Fleet 1 v 0 Morecambe

Nationwide Conference

GRAVESEND and Northfleet recorded their third win on the bounce thanks to Charlie MacDonald winning the battle of the Conference hot-shots.

The 24-year-old started the day as the league's joint leading scorer with Morecambe's James Twiss.

But while Fleet's defence kept the visitor's danger man firmly shackled, MacDonald scored the day's only goal on 31 minutes.

Morecambe, managed by former Manchester United favourite Sammy McIlroy, are currently flying high in fourth in the Conference table and they came to Stonebridge Road looking for the win.

But it was MacDonald who almost opened the scoring on nine minutes following a mix-up in The Shrimps' goal mouth although keeper Steven Drench cleared the danger just in time.

McDonald was in the thick of things again when his cross was almost deflected into his own net by Chris Blackburn.

But the striker did score on 31 minutes when Brett Johnson's corner was met by Jamie Smith.

The centre-back's header appeared to be heading in until Drench palmed it away but only into the path of MacDonald who forced it over the line.

Morecambe almost drew level seven minutes later but Ged Brannan's drive across goal was just beyond Danny Carlton's desperate slide.

The only effort from Shrimps' danger man Twiss was a well-struck volley deflected wide for a corner.

However, on 51 minutes he had the chance to level the scores when he broke free of the Fleet defence only to blaze the ball over the crossbar.

Morecambe continued to threaten but Liam Daish introduced Danny Slatter and Fleet started to counter-attack.

MacDonald had a chance to make the points safe when Omari Colemanprovided a perfectly weighted throughball.

However Drench was quick off his line to save bravely at the striker's feet.

Afterwards Liam Daish said: "We deserved everything we got today.

"We've dug in and worked hard against a very good side.

"They have some good players but our youngsters stood up to be counted. It was a good all round performance.

"The two Smiths at the heart of the defence did really well. They have both worked hard.

"In the second half when the ball was being tossed into the area there was only one winner.

"Now there are a few anxious faces around when I am going to announce the team because they're wondering if they are going to be in it.

"It's healthy. A few might be upset but while we keep on winning I'll keep faith with those lads."

In other news Manny Omoyinmi has joined Conference South side Lewes with immediate effect.

Daish said: "We had a tentative enquiry from Lewes regarding Manny which I felt I had to make him aware of.

"For whatever reason things have not quite worked out for Manny so far this season and I believe this move was a good one for both him and the club.

"He lives on the south coast and Lewes is an easier journey for him.

"We are placing higher demands on all of our players as we make the transition from part-time to full-time at this club and it is sometimes difficult for our part-time players in particular to adapt.

"We would like to wish him well for the future."

Fleet: Holloway; Gooding; J Smith; R Smith; Brett Johnson; Saunders; Drury; Bowry (Hodgson, 88); Bradley Johnson (Slatter, 73); MacDonald; Coleman.

Subs not used: Kerr; Moore; Jackson.

Att: 1,172.