Welcome to The Lip. Leatherhead FC's alternative "unofficial" website. Up the Tanners!
Dulwich Are Coming
“Come on now, we’ve taking some beatings in the past but it is time to toughen up!” Right, that’s the pep talk given to the dressing room door over with now to the players…
Dulwich are coming tomorrow and arriving having dropped from top of the league to mid table in just a few days! Could be the time to play them!
Talk is of three new players in the ranks so get down to the Grove and see how they slot in. Kick-off at
Walton 3 – 1 Tanners
In
The second sign is that even my wife has commented on the losing streak. Yes, it has gotten that bad. Leatherhead simply have lost their way at the back. With Lyndval injured and Holmes’ diary being as up to date as Dickies we had another debutant in the back.
Even with a new player in the side the rate we are conceding goal at the back post is becoming worrying. A diagonal ball was not cut out and the ball glanced down into the bottom corner. Can’t remember the second goal, they are all blurring into one!
Leatherhead got their break when a professional foul gave
The second half picked up all of the lose ends of the first half in terms of the niggling that had been going on. The climax was deep in the Leatherhead half. A incident saw some jostling with Forrester in the thick of it. The ref was talking to some players and then this spilled out elsewhere and the lino got involved. It was their number 3 that got his marching orders. Despite getting his very entangled with the Walton player Scott insisted on talking to the ref despite pleas from fellow greens to get on with the game. He picked up a yellow and was subbed to protect our one man advantage.
This game was getting nasty but with the man advantage Leatherhead were attacking although the ball either went to feet with our backs to goal or the cross failed to beat the first man.
Just when we felt the equaliser would come a poor clearance by the ‘keeper and a player treading on the ball saw a Walton player free on goal. His spectacular striker flew in from the underside of the bar.
The game looked all but lost until Tiesse won a penalty (given by the lino) who made the classic mistake of taking it himself. His tame shot barely warmed the hands of the ‘keeper.
League leaders come to the Grove Saturday… what could go wrong?
Walton Casuals must be looking forward to this trip. Here is a team that we have given a right hiding to every time but they face a prospect of playing us in the middle of a period of flux. Is this the chance of getting three points over us? Is it panto season?
The only shame about all this is that Gerald has made a mistake with this rearranged fixture. This game should only be played in September, April or something hotter than this so we can enjoy that nice pub by the river.
You can’t have it all…
Directions
Cannot seem to find clear directions, so try this for directions from the club.
The Bash 4 – 0 Tanners
Leatherhead were well beaten today to bring their adventure in the Trophy to a close. The first half Leatherhead looked up for the fight, carving out the better chances and striking the post.
The new players well performing well and it looked like we could see the half out on top until the referee intervened with a strange decision. A long ball saw our ‘keeper come out to smother the shot. The striker beat him to it and got a shot on goal away. The two came together and so the ref gave a penalty.
I wouldn’t have minded if one person in the ground had appealed for it or even cheered once it was given but as it was greeted by embarrassed silence it did nothing for those who had made the long journey south.
I am sure the travelling supporters would love to pin the outcome on the game on the ref but as the second half wore on the travelling side offered little to change the result. The home side slowly applied themselves to notch up a further three goals from a combination of set pieces and open play to see themselves safely to the First Round.
Before the game we had dreamt of away ties at
Travelling Tanners
So here we go then. One of the last chances to claim we have had a cup run this year as we play the third and last qualifying round of the FA Trophy. The romance of the trophy (hhhmn, doesn’t sound the same) sees us travel to the
So
Directions
Again from their site so don't blame me!
From the M3 take the westward arm of the M27 (signed to
Once on the B3058 bear right at the Rising Sun Public House; you will soon come into Bashley village. The ground is on the left shortly after the Esso petrol station.
Pub Guide
This is a tricky one as the locals haven’t really helped here. I am going to suggest the
Tanners 2 – 3 Croydon Athletic
Heartbreak for the home fans who felt they were on the brink of their league first win under the new management.
With two new players in the line up things were looking up for the home side as they began to carve their way into game. It looked to have come when a dangerous in swinging cross was punched away by a Croydon defender. The ref appeared to a penalty only for it to be a goal kick claiming it was ball to hand… but what of the corner?
Anyway, Leatherhead were not to be denied and a shot from outside the box fell nicely to Benno who twisted and shot the ball past the ‘keeper. We were on our way, but failure to clear the ball saw Leatherhead concede the equaliser after about two minutes of goal mouth pressure.
The game was still there to be won so took the game to Croydon and abandoning the up and under of Saturday. A clever through ball saw Tiesse through and his finish gave the home fans hope not only for this game but for the future.
Croydon did not appear to have any response but then the answer was almost handed to them. The right wing had been our playground with an avenue to get the ball away from danger, keep possession and produce dangerous balls into their box. The new player though could not last the full 90 and on came Billy Marshall who lacked the strength and composure of the debutant and it gave them their own outlet. So down the left came their threat and they capitalised on it.
A breakaway and a cheeky lob saw the equaliser and the cross into the box saw a player unmarked and his powerful shot cannon in of the bar. The damage was done.
The one thing to note was Benno’s reaction as he left the pitch. He almost had a free role in the first half and got his goal. Although he was quieter in the second he worked hard and showed his frustration on leaving the pitch. It showed he cared and a trait that will be valuable as we dig in over next weeks in search of the next three points.
On to Bashley for the Trophy. Looking forward to the break and a suitable pub will be put up here later this week.
Croydon Athletic Are Coming?
Spare a thought for
If the game is rained off it will give the Tanners another few days to regroup and get back to winning ways. Saturday’s game sees us travel to Bashley to give us a welcome break as we have performed well in knock out tournaments recently.
Good Luck Marc!
Sky Sports will show ex-Tanners MCS in action tonight. His equaliser will no doubt draw attention and with any luck his first round exploits (ok… only playing) will get us a mention. Perhaps?
Leatherhead 0 – 1 Chipstead
Speculation that this could be our first league win under our new boss proved to be unfounded as the Tanners fail to score for yet another game.
It was unfortunate timing for Ian’s column to state how the defensive issues were addressed as we conceded the most basic of goals. A kick to the far post headed back across goal to a free striker.
Leatherhead were not without their opportunities. The best falling to Forrester who elected to break the ‘keepers nose rather than his trade mark placing of the ball. Billy Marshall was almost as guilty as he fired his first time left footed shot past the open goal and into the side netting.
Alex Tiesse started and looks like he has great control on the ball, while Rummery came on as a sub but had little coming his way.
The second half was even scrappier from the home side. The best chance came when ball fell in the box and the red defence parted but it was not Moses at hand but Jesus whose powerful shot was well saved.
Still work to be done but we have the right man to do it!
Back to the league for Leatherhead after the distractions of the FA Trophy and League Cup. With all of the changes it has been a torrid time in the league but has the tide turned with new players coming… and what players with the ex-Horsham hitman Rummery joining us.
His song is hard to pull off though. From memory it is the Lion Sleeps tonight with the name Rummery sung as backing vocals… my falsetto voice could be strained tomorrow.
What is more, no one has left for at least 48 hours! Are we out of the storming and into the norming?
Then our minds will turn to other matters…. Cry 'God for
Kick off at
Carshalton 1 – 0 Tanners
Another challenging dressing room shuffle for Ian as Sargent was not present for the League Cup clash. What would have been trying for any manager got worse soon into the game with Leatherhead rock Henders going off with an injury followed by
Ex-Leatherhead team of Hayden “It’s not you, it’s me” Bird and Bob “It’s not two, it’s three” Langford could sit in their dug out with greater ease as their side took the lead.
Leatherhead continued to fight but lacked any kind of threat with all of the enforced changes. Not even Chris Carew West could make the break though!
Travelling Tanners
Dave Blaz must be in pitch heaven with all of these away trips! Yes we are on the road and we are only going to play two ex-Leatherhead coaches. Yes we face Hayden “It’s not you, it's me” Bird and Bob Langford.
Hayden is focussing hard on this game. On the website he writes of this game, “On Tuesday night, once again we focus on the cup. The early news is Dean Carpenter is likely to miss the game with the ankle injury he collected today but Barry Stevens (who has not considered 100% fit by Ross, with a slight tear in his Achilles) is hoping to return to full fitness.” Insightful.
Good luck to all going to the game!
Directions
From the M25 Take exit No 8 on the A217 passing
Continue until roundabout before sign to Sutton, bear left still on the A217 continue until you reach the Rose-Hill roundabout (approx 2 miles), take the 4th exit into
Continue for 1 to 1.5 miles turn right
Private road leads to stadium and car park
The website says they charge a whopping £1 for parking. No wonder they can afford Chippy!
Chatham 0 – 0 Tanners
The Travelling Tanners were worried about possible news of players leaving and the early signs were not good on entering the ground when the programme only had blank lines for names at the back.
It was a relief to see Sargent out there who went on to be one of the best players on the park today. His play making in the centre was exciting to watch today and a lot of hopes will rest on his decision over the next few days.
That said the whole team looked like a unit today with short crisp passes and dangerous balls in.
The second half, a period Tanners fans had grown to hate, saw them push for a winning. Henders had one headed off the line… by a fellow Tanner in the wrong place and new striker Chris West looked impressive with his size and menacing runs.
The best chance of the game to Benno, fired up and driving into the box, his placed shot hit the post and nearly bounced to Forrester but was cleared. So a point on the road.
Travelling Tanners
There is a bounce around the club at the moment. OK a few players have lost their way and decided to slum it in other clubs but of the players that have stuck it out they are fast winning the respect of the Tanners faithful with some great performance against higher opposition.
There will be some new faces on show to. Having a qualified coach is having some pulling power in attracting some fringe players at higher ranked clubs and in the short term this will be crucial while we find our feet.
Exciting times and a good pub to recommend too!
Directions (usual not my fault if it goes wrong disclaimer!)
Exit the M2 at junction 3, and follow directions for Chatham & Town Centre. You will then pass a Homebase & Toys 'R' Us on the left hand side.
Continue straight over the roundabout and then there is a split in the road, where you bear right for
Pub Guide
A little off the beaten track and you’ll need SatNavs to find it but it comes highly recommened… The Malta Inn.
Tanners Youth 0 – 3 Chairbabies
Leatherhead’s amazing FA Cup adventure draws to a close as they faced a talented youth side in Wycombe Wanderers. As news same in of a freak 10 minute tornado that battered the
The opening minutes were uncomfortable viewing with Wycombe using their size and skill to create some good chances. Leatherhead hung in there and eventually started playing with some belief. Playing in their half and even daring to try and score.
If anything Leatherhead became too confident and lost the ball in a couple of dangerous positions while over committing to allow Wycombe to flood down the other end in dangerous counter attacks. It was from one of these the goal came and although the shot appeared to be hand balled by a Leatherhead player the ref waved play on to give the goal.
During half time the WAGs were on display. “If only I was en years older…” I mused… I’d still be too old!
Plenty to be proud of and with a
FA Cup First Round and Leatherhead go together like Kingstonian and Jamie Beer… an explosive combination if ever there was one. Our Youth Team wear the Tanners shirt with pride tomorrow as they take on the
It will be a hell of a night… £3 to get in (subject to people telling me I am wrong on the message board)… and a
Julien Thompson, starting in the new 4 3 3 formation opened the scoring after just five minutes. Had it been Jamie Beer the home side may have read the script before but there was a twist, they were to equalise in this replay.
With a heavy youth presence of the bench, subs had to be chosen wisely so the starting eleven battled it out for much of the game. They even looked to have won it outright when Murphy was seemingly brought down in the box but the ref gave a yellow for diving.
Not to worry. Justice was served as it was the Green army who held their nerve. On to Bashley! Well done fellas and those who made this gruelling trip!
Exit the M32 at Junction 1 and follow the A4174 Ring Road, through the traffic light controlled cross roads. At the first roundabout turn left and continue on the A4174 Ring Road to a second roundabout. At the second roundabout continue on the A4174 Ring Road until you reach the third roundabout. At this roundabout turn right onto the Westerleigh Road, past the Beefeater pub and Esso garage on your left go across the mini roundabout to a set of traffic lights. At these lights turn left into Blackhorse Road, continue along this road and across another mini roundabout into Richmond Road. At the T junction with St. James Street (Red Lion pub opposite) turn left, after approximately 100 metres take the second turning on the left (immediately past the church) this is Cossham Street, the ground is approximately 300 metres on the right immediately after the mini roundabout.
From central Bristol take A432 through Fishponds, Staple Hill, to Mangotsfield and turn right by village church onto B4465.
From Bath/Keynsham follow A4175, right at island at Willsbridge onto A431, then rejoin A4175 at next island (Cherry Garden Hill) to Bridge Yate, straight over double mini roundabout and take 1st left, right into Carsons Road after 1 mile and follow to Mangotsfield village and turn right by church onto B4465.Tanners 1 – 1 Mangos
It wasn’t the repeat of the last time we met at the Grove but more like the first nervy encounter at their place and it finished with the same result.
The visitors opened the scoring after looking the more likely for most of the opening 30 minutes. Leatherhead were in the game but played with a lack of real belief and perhaps signs that things have yet to settle down.
For a period of about three minutes the ball was pumped into our box with the back line seemingly unable to truly deal with it. Eventually a shot was saved but it fell to their right sided midfielder who clipped the ball just over the player on the line.
The second half started and something happened which has not occurred many times in recent years. Changes were made there and then instead of seeing how it went. We went three up front with Julien adding to the firepower and slowly but surely we edged our way into the game.
The warning sign should have been to the visitors when Julien was clear on goal and blasted over but they failed to react in a way to kill off the game. Instead of either holding on to the ball or trying for a second they aimed for petty time wasting and faking injury.
This poor level of tactics cost them as the time ran down from “there’s plenty of time” to “there’s still time” and finally to “it’s now or never” we got a throw in that was allowed to bounce in the box. The ball was swept back in for the grateful Forrester to bang into the roof of the net.
The fans cheered… then shuffled, looking at their feet while coming up with excuses for missing the replay.
At
Our old sparring partners of last season arrive in a different FA Competition tomorrow as we face Mangotsfield again. On paper they represented our stiffest test and we did well to get a draw at their place but went on to shock them in the opening 20 minutes.
Sadly, some people say that was the last time we played genuinely well at the Grove… well up until the last round of the FA Trophy this year so perhaps it was meant to be! It will also be a chance to see the comings and goings at the Grove first hand.
Kick off at
