With the A34 closed southbound and the M40 at a standstill in places, getting to my chosen game on Sunday proved to be a lot more difficult than expected. However, after briefly contemplating zipping over to Penn v Milton I decided to push on. After all, my SatNav said I was going to arrive with a few minutes to spare. My destination was Crookham Road, Fleet where the local ladies of Fleet Town were taking on neighbours Rushmoor Community in both team's final game of the Southern Region Division One South. On paper this was something of a dead rubber. Fleet were already consigned to bottom spot, after conceding their game against AFC Portchester and Rushmoor were already resigned to their position one place above their rivals. However, there was local pride at stake and it was a good opportunity for a re-visit to Fleet Town, a ground I last visited way back in 2016. Since then Calthorpe Park has taken on the name Mustard Seed Stadium, named after a local Autism Trust. As I have said many times before, I used to hold a West Brom season ticket. Albion fans have a habit of referring to the Wolves ground as the Custard Bowl (because of the custard coloured seats). I couldn't help, in my mind, thinking of Calthorpe Park as the Mustard Bowl.
The teams had met three times previously this season. An early season 4-0 league win for Rushmoor was followed up with an even more emphatic 5-1 win for Rushmoor in the League Cup. Fleet, however, did win their last meeting, a 2-1 NHDFA semi-final victory, which put them into the final that BotP had the pleasure of witnessing just over a week ago (Fleet Usher In First NHDFA Cup Win).
Many thanks to Rushmoor stalwart Lisa Cooper for sending the team sheet over to me before the game. Very much appreciated.
The teams had met three times previously this season. An early season 4-0 league win for Rushmoor was followed up with an even more emphatic 5-1 win for Rushmoor in the League Cup. Fleet, however, did win their last meeting, a 2-1 NHDFA semi-final victory, which put them into the final that BotP had the pleasure of witnessing just over a week ago (Fleet Usher In First NHDFA Cup Win).
Many thanks to Rushmoor stalwart Lisa Cooper for sending the team sheet over to me before the game. Very much appreciated.
Midfield battle It was a very promising start to the game from a neutral's point of view. Within two minutes both sides had had shots, neither had troubled the opposition keeper, but it was certainly a sign of intent and bode well for an entertaining game.
That potential was realised as early as the 4th minute when Fleet's livewire striker, Dot Usher, showed some really good footwork, turning her defender one way, then the other, creating enough space to get a shot off which beat Jade Bennett. 1-0. It could easily have been two a minute later when Bennett got a hand to Molly Greenaway's cross-shot but couldn't hold it. Luckily for the goalkeeper, there were no strikers close enough to get a final touch.
Rushmoor's first effort came on 9 minutes when Emma Mutch cut inside from the right-wing before trying her luck from all of 30 yards, earning a reprimand from the bench for not taking the ball closer to the target. More of that later. Ellie James had no problems with this one.
Jade Bennett was then called into action again, saving well from Dot Usher. Kira Barker, coming in on the right, couldn't quite get a toe to the loose ball. Then, as the match ebbed and flowed from one end to the other, Lisa Cooper's through ball found Mutch again, but she shot wide of James's goal. Much better from Rushmoor and it was a sign of things to come. Two minutes later, Iona Quinn slid a ball into the path of Emma Mutch who took the ball in her stride and, amidst cried of 'not from there' from the bench, unleashed a shot from 25 yards or so, sending the ball arrowing into the top right corner with James helpless to stop it. 1-1, a great strike from Mutch.
The game stayed level, with neither side threatening too much, until just before the half-hour when Barker's cross from the right skipped up and caught Natalie Washington's hand. A little unfortunate for Rushmoor, but by the letter of the law, a penalty. Kira Barker took it, stroking the ball calmly into the bottom corner. 2-1.
That potential was realised as early as the 4th minute when Fleet's livewire striker, Dot Usher, showed some really good footwork, turning her defender one way, then the other, creating enough space to get a shot off which beat Jade Bennett. 1-0. It could easily have been two a minute later when Bennett got a hand to Molly Greenaway's cross-shot but couldn't hold it. Luckily for the goalkeeper, there were no strikers close enough to get a final touch.
Rushmoor's first effort came on 9 minutes when Emma Mutch cut inside from the right-wing before trying her luck from all of 30 yards, earning a reprimand from the bench for not taking the ball closer to the target. More of that later. Ellie James had no problems with this one.
Jade Bennett was then called into action again, saving well from Dot Usher. Kira Barker, coming in on the right, couldn't quite get a toe to the loose ball. Then, as the match ebbed and flowed from one end to the other, Lisa Cooper's through ball found Mutch again, but she shot wide of James's goal. Much better from Rushmoor and it was a sign of things to come. Two minutes later, Iona Quinn slid a ball into the path of Emma Mutch who took the ball in her stride and, amidst cried of 'not from there' from the bench, unleashed a shot from 25 yards or so, sending the ball arrowing into the top right corner with James helpless to stop it. 1-1, a great strike from Mutch.
The game stayed level, with neither side threatening too much, until just before the half-hour when Barker's cross from the right skipped up and caught Natalie Washington's hand. A little unfortunate for Rushmoor, but by the letter of the law, a penalty. Kira Barker took it, stroking the ball calmly into the bottom corner. 2-1.
Kira Barker from the spot Fleet's advantage lasted less than two minutes. Mutch, over on the right, sent across a very tempting cross that Ellie James had to come for. Challenged in the air by Jessica Boyd, the ball fell perfectly for Iona Quinn who smashed it back past everyone into the net. 2-2
Dot Usher immediately tried to get Fleet back in front, but shot over from 25 yards out. Both top scorers, Mutch for Rushmoor and Usher from Fleet, seemed to have a shoot on sight policy today, happy to have a go from any angle and any distance.
With ten minutes remaining in the half, Rushmoor substitute Shannon Feighery slipped a delightful ball in behind the Fleet left-back for Mutch to run onto. Ellie James did well to get her angles spot on as she came out, forcing Mutch to place her effort just wide of the target. Then, at the other end, only a brave block from captain Jessica Boyd, prevented another Usher strike from causing Bennett a problem.
Just before the half-time whistle, Fleet launched a final bid to take a lead into the break. A left-wing corner from Barker was only inches too far ahead of Usher as the ball got diverted out for a corner on the other flank. This delivery found the head of Kourtney Fitzgerald, but Bennett was well-placed to make a comfortable stop.
HT Fleet Town 2 Rushmoor Community 2. A very even half. Neither side able to establish themselves as the dominant force. No shortage of endeavour but both sides have been guilt of giving the ball away too easily. A calm head required in central midfield, to pick out that killer pass. Both teams have willing runners up front.
Dot Usher immediately tried to get Fleet back in front, but shot over from 25 yards out. Both top scorers, Mutch for Rushmoor and Usher from Fleet, seemed to have a shoot on sight policy today, happy to have a go from any angle and any distance.
With ten minutes remaining in the half, Rushmoor substitute Shannon Feighery slipped a delightful ball in behind the Fleet left-back for Mutch to run onto. Ellie James did well to get her angles spot on as she came out, forcing Mutch to place her effort just wide of the target. Then, at the other end, only a brave block from captain Jessica Boyd, prevented another Usher strike from causing Bennett a problem.
Just before the half-time whistle, Fleet launched a final bid to take a lead into the break. A left-wing corner from Barker was only inches too far ahead of Usher as the ball got diverted out for a corner on the other flank. This delivery found the head of Kourtney Fitzgerald, but Bennett was well-placed to make a comfortable stop.
HT Fleet Town 2 Rushmoor Community 2. A very even half. Neither side able to establish themselves as the dominant force. No shortage of endeavour but both sides have been guilt of giving the ball away too easily. A calm head required in central midfield, to pick out that killer pass. Both teams have willing runners up front.
James watches Mutch's shot go just wide As if to reiterate that, within a minute of the restart, Dot Usher chased a ball over the top, turning a 40/60 ball into her own, shrugging off her defender, before seeing her low drive clip the outside of the post. Not to be outdone, Mutch only took a few more minutes to unleash her first effort of the second half. This time seeing home captain Emily White deflect her strike wide for a corner. It was almost like a competition between the two strikers to see who could rack up the most numbers of shots at goal. Ten minutes after the restart, Usher was again thwarted when Jen Gillam did well to block another goal bound effort. That was the in the 55th minute. One minute later Fleet did indeed go back in front. A corner delivered into a really inviting area by Jamie Lee Osborne was met on the volley by Dot Usher from 6 yards out, giving Bennett no chance whatsoever. 3-2
Just past the hour mark Emma Mutch was left one on one with James after a long ball was not cut out. The Rushmoor player won the 50/50 challenge with the keeper, but couldn't then find the target. Admittedly a defender had made a gallant effort to cover but it was definitely a let-off for the hosts. Mutch then put another effort over from a narrow angle a few minutes later. The striker, who announced that she was leaving the club shortly after the end of the game, was clearly looking to go out with a bang.
Just past the hour mark Emma Mutch was left one on one with James after a long ball was not cut out. The Rushmoor player won the 50/50 challenge with the keeper, but couldn't then find the target. Admittedly a defender had made a gallant effort to cover but it was definitely a let-off for the hosts. Mutch then put another effort over from a narrow angle a few minutes later. The striker, who announced that she was leaving the club shortly after the end of the game, was clearly looking to go out with a bang.
Dot Usher (2nd from right) about to score Fleet's third The shoot on sight policy was spreading throughout each team. As we approached the final 15 minutes Jamie Lee Osbourne latched onto a loose ball in midfield and let fly from all of 35 yards. It didn't trouble Bennet but was yet another example of both side's willingness to have a shot (although I'm not sure the coaching teams were all that pleased).
Dot Usher's run across the the 18-yard box on 76 minutes ended with a screwed shot wide of the mark and then Emma Hamer looped a twenty-yard snapshot onto the roof of Bennett's net a few minutes later.
As the minutes ticked down Rushmoor pushed hard for another equaliser. Two minutes into added time Lisa Cooper's lovely through ball found Mutch who drilled into the bottom corner with no hesitation, only to see the assistant's flag had already gone. That was Rushmoor's last chance. A minute or two later another Usher shot was deflected for a Fleet corner and, although it came to nothing, the referee signalled for the end of the game.
FT Fleet Town 3 Rushmoor Community 2. It took until the last game of the season but Fleet finally won a league game. Too late for them to lift themselves off the foot of the table, but credit to them for keeping going throughout a difficult campaign. The result was a little harsh on Rushmoor but they took one more chance than Rushmoor managed. That's football. The game was probably not a great watch for either coach but, from a neutral's perspective, it was very enjoyable with both team trying to win the game. The result was in the balance until the final minute, you can't ask for more than that.
Fleet Town: James, Benton, Simpson, White(c), Fitzgerald, Burrows, Parry, Greenaway, Barker, Usher, Hamer. Subs: Osbourne
Rushmoor Community: J.Bennett, Ekins, G.Bennett, Potts, Washington,Gillam, Quinn, Cooper, Boyd(c), Sheehan, Mutch. Subs: Fieghery, Parker
Dot Usher's run across the the 18-yard box on 76 minutes ended with a screwed shot wide of the mark and then Emma Hamer looped a twenty-yard snapshot onto the roof of Bennett's net a few minutes later.
As the minutes ticked down Rushmoor pushed hard for another equaliser. Two minutes into added time Lisa Cooper's lovely through ball found Mutch who drilled into the bottom corner with no hesitation, only to see the assistant's flag had already gone. That was Rushmoor's last chance. A minute or two later another Usher shot was deflected for a Fleet corner and, although it came to nothing, the referee signalled for the end of the game.
FT Fleet Town 3 Rushmoor Community 2. It took until the last game of the season but Fleet finally won a league game. Too late for them to lift themselves off the foot of the table, but credit to them for keeping going throughout a difficult campaign. The result was a little harsh on Rushmoor but they took one more chance than Rushmoor managed. That's football. The game was probably not a great watch for either coach but, from a neutral's perspective, it was very enjoyable with both team trying to win the game. The result was in the balance until the final minute, you can't ask for more than that.
Fleet Town: James, Benton, Simpson, White(c), Fitzgerald, Burrows, Parry, Greenaway, Barker, Usher, Hamer. Subs: Osbourne
Rushmoor Community: J.Bennett, Ekins, G.Bennett, Potts, Washington,Gillam, Quinn, Cooper, Boyd(c), Sheehan, Mutch. Subs: Fieghery, Parker
The Ground
Looking back at my 2016 blog, I don't think much has changed at Fleet's ground. This is an extract from that blog:
"As always, let's start with a brief description of the stadium. Situated within walking distance of the town centre, the ground manages to give the feeling of being out in the countryside. The entrance to the ground is approached through the car park and a single turnstile which brings you into the stadium between the main stand, which has seating for 250, and the snack bar. There are also covered standing areas behind both goals with the dugouts being opposite the main stand. The clubhouse is accessed directly from the car park, not from within the stadium itself. The playing surface slopes down from right to left as you look from the main stand and the whole ground is pretty much surrounded by trees which adds to the rural feel.
Something about Fleet Town gives you a feel good factor. The welcome at the turnstile was friendly and the lady in the snack bar chats to everyone as if they were all old friends. You even see the Chairman wandering around mixing with supporters and having a chat. It gives a very welcoming feel to the club for which they should be congratulated."
Sadly the chairman mentioned in that blog, Steve Cantle, passed away later that same year, a big loss to the club. However, now under the stewardship of Caroline Bone, the club still has a good feel to it. There was no-one on the gate this time because it was free entry. The tea bar is still managed by a very friendly and chatty lady (not sure if the same one as 8 years ago), the bar staff were also friendly. It's a great place to watch football IMO.
Ground Number: Re-Visit
Att:
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A
Looking back at my 2016 blog, I don't think much has changed at Fleet's ground. This is an extract from that blog:
"As always, let's start with a brief description of the stadium. Situated within walking distance of the town centre, the ground manages to give the feeling of being out in the countryside. The entrance to the ground is approached through the car park and a single turnstile which brings you into the stadium between the main stand, which has seating for 250, and the snack bar. There are also covered standing areas behind both goals with the dugouts being opposite the main stand. The clubhouse is accessed directly from the car park, not from within the stadium itself. The playing surface slopes down from right to left as you look from the main stand and the whole ground is pretty much surrounded by trees which adds to the rural feel.
Something about Fleet Town gives you a feel good factor. The welcome at the turnstile was friendly and the lady in the snack bar chats to everyone as if they were all old friends. You even see the Chairman wandering around mixing with supporters and having a chat. It gives a very welcoming feel to the club for which they should be congratulated."
Sadly the chairman mentioned in that blog, Steve Cantle, passed away later that same year, a big loss to the club. However, now under the stewardship of Caroline Bone, the club still has a good feel to it. There was no-one on the gate this time because it was free entry. The tea bar is still managed by a very friendly and chatty lady (not sure if the same one as 8 years ago), the bar staff were also friendly. It's a great place to watch football IMO.
Ground Number: Re-Visit
Att:
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A
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