Gravesend & Northfleet put themselves in the best possible frame of mind for this weekend's trip to play Nationwide Division Two side Huddersfield Town in the first round in the FA Cup, by thumping Bedford Town 4-1 in the Ryman Premier League last Saturday.

Jimmy Jackson and Steve McKimm had already both gone close for Fleet before the pair were involved in Fleet's opener on seven minutes. McKimm was fouled just outside the box and Jackson's free-kick flew past Bedford goalkeeper Jason Heeps, albeit with a the help of a deflection.

Paul Booth's strong runs were a constant threat to the Bedford defence and from one of these he set up a chance for Craig Wilkins to fire Fleet two-up on 19 minutes. Wilkins was again on target on the half-hour when his shot beat Heeps with the help of a deflection.

Against the run of play Bedford pulled a goal back six minutes before the break, when Mark Paul took advantage of some slack Fleet defending to beat Jamie Turner.

Bedford, belying their lowly league position, improved after the break and Turner was called upon to make two fine saves. But in the last minute, Rob Owen got free on the wing and his cross was tucked away by Darren Smith.

Fleet travelled to Basingstoke last night and came away wityh a thumping 4-1 win.

Goals from Booth, Jackson (2) and Stadhart keep Fleet in second place as top spot Canvey Island also won 4-1 at Sutton United.

November 14, 2001 9:39