Steve Firkins and the staff have had a tough time of late as the team struggle to find a return to early season form.

The Fisher manager talks openly here about his thoughts on the team’s recent slump and his hopes for what can be achieved during the remainder of the season and beyond.

What are your reflections on Saturday’s game at Woodstock?

SF: To be perfectly honest the last couple of games have without doubt been the lowest points of my managerial career. Even going back as far as 1996 when I first took over a team at Red Lion Boys Club who were getting smashed week in week out this for me is still worse.

Saturday’s game was a strange one really as personally I thought we played fairly well. We could have taken the lead as early as the 10th minute but somehow we found ourselves 1-0 down from their first real threat. We dug in however and found ourselves going in level and with renewed optimism. I don’t think the final result reflected the game as Billy Hensman was barely called in to action, but that’s football sometimes and you’ve got to accept it. Fair play to them they took their chances well and we didn’t.

We had five new signings in the squad Saturday, four under 18s and one of my old lads from Greenwich Borough Danny Taylor who I thought done exceptionally well seeing that was his first competitive game at this level for over a year. I was pleased with the youngsters I thought they adapted well. Lets face it Woodstock away isnt the easiest place to go.

What do you make of captain Jamie Turner deciding to move on?

SF: I’d firstly like to thank Jamie for all his efforts this season. I’m obviously massively disappointed at losing him as he has been a very big player for us this season but I understand his wishes and hope he finds success wherever he goes, although in my opinion he can play at a higher level than the Kent League.

What are your thoughts now on the remainder of the season?

SF:  In truth, after Saturday’s game I did consider handing in my resignation. I was frustrated, angry and generally feeling sorry for myself but it was wrong of me to think like that. It’s up to me as manager to get the players lifted and prepare for the next game. I’ve never walked away from a challenge in my life and I’m not going to start now. If players decide to move on that’s fine but this club with its history will always be here. Even if I have to play the rest of the season with youngsters then so be it. If a player wants to represent Fisher and wear that shirt with pride then that’s good enough for me.

And what are your thoughts beyond this season?

SF: This season is only really the start. We’ve endured a lot this year with a ridiculous run of injuries to some key players and we have still managed to get a side out and battle and compete each week. The future is looking bright for us with the acadamy being set up and lots of positives seem to be happening on the ground front at the moment which is obviously key to the success of the club.

I’ll tell you something as well Fisher’s support is the best I’ve ever witnessed in my career and they deserve whatever success we can bring to this club.

Mark Sisson and Danny Hunt provided Fisher's front line. Photograph: Jacopo Maino

The Fish fell to a second away defeat in a row, as a youthful side fell to Woodstock Sports in atrocious conditions on Saturday.

Injuries to Danny Tipple and Peter Afolayan, plus a suspension for Adam Wadmore, meant that Steve Firkins was forced to make changes and he handed Fisher Under 18 wingers – and twins – Alex and Andrew Ball their debuts. Also starting for the Fish was Danny Taylor at right back, with Richie Monan moving across the defence to cover the left-back role.

As the game kicked off in extremely blustery conditions, the heavy rain that had been forecast for 3pm arrived bang on time. Fisher were playing into the wind in the first half, and the rain, wind and bumpy pitch meant that both sides struggled to string moves together. But the Fish started brightly and there were early chances for Mark Sisson and Danny Hunt while a ball flashed across the Fisher box from a set piece could have gone anywhere – fortunately it went to a Fisher boot and was cleared.

Woodstock took the lead from a corner shortly afterwards though, as James McDonald got hold of a loose ball and gave Bill Hensman no chance with his finish. Fisher responded however, and were level after 24 minutes when Sisson latched on to a Jamie Turner through ball and he sent a cool chipped finish over Woodstock keeper Lewis Rankin from nine yards out.

The rest of the half was scrappy, and it was a relief to all concerned when the referee blew for half time and gave the players and spectators some brief respite from the conditions.

Woodstock regained their lead shortly after the break as McDonald took on Jarrett-Elliott on the right and his shot from an angle somehow went in at the near post – a wicked deflection fooling Hensman who could only watch it loop into the net.

Hunt should have levelled things up at two apiece on 57 minutes when he was put through on goal by Turner but he couldn’t beat Rankin who was able to block his shot. Fisher continued to press and were able to dominate possession, but chances were few and far between. Bryan Zepo, another youth team product, replaced Andrew Ball and looked lively on the left. And there was also time for a debut for a fourth under 18s graduate, Keiron Campbell.

The Fish had little to show for their efforts, despite winning a number of corners, although Jarrett-Elliott went close with a first time shot that went just over. Woodstock picked the Fish off on the break in the closing stages, with McDonald completing his hat trick then an unmarked Joe Sands scoring an injury time fourth to ensure that the scoreline was more emphatic than the game itself suggested.

Another tough away day for the Fish however, although the appearance of talented young players from Fisher’s existing youth section bodes well for the future. Fisher return home on Saturday to face VCD at Champion Hill.

Fisher: Hensman, Taylor, Monan, Wilson-Joseph, Jarrett-Elliott, Walton, Alex Ball (Campbell 77), Turner, Sisson, Hunt, Andrew Ball (Zepo 60)

Goal: Sisson 24

Attendance: 51

Supporters in the main stand. Photograph: Jacopo Maino

Fisher FC is on the look-out for talented people who want to help us develop and grow our supporter-owned club.

The Fish, who are constituted as a not-for-profit co-operative organisation, have made huge strides since forming in 2009 in the wake of Fisher Athletic’s liquidation. Now, as our chairman Ben Westmancott explains, we are looking for people who want to help us take the next steps in our journey.

“We’ve achieved a huge amount in the last three years: we’ve developed a competitive first team with ambitions for promotion, have just launched a Bermondsey-based football academy, improved our links with the local community including donating shirt sponsorship to Downside Fisher Youth Club and Time and Talents this season, and we are making progress in our plans to get back to Bermondsey.

“But we need help if we are going to continue this good work. We are looking for talented people who share our vision and values and who can contribute just a few hours a month to help us. This includes board positions as well as match day and behind the scenes roles. If you believe that clubs should be run sustainably, and want to help Fisher FC develop, then get in touch!”

To help us achieve our ambitious work programme we need the help of talented people who share our vision and values and practical help on match-days and behind the scenes. The jobs are all good fun, and because you’re working for a co-operative then all of our supporters, members and players will benefit from your efforts!

We are recruiting to the following positions:

• Board members (we are particularly keen to hear from those with financial, legal, commercial and organisational development skills)
• Match-day volunteers to help with pre-match preparations, hospitality, programme sales.
• Fundraisers
• Bookkeeper

So if you share our passion to grow Fisher FC as a community club and create a new dynamic and multifunctional facility in north Southwark, and you have a few hours a month to spare, then we’d love to hear from you.  Please email  with a summary of your skills and experience and we’ll be in touch.  All positions are unpaid but we will provide an induction and reimburse reasonable expenses.  The deadline for applying for this round of applications is 5pm on Tuesday 28^th February.

If you would like to discuss any of these opportunities please contact our chairman, Ben Westmancott via ben@fisherfc.co.uk

Fisher will be hunting for more away day success on Saturday. Photo: Jacopo Maino

We travel to Woodstock Sports on Saturday, just a few weeks after a fiery encounter at Champion Hill ended with Fisher winning 2-1 and Woodstock reduced to nine men.

But Sports responded to that setback by defeating Erith Town in the Macron Premier Division Cup, an excellent result that set up a semi-final tie with Corinthian. Woodstock are offering FREE entry to this match – with a copy of the Sittingbourne News Extra newspaper.

The Fish will be without Adam Wadmore as he misses one game following his dismissal against Tunbridge Wells. Woodstock have player-manager Ben Taylor and two other players also missing the game through suspension. Fisher boss Steve Firkins may elect to shuffle his pack following the unplanned winter break and the poor result last time out at Wells.

Woodstock Sports’ ground is a little off the beaten track, in countryside outside Sittingbourne, but features an excellent clubhouse serving real ale. It may be a little too chilly to enjoy the palm trees and picnic tables, but please do come along and support the Fish as we look for another three points to push us back up the table.

Woodstock Sports v Fisher
3pm, Saturday 18^th February 2012
Kent Hurlimann Football League
Woodstock Sports & Social Club, Broadoak Road, Sittingbourne, ME9 8AG

Getting there

By road: Take the A2 then the M2 out of town. From the M2 exit at Junction 5, take A249 towards Sheerness, leave A249 at 1st junction, raised section to Key Street roundabout, take A2 to Sittingbourne.

One way system to town centre, first right into Park Road, Park Road becomes Gore Court Road, Gore Court Road becomes Woodstock Road, Woodstock Road becomes Ruins Barn Road.

When housing ends after approximately half a mile, take left as signposted Kent Science Park/Sittingbourne Research Centre into Broadoak Road, down hill past Research Centre on right, carry on up hill, take left into car park Woodstock Park.

By rail: Take a train from Victoria, or from Stratford International (Jubilee line to Stratford then walk through Westfield to Stratford International). Victoria services take  just over an hour, with trains from Victoria leaving at 22 and 52 minutes past the hour; while high-speed services from Stratford International leave at 12:02, 12:35, and 13:06 taking 50 minutes.

From Sittingbourne you are advised to get a cab the 2 ½ miles to the ground. If you would like to cab share, post in the comments so that we can organise groups. You can walk it if you are feeling energetic, directions from Andy of Kent’s site are: Out of station and at roundabout take Dover Street into town centre and follow around to left, then left into High Street, right into Park Road which becomes Gore Court Road, Woodstock Road, and as it leaves town Ruins Barn Road, then left into Broad Oak Road and entrance to ground is on left opposite Kent Science Park.

Fisher FC patron Simon Hughes MP at the Blue Market. Photo: Alex Folkes/Liberal Democrats @flickr

Fisher FC patron and local MP Simon Hughes last week spoke at the launch of the Supporters Direct football governance proposals.

The launch was also attended by Fisher FC chairman Ben Westmancott, and saw Supporters Direct (the umbrella body supporting fan ownership and supporters’ trusts) outline the changes they would like to see in the way football is run in this country. In particular, the proposals seek the integration of supporters trusts in the governance of football clubs.

This work is hugely important particularly at a time when fans continue to see their clubs suffer at the hands of over-ambitious owners – or owners who do not have the best interests of the club at heart.

Mr Hughes spoke in favour of the proposals, and noted that had they been in place a few years ago then perhaps Fisher Athletic would not have been able to get into the financial difficulties that led to the liquidation of the club.

You can read more about the proposals, and the work of Supporters Direct, on their website.

Freezing temperatures have put Saturday's game in doubt.

Saturday’s game against Greenwich Borough has been postponed due to a frozen pitch at Champion Hill.

First team coach Adam Lawrence will also hold role of Academy Director. Photograph: Jacopo Maino

Fisher this week launch our new football academy programme, aimed at talented young footballers in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe.

The programme, delivered in partnership with the Millwall Community Scheme (MCS) and SCL, allows gifted footballers aged 16-18 to further their footballing education while also studying for an NVQ. Players will receive at least six hours coaching a week (plus matches), with six hours of education. Open trials will be held in February and April to select players, and the scheme gets underway for the 2012-13 season.

First team coach Adam Lawrence, who works as a Football Development Officer at MCS and will take up the role of Academy Director, said of the scheme:

“This is a very exciting time for Fisher FC as the academy will provide youths aged between 16-18 with the opportunity to study and play in an environment similar to that at a professional club. There will also be a very positive link to the first team as the academy will provide an exit route for talented young players into semi professional football.

“This is just the start of a complete revamp of the clubs youth development programme and working in partnership with Millwall Community Scheme will result in Fisher FC building positive links with Millwall FC, whilst being able to offer training and academic facilities of the highest standard. I am excited and privileged to be helping this special club achieve its dreams.”

The academy side will play in a competitive league against youth teams from other semi-professional sides, giving the players an excellent grounding that will help prepare them for the step up to senior football. The educational aspect to the scheme will provide participants with a recognised qualification that they will be able to use to further their career in football, or to help secure entry to further education and university.

Fisher chairman Ben Westmancott welcomed the launch by explaining “since we reformed, the focus on the pitch has been on establishing a competitive first team. But as we look to the future, and work to get home to Bermondsey, it is essential that we rebuild our footballing links in the community. The academy programme forms part of our plans to support the development of talented local players, as well as helping keep in education 16-18 year olds who might otherwise not take up that option.”

Trials will be held at Bacon’s College, Timber Pond Road, Rotherhithe on Feb 13^th and April 11^th 2012. To register, talented players should visit the SCL website at http://www.scl-online.co.uk/football-academy.php

Interested players or parents should contact Adam Lawrence on  07534 278943 or via email at adam@fisherfc.co.uk.

It was a disappointing performance from the Fish at Tunbridge Wells. Photo: Jacopo Maino

It was a day to forget for the Fish as they lost heavily on a boggy pitch at Culverden.

Fisher, competitive throughout, lost out to a Tunbridge Wells side who demonstrated superior finishing and took full advantage of the space they were allowed in attack. Steve Firkins had a limited squad to choose from with personal commitments and injuries leaving the squad a little bare. Nevertheless, it was a strong starting line-up that took the field.

The pitch at Culverden had passed a morning inspection but was very boggy, especially down the middle. Wells got off to a flying start as a good move down the right was finished by Andy McMath after just three minutes. Wells continued to push forward after the goal, though only a good save denied Adam Wadmore as he connected with a free kick and headed towards goal.

But it was Wells making the running, and they hit the post twice before taking the lead just before the half-hour mark. Fisher looked to have cleared their lines and retained possession, but the ball was lost at the halfway line and was worked back into the box leaving Jack Harris with an easy finish.

A third followed as Wells exploited enormous gaps on the Fisher left, Rook left with a virtual tap in as the Fish tried to cover. Chris Hubbard was brought on as Fisher switched to a 4-4-2, and they got back in the game as Wadmore fired home on the half-volley on 38 minutes – Wells protested that an arm was involved in controlling the ball, but the referee deemed that it had hit the top of Wadmore’s chest.

Any hopes of a Fisher revival were dashed two minutes after half time as McMath was allowed far too much space on the edge of the box and he smashed the ball past Joe Hagan. Wadmore, at the heart of many good moves for the Fish, shot wide from a corner but the game was up at this stage.

Wells added a fifth through Rook, this time after attacking Fisher down the left. The Fish continued to work hard and Jamie Humphris, another who impressed in a losing cause, went on a mazy run only to see his shot well saved.

Both sides were reduced to ten men shortly afterwards – Jon Pilbeam recieved a second yellow for a late challenge on Wadmore, and incredibly the referee decided that Wadmore’s cry of frustration at the challenge was also a crime worthy of a second yellow card.

Wells then added a sixth through Gary Clarke, before they were awarded a soft penalty in the closing stages. Hagan however, who could not be blamed for any of the six goals, pulled off an excellent diving stop to at least prevent a repeat of last season’s debacle at Culverden where we conceded seven.

A poor display from the Fish, who face a resurgent Greenwich Borough side on Saturday at Champion Hill.

Fisher: Hagan, Monan, Tipple (Humphris 55), Walton, Helps (Hubbard 37), Beavan, Wadmore, Wilson-Joseph, Sisson, Afolayan, Jarrett-Elliott

Goal: Wadmore 38

Sent off: Wadmore

Attendance: 157

Adam Wadmore celebrates his opener against Deal Town in October. Photo: Jacopo Maino

Saturday’s match at Tunbridge Wells goes ahead as planned following an early pitch inspection.

Tunbridge Wells vs Fisher FC
3pm, Saturday 28^th January 2012
Kent Hurlimann Football League
Culverden Stadium, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9SG

By train: Direct trains from London Bridge take about 45 minutes and leave every 15 minutes during the early afternoon. It’s about one and half miles’ walk from the station to the ground, which you can break up with a couple of pints at one of the pubs on the way out of the town centre, and up the hill towards the hospital. Leave the station on east (southbound) side and turn left into Mount Pleasant Road, then continue into Grosvenor Road and then St John’s Road, and left into Culverden Down. After the turning for Reynolds Lane, the turning for the ground is the third track on the right, and the ground is at the end.

By car: Head out of town on the A2 then A20. Take the M25 towards Gatwick, then leave at junction 5 signposted Sevenoaks/Hastings on the A21. After about 10 miles, merge right onto the A26 (Southborough/Tunbridge Wells) and after 3.2 miles turn right into Culverden Down.

Thanks to Andy of Kent’s excellent, national, guide to getting to football on public transport.

The was no cup magic under the lights at Champion Hill this time. Photograph: Jacopo Maino

Fisher battled hard against Corinthian but were unable to make the breakthrough against a well-drilled defence, and bowed out of the Macron Premier Division Cup.

Corinthian arrived at Champion Hill with a 2-0 lead from the first leg, and were content to hold what they had. They were able to do so successfully as the Fish worked their socks off but for little reward.

Corinthian in fact had the ball in the net inside six minutes, but the goal was ruled out as a flying boot caught George Beavan in the build up. Fisher then forced two saves from Corinthian keeper Dan Bygrave as Danny Tipple fired in a free kick, and Peter Afolayan neatly controlled the ball and smashed a right-footed drive.

The visitors were then extremely lucky to keep eleven men on the pitch as Ben Wilson’s studs-up lunge on Frankie Warren was deemed only worthy of a yellow card. The crowd were expecting a red as Warren was left in agony by the challenge, but Wilson got the benefit of the doubt. Fortunately Warren recovered and went on to have an excellent game in midfield.

Jamie Humphris nearly rounded keeper Bygrave on 30 minutes after excellent work from Afolayan, but he just wasn’t able to keep control of the ball. Chan Quan went on a brilliant run, beating two men, but his shot was fired wide. It was good stuff from the Fish, but quality where it mattered was lacking and Corinthian began to sense that they would be able to keep the home team at bay.

It was more of the same after half time, as Fisher pushed forward and dominated possession and territory. But despite the pressure, Fisher were unable to fashion any clear-cut chances and as time began to run out it was Corinthian who had the better opportunities to score. Joe Hagan kept them out with some fine stops, and Fisher worked right up until the final whistle.

In the end though, Fisher’s hard work and commitment were not enough to break down Corinthian who went deservedly through to the semi-finals. The Fish are left to concentrate on securing a place towards the top of the league, starting with a tough trip to Tunbridge Wells on Saturday.

Fisher: Hagan, Monan, Tipple, Warren, Beavan, Walton, Quan (Jarrett-Elliott 65), Wadmore (Wilson-Joseph 76), Afolayan, Humphris, Hubbard (Sisson 46)

Subs: Helps, Hensman

Attendance: 110