Pre Season Friendly

On Saturday the Fish returned to Rotherhithe and entertained Ryman North side Aveley on the 3G surface at Bacon’s College. Aveley ran out eventual winners in a seven goal thriller, but again Fisher had a lot to be happy about with the performance. The Millers took the lead through Shane Oakley, completely against the run of play, but Fisher soon equalised as Adam Wadmore curled an excellent free-kick past Dave McCartney in the Aveley goal.
The game featured some frayed tempers as the sun finally came out in pre-season and both sides looked to demonstrate their commitment. Aveley retook the lead as Oakley latched on to a fortunate ricochet which became a through-ball, and he rounded Billy Hensman before slotting home. Despite going in to the break behind, Fisher could feel satisfied with a half in which they had most of the possession and had used the ball well. Frankie Warren, Adam Wadmore and young centre-half Ben Frempah all impressed while Rob Depeaser playing in a deep-lying midfield position and was a focal point for much of Fisher’s play.
The goals kept coming after the break. Zak Henry smashed home a wonderful left-footed volley to equalised for Fisher after the ball flicked up off his right foot. Aveley then went back in front after a communication breakdown between Greg Wickenden and Hensman and the Fisher left back unfortunately steered the ball into his own net. Hakim Griffiths restored parity though with some excellent skill in the box, beating two men and the keeper with some close control and a measured finish.
Multiple substitutions led to a disjointed end to the game, and Aveley took advantage to bag the winner through an unmarked Ricky Edwards. But this was an excellent test for the Fish against an Aveley team with a majority of players over 6 foot, and a number of triallists looked to have done enough to cement a place in Steve Firkins’ final squad.