Fisher were left to rue missed chances as two late goals from set-pieces led to a second defeat in a week.
It was a much improved performance from the Fisher back line, with Charlie Helps putting in a man-of-the-match performance at centre-back. But two late goals from corners put paid to any hopes of Fisher taking points from the game, and meant a second straight home defeat.
The game started fairly quietly, with Canterbury having most of the possession and they missed a good chance to take the lead early on with Fisher looking for an offside flag that wasn’t raised. Jamie Turner drove a free kick wide after six minutes, while Michael Scott shot wide for City after winning the ball in a 50-50 tackle in midfield.
Both sides exchanged chances – Chris Hubabrd saw his shot deflected and Peter Afolayan latched on to the rebound but his left foot strike went over. Wayon Anderson saw a good chance for City saved as he shot straight at Joe Hagan in the Fisher goal. The game was improving, and Turner sent a dipping shot over the bar, as Fisher looked to hit City on the break.
Billy Walton impressed alongside Helps at the back, and it was his block during a goalmouth scramble that ensured the scores remained level. Hagan then saved well from a City free kick before Jake Marsh blazed wide of the goal when he should really have tested the keeper.
Just before half-time, Afolayan had a great chance to give the Fish the lead but his luck was not in and his crashing drive hit the post. There was also time for Hubbard to send another shot wide as the Fish continued to miss chances.The sides went in to the break all square, and the teams then had an extended half-time as a problem with the floodlights was addressed. Fortunately, Shaun’s DIY was able to supply a replacement battery for the floodlight remote control, and it was game on again after a 20 minute stoppage.
Canterbury started the second period the stronger, and Marsh again missed a good chance following excellent work from Renford Tenyue. The dangerous Tenyue was effectively marshalled for most of the game by Frankie Warren, however, and Fisher’s defensive showing was vastly improved on the Beckenham game. Michael Smisson was next to miss for Canterbury, though the attentions of Hubbard helped ensure he could not direct a header on target when well placed to score.
Fisher continued to play on the break, and Afolayan was put through but just couldn;t control a bouncing ball. The Fish finally managed a shot on target from the excellent Warren, but he found City keeper Connor Quinn in unbeatable form and Quinn just saved the shot with his legs.
City finally took the lead from a corner, when substitute Bobby Powell outjumped the defence and keeper Hagan to head Canterbury into the lead after 79 minutes. Just four minutes later, another corner led to a goalmouth scramble after Hagan couldn’t quite grasp it at the near post, and this time Smissen got the final touch.
The Fish didn’t give up, and created enough chances in the closing five minutes to have levelled the game. Turner shot wide, and then Chan Quan went on a fantastic run only to see Quinn make another magnificent stop. Afolayan was put through on goal but once again Quinn was able to get a hand to the shot and keep the ball out.
A disappointing result for the Fish, though the improved performance of the defensive unit was good to see. Despite two defeats, Fisher have continued to create chances and head into Tuesday’s League Cup tie with Corinthian knowing that improved finishing could see the side get back on track.
Fisher: Hagan, Warren (Taylor 88), Tipple, Wilson-Joseph, Helps, Walton, Quan, Turner, Afolayan, Humphris (Monan 60), Hubbard. Unused Subs: Demetrius, Wadmore, Hensman
Attendance: 84
