Following two defeats since their win two weeks ago, Fisher travelled Holmesdale on Saturday looking to get back to winning ways.
As has become the norm with Fisher, the visitors started the game well, passing the ball around well in midfield but, even with Troy Copeland (who returned after a spell with SCEFL rivals Erith Town) back in the side, Fisher were unable to turn possession into goals. Holmesdale were caught out a few times in the first half by Fisher’s wide play and it was only down to some good saves from their goalkeeper and a couple of scuffed shots that they were not behind at the half hour mark.
Holmesdale created a few chances in the opening 30 minutes but Billy Hensman was never really tested and was able to make easy saves from relatively speculative efforts and poorly placed crosses. However, despite their dominance, Fisher fell behind in the 38th minute when Luke Coleman broke down the wing, skipped over a tackle and got into the box before sending his shot past Hensman and into the near side of the goal.
Almost straight from the restart Fisher attacked, but couldn’t come up with an equaliser and went into the interval a goal down.
The second half picked up where the first had left off, with both sides looking for a goal and the travelling Fisher faithful in fine voice, despite the terrible weather conditions. Fisher on the whole looked more likely to score, creating a few chances although never threatening the Holmesdale defence for any extended periods. At the back, although more solid, Fisher looked a bit vulnerable when the hosts broke, although Hensman was able to defuse any major threat that the Fish were presented with.
On the hour mark, a defensive mix up allowed Steve Strotten to capitalise and put the hosts 2-0 up and left Fisher with a bit of a mountain to climb. Although not for the want of trying, Fisher just didn’t seem able to break Holmesdale down and chances became a bit harder to come by during the last half an hour.
The 82nd minute summed up the afternoon (and the recent run of bad luck) for Fisher. Holmesdale got themselves forward and after a few seemingly half hearted, optimistic, shouts for hand ball, the referee sounded his whistle and awarded Holmesdale a penalty. The hosts goalkeeper then turned to express his surprise at the decision, a feeling that nearly everyone in the ground shared.
Kristian Campbell stepped up and converted the spot kick to kill the game off and secure the win (and an important three points) for Holmesdale to complete the league double over the Fish.
Still, Fisher wouldn’t give up and continued with the attractive passing game that the fans have become accustomed to, and their endeavour finally paid off in second half stoppage time when Troy Abbey finally got the better of the Holmesdale goalkeeper with a well stuck shot from close range.
Although the result shows another defeat for Fisher, there were positives to take from the game going into the two-legged League Cup tie against Rochester United, which is to be played over the next two weekends.
Fisher: Hensman, Hubbard, Tipple, P Hanifan (RIchards 81), Carr, Walton, Fatai (Campbell 64), Draper, Copeland (Zepo 64), Maguire, Abbey. Unused Sub: Bell
