Fisher battled hard against Corinthian but were unable to make the breakthrough against a well-drilled defence, and bowed out of the Macron Premier Division Cup.
Corinthian arrived at Champion Hill with a 2-0 lead from the first leg, and were content to hold what they had. They were able to do so successfully as the Fish worked their socks off but for little reward.
Corinthian in fact had the ball in the net inside six minutes, but the goal was ruled out as a flying boot caught George Beavan in the build up. Fisher then forced two saves from Corinthian keeper Dan Bygrave as Danny Tipple fired in a free kick, and Peter Afolayan neatly controlled the ball and smashed a right-footed drive.
The visitors were then extremely lucky to keep eleven men on the pitch as Ben Wilson’s studs-up lunge on Frankie Warren was deemed only worthy of a yellow card. The crowd were expecting a red as Warren was left in agony by the challenge, but Wilson got the benefit of the doubt. Fortunately Warren recovered and went on to have an excellent game in midfield.
Jamie Humphris nearly rounded keeper Bygrave on 30 minutes after excellent work from Afolayan, but he just wasn’t able to keep control of the ball. Chan Quan went on a brilliant run, beating two men, but his shot was fired wide. It was good stuff from the Fish, but quality where it mattered was lacking and Corinthian began to sense that they would be able to keep the home team at bay.
It was more of the same after half time, as Fisher pushed forward and dominated possession and territory. But despite the pressure, Fisher were unable to fashion any clear-cut chances and as time began to run out it was Corinthian who had the better opportunities to score. Joe Hagan kept them out with some fine stops, and Fisher worked right up until the final whistle.
In the end though, Fisher’s hard work and commitment were not enough to break down Corinthian who went deservedly through to the semi-finals. The Fish are left to concentrate on securing a place towards the top of the league, starting with a tough trip to Tunbridge Wells on Saturday.
Fisher: Hagan, Monan, Tipple, Warren, Beavan, Walton, Quan (Jarrett-Elliott 65), Wadmore (Wilson-Joseph 76), Afolayan, Humphris, Hubbard (Sisson 46). Unused Subs: Helps, Hensman
Attendance: 110
