Fisher Trawl Themselves From The Depths - Fisher vs. Lordswood

Standard hopper photo at St Paul's Sportsground

Last weekend I needed to be back in Central London sharpish  and so I needed a ground not too far from town. Luckily for me Fisher have moved into their new ground in Roterhithe at the start of this season and with them being at home in a relegation six pointer against Lordswood, this was the perfect opportunity to visit. Fisher were bottom of The Southern Counties East League (Kent League) with Lordswood two places and four points ahead of them. I'd seen both of these sides play before, both in cup competitions. I saw Fisher a long time ago in a London Senior Cup game at Clapton in my early days in London. I saw Lordswood in a destructive mood at Mile Oak in The FA Vase in more recent times. The reverse fixture in September saw a 4-1 win for Lordswood and Fisher were desperate to avoid a repeat today.

Kick off at The St Paul's Sportsground

There are chances galore at the start of the game. The first falls to Lordswood when a free kick into the area isn't dealt with and the Fisher keeper has to make a great reflex save from a half volley at the back post. Then the Lordswood defense also fails to deal with a set piece and their keeper makes a save from a shot from close range. Fisher come closer as a free kick results in a scramble in the box and the Lordswood keeper only just (if at all!) keeps the ball out. The Fisher keeper soon has to make another decent reaction save, this time from a powerful header from close range. It is Fisher who finally make the most of the many chances. The forward is played in on goal and when his initial effort hits the post, his team mate is there to power in the rebound. The Lordswood players are unhappy that a foul isn't given in the build up with the captain in particular very upset. Fisher have a couple of half chances before doubling their lead just before the break. The Fisher fullback picks up the ball deep inside his own half before embarking on a lung busting run into the Lordswood box where he is upended, winning a penalty in the process. This further upsets the Lordswood captain who is sent off for his protests. The penalty is dispatched as Fisher go in two nil up.

The Lordswood keeper punches away under pressure

Fisher should probably make it three when the left winger powers to edge of the six yard box and when he squares the ball the Lordswood defender is able to hack the ball over his own bar. This sparks Lordswood into life, prompting them to create a number of decent chances to get back into the game. Firstly, the Fisher keeper has to claim a well struck long range effort at the second attempt when he doesn't fully gather the first shot. Then the visitors put together a great passing move which ends with the forward being found in space in front of the goal but he puts the ball well over the bar. They continue to create a lot of chances which none fail to seriously trouble the home goalie and this leaves them open at the back. Fisher are able to break and they have the numbers on a least two occasions but the final touch is lacking. There are no further goals and Fisher claim a vital three points.

The Fisher defense copes with first half Lordswood pressure

 It only takes about half an hour to get to The St Paul's Sportsground from Central London. You can either get The Overground to Rotherhithe or The Jubilee Line to Canada Water with both being around a fifteen minute walk away. I only had the time to check out one pub which was The Brunel which did the job. Then from here I walked along the river to the ground which was better than the inland route. The bar at the ground had nothing on tap but had a great selection of cans from The Fourpure Brewery as as well as more conventional lagers. They haven't been there long but Fisher have made a great home for themselves.

View along the touchline towards The Shard