WE SUFFER CRUEL EXIT FROM VASE

Our exploits in the FA Vase have brought our supporters much joy over the years but like any other cup competition you have to accept that there will be disappointments along the way as well. That was the case on Saturday after we came back twice to keep ourselves in the game only to falter in the penalty shoot-out afterwards. For our opponents it was an historical moment as they reached the 4th round on the FA Vase for the very first time.

The Hampshire side came into the game on a run of superb form having gone 8 games undefeated (winning 7 and drawing 1) which has seen them climb into the play-offs of the Combined Counties Premier Division. They certainly got off to a flyer in this game scoring within 3 minutes of the start with Kai Tanner slotting the ball away. Score 0-1.

After that early shock we got into our stride with Kieran Turner causing problems for the right-hand side of the away defence. We would have equalised in the 14th minute but for an outstanding save by the Fleet keeper Finley Purcell. Jack Harvey started the move to send Kieran Turner away down the left wing and when he picked out Benji Kakembo in the middle it looked a certain goal until Purcell somehow deflected the ball over the bar.

We were playing some good stuff with Kieran Turner supplying a series of good crosses over from the wing but our opponents defended well and there was a dearth of good scoring opportunities for both sides so the visitors were able to go in at half time with their slim one goal advantage intact. HT Score 0-1.

Just as the visitors started the first half with an early goal, so we did the same at the start of the second. Harrison Cornick produced a super pass out of defence to find Dylan Fitzpatrick out on the left wing. Dylan cut inside the defender then fired a superb shot into the far corner of the goal to equalise. Score 1-1.

Seven minutes later the game took an unusual turn when our opponents had two players sin binned presumably for dissent and Fleet had to play the next 10 minutes with just 9 players. However, we were unable to take advantage of this opportunity as Fleet got players behind the ball and put their game management skills to good effect to run down the clock.

In the 74th minute Fleet took the lead again when their full back produced a good run and shot which Josh Ameganvi saved but Tane Caubo followed up to tuck the loose ball away. Score 1-2.

We threw everything at the opposition but they defended well getting bodies in the way to block shots and clear the danger. With the clock reaching the 90th minute we finally equalised when Jack Harvey flicked header set up Kieran Turner to score and take us through to the dreaded penalty shoot-out which unfortunately did not go our way. FT Score 2-2. Pens 2- 4.

A good cup tie that was close and could have gone either way and we wish Fleet the best of luck in the next round when they will be away at Tunbridge Wells or Crawley Down Gatwick on 11 January 2025.

We need to get over our disappointment quickly as we face Harpenden Town this coming Saturday for a Premier Division League game at the Michael Anthony Stadium. We are just outside the play-offs at the moment but we have games in hand over all the clubs above us so we are still very much in the hunt for promotion.

We should have leading scorer Harry Shepherd, highly promising youngster Mason Clarke and Vice-Captain Gregg Deer back after being unavailable for the Vase game. Unfortunately the news for keys defenders Dave O’Connor and Lee Stobbs is not so good and it will be awhile before we see them back in action again.

So still plenty to look forward to so come along and give the team your full support.

Team:

TA: Josh Ameganvi, Harry Jones (James Sales 78), George Carbery (Capt), Harrison Cornick, Dylan Fitzpatrick, Jack Harvey, Harry Beaumont, Frankie Hercules (Noah Butler 78), Max Hercules, Ben Kakembo (Bailey Osborne 70), Kieran Turner. Subs not used: Adam Sawyer, Mal Bowyer.

Scorers:

TA: Dylan Fitzpatrick (50), Kieran Turner (90)

FT: Kai Tanner (3), Tane Caubo (74)

Crowd: 270

Sponsors Man of the Match: Dylan Fitzpatrick