Deano – A fantastic point for us. Fisher 1 – 1 AFC Croydon Athletic
Returning boss Dean Harrison had a point to celebrate on Saturday evening as Fisher earned their first point at St Paul’s since the end of August to kick start the bid for SCEFL Premier Division survival with a 1-1 draw against AFC Croydon Athletic.
The visitors had a chance to open the scoring in the 7th minute after a clumsy challenge from Thompson-Martelley handed them a penalty, which was slammed against the left upright and span across Taylor’s goal, only to drift to safety on the opposite side of the goal. Morgan Jenden opened the scoring for the visitors after 37 minutes with a thumping finish after the Fish failed to clear their lines from a corner, but debutant Alvaro Munoz levelled in the second period to earn what could prove a vital point. Both sides had chances to seal victory in a lively last ten minutes, which included a spot of handbags from the Rams players after Toyo Adeshina went down injured, but ultimately the points were split in what most would agree was a fair result.
Deano was full of praise for his players after the game, particularly the back four and goalkeeper Nic Taylor who made an assured second debut for the club. “That was indeed a fantastic point for us. I thought the back four were excellent, especially the two fullbacks and Toyo Adeshina has certainly given me a decision to make for next week when Harry Bugden will be back from suspension.”
Adeshina put in an assured display alongside skipper Dan Flemming, Dwayne Agyemang and Mikel Thompson-Martelley as Harrison’s focus on defensive shape continues to show signs of improvement. In the last five minutes of the game Flemming could have won it with a free header, whilst Thompson-Martelley made a committed block to ensure that the points total for the season finally moved away from the seven mark it has been stuck on since the end of September.
“I asked the lads how they felt after the game and it was a mix of emotions. Happy that we’d gained a point but disappointed that we hadn’t taken all three. At the same time, we got caught on the break a couple of times at the end and could have come away with nothing so we need to mature quickly as a team and understand how to manage games better.”
Harrison also took time out to praise tricky Spanish midfielder Alvaro Munoz who came off the bench at half-time to make his debut in black and white, scoring the equaliser after 72 minutes. “Alvaro Munoz has been impressing in training the last couple of weeks and his second half display on Saturday was fantastic. Unfortunately for us, he’s going home to Spain over the Christmas period so we won’t see him again until after the Rochester game.”
With the first positive step taken with a draw against a side who aren’t our of the title conversation, thoughts now turn to the six-pointer at home to local rivals Beckenham Town on the ‘Boxing Day’ fixture on Tuesday 27 December. Dean has called on the Fisher Faithful to keep providing the magnificent support which makes such a difference to the team; once again on Saturday there was fantastic noise coming from behind the goal at the Dockers End (complete with another wonderful supporter banner) and along the side of the pitch by the Barry Albin-Dyer Stand.
“The Beckenham Town game will no doubt be a fantastic game for the neutral. A Christmas cracker derby with both teams in the bottom two spots fighting for survival. This is one of those games when home advantage can really count. Myself and the lads would love to see a big crowd at St Paul’s on the 27th. The fans fantastic vocal support really is appreciated and can make a big difference to the team on match day!”
Fisher 1 – 1 AFC Croydon Athletic
Fisher goal – Alvaro Munoz ’72
AFC Croydon Athletic goal – Morgan Jenden ’32
Fisher Starting XI – Taylor, Thompson-Martelley, Adeshina, Lawson, Flemming (c), Agyemang, Forte, Mensah, Bangura, Devia Pineda, Adesina
Fisher substitutes – Dukal (on for Adesina), McKenzie (on for Forte), J. Wadman, Munoz (on for Mensah), Mackangou
Attendance – 89
Photograph © David Anderson. There are more match images on Dave’s Flickr page.
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