It was a case of different opposition same problems for Fisher on Saturday as they narrowly lost to Greenwich Borough despite dominating the game throughout the ninety minutes.
Right from the off, both sides were determined to make a breakthrough but it was Fisher who looked the more threatening, and the more capable as they took control of the midfield with the usual fluent passing game. Greenwich defended stoutly and managed to reduce Fisher to long range efforts during the first period, but still the Fish pressed forward looking for some reward for their fantastic approach play.
Greenwich were reduced to 10 men when Dean Palmer was punished for what appeared to be a stamp on Kieron Campbell’s ankle following a foul from Campbell (for which he was awarded a yellow card). With a front three of Junior Fatai, Troy Copeland and Troy Abbey, it seemed only a matter of time before the Fish would score.
Again and again Fisher broke forward and each time Greenwich managed to survive the pressure, with their goalkeeper making a few good saves amongst a selection of blocks and well-timed tackles. Abbey was guilty of missing the best chance of the game as Danny Maguire’s pinpoint centre found him unmarked six yards out, but he planted his header wide.
Fatai had several chances throughout the first half, waltzing his way through the Greenwich defence on three occasions, but each time his shots lacked power and were no match for the Greenwich keeper. The referee brought the first half to a close with the game still goal-less.
The second half was again dominated by the Fish as they went in search of a goal. The first chance of the second period fell to Kieron Campbell who hit his shot straight at the goalkeeper.
As the teams settled in to the second half, it seemed to become a bit more broken down, with both sides conceding a few free kicks but still, Fisher looked dominant and the more likely to score. As the hunt for an opener dragged on, Fisher replaced Troy Copeland with Bryan Zepo in the 65th minute, to try to freshen things up in front of goal. The deadlock was finally broken one minute later, somewhat unexpectedly by Greenwich Borough, who broke against the run of play, and Christian Kapinga fired the hosts ahead.
Despite falling behind, Fisher continued to pin the hosts back and created several half chances but nothing that really tested the goalkeeper. As the half wore on and Fisher continued to attack, Greenwich found a little more space and managed to break forward a few times, but the Fish defence recovered well to keep the deficit at one goal.
As the game reached its final moments, the Borough players sensed they had won and began to break the game down at every opportunity, with right back Joseph Mery throwing in a few tackles and shirt grabs in before going down holding his head as Fisher went forward (much to the disgust of the well represented Fisher away support).
So, another defeat for Fisher who will be looking to get back to winning ways on Saturday (23rd, 3pm) when Lordswood visit Champion Hill. Just 48 hours later (Monday 25th, 7.45pm), the Fish welcome Rochester United to Champion Hill for the second leg of the Macron SCEFL Cup 1st Round.
Fisher: Jack Kelly, Aaron Seales, Danny Tipple (Harry Draper 72), Harvey Hanifan, Tom Carr, Billy Walton, Junior Fatai, Kieron Campbell, Troy Copeland (Bryan Zepo 65), Danny Maguire, Troy Abbey (Mike Damarola 88). Unused Subs: Piers Hanifan, Shaquille Richards
Attendance: 135
