We'll have to work really hard to get something out of Cray Valley game, says Fisher boss Dean Harrison

FISHER manager Dean Harrison says his side will have to work really hard to beat Cray Valley (Paper Mills) on Saturday.

The Fish remain Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division leaders after their 4-1 home win over Punjab United last weekend.

Harrison’s side have banked 59 points from 26 games, level on points with Corinthian, who have a game in hand.

Sixth-placed Sheppey United withdrew from the title race last weekend after losing 2-0 at AFC Croydon Athletic.

Big budget clubs Cray Valley sit in third with 52 points from 24 games; Beckenham Town are in fourth-place with 50 points from 25 games, while Chatham Town have banked 49 points and have four games in hand on the Fish.

“Last week was a solid 4-1 victory against a good attacking Punjab side,” said Harrison.

“We had to defend well at times and I’ll be surprised if they don’t take points from some of the top sides in the run in.”

Since being knocked out of the Kent Senior Trophy by bitter-rivals Beckenham Town on 19 January, Fisher have bounced back by winning games against Rusthall (3-0); Sheppey United (1-0); Erith Town (1-0 in the Challenge Cup) and Punjab.

But their biggest challenge comes on Saturday when Kevin Watson brings his Cray Valley side to St Paul’s.

The Millers have reached The Buildbase FA Vase Quarter-Finals and travel down to Devon to play Willand Rovers on 23 February, while Canterbury City host Biggleswade at Salters Lane, Faversham 24 hours later.

Watson’s side were knocked out of the Challenge Cup by Corinthian in the Quarter-Finals last night, losing 3-2 in extra-time.

Corinthian join Chatham Town, Fisher and Sporting Club Thamesmead in the Semi-Finals.

“They rested some key players in their Challenge Cup Quarter-Final against Corinthian last night so I’m expecting them to field a very strong side full of quality at the weekend,” said Harrison.

“They’re making some outrageous signings and I would imagine failing to win the league this year is not an option for Kevin Watson.

“Hopefully, we can get a decent crowd in and create a real good Bermondsey atmosphere to push the lads on.

“We’ll have to work really hard to get something out of this one!”

The Millers boss has recently added former Dulwich Hamlet attacker Gavin Tomlin and he has scored four goals for the club since his arrival.

Watson has firepower in the shape of Anthony Edgar (22 goals); Kevin Lisbie (21); Francis Babalola (19) and Denzel Gayle (16).

Fisher’s leading goalscorers is attacking midfielder Rob Brown (15) and Trey Small, who has notched 11 this season.

Visit Fisher’s website:  www.fisherfc.org

Fisher  v  Cray Valley (Paper Mills)
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 16 February 2019
Kick Off 3:00pm
at St Paul’s Stadium, Salter Road, Rotherhithe, London SE16 5EF