THE super Fleet made it 14 wins from 15 matches in all competitions prior to Saturday's FA Cup tie at Huddersfield with a resouding 4-1 midweek Ryman Premier League victory at Basingstoke.

Unfortunately, it was not enough to take Andy Ford's men top of the table, as Canvey Island won by the same scoreline on the same night at Sutton United.

Fleet's 10th league win from 11 games was achieved despite going a goal behind after just eight minutes when Tim Sills scored for Basingstoke.

But it took the Fleet only 12 minutes to level when Paul both collected Jimmy Jackson's pass and coolly netted.

The visitors had several chances to take the lead before the break but were unable to convert them.

However, it was pretty much one-way traffic towards the Basingstoke goal and the only surprise was that it was not until midway through the second half that Fleet finally made their superiority count.

First, Jackson drove home a powerfully-hit shot, and while Basingstoke were in disarray, the Fleet struck again with two goals in as many minutes.

Che Stadhart netted his 12th goal of the season with a left-foot shot, before man-of-the-match Jackson scored his second of the game to clinch Fleet's second consecutive 4-1 league win.

l Andy Ford strengthened his squad by signing Hampton & Richmond Borough's utility defender Nick Burton.

November 20, 2001 12:30