Fisher fell at the first hurdle in the Kent Senior Trophy on Saturday, losing 3-2 at home against Eltham Palace in front of a season’s best attendance of 138.
The game started brightly and the Fish found themselves ahead after just 10 minutes when Junior James fired home the opener from the penalty spot. Fisher then went in hunt of a second, but a combination of good defending from the visitors and some wasteful approach play from the Fish meant the lead remained at just one.
Eltham sent some warning signs Fisher’s way and forced Adam Highsted into some important saves throughout the first half.
Eltham levelled six minutes before the break courtesy of a powerful and well hit shot from Tim Adekambi . The visitors were ahead within five minutes after Fisher struggled at the back, this time Ola Kukuyi tucking home from short range.
After the break, things quickly went from bad to worse for the Fish. A quick break from Eltham (despite claims for offside) was allowed to progress, and Kukuyi was left with a tap in even easier than his first after he got round Highsted. Despite furious appeals from both the Fisher players and supporters the officials allowed the goal to stand leaving Fisher with a two goal deficit.
Frustration soon got the better of joint manager Simon Halsey who was sent from the dugout for voicing his opinion following a disputed thrown-in. With things looking gloomy amongst the Fisher faithful, bolstered by the visiting Copa90 following, defender Cedric Abraham rolled up his sleeves in an attempt to lift the spirits around the game and show that the side had not given up on the game.
Abraham was rewarded for his efforts in the 61th minute when a pacey move down the left wing saw Fisher win a free kick in a dangerous position just outside the penalty area. Junior James whipped in a perfectly placed cross which found Abraham who headed home to put the Fish back in the game.
Fisher tried to claw their way back on terms but some clever defending, and a couple of superb saves from the Eltham goalkeeper kept the hosts at bay, and ultimately saw the visitors progress to the next round where they will take on Kent Invicta high flyers Hollands and Blair.
Fisher: Highsted, H Hanifan (P Hanifan 46), Webber (Rothwell 79), McGeehan, Abraham, Oshilaja, Campbell, Uings, Chiverton (Roche 56), James, Abbey. Unused Subs: Lee, Walton
