Match Preview

Fleet Spurs FC v Tooting Bec FC

Saturday 21st September 2019 sees a crucial match in the Combined Counties Division 1 between Fleet Spurs and Tooting Bec with both teams looking for an attacking performance and three points to drive them up the league. Both teams will feel that they are real contenders for top-four finishes this season and this fixture will reveal much about the veracity of those beliefs.

Fleet lies in the tenth position with nine points from five games and Tooting Bec lies in 14th position with six points from four games. This means that, for both teams, a win will rocket them up the league table and, with games in hand, will put both teams in a strong position for a push for the top four.

The last meeting of the two teams was an absolute cracker. The game ended 1-1 at Kennels Lane after a thrilling encounter with both teams creating lots of chances. Mark O'Reilly gave Fleet the lead in the first half but an excellent second-half performance saw Tooting equalise via the penalty spot in the 80th minute. On that day, both teams carried a great deal of attacking threat and it is likely that more chances and more goals will be created this time around. Club captain Adam Bellmaine said "Despite losing to Eastleigh FC on Tuesday night in the Hampshire cup, we were really happy with our performance and it gives us lots of confidence going into today's game v Tooting. The squad is hungry to get a win and I will be driving them forward to get the three points." Bellmaine went on "It's time for the season to begin properly. We have worked hard, everyone is committed and now it's time for our work to produce results."

Selection will be tough, once again for joint managers Alan Reed and Adrian Wilson. There is competition for starting places all over the pitch and one notable example is the #1 position. Both Mark Appleby and Mike Cadle have performed really well as GKs so far this season and both will be hoping to get the nod today. Cadle said "Mark and I both want that jersey and, to be honest, we probably both deserve it. It's good to compete for a spot. It sharpens you and helps you concentrate." Cadle also said "At the heart of any performance is players individually and collectively doing their jobs. That is what I focus on. If I start v Tooting, my job is clear and I will do it."

Kick-off is 15:00 at Kennels Lane with gates open from 14:15.