CAFC vs Fleet Town – CANCELLED
This fixture is cancelled
Robins Review
After a heavy defeat in their opening pre-season fixture away to higher-tier Bromley, Aaron Lamont’s side responded well, securing back-to-back wins over Haywards Heath and Farnborough FC—the former in especially dominant fashion.
Carshalton had also edged past Sutton United in a friendly back in April, but were unable to repeat the feat on Tuesday evening, falling 3–1 at Colston Avenue and missing the opportunity to make it three pre-season wins in a row.
Fleet Town FC
Fleet Town FC arrive with plenty of momentum and a growing reputation in women’s football. Under the leadership of Craig Hayman, the club has just completed a landmark season—clinching the league title and earning promotion to Tier 5 after a superb campaign. Hayman’s first year in charge saw the youthful Fleet side—many aged just 16 or 17—punch well above their weight, not only topping their league but also making impressive cup runs, including a strong FA Cup showing that ended in the Third Qualifying Round.
What sets Fleet apart is their tactical maturity and team cohesion, especially for such a young squad. Their ability to adapt to different formations and deliver polished performances caught the eye throughout the season. Even a late-season dip due to injuries didn’t derail their title charge, as they bounced back to secure promotion in style.
Fleet Town’s commitment to the women’s game goes beyond their first team. The club is now expanding, with the launch of their first-ever Women’s Reserves team set for the 2025/26 season. Playing in Tier 7, the Reserves will act as a development squad, helping bridge the gap for college and university players, those returning to the game, or new arrivals to the area looking for a competitive and welcoming football environment.
With solid foundations, ambitious plans, and a clear development pathway, Fleet Town FC are proving to be one of the most exciting rising forces in the women’s game.
Likely Line-Up
Chloe Harper, Sophia Hayman, Mia Corrigall, Dominque Lewis ©, Gina Saltykova, Amy Granger, Olivia Cervino, Lily Martin, Isabella Moffett, Keira Simpson, Dior Knorr
Team news
Fleet Town have been busy over the summer as they prepare for their debut campaign in the Southern Region Premier Division. Like many clubs stepping up a level, Fleet have cast the net wide in search of new talent, advertising for players and holding a series of open trials and training sessions throughout June and July.
With promotion secured last season, the focus now shifts to building a squad capable of competing at Tier 5. The recruitment drive has seen a blend of returning players and fresh faces vying for places in Craig Hayman’s side, with competition expected to be fierce across all positions.
The open sessions have not only strengthened the first-team setup but have also helped identify potential talent for Fleet’s newly formed Women’s Reserves team, set to compete in Tier 7 this season as part of the club’s long-term development strategy.
Expect Fleet Town to arrive with a youthful but determined squad, hungry to prove themselves at this new level.
Pre-Match Analysis
Fleet Town stormed to the Division One South title last season, finishing with 39 points from 16 games—winning 13 and losing just three. Their success was built on a balanced approach both home and away, though their attacking form on the road was particularly impressive.
At home, they recorded six wins, scoring 24 goals and providing 10 assists. But it was away from home where they truly turned heads, netting 39 times and conceding just 17 in seven victories—showcasing their ability to perform under pressure on unfamiliar turf.
Fleet ended the campaign as the second-highest scorers in the league with 63 goals, narrowly behind Havant & Waterlooville (69), and shared the title for best defensive record, conceding just 21 goals—joint with AFC Stoneham.
With those numbers behind them, it’s clear Fleet Town enter the new season with momentum, a goal threat across the pitch, and a defence capable of holding firm when it matters most.
Key Player
Fleet Town’s attacking threat last season was spearheaded by standout forward Lily Martin, who finished as the league’s top scorer with 23 goals in 18 appearances. Her clinical finishing and consistent performances in front of goal made her a crucial part of Fleet’s title-winning campaign.
Martin narrowly edged out AFC Stoneham’s Mia House, who also played 18 matches but scored 18 goals, to claim the Golden Boot. Whether finding space in the box or striking from distance, Martin proved she can deliver in tight matches and against strong opposition.
With her eye for goal and ability to turn games in Fleet’s favour, she’ll be a player to watch closely as the club steps into the Southern Region Premier Division.
Gaffer: Craig Hayman
At the helm of Fleet Town FC’s women’s first team is Craig Hayman, a manager whose leadership has been instrumental in the club’s rapid rise. After guiding the side to the top of the Southern Region Women’s League Division One South and securing promotion to Tier 5, Hayman has firmly established himself as a driving force behind Fleet Town’s growing presence in the women’s game.
With over six years of experience coaching many of the current squad members, Hayman’s familiarity with his players has been key to their transition into senior-level football. His deep understanding of the team, paired with a clear tactical vision, has helped shape a youthful, energetic side capable of competing well above their years.
Backed strongly by the club’s Board and senior committee, Craig has spent the summer focused on both strengthening the current squad and integrating new talent. His ambition for the 2025/26 season is clear: to build on last year’s success, compete confidently at Tier 5, and push further in both the FA Cup and League Cup.
With Hayman at the helm, Fleet Town FC are not just aiming to survive at a higher level—they’re aiming to thrive.
Match Details
Date: Sunday, 3 August, 2025
Venue: Easy As HGV Stadium, Fleet GU51 5DZ
Kickoff: 2:00 pm
Admission: Free
