With only one cup left to play for, Fisher took on Rochester United in the first leg of their SCEFL League cup (First Round) on Saturday.
With two debutants in the side, Fisher looked much more solid than they had in previous weeks, with new boy Aaron Seales putting in a good performance along with Jack Kelly who stood in for Billy Hensman. As always, Fisher played fantastic passing football throughout and despite having to play against the wind in the first half, managed to create a couple of decent chances, the best of which saw Troy Abbey fire his powerful shot against the post in the fifteenth minute.
Although Rochester did test the Fisher back line, it wasn’t until the 20th minute that they managed to test (and beat) Kelly. United were awarded a free kick which recent signing Steven Ita hit straight past the outreached right arm of Kelly and into the top corner to put the hosts ahead.
Despite going behind, Fisher looked the better of the sides and continued to play their trademark attractive passing game, they couldn’t muster a threatening effort.
Steven Ita almost doubled the hosts’ lead on the half hour mark when he managed to get on the end of a well-placed cross, but sent his short range headed effort over the bar.
The effort and endeavour shown by Fisher went unrewarded and when the referee eventually brought the first half to a close, Fisher were still a goal behind.
The second half saw the Fish break through early on when Kieron Campbell set up Junior Fatai who netted an equaliser just three minutes into the half with a spectacular shot from the edge of the box.
With the visitors now on level terms, the game swung in their favour and Fisher created several chances and took control of possession. Danny Tipple and Troy Abbey both saw well hit long range efforts creep over the bar while Junior Fatai broke forward with a pacey run down the wing, but ran out of pitch before he could get a cross in for the awaiting strikers. Rochester did have a few chances in the second half but Kelly was never really in any danger of being beaten.
Fisher introduced Harry Draper and Billy Walton midway through the second half which added energy and a bit of bite to the Fish midfield. As the half went on, Fisher started to look for a winning goal, and won several corners and well positioned free kicks, but Rochester were able to keep the visitors out throughout a period of sustained pressure.
Fisher continued to press forward and put Rochester under continued pressure. Troy Copeland managed to get himself on the end of Troy Abbey’s well hit corner and headed the Fish ahead with six minutes of normal time left, and four minutes (and two corners) later, fired home Fisher’s third, taking full advantage as Rochester failed to deal with another corner, this time delivered by Danny Maguire.
The game is far from over, with the second leg of the tie taking place at Champion Hill on Saturday (November 9th) at 3pm.
Fisher: Jack Kelly, Aaron Seales, Danny Tipple, Harvey Hanifan, Tom Carr, Danny Maguire, Junior Fatai, Shaquille Richards (Harry Draper 63), Troy Copeland, Kieron Campbell (Billy Walton 74), Troy Abbey. Unused Sub: Nathaniel Bell
Goals: Fatai 48; Copeland 86, 88
