30thjune04

Chief executive Glenn Aitken confirmed the Fleet were speaking to a club, whom he declined to name, over playing on a Friday.

“Friday night football is something we want to experiment with but you can only do so with the co-operation of opponents,” said Mr Aitken.

“We have approached a club about the idea and are continuing to talk to them about it. At this stage it would be unfair to name them.”

The Fleet, who finished last season with a 2-2 draw at home to Northwich Victoria, open the new campaign against the Cheshire club at Stonebridge Road on August 14.

Although they finished well adrift of the rest at the foot of the Conference, Northwich avoided relegation after Telford were forced to withdraw for financial reasons.

The following Tuesday, August 17, the Fleet play away to old adversaries and runaway Ryman League, Premier Division champions Canvey Island.

York City, newly relegated from the Football League, visit the Fleet on Saturday, August 28. Carlisle, the League’s second relegated club, come to Stonebridge Road on Saturday, November 6.

Andy Ford’s side make the long haul to Cumbria on Saturday, February 12.

Crawley, champions of the Dr Martens League, Premier Division, host the Fleet on Boxing Day with the return at Stonebridge Road on New Year’s Day.

Burton are the visitors to Stonebridge Road on the penultimate Saturday on the season on April 23 while the Fleet visit Exeter on the final day on April 30.

Meanwhile, versatile defender Matt Lee has joined neighbours Welling United following his release by Gravesend.

The 25-year-old former Charlton YTS player has signed a one-year contract with the Wings.

Wings manager Paul Parker said: “Matt is a versatile defender who can play anywhere across the back four but is a fine full-back.”

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