Stansfeld v Fisher
Tuesday 4th  October 2022
SCEFL Premier Division
Attn: 65

After picking up their first league win of the season at the weekend, Fisher looked to add further points from a midweek trip to old rivals Stansfeld, however they returned with nothing after a disappointing performance.
With injuries still ravaging the squad, nine likely starters were out of action, so there were starts for Conor Darwish and Patrick Hoy, with youngster Justin Hancock again given an opportunity on the bench. Prince Imoru switched to right back with skipper Luke Thomas again unavailable due to work commitments, as nine consecutive weeks of midweek fixtures took it’s toll on availability.
Fisher got off to the worst possible start conceding a needless corner in the opening minute and from a low delivery the ball was not intercepted at the front post and Aidan Hayes swept the ball into the roof of the net from close range to give the hosts the lead.
Fisher looked to get back on level terms quickly, but a series of corners did not produce any real threat but hey came close when from a deep free kick delivered from deep by Alli Abdullahi, Joseph Adewunmi rose to head goal wards, only to see his effort clawed away by Cottrell in the Stansfeld goal as it looked to be bouncing in at the far post.
Fisher’s task become harder when they conceded again to a poorly defended set piece. Another needless free kick was given away in the same corner from where the first delivery for the first goal had come and this time Whitnell’s low powerful effort seemed to evade everyone and went in via keeper Amedu.
Again, Fisher looked to try and fight-back and Jacob Katonia evaded several tackles on the left and cut into the box but from a narrow angle could only squeeze his shot into the side netting. Shortly before half time Fisher really should have pulled a goal back as Luzolo was sent free by cross field pass from Katonia and despite a poor first touch he still manged to beat the outrushing Cottrell to the ball but elected to dink it over the keeper rather than round him and saw his effort clear both the keeper and crossbar by some margin.
With the slope in their favour Fisher still hoped to get something out of the game as the second half began and certainly a lot of the play was in the host’s half as they seemed to sit on the lead and look to catch Fisher on the counter. However, despite the territorial advantage poor decision making and a lack of quality in delivery from both open play and set pieces meant the Stansfeld goal was rarely threatened. On the occasions when Fisher got in behind on the right flank, two great low balls across the box from Hoy and substitute Hancock were not well enough anticipated by the players in the box and dangling outstretched legs could not make contact, where better running from the point at which the ball was sent out wide may have allowed a simple tap in.
Much as Fisher huffed and puffed Stansfeld saw the game out with relative ease leaving the Fish hoping that some of the missing players are able to return on Saturday at Bearsted, for their final league game before a two week, three game hiatus for more cup football.