It was a very disappointing day for the Fish as they slumped to a heavy home defeat and saw Danny Taylor sent off.
In his programme notes Fisher manager Steve Firkins said he expected ‘a high-scoring and entertaining game’ and that certainly rang true for the healthy 116 crowd who witnessed an incident-packed seven goal belter at a sun-baked Champion Hill.
But while the entertainment factor was high, this will be of little comfort for the Fisher management who saw the team fail to build on Tuesday’s fine midweek result at Cray Valley. Although Fisher played their full part with much improved front play which saw the home side score two goals for the third game in a row, questions have to be asked at the back where keeper Danny Firkins was left hopelessly exposed all too often.
A horror start for the Fish began with just eight minutes on the clock when Craig Harvey easily out-muscled a brittle back line to slot home from 10 yards out. This was further compounded mid-way through the first half when Harvey curled home an unstoppable 25 yard free-kick.
The Fish looked dead and buried at this point but dangerous wingers Damien Ramsamy and home debutant Jordan Green had other ideas. First a moment of magic from Green on the left saw the young winger dance his way through two challenges before unleashing a 20 yard curler that brought out the best in keeper Matt Byott who somehow tipped the shot onto the bar. A few minutes later Green and Ramsamy linked up to devastating effect, Green once again rode the tackles on the left before teeing up Ramsamy who picked his spot with aplomb to bring Fisher back into the game.
Lordswood then spurned an excellent chance to extend their lead as half time approached. Stefan Dixon got caught out of position and bundled over Harvey just inside the box. The referee immediately pointed to the spot and booked the full back for his trouble. However Firkins stood tall and saved the resulting penalty to keep the Fish in the game.
Zak Henry was replaced at half time as Steve Firkins gave a debut to forward Marvin Alebious who played his full part in the Fisher equaliser. Alebious received the ball in the middle of the park and drove at the Lords box with purpose before unleashing a vicious shot which could only be parried by Byott straight to the on-rushing Steve O’Donnell who slotted home.
The Fish now on level terms looked a sure bet to push on but they proceeded to hit the self-destruct button. The visitors broke away on the right and Adam Hooper nipped in to glance a header passed Firkins. It got worse for the Fish shortly afterwards as the referee gave Danny Taylor his marching orders for two bookable offences, the second card shown for dissent.
The Lords made their extra man advantage count and ran away with it in the final 10 minutes, Craig Maskell with two clinical finishes to put some gloss on the final score line.
The Fish have a break from league action next week when Canterbury City are in town to contest an FA Vase 2nd Qualifying round tie. A better defensive display will be required if Fish are to stand any chance of progression.
Fisher: Firkins, Dixon, Jarrett-Elliott, Warren, Taylor, Helps, Green, Monan, O’Donnell (Oyettunji 74), Henry (Alebious 45), Ramsamy (Brown 69). Unused Subs: Aromona, Hensman
Attendance: 116
