Fisher were defeated in their opening game of the season, against title favourites Tunbridge Wells, though the game was a closer contest than the final score suggests.
In a game of few chances, Fisher paid for a sloppy five minutes in which they conceded two second-half goals before Wells added a third in stoppage time.
With a number of new players in the Fisher side, and a few new faces for the home side too, it was no real surprise that the opening exchanges were cagey and scrappy. Neither team was able to retain possession of the ball, and while Wells shaded the possession and territory, both goalkeepers were untroubled during the opening quarter of the match. The only real action of note saw two Fisher midfielders go into the book – Jamie Taylor perhaps a little unlucky to receive a card, but Tom Carr could have no complaints after a late challenge.
The first real chance was created by the home team on 26 minutes, Jack Harris working free on the right but he was unable to hit the target. Wells had another good chance after Danny Akers appeared to have been caught by a late tackle in midfield, but the referee waved play on. Fortunately for Fisher, and the official, the opportunity was wasted.
For Fisher, Chris Hubbard was beginning to enjoy himself on the left wing where he was causing Wells right-back Jason Bourne all manner of trouble. Hubbard had Fisher’s first sight of goal, his dipping shot going just wide of the post. Fisher ended the half on top, with Hubbard and Danny Tipple linking up well as Fisher started to look dangerous.
The second half started much the same as the first had done – scrappy, with the home team just about on top. The two sides were playing contrasting styles – Wells more direct, but with accurate and dangerous balls forward, while Fisher looked to play through midfield – but neither was able to dominate as both defences were relatively untroubled. Wells left-back Lewis Mingle snuffed out any attempts to attack down the right, while David Milton worked hard for the team in an unfamiliar lone striker role but was unable to really impact the game.
The game changed just after the hour mark. For Fisher, Tipple went on a rampaging run down the left, cutting inside to attack the box. He fizzed the ball across but it somehow evaded everyone including the on-rushing Harvey Hanifan. Wells cleared, and on the break Josh Stanford found himself in space on the left. Stepping inside the challenge of Akers, he finished well past Billy Hensman and Fisher were 1-0 down.
The goal rocked Fisher, who had been looking comfortable, and shortly afterwards a misplaced pass in midfield gifted possession to Wells. Again they attacked down the left, with Akers left exposed and trying to defend against two attackers. Radford crossed a superb ball to find Lee Radford at the far post and he had a simple headed finish for 2-0.
Fisher regained their composure after that double blow, and began to become the dominant side as Tunbridge Wells were content to sit on their lead. But they were unable to fashion any chances and as the clock ticked down Brad Large scored a third for Wells on the break.
A disappointing start for Fisher, although a trip to the favourites was always going to be a stern test for the first game of the season. Billy Walton will be looking for a little more attacking verve from his charges as they open the home campaign against Holmesdale on Monday.
Fisher: Hensman, Akers, Tipple, Taylor, Hopkins, Walton, H Hanifan, Carr (Zanelli 75), Maguire (Campbell 82), Milton (Ogunseye 72), Hubbard. Unused Subs: P Hanifan, Damarola
