MATCH REPORT: Tunbridge Wells 0-0 Fisher

Tunbridge Wells 0-0 Fisher
Tuesday 8th April 2025
SCEFL Premier Division

Attn: 140
Photo Credit: John Cronin

Fisher were frustrated in their play off push when a combination of determined opposition and a very difficult playing surface consigned them to a goal less draw at Tunbridge Wells. A strong starting eleven saw a debut for recent loan signing Rayan Clarke and a return for Armani Jordan Martin after resting his injured ankle on Saturday.
The recent dry weather on the back of the wet winter left an impossible playing surface at the Culverden Stadium, with the ball unable to roll without bouncing up and players on both sides struggling to control touches or passes, leaving them little option than to go direct and long. Both sides struggled to make clear cut chances, and it was obvious that it would probably take an error from a defender or piece of individual brilliance in order for either side to make a breakthrough. Tunbridge Wells did manage to apply early pressure and Fisher had to defend a number of corners, as the home team played up the hill, but Isaac Ogunseri was in dominant form between the sticks, coming and claiming almost everything thrown into the box.
Fisher’s first sight of goal came when Kesna Clarke tried a long range lob after the keeper had misplaced a clearance, but the snapshot flew well wide. Courtney Barrington also got a chance as he cut in from the left, beating two defenders, but his low right footed shot passed harmlessly wide of the near post. Fisher were also denied when Jake Lovell ran through onto a long clearance that bounced awkwardly for the defence and as he looked to burst clear the last defender’s arm clearly scooped the way the ball away from his path, but this was unseen by the referee with no free kick awarded and no subsequent decision on whether he was the last man or not needed as a result. Fish were also frustrated when debutant Rayan Clark burst clear, again from a bouncing ball over the defence, and came out much the worse from a very heavy challenge from the keeper as he charged out of his area. The half ended with Ogunseri pulling off a superb save high to his right to tip over a fiercely struck 25 yard shot after Fisher had half cleared a free kick into their box.
The interval saw Fisher replaced Armani Jordan Martin as he was still struggling with his ankle and had picked up an early first half booking leaving him walking a tightrope with the referee, with Tyrone Mbuenimo coming on in his place. The second spell became even scrappier as both sides continued to be beaten by the surface. A tricky bounce of a through ball almost undid Ogunseri as the ball went past him as he looked to gather at the edge of the box, but Jack Gibbons was on hand clear the danger with eager forwards lurking. At the other end Fisher carved out their best opening of the game as Conor Darwish sent in a well flighted free kick and skipper Gibbons’ header from near the penalty spot flashed just wide of the upright. The hosts also went close from a header, as a back post effort found the side netting with Fisher for once unconvincing in clearing a ball into the box. In the main though both defences were finding the surface easier to do their jobs on than the forwards, volleying and heading everything away before the bounce could deceive them. Fisher had to manage a period of late Wells pressure, but clear cut chances were few and far between with Djadja and Macaulay in superb form showing why they have one of the lowest goals conceded tallies in the league. The hosts had late shout for a penalty waved away, and Barrington sent Fisher’s last chance wide after again cutting in off the left flank.
With Punjab United dropping points in the nights other key game, it may yet prove a vital point for the frustrated Fish, with games rapidly running out for all sides n the race for the play offs. Three points on Saturday at Sutton Athletic would certainly help Fisher’s cause with the hope of a better surface. The irony that flat 3G pitches require a yearly, expensive, roll and bounce test, was not lost on anyone playing on a surface like tonight’s!