A late strike by Luke Maguire was enough to secure a deserved win for Chalfont and end their recent run of disappointing results.

As well as welcoming back Jake Cass and Adam Kirby after his worrying recent injury, Danny Edwards continued to keep faith the trio of youngsters from the under-18s and it saw a positive and entertaining performance that was at odds with some recent games.

Saints took an early grip on proceedings and it was the hustle and bustle style of Jake Cass that ensured that the Fleet defence was never more than a step away from calamity. Luke Maguire started out on the right and if a way to bring him together with Cass in the middle, their physical styles will doubtless cause headaches for many a defence.

Saints, despite their run of poor results, are looking increasingly secure at the back. George Fenton is a solid presence and Ryan Wharton is very well organised. Adam Kirby looked hesitant after his recent neck injury but again showed why he is such an asset to the side.

Ryan Lewis, growing in stature with each game, more than made up for the absence of Alan Hedley in midfield and he was on his way to a man of the match display before a cruel twist of fate changed his afternoon. A rash challenge on the midfielder potentially turned into a season ender for Lewis as his day was cut short with a knee injury. One can only hope that the first diagnosis proves to be wrong as Lewis has quickly become an important member of the team.

His change forced Cass into a more withdrawn role but it did not prevent him from carving out a chance for himself, imposing himself of the Fleet defence and chasing down a lost cause. His retrieval of the ball on the touchline set himself up for two good opportunities but he was denied both times by the excellent Ryan Pryce in the visitors’ goal.

Goalless at the break was just about fair and it set things up nicely for the second half.

Without Lewis, Connor Shingleston began to exert an intelligent influence on the game. Slighter of build but stronger than he looks, Shingleston displayed a depth of vision that is often lacking at this level and while not every pass found its target, the potential is certainly there. 

Both sides struggled to find a rhythm and too many passes were wayward and easily picked off. As a result, the defences held sway and chances were at a premium. Jake Cass and Tony Mendy should have done better with chances but with the clock edging ever onwards, Saints finally took their chance as their pressure finally told against a defence that was creaking ever more loudly.

A series of corners had failed to deliver until Ismael Ehui hit one that Fleet couldn't clear. Jake Cass climbed to win the first header but the half block fell to Luke Maguire on the penalty spot and his shot flew into the corner, albeit with a chunky deflection. The relief was palpable.

Saints had to concentrate for the remaining minutes as Fleet were forced to push forward, hitting the post on one occasion and winning their own run of corners. Ryan Wharton, yellow carded moments before, took a painful blow amidships in defending a shot and had to leave the pitch gingerly with tears in his eyes.

The final minutes saw the introduction of two more youngsters, Harry Bailey and Okera Lewis, which will do them a power of good and so Saints claimed a morale-boosting win and moved the development of the side a step further forward.

Saints go to Aylesbury United next Saturday looking to build on this performance and complete a strong finish to the season.

Saints:  Carl Dennison, Alex Paine, Jack Mullan, George Fenton, Adam Kirby, Ryan Wharton (Okera Lewis 90+4), Ryan Lewis (Tony Mendy 27), Connor Shingleston, Jake Cass, Ismael Ehui (Harry Bailey 90), Luke Maguire.

Attendance.  55     Star Player.  Connor Shingleston