Fisher put in another solid display when Rochester United visited Champion Hill on Monday evening.
Leading 3-1 going in to the game (due to the two leg set up of the Macron Premier Division Cup), Fisher did what was required of them to ensure progress to the next round, netting once on the night, courtesy of a late Danny Maguire penalty.
The game was not exactly a memorable one and both sides were limited to just a couple of decent chances each in the first half. Fisher’s first decent chance of the night came in the 11th minute when they were awarded a free kick in a threatening position, but Rochester defended well and escaped the danger without too much effort.
Fisher looked dangerous throughout the game on the break, finding space behind Rochester a couple of times, but without creating anything to unsettle visiting goalkeeper Joe Hagan. Rochester looked to attack but their best chance was sent just wide of the post.
The teams went in at the break quite rightly with the score-line reading 0-0.
The second half didn’t exactly provide any cup magic either, although Fisher did start to take control of the game, settling into their trademark fluent passing, knocking the ball around with confidence. Rochester went on the hunt for a way back in to the tie with the introduction of the lively Steven Ita who sent Fisher some warning signs, but again there was no real threat to Fisher keeper Jack Kelly.
As the half wore on, Fisher started to dominate and created a few chances. Aaron Seales looked good at the back during the closing spells, with a few good tackles and interceptions. The defensive pair of Harvey and Piers Hanifan also enjoyed a good game, although they were never really in any danger.
The game finally burst to life in the dying moments when Fisher were awarded a penalty for a foul on Troy Copeland. Ricki Holmes, the defender at fault, was shown his second yellow of the night and Copeland was also giving his marching orders following a heated reaction.
Danny Maguire stepped up to slot home the penalty and put the tie to bed with a few minutes left to play.
FISHER:– JACK KELLY, AARON SEALES, PIERS HANIFAN, HARVEY HANIFAN, TOM CARR, BILLY WALTON (SHAQUILLE RICHARDS 59), JUNIOR FATAI-SOMUWIYA (TROY COPELAND 70), HARRY DRAPER ©, DANNY MAGUIRE, KIERON CAMPBELL, TROY ABBEY. SUBS UNUSED: MIKE DAMAROLA
ATTENDANCE: 63
