by a goal.

25 Sep 2004 
Fleet Mens 3rd XI  (1) vs. Bournemouth 5th XI (3)

Despite losing 1 – 3 to a very strong Bournemouth 5^th XI, everyone played very well together as a team on their first outing. The first half was a little lacklustre with lack of match practice and ball control very much in evidence. The second half saw a small improvement with the ball doing more of the work. Rob Scott’s missed opportunities in the first half were bettered by Rob Belsher’s misses in the second! Mark Woolford was in fine form and scored Fleet’s solitarily goal. The youngsters – Jonathan Camp, Jack Scott, James Maull and Nick Smith, were not overawed and all played exceptionally well, especially Jonathan our goalkeeper who made several important saves. Okay – not the result that we wanted but a great platform on which to build. Well done everyone.

Fleet 2nd XI put together an admirable display of hockey against US
Portsmouth. Keeping the ball flowing and linking passes together they
mounted  attack upon attack. Although the success rate was not particularly
high it was  to their credit that they played in the opposition's half for
long periods of  the game and eventually reaped the benefits.
A soft goal from Mark Woolford got the ball rolling but US Portsmouth
responded and equalised from a short corner. Fleet rather lost their way in
the  second half but maintained the pressure and Geoff Slack was able to
score a  quick goal and ease the foot off the gas. Unfortunately the
opposition came back  and despite a string of short corners were unable to
make that decisive move to  level the match.
Fleet were happy with their 2-1 success.

Fleet Ladies 1st XI  (0) vs. Southampton Ladies 3rd XI (2)

Injury hit Fleet travelled to Southampton on Saturday for their last game of
the season. With a number of players already unavailable, the Fleet cause
was not helped when illness caused the late withdrawal of even more
players. This meant Fleet arrived in Southampton with only 9 players. So on
yet another wet and windy Saturday, Fleet started the game with a rearguard
defensive action. Despite being two players short, Fleet never looked in
any real danger of conceding a goal. After 20 minutes, an emergency reserve
for Fleet arrived (diverted from a trip to Swansea), and the extra player
immediately gave Fleet more options. Despite still only having 10 players,
Fleet started applying pressure to the Southampton defence, and it was
something of a surprise when Southampton took the lead just before half
time from a breakaway.

The second half saw an excellent display from Fleet, with more or less one
way traffic as Fleet piled on the pressure. Despite numerous chances to
draw level, the game was finally settled minutes from the end when a
defensive error let Southampton score an unlikely second goal.

It brought to a close a very inconsistent season from Fleet where
performances ranged from the excellent to extremely poor. It is hard to
tell why a side that can beat the top team in the league one week loses
against a team near the bottom of the league the following week. Next
season, one of the keys to a successful season is to try to improve the
consistency of performance.

FLEET Ladies 2nd XI (6) vs. IBM NOMADS (1)

Fleet dominated in the first half spurred on by an opportunistic early
opening goal from Lindsay Smyth.  Another goal soon followed from Lindsay
and 3 from Glynnis to put the score at 5-0 at the halfway mark. 

IBM were dejected at half time and ready to throw in the towel.  However, in
the second half they returned with renewed energy and clawed back a goal.
The Fleet defence came under some short-lived pressure but responded
superbly and goalie, Emma, made a couple of excellent saves.

Fleet once again took control of the game with another goal from Lindsay.  A
few chances were created but bungled at the finish and so the score remained
6-1. 

A special mention goes to newcomer, Nicki, who put her skills to great use
in defence.