A bumper crowd made the most of Non League Day at Champion Hill, but Fisher fell to defeat against Corinthian.
The Fish welcomed many first time fans to the game, offering discounts for Millwall season ticket holders, members of Supporters Trusts, and London 2012 Games Makers. They were treated to an entertaining game in which Fisher played their part, but ultimately clinical finishing and errors at the back meant that Corinthian took the points home with them.
Fisher welcomed Jamie Taylor back to the club and he took up a place on the bench. It was a nightmare start for the Fish who went behind after just two minutes. A sloppy pass in midfield gifted possession to the visitors, and Alfie May was threaded through. He chipped Billy Hensman to give Corinthian an early lead.
Fisher regrouped and began to get themselves into the game. Marvin Alebiosu shot over and a powerful Huseyin Budak header went over the bar. Jordan Green, dangerous on the right, sent over an excellent cross that was deflected over the bar on 19 minutes. Damien Ramsamy had an excellent chance just 6 yards out could not quite control the ball.
Corinthian still threatened, and Femi Olugbemi executed an incredible headed goal line clearance after another mistake at the back, while Ben Wilson sent a curling shot over the bar. Ramsamy went on a mazy run at the other end on the stroke of half-time, but his shot was saved.
The second half started fairly quietly, but Fisher were dealt a blow when Charlie Helps went down with a knee injury suffered when chasing back. Helps had to be stretchered from the pitch after receiving treatment from physio Ally Maloney, and looks set to be out of the lineup for a few weeks at least. Fisher nearly equalised shortly after this, as Ope Aromona went on a marauding run forward – his pinpoint cross picked out Alebiosu but the attacking midfielder couldn’t quiet get enough purchase on his shot which was saved.
Fisher then conceded again, the defence getting caught out of position and Chris Kinnear was left with time to pick his spot past Hensman. The second goal was a blow to Fisher, who had been enjoying most of the possession, though they continued to push forward. Awarded a penalty right on the edge of the box, Fisher’s best effort of the game came from the boot of Budak who sent a fierce shot at goal, but Richard Stroud saved superbly.
That was the last real chance that Fisher created, as Corinthian’s defence performed extremely well. And the visitors added a third goal in the last minute – the dangerous Alfie May again latching on to a long ball that was not dealt with by the defence, and he finished well to add some gloss to the scoreline.
A disappointing day on the pitch for Fisher. But off the field, thanks to Non League Day, we made many new friends and introduced fans of league clubs to the joys of non league football. With better days ahead for the Fish, we hope that some of those who sampled Saturday’s atmosphere will return. And for Fisher it is a quick return to action as we face Haringey & Waltham Development on Monday night in the London Senior Cup.
Fisher: Hensman, Olugbemi, Aromona, Brown (J Taylor 29), Helps (Jarrett-Elliott 55), Clark, Ramsamy, Budak, Mohamed, Alebiosu, Green. Unused Subs: Richards, Wilson, Griffiths
Attendance: 137
