Crawley Down Gatwick’s historic Isuzu FA Vase run ended on Saturday afternoon at the hands of Combined Counties play-off chasers Fleet Town.

The Hampshire side turned around a half time deficit and could have come away with a more resounding victory but for some dogged home defending in the second half.

Having seen the tie delayed for a week due to a frozen pitch, the weather was cold enough again but no sign of frost and all systems go for a place in the 5th Round.

The visitors began with tempo but once the Anvils settled they more than matched their opponents and grew into the game creating the better chances and deservedly went ahead on 37 minutes, Jack Ryder finishing off a superb move down the pitch for the opening goal.

The home side had a couple of chances to extend their lead before the break but had to settle for a single goal advantage at half time.

Fleet however took the game by the scruff of the neck from the interval and were level ten minutes into the half, skipper Liam Pestle firing home after some pinball in the box following a corner.

Just after the hour mark the visitors took the lead, a superb ball in from Nick Medcraft and headed home by Tane Caubo. With the home side needing to find an equaliser space opened up and only some fine goal keeping from Alex Bellingham and resolute defending kept Town from adding to their tally.

The Anvils had a great chance to equalise when a floated free kick found the head of Oli Leslie but the striker put the ball the wrong side of the far post.

That was to be the best chance of the half for the home side as Town defended their area well after taking the lead and securing a trip to Whitstable Town in the next round, an excellent 350 at The Haven in bitterly cold conditions.

Crawley Down Gatwick return to league action this coming Saturday as they travel to Newhaven (ko 3pm).