[mac5732]

Your best bet would be to use the tactical combat. Use the formation until you get close to the enemy ships, 1-2 hexs from maximum range and then go to manual and clear all orders. This way you can move whatever ships you want to where you want them. This is usually for a mix weapon fleet.
Takes longer but will get your results other then splitting to the cornors. Or like was previously posted, use 2 fleets, but I recommend mixed weapon fleets, this is only my preference.

just some ideas mac