Harrison – We need to put the ball in the back of the net! Cray Valley PM 2 – 1 Fisher

Saturday’s trip to the Badger Sports Ground saw Fisher come away empty handed once again, despite a dominating first half performance. Front man Luke Haidarvoic missed the opportunity to give the visitors an early lead from the penalty spot with just 7 minutes on the spot, The Millers celebrity keeper saving from 12 yards this week. Luke and debutant Melford Simpson saw further chances as the first half progressed, most coming following the creativity of Craig Hewett down the left flank. The Cray Valley goalkeepers was certainly the busier in the first 45 minutes, but the sides went in 0-0 at the break.

Yet all that hard work was undone just 3 minutes into the second period, Aaron Rhule capitalising on a defensive mix up for the Fish and rolling the ball into an empty net. Nic Taylor was called into action for two smart stops early in the second half, with The Millers also hitting the underside of the bar on the hour mark. 5 minutes later a lightning fast break saw Enoch Adjei double the lead with 65 minutes played.

Dean Harrison made a series of changes to lived up things for the visitors, introducing John Ufuah, Harry Bugden and Juan Pineda. Bugden saw a good shout for a penalty turned down in the 89th minute, before fellow replacement Juan Pineda finally made the breakthrough for the Fish with a wonderful strike in the 95th minutes, which was promptly followed by the final whistle.

Deano was upbeat about his side’s approach to the game afterwards, reflecting on some good individual performance and the need for the team to find their shooting boots soon:

“It was another strong first half performance where we came in at half time with no goals. We were by far the better side for 45 minutes. We were organised, stuck to the game plan and caused their defence all manner of problems. I just don’t know how many chances we need to create to score but it’s becoming a joke! When you miss a penalty in the first five minutes away to a side like Cray Valley, there’s half a chance it will bite you on the backside.

In the second half we started slowly, reacted to situations poorly and after conceding an early goal, we were on the back foot for a good half hour. Craig Hewett did well in his first start for the club and earned his MOM from the fans. His work rate and attitude were first class.
Martin Dynan’s a great signing for us and he brings a wealth of experience to the side. That expereince is something we haven’t had since I’ve been here.
Simpson will be a good signing as well. He’s lacking a bit of match sharpness but he’ll soon find that and will be a handful for defences in this league.

Juan’s strike was a cracker and it was a goal we deserved over the 90 minutes. Unfortunately it was too little too late! If we had someone who could put the ball in the back of the net consistently, I honestly believe we’d be out of the relegation battle already. Unfortunately, with no budget and being bottom of the table, they’re hard to come by!

Thanks to the travelling fans as always. Your support is truly appreciated by all of us in the dressing room.
Shooting practice this week!”

The Fish are on the road again this weekend, travelling to Corinthian for a re-arranged fixture. Results around the SCEFL Premier Division this week see Fisher remain at the foot of the table, 1 point behind Beckenham Town, 3 back from Lordswood who are next up at St Paul’s and still within catching distance of Tunbridge Wells and Erith & Belvedere who are only 5 points away. Goals and points are needed soon, your support as ever is vital in pushing the team forwards as we fight to beat the drop.

Cray Valley PM 2 – 1 Fisher

Cray Valley goals – Aaron Rhule ’48, Enoch Adjei 65′
Fisher goal – Pineda Davia 90+5′

Fisher Starting XI – Taylor, Adeshina, Wright, Dynan, Flemming (c), Agyemang, Bangura, Haidarovic, Simpson, Hamill, Hewett

Fisher subs – Ufuah, Adesina, Bugden, Devia Pineda, Beeden

Fisher Man of the Match – Craig Hewett

Attendance – 52