Kingstonian went to the top of the Ryman League but left Fleet empty-handed as they were beaten by a last-minute winner.

The game was heading for a 1-1 draw but with seconds remaining, Kingstonian striker Geoff Pitcher curled a 25-yard free-kick around Gravesend's wall and past the helpless Ron Fearnon in the Fleet goal.

Earlier Fleet's leading scorer Steve Portway had bagged his 27th goal of the season from the penalty spot.

Portway's flick from a Jimmy Jackson set-piece brought a handball that led to the spot kick. When the arguing over the penalty had ended, Portway retained his composure and converted the spot kick.

Geoff Pitcher had netted the game's first goal on 80 minutes, firing in a long-range effort that gave Fearnon no chance.

The first half was largely forgettable, with Fleet carving out what few chances there were.

The best fell to Dave Powell who mis-hit a shot from six yards after Portway unselfishly set him up on 26 minutes.

q FLEET staged a late comeback to win a deserved point against Ryman League heavyweights Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday last week.

Midfielder Andy Adebowale netted from close range in the dying moments after a corner to complete the comeback.

Gravesend looked dead and buried at half-time as they trailed 2-0 to the title-chasers from Essex.

But Richard Dimmock reduced the arrears after 61 minutes, shooting from inside the box after a good ball from Dave Powell and Adebowale secured a point with his late strike.

q A TOTTENHAM XI visits Stonebridge Road tomorrow night for a friendly fixture. Kick-off is 7.45pm and Gravesend are running the `kids for a quid' scheme for the game.

q GOAL-scoring veteran Steve Portway has boosted Andy Ford's Fleet revolution by committing himself to the club for another year.

Crowd-favourite Portway signed an extension to his contract last week.

q LADIES football returns to Stonebridge Road on Sunday when Acacia Athletic - to become Gravesend & Northfleet at the end of the season - take on Winkney Town. Both sides must win the SE Counties League Division Two fixture to have any chance of promotion. Entry is £2 or £1 for children.

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