Match Preview – Fisher v Otford United, Saturday 6 August – 3pm

As we have seen all summer, a week can be a long time in non-league football – and this week has seen changes again for the Fish. Hot on the heels of last weekend’s celebration both on and off the field as we played out our first game at St Paul’s in style with a 4-0 win against Farnborough OBG, this week saw confirmation of Gary Abbott’s return to the dugout as he embarks on his second stint as Fisher boss – starting with Saturday’s friendly against Kent County League Division One side Otford United.

Otford United have seen a change in management too over the summer, with Ricky Tompkinson taking the helm at the Otford Recreation Ground, assisted by former Lordswood and Sevenacres assistant Steve Arnold. Otford finished 4th last season, 9 points back from last weekend’s opponents Farnborough OBG. The O’s have had a mixed pre-season, with wins against Sevenacre, Sporting Club Thamesmead and Guru Nanak being balanced with defeats to Nomads, Rusthall and Crockenhill.

Whilst not making up for the frustration of missing out on FA Cup football this weekend, Otford will provide a well drilled opposition and a chance for Gary to get to know the Fisher squad better ahead of the SCEFL kick off on Saturday 13 August at home to Rochester United.

Once again we will have a pay-what-you-want admission, with suggested price of £5 adults, £2 concessions; as with all Fisher matches admission is free for under 16s with a paying adult. Turnstiles will be open from 1.45pm, with the Clubhouse open before the game. The Clubhouse will be serving soft drinks, hot drinks and snacks – but still no alcohol until the license for the ground is agreed in the near future. Programmes will be available, and there will also be club officials on hand to sign you up for Membership and part-ownership of the club for just £10 – join up and be a part of a huge season for the Fish as we celebrate our return to SE16.