The boot was on the other foot for once as Fleet came away from the League Cup A encounter at division 3 Paper Moon with, what it seemed at one point in the second half, an unlikely win. On too many occassions in our history have we considered ourselves unlucky to lose or draw having played so well and usually dominant in most areas of the pitch we showed a true grit and determination to pull through against the odds, Paper Moon left kicking themselves as they let a 3-1 lead slip late on.
Early on, it seemed it would be our day as a fine team move down the left involving Plumb who found Eddie squared the ball to Rich who fired in from the edge of the area on 5 minutes. We tried to control the game but misplaced pass after misplaced pass saw us concede possession and territory, our weakened defence struggled to dominate in any area of its play, Dan's illness was evident as he failed to clear and the forward stepped in and levelled the scores on 22 mins, instantly everything was a bit shaky in defence and we failed to muster any worthwhile attack for the rest of the half. Paper Moons 2nd came as the disorientated defence tried to push for offside, but one didnt step up, the forward finishing at the 2nd attempt on 35mins, we were in a hole as our defence creaked, Mark was struggling with his asthma and Dans illness getting the better of him - changes were necessary - we hung on until half time - just about !.
Our only 2 subs were made at HT, Dan and Mark replaced by Hambo and Luke. Our defence was reinforced by outstanding player of the match Sam at centre back with Daren, Mick moving to left back and Hambo coming in at RB. The midfield was Eddie Left, Nath Right, Mo and Rich CM, Luke joining Plumb up top.
The hole we were in got bigger within a minute of the restart as Hambo with his first touch failed to clear an awkward ball and it fell straight to the forward who made it 3-1 on 46mins, at least we had time on our sides, but I think most of us were thinking - Oh fuck !. Hambo definitely going onto redeem himself over the course of the game with some crunching tackles and fine clearances under pressure.
Things ahead were beginning to click but we seemed off the pace as often reliable Nath and Eddie were not quite at the races and our wing play was frequently breaking down with loose control. We started to get a foot hold in central midfield and gradually the tide turned as we stepped it up, that grit and determination was there and we had a break through, Plumb was found down the left and played a fine cross to the unmarked Luke in the box who planted his header into the net, a fine goal and the lift we needed. 21 minutes to go and instantly the belief was there as we then forced Paper Moon back and into rushed clearances as they attempted to find touch with every ball, the pressure told as Luke and the rejuvenated Plumb were causing them problems, Luke hauled back near the edge of the box for a direct free kick, Rich stepped up and planted the ball into the bottom right corner for 3-3 - we were level with 11mins to play !! Not fancying extra time and sensing Paper Moons panic, we took complete control and were leading within another 4 minutes, Plumb finding Rich to finish a fine team move on 83 and complete his hat-trick and his 11th of the season. 4-3 up - incredible stuff.
The game wasnt over as Paper Moon threw men forward, going close on one occassion, but we saw out the rest of the game to complete a marvellous comeback.
A credit to all involved, not one of our best performances but one of grit and determination, that knack of under-performing and winning is a good one to learn. But, we might not get so lucky next time.
Into the next round where Nurstead await.
