Thurs 17th April: Inter-Regional Challenge Cup Final
Fleet Leisure 2
J.Armstrong
M.Ward
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Bly Spartans 1
R.Mitchell
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Fleet Leisure are Inter-Regional Challenge Cup Champions after defeating Bly Spartans 2-1
Fleet Leisure beat Bly Spartans 2 - 1 on Thursday the 17th of April at Chatham Town FC. Goals from John Armstrong and Mike Ward secured victory.
Fleet started very positively in a hard fought physical match and eventually made the break through from a Steve Ward corner which was bundled in by a trademark finish from John Armstrong. Bly continued to play and forced a corner four minutes after Fleet took the lead. The corner resulted in a powerful header and Bly equalized.
Fleet continued to dominate through excellent movement from Mike Ward who forced the Bly keeper into a decent save.
Great pace shown by Adam Elwood down the left and the organized defensive duties by Dan Wells, Chris Cook, Mark Handley and Captain Ricky Holmes was immense with the steady Gary Arterton in goal.
Steve Ward posed a constant threat going forwards and Alex Mckay, John Armstrong and Sam Pittaway continued to work hard.
After great work down the left hand side Adam Elwood produced a wonderful cross which set up Mike Ward to finish on the volley and put Fleet back in the lead.
Fleet then continued to defend with professionalism, determination and endeavor.
What appeared to be penalty was waved away by the referee as Ricky Holmes turned well in the Bly penalty box. This was soon followed by a startling run from Steve Ward who broke through the Bly defense but was brought down by the last defender, the referee producing a yellow card.
Fleet went on and won after six minutes of injury time and the final whistle was met with a huge roar and satisfaction as Fleet deserved victory.
A huge well done to the Fleet Leisure Squad, Nicky Brigden (Manager) Simon Hodge (Coach), Simon Carlton (Physio) and Bob Taylor who all work tirelessly for the club.
Simon Hodge - Fleet Leisure FC |
