WITH their scheduled Ryman Premier League game against table-topping Canvey Island postponed due to the Essex club's participation in the FA Cup, Gravesend & Northfleet filled the void with an away friendly against Woking.

And it proved to be a worthwhile exercise, according to Fleet manager Andy Ford, who said: "It was a good workout for us. We went there without two centre-backs and it was an opportunity to have a look at some other players.

"They had a couple of experienced players and it was nice to play at a good stadium. Overall, it was a good workout for the team."

The Nationwide Conference side was without several first-team regulars, but they stunned the Fleet by taking a 10th minute lead when Chris Sharpling shot the ball past Adrian Blake in the Fleet goal.

Sharpling then went near to adding a second two minutes later, but with only Blake to beat, he took one touch too many which enabled the keeper to parry his effort.

Craig Wilkins levelled for Fleet midway through the first half, and Paul Booth netted what proved to be the winner 15 minutes from time.

Last night, as we went to press, Fleet were playing Basingstoke in the Ryman League Cup.

December 11, 2001 17:58