A spirited Fisher display was not enough to hold off title-chasing Herne Bay at Champion Hill, and the battle to avoid bottom spot will go to the final weekend of the season as a result.
With his striking options limited by Dwayne Cowan’s continued absence with an injury, manager Gary Lisney opted to play Juan Ramirez up front supported by a 5-man midfield. The Fish started well, with Ernest Simon and Simon St Aimie forming an effective duo in the centre of midfield. While attacking chances were hard to come by, the Fish were effective in minimising the threat posed by a talented Bay side – who were desperate for the three points to maintain their title challenge.
Bay did create some chances, and Adam Lisney tipped over a header from James Ashmore. Bay also had a goal ruled out for offside, Darren Marsden receiving the ball in an offside position before setting off on a mazy run and beating Lisney. With half-time approaching, however, Fisher’s rearguard action was breached by Byron Walker who latched on to a through ball and chipped a half-volley over the advancing Lisney and into the back of the net.
Bay added a second 12 minutes after the restart as a long ball upfield from keeper Dan Eason bounced in the box, and Jamie Maxted poked home at the far post. The Fish responded and Ramirez found himself with time and space in the box after a pass from substitute Luke Sherman, but his shot was straight at Eason.
John Sinnott, having been harshly booked for high feet earlier in the half, received a second yellow after fouling Walker on the edge of the box. It was harsh on Sinnott, who continues to impress at the back as he regains match fitness. Marsden slammed the resulting free kick past Lisney to put the game to bed, although Fisher enjoyed some spells of possession and neat passing football in the closing stages despite their numerical disadvantage.
While Herne Bay look set to take the title race to the final weekend of the season, the Fish will need at least a point from next week’s game against Sevenoaks to avoid finishing at the foot of the KPL.
Fisher: Lisney, Bianchi, Rozan (Adesina 81), Simon, Sinnott, St Aimie (Sherman 61), Savage (Ngongue 79), Sprosen, Ramirez, Abraham, Lewis
Subs: Teeley, Al-Asmpan
