Fisher lost narrowly to promotion-chasing Whyteleafe, and were left to rue first half chances that could have changed the course of the game.
Fisher were undone by a defensive error that allowed Roscoe D’Sane to score midway through the second half, and Leafe made the game safe in injury time as Fisher pushed forward in search of a deserved equaliser.
Off the pitch, the day was a success as Fisher dedicated the match to supporting the Football v Homophobia campaign and we welcomed guests from Stonewall FC including founder, and FA 150 Ambassador, Aslie Pitter MBE.
They were treated to a bright start from the Fish, although Whyteleafe could have taken the lead just seconds in to the game but a rushed finish kept the game scoreless. After that scare, it was Fisher creating the better chances. Chris Hubbard saw a shot saved, and then his cross found Zepo in the box but his shot was deflected agonisingly wide. From the resulting corner a goalmouth scramble developed but Fisher were unable to get the ball past some last ditch defending from the visitors.
Zepo was involved in another chance, taking a quick free-kick to Marvin Alebiosu who shot just wide from the edge of the box. Zepo took another shot himself but keeper Dave Wilkinson was equal to it, before Jason Mabbs sent a free-kick into the wall shortly before half-time. Fisher had been the better team in the first half, though Whyteleafe remained dangerous on the break and the Fish had put in a solid defensive display to keep them at bay.
The second half was a more even affair, although the first chance after the break fell to Zepo who again saw his shot deflected wide of the goal. Whyteleafe were looking more dangerous though, and D’Sane sent a shot wide on the hour mark followed by another missed chance from a fantastic chipped pass. Back down the other end, the lively Hubbard saw another shot saved.
The visitors took the lead when D’Sane capitalised on a defensive error – Mark Lewis, looking to head the ball behind, didn’t get enough power on his header and D’Sane pounced to send an unstoppable shot past Alex Hyde. It was tough luck on Lewis, the skipper having an otherwise outstanding game along with the rest of the Fisher defence.
Whyteleafe were the dominant side after that, D’Sane having another effort ruled out for offside, although Fisher continued to press. Tall youth team prospect Josh Witter came on for his debut, replacing Aaron Jeffrey who had taken a battering all game as he looked to link up midfield and attack, and Witter showed some good touches as he took up a wide left position.
Fisher had a confident shout for a penalty as Zepo appeared to be felled in the box – there was undoubtedly some contact but with Zepo not looking likely to get the ball the referee gave the defender the benefit of the doubt. Former Fish Cedric Abraham had a very good game at the back for Whyteleafe, and as the home side tired their threat lessened. Fisher continued to push for an equaliser, and paid on the break in the 93rd minute as Whyteleafe added a second goal through Jerson Dos Santos.
Another tough defeat for Fisher, who can certainly take heart from a performance that belied the gap in the league table between the two sides. Defensively Fisher look to be on the right track, a very good performance from all of the back four and a deserved man of the match award for Femi Olugbemi. The Fish now face league leaders Erith & Belvedere at Champion Hill next Saturday, a late change to the originally scheduled opponents due to a league fixture reshuffle.
Fisher: Hyde, Olugbemi, Lewis, McCarthy, Frempah, Taylor (Wadmore 76), Jeffrey (Witter 76), Mabbs, Hubbard (Bell 82), Zepo, Alebiosu. Unused Sub: Akers
Attendance: 67
