LEATHERHEAD 1 - 0 CHATHAM TOWN A sun drenched Fetcham Grove was filled with more noise and excitement than usual with a visit from Bookham Colts under-9s teams. As well as watching the game and playing during the half-time interval, they were treated to a behind-the-scenes visit to the home dressing room where Tanners boss Dave Harlow was preparing his team for this tricky fixture against Ryman League new boys Chatham Town.
For the Tanners, top marksman Dave Stevens had to miss the game with a hamstring strain, and midfielder Gavin Bolger also missed out with a bruised foot.
The visitors from Kent arrived with a record of no losses in their first four games, so the fans were looking forward to a competitive match. The first half however, was a scrappy affair with neither side impressing, although there were one or two half chances.
Neither side asserted themselves in the early exchanges, but in the 10th minute, a good Tanners move finished with Dean ‘Chippy’ Carpenter blasting over from the edge of the 18-yard area. This was quickly followed by a tricky run on the right flank by Scott Bennetts but a defender blocked his cross, and the resulting corner came to nothing.
A great 40 yard cross field pass from Steve Sargent was well controlled by Carpenter on the left edge of the Chatham box, his probing cross caused mayhem in the Chats goal mouth, but no Leatherhead player could convert the chance.
Gradually Chatham were getting more into the game, and a couple of free kicks around the Tanner’s box gave them good opportunities which were snuffed out by a Tanners defence which again showed good understanding and strength.
A couple of half chances for Julien Thompson towards the end of the first forty-five might have given the Tanners the lead, but in fairness neither side showed enough composure on the ball to deserve being in front.
Manager Dave Harlow’s half time team talk looked to have worked as the Tanners started the second 45 looking much more dangerous. Fewer long balls were played, with a more joined-up passing game in evidence. As early as the first minute after the break, superb close work by Thompson followed by a sharp ball across the Chatham box somehow eluded a finishing touch from a Tanners player, and the chance went begging. Thompson quickly followed this with a smart turn and shot, which fizzed just over the Kent side’s cross bar.
The crowd were now witnessing a much more purposeful Tanners approach, and following good work by Marc Charles-Smith they won a corner in the 55th minute. Carpenter took the corner – a pre-planned training ground move – and Steve Sargent drilled the ball home through a crowded penalty area. Cue scenes of both delirium and relief from the Tanners faithful. Sargent had actually scored from the exact same corner move last week at Epsom & Ewell in last week’s FA Cup tie so clearly all the practising was now paying dividends.
The goal forced Chatham to open up and they started to exert pressure on the Tanners defence with No. 7 Darren Smith being at the centre of most of their best chances all afternoon. A curling free kick from Smith was well saved by Tanners keeper Chris Gibson, who looked sound all afternoon.
On the break the Tanners had several more chances to increase their lead, with a mazy run into the Chats danger zone by Charles-Smith being the pick.
But it wasn’t to be, and the Tanners held out for a narrow win, which now lifts them one place to 5th in Ryman League Division One (South). It was by no means a vintage performance but the Tanners have yet to concede a goal at home this season. With the defence providing a sound foundation, the Tanners are already looking like a difficult team to beat, particularly at ‘Fortress Fetcham Grove’
Tanners team: Gibson, Bennetts, Gray, Duncan, Doherty, Holmes, Sargent, Greenaway, Thompson (Sheerin), Charles-Smith (Read), Carpenter
