Travelling Tanners

I am going to have pretty much no chance of following the action on Saturday or any Levred action until I return from a remote part of Brazil so lets get the update up nice and early.

Saturday we travel to Chipstead to hopefully improve on our 7th place standing.  We were only there a short while ago when we took on Epsom & Ewell so it should be familiar surroundings.

If not, here are the directions.  Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

Corinthians 0 - 2 Tanners

Goals from Bradbrook and Thompson put fears of past bogey grounds to rest.

Leatherhead now climb to 7th...

Happy Christmas

Happy Christmas Levred fans... See you in 2013...

Epsom & Ewell 1 - 4 Tanners

Leatherhead see out a "low key" affair thanks to an early strike from Kev Terry to clam the nerves.  Vernon doubled our lead just inside the half get us into the dressing room in confident mood.

Maybe too confident as the hosts pulled one back but a goals from Holness and a Simmons' penalty (who had only been on the pitch for 10 minutes) made the score line look a lot more comfortable.

Leatherhead progress in Surrey Senior and can now look forward to hosting Sittingbourne who sit in 5th place...

Travelling Tanners

Surrey Senior Cup action tonight and a potential banana skin with a home side in fine form with The Salts enjoying four straight wins.

Leatherhead can hopefully build on a fine away win at the weekend and we're not doing badly with four wins in the last six.

Don't forget Epsom & Ewell play at Chipstead and directions can be found here. Kick off at 7.45.  Good luck fellas!

Three Bridges 1 - 3 Tanners

Leatherhead come back from a goal down to take all three points today.  Simmons getting the equaliser with some help from a hapless 'keeper.

Second half and a sub that raised some eyebrows.  Kev Terry, who had some clear chances and hit the post, for Blackman.  This paid dividends as he netted the third goal after Bradbrook had put us in front.

Three Bridges look like they are going to make heavy weather of this league while  Leatherhead edge up...

Travelling Tanners

After the disappointment of travelling to Faversham, Leatherhead have a further away trip to look foward to.  Three Bridges is up next and while I am a little far from the action I hear similar weather concerns may be in place with heavy rain today.

Although tomorrow may not be the best time to play them.  They seem to be on a run of winning every fourth game and that is where we would find ourselves tomorrow.

Kick off at 3pm.  Directions are as follows....

Leave the M23 at Junction 10 heading towards Crawley on the A2011 (Crawley Avenue). At the roundabout take the first left heading towards Three Bridges Train Station (Hazelwick Avenue). Pass Tesco on your left and head straight over the roundabout (second exit). As you approach the traffic lights remain in the right hand side lane. After turning right in to Haslett Avenue at these lights move immediately in to the right turn lane at the next set of lights. Turn right at these lights in to Three Bridges Road. Follow the road round to the left then turn left after one hundred yards in to Jubilee Walk (directly opposite the Plough Pub). Follow the road to the end and turn right (still Jubilee Walk) and head straight on where Three Bridges Jubilee Field Stadium is at the far end.

Game off

Spare a thought for the players and fans who made the trip only for the game to be called off minutes before kick off.  THAT is not a short journey.

Better luck next time for Saturday...  Three Bridges... who did play tonight by the way...

Travelling Tanners

On the road tonight and a frosty one at that.  Faversham tonight who sit a point and a place above us having scored 10 more goals.

Leatherhead go into the game without two influential strikers it seems.  Greg appears to be on loan again while Tommy sits out his suspension with a swollen foot.  Kev Terry can join Bradbrook upfront so lets hope that fires up as I cannot see a plan B.

May be worth checking before you leave in case of a frozen pitch... but directions can be found here.  Kick off at 7.45.  Good luck fellas!

Tanners 0 - 1 Maidstone

Maidstone got a cold reception but made soon made themselves at home as Leatherhead succumbed to a powerful first half strike.  Despite having plenty of attempts Maidstone had enough in defence to keep us from getting the equaliser.

The first eyebrow was raised when the team sheet went up.  Elliott was to play at right back.  Being a Southampton fan I got the same sinking feeling when Wayne Bridge was swapped to left back but the big difference was he was then an average winger. 

Elliott has been such an attacking threat it seemed strange to burden him with such defencive responsibilities.  The Maidstone striker certainly agreed who made enough space down his left to fire the ball onto the underside of the bar and in.

Leatherhead did go on the attack after a period of looking a bit "all at sea".  Their passing was splitting the defence allowing some threatening attacks down the wing but the final ball eluded us.

There was a touch of controversy.  Tommy, through on goal with only the 'keeper to beat, was tackled from behind in the area.  The ball was initially "won" but not strong enough to push the ball out of risk but to leave rolling almost perfectly in Tommy's stride.  The sliding defender then brought Tommy down but the ref saw nothing wrong with the challenge, nor with the subsequent one that caused him to be subbed off.

Leatherhead will now be short of attacking options.  Tommy banned / injured and Andrews reportedly out on loan to yet another Walton club.  Bradbrook alone does not seem a viable option who had some chances, one well saved, but failed to score with his main strength in winning the long ball to play off to someone in support.

A better game than the scoreline suggests and we were certainly worth a draw.  Certainly enough of a performance to tempt fans to travel to Faversham on Tuesday...

Maidstone Are Coming

Big game Saturday.  Maidstone are tucked away nicely in second place.  Not sticking out like a big player, keeping a low profile but with only 14 games played they could quickly strike up quite a nice lead.

Leatherhead meanwhile continue to yo yo through the league.  Back to back wins pushes up to 7th but getting that elusive hat trick of wins is proving hard to get.

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

Tanners 1 - 0 Herne Bay

Not a classic but a win at home.  We can all think of games where we have dominated but fail to score so when a Tommy Hutchings strike takes a deflection and goes in you know it is going to be your day.

Terry made a return.  Bradbrook made way for Blackman.  Then Andrews on for Francis.

Herne Bay rallied with some pressure but failed to score.  Entertainment value... so so... scoreline... boom.

Big game Saturday!

Herne Bay are coming!

Tonight we welcome Herne Bay to the Grove for the first time I can remember.  The Kent outfit have equipped themselves well in Ryman Division One South and sit in a dangerous 10th position, just one below us.

I say dangerous as tonight we are at home where, compare to playing away, we have struggled.  It baffles everyone why this is so.  So much so that no one can offer a theory on the message board in case it is too radical, like our grass clashes too much with our shirts or something.

Anyway.  Kick off tonight at 7.45.  Good luck fellas.

Walton Casuals 0 - 2 Tanners

Leatherhead win this game comfortably with 10 men with goals in either half.  For most of the game Walton Casuals played this at the same pace which perhaps indicate why they are in position they are.  Meanwhile Leatherhead took the game to the hosts but it was perhaps more huff and puff than quality play.

The goal, for instance, came from a mazy run from Elliot who managed to beat three or four players but then seemed to run out of space.  The ball bobbled out and fell to Hutchings who unleashed a speculative strike into the bottom corner.  Hardly played for but quite spectacular.

Tommy though failed to take on board the calming influence of the female referee and after being involved in a heavy tackle lashed out and the red card was quickly shown.  The fact we were down to ten men really didn't show though for much of the game.

That said in the second half it could have gone horribly wrong.  Leatherhead 'keepers would make a fine substitute for an egg timer these days we've had so many and it appeared we had a new one on duty today.  He pulled off some fine saves that could have led to a Leatherhead collapse had they gone in.

The female ref was having a fine performance and had even reduced Dickie to soft enquiries as to the accuracy of her decisions.  However after Leatherhead missed two open goals tension was showing and after two strange decisions she was ******* getting dogs ******* abuse. 

The first was probably down to her assistant.  A three way clash between 'keeper, defender and a Leatherhead striker allowed the ball to bounce unguarded towards the goal.  With only the striker and defender contenders there was more than a hint of a hand to push it away from the reach of our striker which really should have been spotted.

The second was blatant.  A lofty back pass that was caught by the 'keeper which should have given us a indirect freekick in the box but play was waved on.

Just when we thought the goal was never going to come Bradbrook was one on one.  He had skied his first similar chance but this time it was slotted away.

Two nil.  On to Tuesday then.

Travelling Tanners

This game should never be played in December but a nice late summer game, by the river, having some of the best pub grub in the Ryman League.  Alas we have been robbed again.

Off to Walton Casuals then, their website still proudly showing or former manager at the helm.  He's been replaced by Danny Carroll though.

Directions can be found here.  See you there.

ANOTHER Game off!

Greetings from Athens.  Apologies for the late post (although I was tweeting some updates) but tonights game against The E's is off.  Water logged pitch.

See you Saturday?

Game off

Water logged pitch.  Game off.

Folkestone Invicta are coming

Weather may play a factor tomorrow.  Heavy rain is forecast so keep an eye out here for updates but hopefully it will be game on for our old friends Folkestone.

Just a point between us and they have a better goal difference by one.  Oof, it is going to be a close.  The Lip plc can't wait.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

Tanners 1 - 2 Horsham

Leatherhead humbled again by a side that couldn't win on the road.  It all started so well though.  Tommy pushing on a Kev Terry through ball that temped in the day-glo Horsham 'keeper.  Early penalty which Tommy blasted away.

The lead didn't last long when Horsham got a penalty just minutes later.  Our new 'keeper dropping a high ball and bringing down a player trying to make amends.  He guessed the right way but in it went.  Towards the end of the half a deflected shot beat our 'keeper again.  2-1.

Second half was drab and but for the efforts of Terry and Elliot we would have been bereft of any creativity.

Folkestone come to the Grove next week...

Horsham Are Coming

Back to The Grove and back to the league tomorrow as we welcome our old friends Horsham again.  They should bring a few, like a poor man's 657 crew they are all getting on the 1305 from Horsham to Leatherhead ready for the game.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

Bath City 2 - 0 Tanners

Leatherhead hoped to repeat their high scoring exploits of the weekend but despite showing plenty of spirit and having the better of the opening exchanges they were found wanting at the back.  1-0 at half time.

Leatherhead pushed on trying to get the all important equaliser but with 15 minutes left found themselves 2-0 with too much to do.

That's it then.  A fine run in The Trophy but it will be back to the league Saturday to see if we can push on there.

Travelling Tanners

OK.  It is the big one.  Well big for us as Bath City have just announced reduced admission prices for tomorrow's FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round replay to £10 for adults , concessions £5 and U16s just £1.  Still, good news for us.

To help you get there the club have put on a coach.  You can find out more details on the Official site.  Hopefully all that can make the trip will enjoy another good contest... but with us coming out on top...
Directions can be found here (scroll down the page).  Kick off at 7.45.  Good luck fellas.

Leatherhead 4 - 4 Bath City

Well.  Thanks son.  What a game to miss but there is always the replay.

It was clear the game was going to be a cracker from the 3rd minute when Leatherhead scored but in the first half we were as good at holding on to the lead as they were corners.  Twice they flapped and we capitalised while soon after we let the lead slip.

They ended the half 3-2 up and then the roles reversed.  It was Leatherhead who rebounded twice and the only surprise was that it was Hutchings and not Kev Terry who scored the equalising goal in the last three minutes.

Off to the West Country Tuesday then...

Bath City Are Coming

A big game is in store tomorrow as we host Bath City in the FA Trophy third qualifying round.  Up until recently this is the competition we have enjoyed the best of Leatherhead in and that will need to continue when the Blue Square South side step out tomorrow.

Leatherhead are not without their problems.  We must be on our fourth or fifth 'keeper and Coyle will miss the game while recovering from a dislocated toe he picked up in THAT tackle last weekend.

Good prize money up for grabs and a chance to be in the first round proper... good luck fellas.

Hythe 2 - 3 Tanners

Drama in Kent as Leatherhead battle against the second best team in the league to come out with three points.

It couldn't have started better for Leatherhead.  Kev Terry finding the net early and despite chances falling to both sides the half ended 1-0 for the visitors.

Second half was all action though with Hythe being awarded a penalty just before the hour to make it 1-1.  Up steps the big guns in midfield with Francis restoring our league.

Again we were exposed and Hythe tied the game with just ten minutes to go BUT we have Kev Terry in fine form and he had the last word to finish the game 3-2 in the last few minutes.

On to The Trophy then...

Travelling Tanners

If you use twitter you will sense a real buzz about the club we travel to tonight and who can blame them when they are second in the league.

Tonight looks like it could be the first "double socker" of the season but a new ground for some so should still be a tempting trip.  My son turns 8 today so I have a date with TGI Fridays to sit through.  Lucky me.

Directions can be found here.  Good luck fellas.

Burgess Hill 1-1 Tanners

With Sweet Georgie Brown still whistling in their ears Leatherhead stepped out and were given a quick shock.  A turnover lead to a breakaway move and an unconvincing stop from the goal tender gave the home side the early lead.  "My bad" declared Maan.

It really didn't seem to be going Leatherhead's way when a Burgess Hill player that picked up a yellow card for a bad tackle made a similar challenge but the ref turned the other cheek. The home side sensing the danger then quickly subbed him off. Much berating from the visiting supporters ensued.

This must have stuck in the ref's mind when he awarded a late soft penalty which Greg slotted home.  So.  All tied and the road trip continues as we travel to Hythe on Tuesday.

Travelling Tanners

Back on the road  tomorrow after a success Tuesday night at home.  We face Burgess Hill Town who sit just one point above us BUT we have a game in hand.  We could start climbing up the league a bit if we play like we did in the first half on Tuesday.

Interestingly we have exactly the same goals and conceded in the league...

Directions can be found here.  Good luck fellas.

Tanners 3 - 2 Eastbourne

Off the pitch Leatherhead were back to their best.  Pre-match curry, tick.  Half time raffle, wallop.  On the pitch there were signs we are truly up and running again.

You would certainly say this from the first half display.  Kev Terry forced an off the line clearance from an improbable angle then created a goal from a telling run down the left which he selflessly squared to Elliott who tapped in.

Bradbrook, back in the starting line up, then gave us a master class with a strike that seemed to have power and a touch of lob to it as the 'keeper was beaten from distance.  Minutes later he controlled a ball on his chest in the box and neatly prodded it home to make it three.

This was too easy and when Bradbrook again pulled off a dipping shot that beat the keeper but struck the underside of the bar early in the second half we were hoping for a comfortable second half.

Things started to wobble when the ref gave a freekick of which the validity was questioned mildly by some around me.  Nothing unsure about their finish.  Mo Maan, here on loan, beaten to make it 3-1.  A powerful strike off the underside of the bar made it 3-2.  We couldn't muck this up could we?

No.  We held on but the shout that should have rang out through the league as a battle cry sounded more like a satisfied cheer of a fan that probably had too much curry.

Eastbourne Town are coming!

One of my favourite Saturday away trips this... but it is Eastbourne making the long midweek journey to us tonight for this Ryman league clash.

They sit five points above us but we have two games in hand so a nice evenly balanced game could be in store for us.

Curry at 6.30.  Kick off at 7.45.  See you there.

Spice up your strife!

With back to back wins the bad patch could be well and truly over BUT whatever happens on Tuesday at least you can watch the game with a warm glow of a curry inside you.

A buffet curry will be available from 6.30pm. For only £8 you will be able to help yourself from a range of six separate dishes provided club sponsors Five Rivers Indian Restaurant.

The food will be available on a first come first served basis.

Whitstable 0 - 1 Tanners

Leatherhead's bounceback continues with a 1-0 win away at Whitstable in the FA Trophy.

It was a close game but against the run of play the new boots of Sam Blackman came into action to grab us a late goal.

Onto the next round and the prospect of a curry night with new found hope on Tuesday night...

Travelling Tanners

Back to the Trophy after a fine win in the league midweek.  Top side Crawley Down Gatwick were put to the sword with an impressive 3-0 with goals from Tommy Hutchings, Kevin Terry and Jerry Nnamani.  Now Richard Brady is confident we have turned a corner and all this fuss was for nothing.

Perhaps it would have been a good time to play in the league again to see if we can build on this but the Trophy is proving to be a valuable source of income and enjoyment this season.  We are without Vernon, who is cup tied, but hopefully we learnt how to find the back of the net again.

Directions can be found here.  Good luck fellas.

Crawley Down Gatwick 0 - 3 Tanners

That's full time. A good performance that ends a run of 4 straight defeats.

More to follow...

Dulwich 3 - 1 Tanners

The scoreline doesn't quite tell full tale today.  OK, we were stunned by two quick goals but it was certainly played out with a lot more energy than we have seen in recent weeks.

In our strikers though we have quite some firepower, which is why I find this situation almost unforegivable.  That said Tommy took hold of one of our "rare attacks" and slotted in a goal to keep us in the race.

Second half and Vernon, back from Dulwich after being declared too expensive, for Blackman who impressed on Tuesday night.

On about 70 minutes we were down to 10 when when Nnamani fouled as the last man.  Then Dulwich went to keep their 100% record of penalties this season and made it 3-1 with the last kick of the game.

Its been four games since the ridiculous threat was laid down that we were yet to find top gear.  Getting it into first without stalling would be a start.

Travelling Tanners

A slow start for Dulwich by their standards who must be hoping to go up on the third time of asking after failing in two play-offs.

Our play-off dream could be evaporating too if we continue to blank with only Kev Terry finding the back of the net from open play in recent games.

Two struggling teams.  One long journey.  Jack.  Pot.

Directions can be found here .  Good luck fellas.

Out on penalties

Sorry for missing the build up.  Hectic at work.

Leatherhead's release from the league showed we could hold our own at the back but again failt to score in open play.  It ended 0-0 but we lose on penalties.

Back to focus on the league then...

Tanners 1 - 2 Ramsgate

Leatherhead's attack.  So blunt it could sing "You're Beautiful".  We are playing some weird brand of football at the moment.  It is as if the criticism of playing the long ball game has struck a chord with Brady and he sent out the troops to attempt to play some over elaborate football which inevitably ended up at the feet of a Ramsgate player.  It was someone what reminiscent of England v San Marino but less clear who was the home nation.

Then we nearly got a lucky break that Joe Sheerin would have been proud of.  Tommy Hutchings charged down a clearance from the 'keeper and over it sailed towards the goal.  One the first bounce we cheered, on the second bounce we laughed and on the third bounce we looked on in disbelief as it gained height and just cleared the bar.

We were still laughing when a Ramsgate cross found an unmarked head of a striker and we were one nil down.

Out for the second half and we needed to shake things up a bit after 15 more minutes of nonsense.  Kev Terry came on and things happened.  He was soon one on one with the 'keeper and cheekily nutmegged him to make us level.

Bradbrook had a chance just in front of goal but opted to control it with his right instead of having a go with his left and the chance faded.  Again a cruel deflection shot up over the Ramsgate 'keeper but instead of being hopeless beaten as he was before he got back and pulled back and amazing save.

Then in the last few minutes of the game a Ramsgate break down the middle was pushed out to the right for their winger to have a shot at goal that went in off the post.  We lose again and were subject to, apart from ten post Terry substitute minutes, a drab performance.

Ramsgate Are Coming

Oh great.  Another side that is in the bottom four of the table.  What could go wrong?

Leatherhead host Ramsgate in the League today looking to bounce back from two quite poor showings.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

Tanners 1 - 3 Rebels

This was certainly a tale of two teams as Leatherhead lose to a team struggling for league form twice in two games.  One side took their chances.  The other squandered theirs and came out sorry 3-1 losers.

Worthing raced to a 2-0 lead while Leatherhead went just wide early on, then hit the post and had one cleared off the line for good measure.

Second half and Worthing were true to the scoring form I indicated earlier today and added a third, only it was an own goal to give us something to build on.

However, football is a funny game and while on Saturday we were gifted a penalty for a rarely seen off the ball incident we were punished by a penalty at the other end so the mirroring continued.  We gave them an own goal to give it a very similar feel.

Richard Brady's comments of issuing warnings over not yet hitting top gear yet may be best served towards the fans rather than the high scoring opposition as we are looking distinctly average against teams well placed below us...

Worthing Are Coming

Leatherhead will need to improve on their disjointed performance of the weekend to get a win against an established side in a similar position on the table.

Worthing come to the Grove sitting in the bottom three after having played seven games BUT they they have scored 13 goals this season so remain a threat.

Kick off at 7.45.  Good luck fellas.

Merstham 3 - 1 Tanners

A stroppy, sloppy performance by Leatherhead today giving Merstham a well deserved win.

Merstham were certainly up for this.  Jack Macleod was out on their right looking in the kind of form that launched up the league two years ago.  Our defence was all over the place as they header themselves into an early lead.

Their pace on breakaway moves were causing us problems and from this they got the second down the left.  A powerful shot into the roof of the net.  Our 'keeper was probably wishing he was back on the bench at Gillingham.  I was wishing I was back on my sofa in Guildford.

We did show some flashes of goal scoring chances in between their two goals but I would say that was down to the strength of our forward line rather than any kind of intelligent play.

Second half and we got our breakthrough.  Their number 5 was at the centre of everything good and bad about Merstham today.  An elbow here, hard tackling there and a shirt pull in the box.  The latter spotted by the assistant who gave us a penalty that Greg slotted away.

They game was marred also by a certain undercurrent and soon little brawls were erupting all over the place.  This was becoming quite unenjoyable made worse when the ref saw a handball in the box and gave Mertsham a penalty.  3-1.

All in all, today has been an absolute disaster #decision...

Travelling Tanners

My first league game of the season which is not entirely my fault as this will only be the fifth we have played this year.  Our Tuesday nights are going to get busy.

Merstham were in action in the Trophy too last week and made a day of it away at Chatham by beating them 4-2.  In the league, however, they are having a hard time of it with only one win.  Was Chatham the cup result to get them on the roll..?

Directions can be found here.  Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

FA Trophy

Hold the phone.  We're away again.  Second Qualifying round of the Trophy will played away at Whitstable on 27 October.

That is my birthday weekend.  Not a good omen.

Faversham 0 - 2 Tanners

Leatherhead ease into the Second Qualifying Round after beating Faversham away today.

It was Faversham who nearly opened the scoring late in the first half but Leatherhead punished them for the miss in the second.  Bradbrook getting the first with Simmo chipping in to make it safe.

That's £2,550 in the bag and into the draw for the next round!

Travelling Tanners

No.  This is getting silly now.  Another away trip in an FA Competition?  Brendan Rodgers has nothing to moan about.  THIS is a conspiracy.

Tomorrow we travel into Kent for the First Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy and play Faversham.  A ground we were denied a last minute win on last time we were there as our penalty takers had been subbed off and were watching from the sideline as it was saved.

Progression in this competition does send some winnings our way so let's hope they do well tomorrow.

Kick off at 3pm.  Directions below.  Good luck fellas.

Directions: From junction 6 of the M2 (A251) follow the signs for Faversham. At the junction with the A2 turn right and the ground is on the right after approximately half a mile, just past The Windmill. The entrance is in Salters Lane, opposite Mill House Residential Home. If you are using SatNav the postcode of the ground is ME13 8ND.

Chelmsford City 2 - 1 Tanners

Despite the close scoreline and late charge I cannot help but think Leatherhead whimpered out of the FA Cup this year after an assured start seemed to ebb away.

For the opening 30 minutes Leatherhead were giving as good as they got.  Chelmsford's attacks coming from some smart crisp passing while we lacked a certain composure but more than made up for it in endeavour and got created some half chances.  Albeit through Tommy chasing down a ball the 'keeper tried to clear and winning some corners.

Just as it looked like we could battle out the half a Chelmsford diagonal ball into the box and a deft header beat our man between the sticks to take the lead.  This knocked the stuffing out of Leatherhead as we offered little for the remaining 10 minutes.

A quick word on our hosts though.  I was dreading this trip but it is smart looking stadium where they have managed to overcome the problem of having a running track by having stands in the large usually wasted area behind the goal so we could be close to the action.  They also seem a friendly bunch where song is replaced by polite ripple of applause heard usually at cricket matches.  Nothing wrong with that if you can grind out wins as they were today.

Second half and Leatherhead stepped out from the tunnel in completely the wrong state of mind if you ask me.  They looked flat and beaten.  Whilst in play the lack of chances can be put to the quality of Chelmsford but we seemed to lack the drive needed to get an equaliser.

Our task was made harder when the ref stepped in with a decision that could have easily have gone our way.  A free kick in a dangerous place and while moving the wall Chelmsford took it early.  Over it went without troubling our goal.  Advantage taken by Chelmsford?  No.  The ref pulled it back and with the second composed attempt it had more quality and beat our 'keeper.

The ref would only have to worry about this if we scored an equaliser which looked unlikely at the time but substitutions created some urgency that sent Andrews down the right, crossing into Bradbrook who made it interesting.

Eight minutes to and we had time for shout for a penalty and groan at a header that sailed over.  It was not to be.  The charge was too late and so good luck to Chelmsford in the next round.

Faversham in the Trophy then...

Travelling Tanners

Big day tomorrow as Leatherhead face the daunting task of going to Chelmsford and getting something from the game.  The bookies don't fancy it with us at 5/1 and a draw at 4/1.  The message board doesn't really fancy it as last year when faced with a similar task there was a fair amount of fire in our bellies prior to the Sutton game which appears to be lacking.

That could be because Chelmsford City have just been so nice to us.  They have even given us everything we need to know to get to Melbourne Park on the message board here.

Tough game but should be a great day out.  Kick off at 3pm and for the first time this season.... see you there!

Northwood 0 - 4 Tanners

My fears, based on last years trip to Cirencester, of a Leatherhead disaster proved unfounded as we ran out comfortable winners.

Goals from Boulter, Andrews, Simmons and Elliott did the damage.  On to Chelmsford though for the big one!

Travelling Tanners

Tomorrow Leatherhead travel to Northwood of the Evo-Stick Southern League Central Division to play in the FA Trophy. 

This game has all the makings of an absolute disaster for us.  It is a competition that always ends in tears for us, against a new side that sits mid table just a week before we play a tough side in the FA Cup.

Prove me wrong fellas, prove me wrong! 

Directions can be found here.  Good luck fellas.

Sittingbourne 0 - 1 Tanners

A fine away win to put us back into winning ways in the league thanks to a Tommy Hutchings goal on the stroke of half time.

It was Sittingbourne who opened the brighter with a chance on the pitch and some bright singing off the pitch directed at their one time manager Richard Brady.  Essentially he should cheer up while managing a poor football team.

Cheer up he did when a poor back pass was picked up by the eager Tommy Hutchings who put the ball into an empty net.

Second half and not much to report other than a late chance that fell to Francis-Adeyinka who was denied by a fingertip save by the home keeper, only for the referee to give a goal kick.

On to the Trophy then...

Travelling Tanners

After the distraction of the FA Cup we are back on the road in the league... and the long trip to Sittingbourne is in store.

Directions can be found here.  Kick off at 7.45pm.  Good luck fellas.

FA Cup draw

It's a tough one.  We are away to Chelmsford City of the Blue Square South.

Game to be played on 22 September.

Leatherhead 3 - 1 Tooting

Much improved second half performance saw us deservedly win. First half Tooting were the better side with Greg doing what he does best by scoring spectacular goals to temporarily put us in front.

After the break we closed them down much higher up the pitch and Simmons and Charlie Holness got much better possession and we started to play and create chances and should have been in front before the first penalty. Leatherhead went on to earn a second penalty as their player dragged Jerry down as he ran for the corner.

So Tooting's miserable start to the season continues while we can look forward to the draw Monday lunch time...

(via mitch)

FA Cup Day

Whispers of the satchel have come out again.  A throw back to happy times when coach trips to Abingdon were joyous occasions.

Tomorrow we host Tooting & Mitcham, a side that is still finding its feet in the league but on their day could easily inflict a similar scoreline on us as we did to them just a few weeks ago.

Leatherhead stuttered a little bit last week but hopefully that is because we had one eye on this game as progressing in the cup is a prize worth winning.

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas!

Tanners 0 - 1 Chipstead

After a bright start and a spell of pressure from corners Leatherhead conceded a goal against the run of play and went on to lose.

From that point Leatherhead's grip on the game evaporated. It was so bad at one point I could hear "step it up Levred" from Bali.

A disappointing result and performance there.

Chipstead are coming

Today we welcome Chipstead to the Grove.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas.

Tanners 3 -0 Horley Town

A professional job done on our Combined Counties League opponents, who barely registered a meaningful shot as goals from Tommy Hutchings, Charlie Holness and Greg Andrews saw us comfortably through to a home tie against Tooting & Mitcham a week Saturday.

Leatherhead controlled the game from the start and despite a bit of wayward finishing at times, still had far too much for Horley with our defence looking supremely confident all game.

(via levredmoler)

FA Cup replay

As if you need reminding. Tonight we host Horley Town in the FA Cup after drawing 1-1 at the weekend.

Kick off 7.45. Good luck fellas.

Horley Town 1-1 Tanners

A replay is on the cards after a disappointing second half display.

Despite taking the lead from a Coyle header Leatherhead were pegged back by allowing their striker a bit too much space.

We try again on Wednesday.

Travelling Tanners

FA Cup day.  Brilliant stuff.  Almost takes a shine off of my first day in Bali but I will try and fight back the tears.  I just hope we are in the cup long enough for my return.

Tomorrow we go to Horley Town and Leatherhead should be clued up on the opposition after beating them 4-1 in a pre-season friendly.  Then again they are clued up on us to.

Horley picked up their first 3 points of the season away at Wembley FC, a side that is taking the FA Cup seriously by recruiting the likes of Le Saux and Parlour for these games who were absent for this league clash.

Directions to The New Defence can be found here.  Kick of at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

Tooting & Mitcham 0 - 3 Tanners

Leatherhead get back to their pre-season rhythm scoring three goals from Andrews, Bradbrook and Holness while keeping a clean sheet in the process.  The drama appeared to unfold after the Tooting 'keeper picked up a red card and two quick goals finished them off.

This (albeit early in the season) elevates Leatherhead to third behind Crawley Down Gatwick and Dulwich.

With the first away win under the belt there is just the small matter of the FA Cup to look forward to on Saturday...

Travelling Tanners

The first away trip and we go to a familiar ground to us with a visit to Tooting & Mitcham.

Both clubs got off to winning ways and "enjoyed" a 1-0 scoreline.  Lets hope it is The Tanners who go on to enjoying winning tonight.

Directions can be found here (which is a pdf document) and a 7.45 kick-off.  I am still in Singapore so good luck fellas!

Tanners 1 - 0 Whitstable

Perhaps it was the heat or now playing a side set out to get a point or even the players feeling their shirts were suddenly worth half as much but Leatherhead struggled to put on the kind of high scoring show they did during preseason.

However Tom Bradbrook was at hand to grab the winner in the second half to get us a points tally we waiting until almost October to achieve last year.

No time to dwell on that though.  Its only Tooting and Mitcham away on Tuesday!

Whitstable Town are coming...

Tomorrow we welcome The Oystermen to the Grove in the first game in the 2012/13 season.  A season where we hope to bounce straight back up.  We certainly have the players to do it so here is to a successful season.

Our visitor's manager meanwhile has mentioned in their local press he'd like more time with his players and feels a little under prepared.  Gamesmanship before the opening of the season?  Lets see...

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas!

What are the odds..?

If the odds are anything to go by Leatherhead will finish in the play-off places.  Here are a run down of some of the odds in our league...

Maidstone.  New ground and favourites to win the league. 11/4
Dulwich. Always the bridesmaid. 6/1
Folkestone. Always likely to be there or there abouts. 8/1
Leatherhead. Few clean sheets in pre-season but have some strikeforce. 10/1
Horsham. Took a battering last season. 12/1
Tooting & Mitcham. Another "nearly" season? 14/1
Herne Bay and Hythe.  New boys. 16/1
Sittingbourne. Didn't they used to be good once? 40/1

Tanners 0 - 1 Welling United

A stunning first half strike from our visitors was the difference between the two sides.  Leatherhead therefore end their pre-season with a loss but a good performance to take us into the season.

Next up we host Whitstable for the opening game of the season on Saturday at 3pm.  Good luck fellas!

Welling United Are Coming

Don't forget today we welcome our Blue Square friends Welling United today at the Grove for a friendly.

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

Tanners 2 - 0 Carshalton

Leatherhead's pre-season stepped up a notch with an impressive 2-0 win over higher placed opposition.

Next up is a visit from Welling United while Reserves enjoy trip to Northwood (apparently) on Saturday for a 3pm kick off.

Tanners 5 - 0 Guildford City

A clean sheet and a wake up call to the new boys to this level as the Tanners beat Guildford City 5-0 in our first friendly back at The Grove.

The usual suspects and a couple more chip in with Bradbrook, Nnamani, Hutchings, Andrews and Graham getting the goals.

Next up Carshalton Athletic come to The Grove on Tuesday night.

Bognor 1 - 1 Tanners

Leatherhead inability to keep a clean sheet goes on but a draw was earnt on the road on Wednesday.  Given the distance it seems no one went to post who scored.

Meanwhile we welcome my local team Guildford City after two impressive seasons in the Combined Counties.  Make sure you make their travelling fans "The Sweeney" welcome on Sunday!

Bognor Regis Away

This is getting silly now.  Bognor Regis away for a friendly tonight as we continue to score goals on build up for the season.  Kick off at 7.45pm.

The reason for the number of away games becomes clear with the cancellation of Cray at home Saturday.  The pitch has been worked on and isn't quite ready to be played on.  It needs just a few more days to ready for the visit of Carshalton Athletic on Tuesday.

Olympic Action

Not football related but thought I'd share evidence of my Olympic Opening Ceremony experience.  This photo (number 128) and more can be found here.

Just a trip to Singapore to complete then my mind can be back fully with the Tanners!

Horley Town 1 - 4 Tanners

Leatherhead back to scoring ways again with 4 goals for Tommy who looked to be in good form however a trend of not being able to keep a clean sheet too has set in.

A solid performance from Elliot who strung some good passes together. 3-1 up at half time with Horley briefly equalising when a cross got a deflection which wrong footed our defenders.

There is a strong possibility that we will be at The New Defence in the FA Cup on Sat 25th.

Beckenham 1 - 0 Tanners

The goals dry up along with the weather as Leatherhead lose on their travels 1-0 away to Beckenham.  Leatherhead fielded the following changed side.

Matt Reed, Jamie Coyle, Adam Gross, Chris Boulter, Dan Dean, Elliott Thompson, Joe Goldsmith, Tony Cuff, Greg Andrews, Tom Bradbrook, Kev Terry. Subs. Tom hutchings, bentley Graham, Jerry Nnamani, Billy Manners

An away friendly AGAIN this Saturday in the shape of Horley Town...

Beckenham Town

Get your skates on chaps.  It is a 7pm kick off tonight all the way into Beckenham.  That is almost Bromley!

 

Leatherhead hope to build on an impressive start having score 7 goals already.  No game over the weekend so players should be suitably rested.

 

Directions can be found here and a fiver to get in.

Free weekend

Well for some.  First full dress rehearsal for the Opening Ceremony takes me to Stratford while Leatherhead can put their feet up prior to yet another long distance away friendly.

Tuesday we play Beckenham Town away and hope to add to the seven goals we have already notched up.

Thamesmead 1 - 4 Tanners

A successful trip tonight as the Tanner's front line firing again as goals from Tom Bradbrook (2), Tommy and Greg sealed a comfortable friendly win at Ryman 1N Thamesmead.

Any idea what is happening in place of Guernsey?

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead are on the road tonight as they play Thamesmead in their second friendly of the season.  This should be a good test of character against a physical side.

 

Its quite a treck though and you may need a Sat Nav for the final part.  Directions can be found here.

 

Good luck fellas.

New ground watch

Yesterday saw the first match at The Gallagher Stadium, as Maidstone United return home after an absence of 23 years to face Premiership new boys Brighton.

The guests did not seem to upset by the artificial surface as the scoreline ended Maidstone United 0 Brighton & Hove Albion 5.

Corinthians 1 - 3 Tanners

Leatherhead come back from a goal behind to run out comfortable winners thanks to Tommy and Greg finding their familiar striking boots and a debut goal from new boy Tom Bradbrook.

Next up it is Thamesmead, which I seem to remember was a ******* bit ******* fruity the last time we played with a couple of their players being sent off and the ref having to camp all night in the centre circle to avoid going to the dressing room.

Corinthians... its more away than I thought!

Puta madre!  I got the wrong Corinthians... and not the one in Brazil either but there is one tucked away in Kent!  They must be a massive club because they are making us play on their "back pitch".

Anyway.  The clubs details can be found here!

Fixtures are out

The official site has the fixtures for the coming season.  We start our campaign home to Whitstable.  First new ground alert is for September 8th when we travel to Hythe Town.  Big bumper Boxing Day and Easter fixture?  Corinthian Casuals.  What a money spinner!

 

We get a to sample to the unique atmosphere of a trip to King George V playing fields tomorrow as we play a friendly.  Directions can be found here.

 

Lets hope for a better start to the season this year!

FA Draws

Thanks to Evergreen for digging up the following.  Back to the usual away draws for us then!

 

FA CUP

Sat 25th Aug. Away Holmesdale or Horley. Then hopefully Home to Crawley Down Gatwick or Tooting & Mitcham on Sept. 8th.

FA TROPHY 

15th Sept  Away Northwood & possibly 29th Sept Away Faversham or Sudbury

Europe is off!

From the messageboard.  "The club sadly announces that the away friendly vs. Guernsey FC has been cancelled. The club would like to apologise to the supporters for any inconvienced caused."

 

Thank goodness for the Olympics or this is EXACTLY the kind of trip I would have booked to go on.

Getting to know you...

With a new season coming its worth looking at the new clubs we're going to face.  Especially when one of them goes and changes its ruddy name.

Crawley Down have just announced they have changed the club's name to Crawley Down Gatwick Football Club.  This is to link the club closer to one of the biggest employers in the area so create more interest.

Expect the rebranding of Leatherhead Halliburton FC in the coming weeks...

Ex-Tanners Watch

Spare a thought for MCS.  He has been released from Staines along with a number of other players.  The only thing for him is that it appears he has had to hear about it second hand.

 

My initial feedback is that he wont be coming back to the Grove any time soon though...

Friendlies annouced

Leatherhead have annouced their friendlies aranged to date on the Official Site.

By far the stand out fixture is when we get all "European" and travel to Guernsey on 21 July for an evening kick off.  A great prospect but one I sadly miss out on what with all my Olympic Opening Ceremony rehearsals...

Have a look and say what you think on the message board...

Tanners v Tanners

A reminder that tomorrow see two Leatherhead sides come together in support of Liam Pestle.  The line up of the Old Boys can be found on the Official Site (link updated).

 

Kick off at 2pm.  £5 for adults and £2 for concessions.  Enjoy the day!

All change

I'd like to say the new format was put in place after some brainstorming and creative workshops... but in truth I pressed the wrong button and can't get the old one back.

Hope you like it...

Pestle-aid

 

As you are aware Liam Pestle has been having fitness  problems  for some time. Unfortunately he has to have an operation which is going to cost several thousand pounds.

 

To help raise money to help Liam, Leatherhead will be hosting a match between Leatherhead players old and new.  The date for the game is Saturday 26th May 2pm k.o.

 

Entrance costs (probably) £5.00 adults. £2.00  children.

Hornchurch 2 - 1 Tanners

 

For completeness Leatherhead lost 2-1 away at Hornchurch over the weekend.  Hornchurch opened the scoring on 20 minutes but were pegged back on the stroke of half time.  Their class showed an and they got the win in the second half.

 

Leatherhead therefore fail to grab the Top of the Flops place for the one known reprieve slot and now must surely prepare for life in Ryman Division One South.

Travelling Tanners

 

So, we're not relegated yet?  Some algorithms at work but IF we win tomorrow we MAY stay up when compare to other sides at the same level.  Exciting stuff.  Would have been more exciting to go into the game to stay up in our own right but beggers can't be choosers. 

 

Hornchurch is going to be a tough one though.  They are looking to finish second and take home advantage into the play-offs.  Play-offs.  Remember those?

 

If you're not going by coach directions can be found here.

 

Good luck fellas.

Tanners 0 - 2 Ks

 

A shambles of a season comes to a close (albeit with an away fixture remaining) with us relegated at the hands of our local rivals.

 

Hastings had the easier day of it.  Their opposition 'keeper suffered an injury and so an outfield player had to take over.  Although Hastings were under some pressure at times they won easily switching the focus onto just us and Harrow.

 

Leatherhead had some early chances and could have taken the lead through Tommy but his lobbed effort went over.  All in all though it was a disappointing first half.

 

In many ways I wish the two goals had come in the first half as perhaps a revival may have happened but they didn't and they came in the second leaving Leatherhead little time to get out of the rut.

 

Some hope of a team merging etc for us to stay up perhaps but all in all it is a bit of a mess that needs sorting out before next season...

Ks are coming

 

Not much to say about this one.  Local rivals.  Three points needed to survive.  Iain Hendry Appreciation Society.  Its all there.

 

While I travel to Vietnam Leatherhead have their own battle to contend with but they'll probably be too beered up to care if they take the advice on the messageboard.

 

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

Canvey Island 3 - 1 Tanners

 

A plucky Leatherhead go down 3-1 away to Canvey thanks to an own goal and an offside goal.

 

First half we were clearly the better side and deservedly took the lead through Elliot's sheer persistence in closing down a defender and then picking himself up from the tangle to slot into an empty net, but right on HT we were pegged back when a corner stopped dead in the wind and a forward nipped in in front of Chico to head home.

Second half we were making all the running, but the defining moment came when Vernon Francis nicked the ball away from the keeper but it just wouldn't drop in time and virtually from the clearance a Canney cross saw Deano head past Chico when trying to clear the ball.

More pressure saw Kev volley inches over, Elliots looping header beat the keeper and bounce off the top ogf thebar; then Canvey broke again and with what seemed like only their second effort on target wrapped the game up with the scorer was in acres of space just 5 yards out and Chico was furious when there was no offside flag.

K's on Saturday...

Travelling Tanners

 

Tricky game this.  An away trip to below sea level to try and keep our own heads above water.  It is a bit like supporting Southampton in the 90's!

 

A nice run has put us in a great place but any slip up could prove fatal.  Our hosts sit just two points from the play-offs so will be keen to push on but will the game against Colchester United in the Essex Senior Cup prove to be a distraction..?

 

Directions can be found here.  As ever, good luck fellas.

Tanners 2 - 1 Horsham

 

A nervous affair which Leatherhead managed to see out 2-1 winners thanks to an early Hutchings goal and a second half Simmo penalty.

 

The game did not go smoothly as Horsham equalised thanks to an unlucky ricochet in the box which fell to a grateful Horsham player, who looked to be offside, to tap in.

 

Meanwhile on the South Coast Lewes managed to hold on to the three points despite a late charge from Hastings to keep them in the bottom four.

 

Out of the relegation zone.  All to play for then...

Horsham Are Coming

 

Sorry for the lack of updates.  Again I find myself in Malaysia with access to the internet a premium.  I did follow the action where I could though and was pleased to hear of the 2-2 draw but with Harrow winning it makes today's game rather crucial.

 

Sadly our old friends Horsham were relegated a number of weeks ago.  They were joined by Aveley so the threat of the drop is ever increasing as those beneath us have their fate sealed.

 

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

Last nights scores

 

Leatherhead slip back into the relegation zone after Harrow thrash East Thurrock 3-0.  Hastings lose meaning we now have two clubs in our sites for the run in...

 

Bury Town 2 -2 Wingate & Finchley

 

Carshalton Athletic 2 -1 Metropolitan Police

 

East Thurrock United 0 -3 Harrow Borough

 

Hastings United 0 -2 Wealdstone

 

Midweek Fixtures

 

Dare I compete with the match day programme to bring you up to date info?  No way.  I'll better be back on 10 April or something.  Anyway, in the meantime here are tonight's midweek fixtures.  Some of them MAY be of interest to us...

 

Bury Town  VS  Wingate & Finchley  

Carshalton Athletic  VS  Metropolitan Police

East Thurrock United  VS  Harrow Borough    

Hastings United  VS  Wealdstone

Tanners 2 - 0 Aveley

 

Tanners overcome their opening nerves to win this crucial game 2-0.  The first 30 minutes was something of a horror show but a Le Tissier-esque volley from Tommy Hutchings settled us down and from there it was pretty much one way traffic.

 

Tommy later turned provider to set up Greg Andrews who got his goal on his return to the Grove.

 

Out of the bottom four and Folkestone await while midweek games may see us hold our fate in our own hands from then on...

Aveley Are Coming

 

Tomorrow see's Aveley come to the Grove in this crucial relegation run in for both clubs.  On a warm September's day Leatherhead managed their first point of the season away to Aveley with a Simmo penalty.  With Harrow a tantalising 3 points ahead we must aim for all three this time.

 

Its Sport Relief at the Grove.  Not sure how that helps our plight but be sure to throw some money in a bucket or something.

 

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas!

Cray 1 - 2 Tanners

Two first half goals enough for the win. Andrews sets up Ottaway then Hutchings doubles the lead.

Cray got a late goal and with 9 minutes of added time it was hearts in mouth stuff.

Can we?

Travelling Tanners

 

Don't forget.  It is not today but tomorrow.  Leatherhead visit an old stomping ground over at Hayes Lane to play Cray Wanderers.  A club that is nestling in the play-off places which is quite an achievement given it was not long they were in the Ryman South.

 

Leatherhead need to grab some of what Cray's success has been built on and try and get something form this game.  A goal would be something.  It has been three games since the opposition 'keeper has had to pick one out the back of the net.

 

Directions here.  Good luck Tanners.

Lewes 1 - 0 Tanners

 

What?  Wait.  There was a game last night.  Being away and relying on the Official Site meant I was blissfully unaware of last nights game.  I woke up to see we suffered another defeat without scoring.

 

Lewes by all accounts did not play well.  They are on the edge of the play-off places (held off by Cray Wanderers where we go Saturday, I think) and did just enough to keep us at bay.  Which appeared to be very little.

 

Lewes did have some late scares with Elliot hitting the woodwork and Tommy being denied by the 'keeper but it was not to be.  We now find ourselves 6 points behind with a game "not in hand" with only 7 games to go.  So.  Who is going to Cray then?

Tanners 0 - 2 Billericay

 

Two nil represents the perfect result to me.  A goal to take the lead.  Hold on and keep the opposition at guard then attack and get the all important buffer.

 

Pity it was us that suffered this result against an impressive Billericay while Leatherhead we found wanting.  Billericay finding the net in the first half and then into the second while keeping us at bay.  From all accounts we lacked the edge to offer anything this game.

 

This game would never be done as a must win at the start of the season but given our predicament and their injuries we could have hoped for more.

 

Just a small matter of an away trip to our favourite place then.... Cray Wanderers anyone?

Billericay Are Coming

 

Us Leatherhead fans seem to have split allegiances these days with The Met Police accounting for some results we need to go in our favour.  I too will be joining this emergency service support by watching Singapore Armed Service FC in the S-League tonight.  If it kicks off I know who I will be supporting.

 

It is going to be a tough game.  Billericay sit proudly top of the table and any element of surprise we may have probably went out the window when we beat them in the FA Cup.  I doubt they will make the same mistake of underestimating us again.

 

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

 

Margate 0 - 0 Tanners

 

Not sure how to look at this draw.  Margate's form has been even worse than ours recently so we could have gone there with a realistic chance of making it a double over the Kent based club and back to back wins.

 

Leatherhead certainly had the better of the opening exchanges.  Hutchings' shot getting deflected wide on 12 minutes and Simmo forcing a save on the half hour mark.  A good chance went begging shortly after at the other end which perhaps acted as a wake up call and the game was shut down. 

 

Not a great spectacle until the last 15 minutes where, with fresh legs, Margate stepped it up and forced Chico into a couple of great saves.

 

A point it is then but no change to the table with Harrow getting a point.  Billericay next week then...

Travelling Tanners

 

This was the game I was most disappointed to miss.  A new ground was always made it an attractive trip but throw in the prospect of the importance of it makes it even more attractive.

 

After a win against a rather limp Harrow, Margate will prove stiffer opposition although they do only have 1 point from the last 7 games.  A chance to get out of the bottom four?  Or have I just jinxed it?  Lets see.

 

Directions can be found here.  Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck Tanners.

Tanners 2 - 0 Harrow

Leatherhead grab themselves a life line today with a 2-0 win over fellow strugglers Harrow.  A reverse of the score line where we felt hard done by.

The opener came from Vernon, a towering header where their keeper stood no chance.  It was then a nervous affair from the home support.  Defending these slender margins can be hard work.

But defend we did and when new boy Holness came on like a young Jamie Mackey to score the second we could start looking at the table in a new light... well... a glimmer anyway...

Well done Leatherhead...

Harrow Borough Are Coming

Sad news for you all.  I wont be there tomorrow.  In fact that is me done for the season.  I'd like to say it was out of protest but actually I have been given the chance to spend two months working in Singapore so I am off.  Leatherhead, meanwhile, have a more familiar task at hand.  Working out how to win against sides who are just above us.

The away trip was a bit of a kick in the guts as we pretty much dominated all the way through with Kev Terry even putting the ball in the back of the net only for it to be ruled out for offside.  However we lost 2-0.

Massive game.  Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

Tanners 0 - 1 Carshalton

 

Sorry this match report is about 12 hours late.  Have we scored yet?

 

After an initial spell of 10 minutes where we looked a bit shaky Leatherhead put in quite a, relatively, stunning 15 minutes.  Getting the ball wide on occasion and creating two chances which could have tipped the balance.  Firstly a power whipping cross to the far post could have been headed in by Ottaway but he appeared to pull back perhaps thinking it was going in of its own accord. 

 

Moments later a header on the edge of the box looped up and Vernon sprung the offside trap alone with the keeper.  He chose to try and head over the on coming 'keeper and his effort sailed wide where perhaps a volley or chesting it down would have been better.  Easy to say when behind the goal I know.

 

Then a familiar pattern emerged where Leatherhead struggled to create anything.  Carshalton struggled to create anything.  The highlight footage taken from the roof is not going to make good viewing.

 

Their goal appeared simple.  Ball down the right the lofted to the back post and headed home by Pigden, a player who froze when confronted with an open goal in a play off final for us mustered the composure for them.

 

Worse was to come in terms of performance as we did not get the lift as we did last Tuesday.  This was not helped by having our talisman and goal scorer playing out wide left with little or no support.  This may explain why Tommy shot so often from distance when he found himself in front of goal.  The left back as well has a habit of always hitting the first man when trying to cross.  An incredible feat.

 

Subs did come taking Mu off for Elliot to allow Tommy to go up front.  Also Colin Richmond then came on for a defender to bring on the usual rout of goals for us.  I am being sarcastic of course as this never happens and it almost certainly signalled another 1-0 defeat.

 

Leatherhead as a unit are not functioning pretty much on any level and someone needs to get them together fast.  With Hastings winning the pressure has increased considerable and Saturday signals yet another game we simply cannot afford not to win.

Travelling Tanners

 

Well now that the pressure of those four crucial winnable games is behind us perhaps we can put crystal balls to one side and get down to the serious business of playing football.

 

Carshalton come to The Grove tonight looking to improve on the draw they got at home.  No Champions League football to distract the casual supporter so get down to the Grove and see what the final quarter of the season has to offer...

 

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!

Concord 2 - 1 Tanners

First can I congratulate Concord on running a fine club there on the Canvey Island.  A friendly club serving a pint at £2.60, kids free to get in, a "meal deal" that included hot food and a free programme with your entry fee.  It was in that programme Concord were gracious enough to say they were a little fortunate to get a 3-1 win at The Grove stating their 'keeper had made three top saves in the first half.  Well, the tale was almost reversed as Chico was outstanding today.

Leatherhead offered little.  Again.  This game was however entertaining from a Leatherhead perspective as it looked like we would get a win despite the complete dominance of the hosts.  As early as eight minutes you could see how the game was going but with the ball firmly planted in our half we got a rare break and Tommy made enough space to feed a delightful ball for Manning to run onto.  With a keeper rushing out and two defenders tracking back there was not much room to place it but he found a gap to wrong foot all three and score against the run of play.

With the majority of the play it was not surprising that Concord had the ball in the back of the net BUT the flag went up for offside.  The ref went to talk to the assistant and the decision stood but it appeared it was harsh as we had a man on the line playing everyone on.  Then in the last seconds of the match Chico tipped a wonder drive onto the post to keep our lead.

If the first half was a touch fortuitous for Leatherhead the second half was looking like we had sold our souls to the devil.  Chico had to make three fantastic saves in the opening 5 to 10 minutes.  Then the ref, no doubt feeling guilty for his first half blunder, awarded a soft penalty which was blasted onto the bar.  We could have been 4-1 down but with the lead maintained we thought it was going to be our day.

That was until the ball bounced on the edge of the box following some more Concord pressure and it was fired home.  One all.  Leatherhead tried to push up the pitch, earning two free kicks but from the second the ball went straight to their 'keeper and they streamed down the other end, got round the back and squared across goal to tap in with ease.

Brady at this point appeared to resign himself to defeat, choosing to lean against the railing and let the last few minutes of this pitiful away trip pass by.  Four crucial games.  One point.

Tuesday night for the next game at The Grove.

Travelling Tanners

 

So.  There were four big games highlighted a while ago and this is the fourth.  Concord Rangers away.  Lets hope it goes better than Concord Rangers at home where we got caught out somewhat by the injury to Nnamani.  We certainly need a better return than we've enjoyed over the past three games.

 

Let's look on the positives though.  Its a new ground... errrm...

 

Directions can be found here.  Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

 

 

Tanners 2 - 2 Wingate & Finchley

Hardly the return we hoped for but our first point from the 9 available and it seemed like we wouldn't get that after a terrible first half.

Wingate fans will disagree as they saw their team boss the game and forcing Chico into making some saves.  Leatherhead, certainly after 10 minutes were chasing shadows while the body language in some showed where this was heading.

A break away move and perhaps Chico was distracted with the purchasing of raffle tickets as we were but I hear he was lobbed with ease.  1-0 to the visitors.

Second half and the changes were rung.  Mu and Brunt off with Terry and Elliot on.  We started out in that style of play we did in December or so.  Do you remember it?  Before East Thurrock... you know... when we were winning.  By jove... we started scoring here too.

First Simmo sent in a cross from a free kick which Ottaway rose to just ahead of the 'keeper to equalise then classic Kev Terry.  Running for a ball through the middle and touched it past the 'keeper.  We were on top...

...for a while anyway.  Perhaps nerves of not knowing what to do once in the lead but Wingate forced us back until a low cross was side volleyed into the back of the net.

The ref did his best to urge Wingate on but decided to call it a day with only three minutes of stoppage time despite a lengthy injury and a bit of handbags which he really should have dealt with better.

A better display BUT this "mix" to stay up is starting to look thin on the ground...

Wingate & Finchley Are Coming

 

Well.  This is the third part of The Grove Trilogy and it hasn't been going too well for the Rebel Alliance so far.  No points from two games, new players drafted in that have shown promise but yet to have the material affect of a goal.  Flooding the field with cuddly Ewoks seems to be the only way forward.

 

Wingate & Finchley have been trying to play this game for a number of months to get this game on.  Things have been looking rosier for them in this time as now they have a game in hand and are 7 points better off.

 

So.  A lot of questions to be answered tonight.  Will we score?  Can we win?  Is Richard Brady my father?

 

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there.

Tanners 0 - 1 Hendon

Another bright display and another loss as Leatherhead fail to take their chances and get punished by an experienced striker in the last few moments.

Leatherhead seemed a little in awe of our visitors in the opening exchanges.  Perhaps reading of their impressive away record unsettled them but it looked like it was going to be a long day for us behind the goal.  Somehow we snapped out of this trance and took the game to Hendon and went on to dominate much of the game.

We also welcomed back Mu Maan who must have been delighted to get the text from Brady to come back and help us out.  A fine display he put in hitting the bar in the first half and dragging a shot past the near post which, had it been on target, would have been a goal having sent the keeper the wrong way.

Then however on about 75 minutes just before the heavens opened the game went stale.  Did we get tired, lose our nerve or a concerted effort to see out the game?  Either way it was the calm before the storm as on comes Isaiah Rankin to punish us on 87 minutes.

Hendon Are Coming

Hendon arrive to the Grove with the second best away record in the league tomorrow.  Expectations and targets may have to go out the window but if they put in the effort they did Tuesday night anything can happen.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

Tanners 1 - 3 Concord

The last time we lost at home by this kind of score line my write up clear that Leatherhead were simply not good enough but there was no accusation of that today.  Apart from a 10 minute spell at the start of each half Leatherhead looked lively and tried until the final whistle.  That said the 'keeper, who picked up a knee injury, was rarely tested.

What struck me was the pace of the game.  Two well rested teams trying to make a good game of this crucial match.  Concord had a firm header on target (although headed attempts on goal were generally weak efforts off target all round) while Kev Terry managed to steer a goal bound header straight into the face of their 'keeper.

Concord get the half time hairdryer treatment and it pays off.  They come out brighter and take the lead moments after we cleared from the line.  Luckily we have Tommy Hutchings who sprang their offside trap and delicately chipped their hobbling 'keeper who opted to go for the ball.

1-1 and Leatherhead were dealt a telling blow.  The impressive Nnamani limps off and we roll the dice bringing on Elliot to try and win the game.  It certainly looks like it might work until the next uninformed change where we seemed to try and accept what we had by taking off the returning Ottaway, who was having a great game by the way, and bring on Colin Richmond. 

We were certainly short at the back which proved to be the case with their second goal as they found a way through to slot home their second while their third was a spectacular shot after their player rode three tackles (with a small cry of handball) and fired home with his left foot.

Still we tried but no quality shots on goal came and so we end up on the end of a very unflattering score line but at least we have a performance to reflect on and take into Saturday's game.  Against 5th placed Hendon.  Who have the second best away record.

Concord Ranger are coming

 

Been a while hasn't it?  Tonight we play Concord Rangers at last in a night that may prove to be so relatively warm the ref may consider a drinks break on 30 and 60 minutes.

 

The message board has stated a few complicated algorithms which boil down to one thing.  Tonight is massive.  We could even see ourselves out of the drop zone.

 

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!

Game watch...

Today's game is off as you know but keep an eye on the twittering feed to the left...

If I hear of any games that are ON I'll tweet them...

Game off...

 

While yesterday's mild weather gave me some hope that the game might be played a cold night with more harsh conditions to come (-4c by 6pm they say) has meant tonight's game is an early casualty.

 

The pitch still covered in snow in places and where it has melted, because the ground is frozen, it has turned into a lake.

 

FA Cup replays on the telly it is then...

Football free day

Carshalton are either to blame for this weekend or have spared us a ruddy freezing day out tomorrow.  Their FA Trophy game away at Newport County means we do not play.

Fear not.  Here are just some of the other fixtures around...

Horsham v Aveley
Kingstonian v Margate
Walton & Hersham v Hythe Town
Croygas Phoenix v Ashtead

It will be a two socker where ever you go though!

Tanners 2 - 0 Margate

Margate came to the Grove without their Football League talisman and
were found wanting at The Grove on a cold night.

It took a while for Leatherhead to test their keeper but the first
half ended honours even.

Tommy got our first goal early in the second half. A lovely ball out
to Kev who cut it back into the path of Tommy. 1-0.

Margate responded but were caught by Manners who finished off a
flowing Tanners move.

A fine win to help bannish the memories of Saturday and a slightly
less precarious looking league table...

Margate are coming?

 

Its set to be freezing all day so today's game MAY be in doubt.  I am travelling to Basel (where it is even colder!) so wont be able to update this page until I get to my hotel at 5-ish so keep an eye out on the message board for updates.

 

If the game is on, Margates form is hot enough to melt any ice on the pitch.  Five wins over the last six games?  Lucky blighters.

 

Kick off at 7.45...

Tanners 0 - 5 Bury Town

It is difficult for me to sum up exactly what went wrong here as I do not have a clue about these things but I THINK today was a bit of a ruddy disaster.  Our healthy goal difference gone and another slap in the face following last weeks wretched display.

Some positives though.  Namely the opening 20 minutes where the hoof was replaced with some crisp passing and with two new recruits thrown in the mix it is refreshing to say one of them had a good game.  Dolby out on the left put in a first half reminiscent of Glen Boosey away at the Met with his tricks and turns.

While it was entertaining it was largely unproductive.  The Bury 'keeper's missus would have been delighted to see his kit remain spotless until the 70 minute.

Bury then stunned us with two quick goals.  They were given some room to shoot and took the opportunity.  Chico parried well given the power in the shot but it fell to a Bury striker who finished clinically.  A minute later the Smith was put through on goal and again finished well.  Deflated, we went in for half time.

What we needed in the second half was a steady ship.  Build from the back and score some goals.  I mean.  Its not rocket science.  Within two minutes of the restart we were caught short at the back and they were clear on goal.  Our covering player tried to stop the danger and in doing so leaned (ever so slightly) on the advancing striker and down he went.  The ref could not wait to give the penalty doing that running, blowing the whistle and pointing thing they love.  Luckily for us the spot kick was ballooned into the Bernard Edwards stand.

Charitable but not as charitable as Chico 10 minutes later.  A slow ball bounced in the area towards goal and Chico seemed mesmerised by it.  He put his hands out at his sides as if he was going to let it go wide but as with our cricketers that was a mistake.  It turned in the rough and clipped the far stump and trickled in.  How's that!?  Ruddy shambolic.  I looked behind the goal to see my son blissfully happy playing football.  He hadn't seen a minute of this.  The ignorance of youth eh..?

Then heads dropped and Tommy (our only credible goal threat) was withdrawn for safe keeping.  The changes did bring on fresh drive which brought about some shooting that gave our side netting one hell of a beating but nothing on target.

Meanwhile Bury Town scored an absolute scorcher from outside the box and then a tap in for their hattrick hero Smith.  Sandwiched in there was a Bury goal disallowed for offside.  The player who "scored" was then got booked for playing on but our view was the whistle only went after the ball was in the back of the net so unless he said something it was a tad harsh.

So, the most in form Margate come Tuesday and then we can really start looking forward to next Saturday which could prove to be the most entertaining weekend from here to the end of the season!

Bury Town are coming

 

Typical sensational weather headlines of "Britain set to freeze" may put tomorrow in doubt, although on closer inspection it may only apply to Scotland.  As usual.

 

Bury make the long trip tomorrow with the hope of making a double over us.  They beat us at their place although we were helped along the way with a penalty.  I can't really say that I've seen them not given as it was actually almost impossible to see what the incident was.  Cuddling in the area I think.

 

After a disappointing trip away last week hopefully we can up our game in front of a home crowd.

 

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

Winsgate & Finchley 1 - 0 Tanners

A sleepy looking Leatherhead took to the blustery field of play and were caught napping early on.  The defence left Chico completely exposed and the grateful striker headed powerfully home in the opening few minutes to score the winning goal.

Leatherhead now have a habit of when things do not go their way they play a tiresome hoof and hold game that does little to create chances especially in these conditions.

Tommy had our only real shot on goal.  Tommy beat their keeper to a ball but the shot stopper spread himself well to smother the chance.

The the home side commenting their form resembled a stranded ocean liner this may be considered the one that got away come the end of the season.

Bury Town next...

Travelling Tanners

 

A big game this weekend.  Concord was frozen off and so the lads have had a few days eating raw steak while staring at the league table to be really up for this.

 

We've met before this season.  In some Charity Shield or other and we won 3-1.  We'd swap that for a win tomorrow I am sure...

 

Kick off at 3pm.  Directions can be found here.  Good luck fellas.

GAME OFF

 

The pitch did not thaw out in time and like many other games tonight it has been called off following two pitch inspections.

 

Any good FA Cup replays on the telly?

Concord are coming

 

Well... they could be.  The temperature is not quite as high as forecast and so there is a risk that it wont thaw out in time.  That said there has been no word of a pitch inspection so there is hope... keep popping back for updates.

 

If it goes ahead tonight's game is massive.  Concord smashed four goals against Bury which is impressive stuff so we'll have to be back to our best.

 

Kick off at 7.45.  I hope.