Wonder goal from Taylor not enough – Abbott. AFC Croydon Athletic 2 – 1 Fisher

Gary Abbott was left to reflect on what could have been as the Fish went down 2-1 away at league leaders AFC Croydon Athletic on Wednesday evening, having been impressed with his side for large parts of the game.

“Not a perfect night but the boys have done well. We started slow, they score after 8 mins, could have scored another, but once we settled down we were the best side up until half time and should have gone in 2-1 up but missed chances were our downfall. In the second half we started well and played them off the park with some great football, they could not get anywhere near us. However, after 70 mins we let another soft goal in which both defender and goalkeeper hesitated on, their striker nipped in and from an acute angle somehow it crept in the near post. It was a bad goal from us again, we still need to tighten up and keep that level of concentration high at the back.”

Abbo took time to celebrate an absolute pearler from Jamie Taylor that got Fisher back into the game, a goal reminiscent of a couple of Wayne Rooney volleys from distance – “2 minutes after their second Jamie Taylor scored a wonder goal from a full 45 yards on the volley over their goalkeeper, a beautiful goal. So with 10 minutes to go we were all over them again; we had 2 great changes to score from Scott and Joseph to earn the draw, but it just wasn’t to be. Apart from the first 15 mins and 10 mins in second half we dominated the game, and should have got something out the game. AFC Croydon set up with a game plan to hit it all night and look for their striker, who to be fair is there most dangerous player; once we dropped off a bit and pressed them they gave the ball away and that’s when we played our stuff.

Whilst the result obviously wasn’t that desired, Gary was still impressed by the spirit shown by the team, particularly some of the new additions to the squad. “The boys could have caved in but they dug in and, like I said, should have got a result but for missed chances. Temitope Eweka made his debut for us and for a 17 year old I was impressed, he is one to watch, I’m sure he will go onto bigger things. Also the goalkeeper Charles Beardsley played his 1st game; he looked  a bit nervous and should have done better with the second goal and he knows that, he will learn from games like that. I’m just disappointed that we haven’t put our chances away at crucial times in the game which cost us a point or 3, but everyone misses chances so that’s not a problem. One other thing is that I’ve still not been able to play the same side since the start of the season, whether it be injuries, suspensions or players working – but that’s non-league football. I’m still looking to sign 2/3 more players in the next week.

Abbo’s last word was reserved for the Fisher faithful, who once again made themselves heard on Wednesday night. “I really want to mention the supporters and say thanks for your fantastic support last night. Please get down to St Paul’s and get behind the boys on Saturday, roar us on to 3 points.”

AFC Croydon Athletic 2 – 1 Fisher

AFC Croydon Athletic goals – Green ‘7, Oloyede ’67
Fisher goals – Taylor’ 69

Fisher XI – Beardsley, Izukanne, Graham, Jabbie, Eweka, Taylor, McLeod-Bentley, Mensah, Wason, Williams, Adesina
Fisher subs – Roche, Ufuah, Collins (on for Abbey), Abbey (on for Wason) and Flemming

Attendance – 69