Fisher won plaudits for the quality of their football at Herne Bay, but lost the game against the Kent Hurlimann League champions-elect.
The Bay’s superior firepower, and solid defence, meant that despite the Fish’s dominance in possession there was only ever one likely winner in the game.
Steve Firkins handed a debut to Belgian-Ghanaian Theo Larbie, and his presence alongside Adam Wadmore solidified the midfield. Returning skipper Frankie Warren took up a more advanced role supporting Danny Hunt. The big news was in goal, where Danny Firkins returned after a long lay off recovering from a broken finger.
Bay took an early lead when a through ball found Ashley Baverstock in space and lifted an excellent lob over Firkins. The Fish responded well though and Ken Jarrett-Elliott send a shot in that was deflected wide. The Fish settled into a neat, progressive passing game and while they found the Bay defence tough to break down the retention of possession was extremely impressive.
A quick free kick to Danny Hunt on 15 minutes saw his cross cleared, while a Warren set piece just eluded Wadmore’s head as Fisher were on top. Larbie’s strength allowed him to move clear of a challenge in midfield, but the move broke down. The, against the run of play, Bay doubled their lead. A cross from the left found Baverstock in just enough space to execute a classy flick finish that gave Firkins no chance.
Firkins was called into action shortly afterwards as he pulled off a great stop from a swerving shot – followed by a brilliant point blank save to keep out a header.
The Fish came out after halftime looking to get back into the game. Stefan Dixon shot wide then Richie Monan was found by a Warren pass. Monan beat one man but fired his shot over the bar. Firkins excelled once more as he made two further outstanding stops. Fisher continued to press, and to enjoy the lion’s share of possession, but were unable to force Bay keeper Dan Eason into action.
Bay put the game to bed on 73 minutes although their goal, scored as the ball was pumped back in after a corner was cleared, looked to be yards offside – the video evidence captured by the Bay cameraman strongly supports the view that Fisher suffered from a poor decision from an assistant referee for the second week in a row.
Fisher didn’t give up, and Warren shot over after good work from substitute TJ Rose, but in the end they didn’t quite have enough to break down a solid Bay defence. This win put Herne Bay just five points away from a richly deserved Kent Hurlimann Football League title, and promotion to the Ryman League.
Fisher: Firkins, Dixon, Jarrett-Elliott, Larbie (Rose 86), Taylor (Wilson-Joseph 62), Walton, Warren, Wadmore, Monan, Hunt, Jeffery (Aromona 70). Unused Subs: Bruniges, Chattey
Attendance: 228
