Ten-man Fisher came from behind to secure a deserved point against Norton Sports on Saturday.
The Fish put in a battling performance on Community Day, witnessed by invited guests from Time and Talents and a delegation from the Fisher youth set-up.
Gary Lisney handed home debuts to centre-half Marc Hughes, and midfield pair Steve Sallis and Phil Hadland. The newcomers helped Fisher to control the first half, and the Fish should have taken the lead when a Rob Hughes cross reached an unmarked Dexter Babalola in the six yard box, but the striker put his header wide. Babalola and Juan Ramirez formed an effective partnership up front, their movement and ball skills proving difficult for the Norton defence to handle, and only the offside flag saved Norton on a number of occasions as the pair latched on to threaded through-balls. The referee was involved early, dishing out yellow cards to Norton’s Ryan Rook for a late challenge on Mark Lewis, and Babalola who was involved in a physical battle with the Norton back line all game.
After the break, Norton began to press forward and only a string of outstanding saves from Adam Lisney kept the scores level. Callum Roberts, whose commanding performance at centre-half earned him the Man of the Match award, succumbed to injury with twenty minutes to play which left the Fish short of defenders. The Fish were further depleted as Babalola received a second yellow for a seemingly innocuous challenge in midfield, as the referee continued to reach for his book early and often.
Norton broke through in the 84th minute as Andy Irvine finished from close range following a goalmouth scramble. But the ten men rallied, and two minutes later Rob Hughes cut inside from the right wing, and unleashed a 25 yard shot at goal which beat the Norton keeper and levelled the scores. Tempers flared in the closing stages, and Norton fullback John Emmerson saw red as he reacted to a delayed return of the ball from the Fisher bench. His manager Ben Taylor followed swiftly afterwards as he was sent to the stands for protesting about the decision.
The Fish deserved a point for their afternoon’s effort, and the solidity brought to the side by the experience new signings will stand the side in good stead for the second half of the season.
Fisher: Lisney; Lawrence; Lewis; M Hughes; Roberts; Sallis; R Hughes; Hadland; Babalola; Ramirez; Rozan.Unused Subs: Mustafa for Roberts; Ma for Mustafa
