SHOLING produced the best possible response to Saturday’s 7-1 mauling at Merthyr by claiming their second win of the season in the Southern One South & West.

The Boatmen edged a tight Hampshire derby 1-0 against Fleet Town at Portsmouth Road thanks to Daniel Mason’s 47th-minute winner.

Co-managers Mick Marsh and Dave Fear made just one change to the starting line-up to give the players a chance to redeem themselves after the weekend’s second-half horror show.

With Barry Mason ruled out by an ankle injury, Alex Sawyer returned, bringing mobility into midfield.

The breakthrough came when tricky winger Nick Watts picked the ball up on the right, drove past the full-back and delivered a pacy ball into the box. Dan Mason did the rest, getting between the goalkeeper and centre-half to net a diving header.

Marsh reflected: “The first half was quite equal. Both teams were playing with a bit of nervous tension because of the start they’ve both had.

“Their ’keeper made a couple of saves, but it was more stalemate than anything positive.

“At half-time we asked the lads for a bit more urgency and we passed the ball quicker, moved it quicker and were mentally quicker all over the pitch.

“We dominated for long periods of the second half and missed four chances to put it out of sight. At 1-0 there was always the chance of Fleet nicking one. They had one opportunity but (keeper) Matt Brown stood up to make the save.”

Sholing are at home again on Saturday against Chippenham Town in the FA Cup.