Fisher manager Dean Harrison expressed delight at his players’ positivity and discipline after they picked up an impressive 3-0 win over Lordswood at Champion Hill on Saturday.
The Fish have bounced back from last Saturday’s 4-1 reverse against Deal Town by winning back-to-back league games for the first time since October, as yesterday’s triumph added to a 2-1 success in Rochester on Tuesday.
The consecutive victories leave the Rotherhithe side sitting 10 points clear of the SCEFL’s sole relegation spot and three points against Beckenham Town tomorrow, or an Erith Town defeat at home to Tunbridge Wells, would secure their safety in the division.
And Harrison believes that his side’s defensive solidity has provided the platform for two wins in the space of five days.
“I’m happy with the clean sheet today and the improvement in defence since the second half against Deal last weekend.” He said. “That loss has taught us so much about complacency, about staying positive, about being switched on, and about keeping our shape and being disciplined.
“Today, and against Rochester on Tuesday, we stayed alert for the whole 90 minutes and put in two very good team performances. We know we’re good going forward so if we keep it tight at the back then we’ve always got a chance.”
Centre-half Dave Waters, who signed for Fisher just over a week ago, scored two of his side’s three goals against Lordswood and also delivered an assured defensive display. The 34-year-old was chosen as man of the match, which prompted Harrison to describe the defender as a “fantastic” signing.
“Dave has been a fantastic signing – he was brilliant at both ends of the pitch today.” Harrison said. “I actually had to look twice at the number on the back of his shirt after the first goal – it was such a confident finish that I was sure that Luke (Haidarovic) had scored it. He’s now scored 3 in 3 since signing for us – that’s a super return for a centre-back.
“We’ve finally got someone who poses a threat from set-pieces and wants to get in there and score goals. And at the back Dave is a leader – he puts his head through everything and organises the defence well. He has a lot of experience at this level which helps us a lot as well.”
Waters’ goals came following inviting crosses from fellow defenders Kieron Tarbie and Jake McIntyre in the first half. The opener arrived in the 15th minute when Tarbie’s accurate delivery from the right-hand side was met by Ikechi Eze, whose close-range shot was blocked by Lords defender Imran Englefield. Waters picked up the pieces, curling the loose ball home from 10 yards.
Fisher doubled their lead 8 minutes later as McIntyre’s free-kick hung high in the air, allowing Waters to beat his marker and place a header inside the far post.
Harrison was pleased that his side managed to make the most of their opportunities from set pieces.
“Kieron has got very good delivery from free-kicks and if you count his contribution to Dave’s first goal today, he has got 5 assists in 4 matches.” He said. “Jake and Alfie (Roche) are also great crossers of the ball, so it’s brilliant that we’ve now got someone like Dave to get on the end of those chances.”
Fisher did not dominate from start to finish though, as the visitors began the second half the better side – but goalkeeper Justin Lee made some outstanding saves to deny them a way through.
The Fisher net seemed certain to bulge in the 70th minute when Lords defender Steve Munn found himself unmarked 5 yards from goal – and Lee, at full stretch, tipped his effort superbly wide.
Two minutes later Waters misjudged his header back to Lee, forcing the stopper to charge out of his area and head the ball away from danger with Lordswood striker Steadman Callender lurking.
Lee only played because first-choice goalkeeper Charlie Payne had a wedding to attend, but his stellar performance gives Harrison something to think about ahead of tomorrow’s clash against Beckenham Town.
“Justin Lee was great today and that gives me a selection headache for the next game.” He said. “I like selection headaches though, they are a sign that you have a good squad and it’s comforting to know that we’ve got more than one fantastic goalkeeper here.
“We also have a third goalkeeper – Denzel Gerrard – who is a great player. But I chose Justin ahead of him today due to his experience and he looked really good.”
A moment of controversy arose 7 minutes before Lee’s fabulous intervention, when Roche ran through on goal and was taken down by Munn. The defender was the last man and appeared to have denied Roche a clear goalscoring opportunity, so it was to Fisher’s surprise that referee Craig Burton only showed the Lordswood man a yellow card.
Harrison was confused by the decision, yet happy that his players didn’t let it affect their performance.
“It was strange that the referee didn’t send him off but to be fair we didn’t let that get us down and we just carried on with the game.” He said. “That is very important and is something that I have been trying to drum into the players since I have taken over here. If heads drop after something has gone against you, you will never do well. You have to be positive, keep on going and show self-belief.We did that today and against Rochester on Tuesday. When you concede, you need to look to hit back and score rather than worry about the other side getting another one.I’ve tried to get rid of some negative influences in the squad – as a result our mentality has changed and we look a lot more positive now.”
That positive feeling was evident around Champion Hill after Jordan Adekunle put the seal on a vital win in the 89th minute. A Lordswood move broke down, allowing Fish to launch a counterattack that ended with Adekunle charging into the box, skipping past two challenges, and thumping a shot into the far corner.
The winger had given the Lords defence a torrid time all afternoon and his boss was also happy with the youngster’s willingness to help out in his own penalty area.
“Jordan’s got all the ability in the world, and his attitude in the last couple of games has been absolutely fantastic.” He said. “I normally take him off after around 70 minutes, as he fades out of the game and sometimes his head goes a bit as well. But that didn’t happen today – he stayed switched on until the end and he got his reward for that with the goal.
“His teammates were laughing at him in the dressing room after the game because he was in his own box defending in the 85th minute. But that’s what I want to see from him more often – he contributed in all areas and I’m so pleased for him.”
Fisher: Lee, Tarbie, Demetrius, Janneh, McIntyre, Waters, Roche (Sinclair 71), Eze (Aziaya 87), Haidarovic, Campbell (Akinwande 71), Adekunle. Unused Subs: Folkes, Abbey
