Work party

Your club needs you!

Tomorrow at 9am the club is looking for you and your friends to come to The Grove to help with the clear out.

A foot of water made it up into the bar leaving silt behind. Debris sits on the pitch so bring your wheelbarrow, mop and bucket.

Chipstead 0 - 3 Tanners

Leatherhead helped themselves to some festive cheer away at Chipstead to help lift the spirits after a devastating few days.  Not since an away day at Lewes have Leatherhead had to play in a foreign kit but the floods had ruined uniforms so a borrowed sky blue was on show.  It did not unsettle the visitors.

Parkinson opened the scoring with an early goal.  Then Bradbrook chipped just minutes before the end of the first half.

Leatherhead were comfortable and when Bradbrook added his second of the day it was time to enjoy Boxing Day before heading back and assessing what needs to be done at the club house... details of how you can do the same can be found here.

Hopefully the bad weather forecast for tomorrow can spare the club further damage...

Travelling Tanners

No new information about tomorrow's game as to the state of the Chipstead pitch but it is on high ground and the lack of rain could make this playable.
If it is on it is at 3pm and the directions can be found here.
Meanwhile the clean-up operation goes on at The Grove...

Happy Christmas

After seeing the scenes at The Grove everyone here at The Lip wishes the supporters and players a safe, dry and Happy Christmas!

Ramsgate off

You have to feel sorry for Ramsgate you made the trip up to Leatherhead only to be turned back after the referee called it off.

Ramsgate will now have to return with their coach on a Wednesday night. 

Ramsgate are coming

Ramsgate arrive to a festive Fetcham Grove that is boasting a “happy hour” before the game as well as the football on the big screen.  Ramsgate though are not feeling as festive as I thought they would as they sit in 8^th.  At one point I thought they would be up there in this lead pack with us but there is still time for a revival.

Hopefully Leatherhead can find their scoring boots to provide some festive cheer on the pitch after a goalless draw at Corinthian-Casuals deprived us of the “Jingle Bells” song away fans love to sing at this time of year.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

Corinthian-Casuals 0 - 0 Tanners

This game was played in much of the same spirit as last week but this time the hosts offered a little more than poor Herne Bay.  We were creating chances, few really troubled the 'keeper but were in control.

Draycott came the closest in the first half.  Running on to a lofted ball into the box, fired past the 'keeper but found the crossbar and the ball bounced to safety.

Second half and perhaps it was Corinthians in the ascendency.  Certainly the ball spent longer in our half as it did theirs.  Leatherhead will come away feeling that all three points should be ours though.  Two penalty shouts went up with both not given.

The first with Draycott about to shoot he was barged off the ball with no real attempt at a fair tackle.  Then Mo used some trickery in the box and went down, albeit theatrically, as he was caught by a careless flick of a tackle.

A couple of headers on target too could have won the game, one from Coyle really should have more of a challenge for the keeper rather than straight at him, but as it was it remained goalless.

The chance to go top was missed, not helped by Peacehaven giving Worthing a good thrashing.  On to the weekend for the chance to make amends and enjoy a "happy hour".

Travelling Tanners

The last away game before Christmas so drop the missus off at the Bentall Centre and pop back for this encounter.  Leatherhead face Corinthian-Casuals tomorrow in the league knowing that a win COULD take them to the top of the league as Hastings play on Monday and Peacehaven have a tricky game against Worthing. 

It is not necessarily easy for us.  While we have our hit man in Bradbrook they have their own threat in Jamie Byatt who has notched up double figures this season so far, an ex-Tanner in Steve Barilli  … and let’s not mention the bogey ground!

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

Leatherhead 1 - 0 Herne Bay

Not a classic but it had its moments.  The first half was perhaps shaded by the visitors as they had the clearest chance but they were making enough mistakes to give us hope of a break through in the second half.

A break through eventually came when Draycott fired in a perfect curling ball into the box for Parkinson to latch onto.  The header looped over the flapping keeper.

Before that Tom Bradbrook, who had bossed the game, nearly got his goal when a low free kick bent around the wall only to see it hit the near post, then the far post and then out.  The 'keeper was a mere spectator until the ball bounced in his direction.

Herne Bay then did look the most likely to score but we saw it out for the three points and to climb to third.

Herne Bay are coming

Leatherhead return to league action tomorrow and face another Kent side, Herne Bay.  Oddly we played Herne Bay roughly this time last year on a frosty December and came through 1-0 winners.  After a stressful encounter at Folkestone last weekend I dare say we would take that again.

 

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

 

Tanners 1 - 0 Molesey

Leatherhead go through to the third round of the Surrey Senior Cup after a close encounter with Molesey last night.  A game played in good spirits both on and off the pitch was won thanks to a first half Leroy goal.

The first frosty game of the season and a game without Bradbrook.  We opted for Leroy upfront and why not?  He is scoring and proving to be a handful so a further chance to build on that.

Leatherhead were dominating the first half and had the edge when it came to splitting the defence with a killer pass.  First Draycott was clear but the 'keeper got to it first then Leroy took his chance by just getting a toe to the ball to sneak it past into the far corner.

Second half and we started to labour a bit while Molesey grew in confidence.  Leroy could have made it two by lobbing the keeper but his attempt lacked the power to evade the covering defender who made the important goal bound clearance.

In the final 10 minutes, while we did blaze over at close range, was mainly Molesey attacking and those with light socks were fearing extra-time... but we held on for the win.

Herne Bay Saturday, and the return of the goal machine?

Molesey are coming

Second round of the Surrey Senior Cup comes to the Grove on Wednesday night and the visit of old friends Molesey.  Once the inspiration for the song “Can we play you thrice a week?” they have been through some hard times, sinking into the Combined Counties League but now they sit in 6^th and going well.

Kick off at 7.45.  Hope to see you there.

Folkestone 2 - 0 Tanners

Leatherhead accused of failing to show up yesterday as they lose bring their impressive run to an end.  Two first half goals were the difference with Leatherhead offering little by the way of chances.

Leatherhead have a chance to redeem themselves against another Kent side on Saturday with the visit of Herne Bay on Saturday after a midweek Surrey Senior Cup tie against Molesey...

Travelling Tanners

So, I think I know where we are tomorrow.  Leatherhead travel to mid-table Folkestone Invicta hoping to keep a firm grip of the top spot they have earned over the last six games.

Their boss seems up for it.  We're up for it.  Should be a great game.  Directions can be found here, kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

Walton Causals 2 - 4 Tanners

A game of three halves tonight!  Leatherhead took the form we have seen over the last few games into this top of the table clash and caught the hosts cold.

Leroy with a start made it 1-0 in the opening 15 minutes.  Josh Hill, on his debut from Dartford, made it 2-0.  With Bradbrook getting yet another goal just before half time it all looked too comfortable.

So into the second half which took a dramatic turn.  A subbed player took the advantage of the dressing room facilities and turned on the showers only to trip a fuse (allegedly) to send the ground in darkness.

Thirteen minutes later, and after some motivation from Tony Gale, Walton Casuals came back out firing.  First they won a penalty then soon after it was getting close at 3-2.

However, when you need a goal Leatherhead can turn to Bradbrook and he delivered.  4-2 and it was comfortable again.

This weekend we are off to Folkestone...

Travelling Tanners

Another big game for Leatherhead tonight.  Early pace setters Walton Casuals are set to entertain us tonight and further warning signs that this could be a tough game were issued when they announced two new signings.

Two ex-Leatherhead players line up tonight for the hosts.  Gabriel Odunakie, who seems to have a knack of scoring on his debut and Mo Maan in goal.

Kick off at 7.45 down by the Thames.  Good luck fellas.

 

Tanners 3 - 0 Sittingbourne

Now that the, albeit welcome, distraction of the FA Cups has passed Leatherhead have found a new rich seam of form that has seen us climb into the pack of title chasers rather than appearing like mere play-off hopefuls.  Winning the big games is one thing but consistently beating those in the lower half of the table has been an Achilles heel but perhaps now have we cracked it?

Certainly when you have two players in form as we have in Draycott and Bradbrook we have a chance.  Those two notched up a goal apiece in the first half we were on our way.

Second half and Tom Bradbrook made it Leatherhead 3-0 Sittingbourne after rounding the keeper and finishing well to further add to his impressive tally.

On to Tuesday.  A big one again with a trip to one of the best pubs outside a non-league ground and second place Walton Casuals.

 

Tanners 2 - 0 Guernsey

Leatherhead put in one of their best performances to topple a side that have not lost since the end of August in the league. They had only lost two matches since then, both to higher level opposition in the FA Cup and the Trophy.

 

Leatherhead got off to a good start.  Draycott opened the scoring in the opening ten minutes.  Bradbrook must have been disorientated from the boots mix up as he was not his usual clinical self as he missed two one on one chances.

 

Leroy made the game safe at 2-0 in the second half to gain three points that makes our place in the top four a lot more credible.  On to the weekend then and a visit from Sittingbourne… 

Guernsey are coming

Southampton, Eastleigh, Guernsey.  Three massive clubs that have had the joy of Matt Le Tissier playing for them and one of them are coming to The Grove tonight.  The new high profile new addition to the league have stumbled a little bit with some draws but they are still creeping up the league.

Rod has broken the forum fatwa and announced a curry is on offer, so get to the Grove early and enjoy some pre-match sustenance.

Kick off at 7.45.  Good luck fellas!

Three Bridges 1 - 4 Tanners

Quite a different performance from that was on show on Tuesday night as Three Bridges' defence was tested for much of the 90 minutes.  Luckily for the Leatherhead's forwards the service to them was better than that of the tea bar or they would have been restricted to just one or two chances.

Leatherhead were in an attacking mood.  Kev Terry, Draycott, Eisa and Bradbrook all probing for the first goal.  The first goal game from Smith when he ran onto a ball that cut the defence in half, slotting it past the stranded keeper.  The chances kept coming but as the goal went begging the fear of a 1-1 draw was at the back of a few supporters minds.

Certainly this seemed to be the case where perhaps the hosts dominated the opening 10 to 15 minutes of the second half.  It was Bradbrook that came to our rescue.  Indecisive over which boots to where but clinical with his head.  Heading back across the goal to beat the 'keeper.

Then Leatherhead won a corner when Eisa was bundled over but the penalty (taken by Smith?) was well saved.  This was a brief respite for the 'keeper after Draycott was hit hard in a tackle that deserved a red.  He got his own back by curling in a low fast freekick right onto the head of Bradbrook and he does not miss those.

Eisa managed to get his goal with a low hard shot in the box after Bradbrook fed the ball to his feet.  The clean sheet bonus was saved when Three Bridges scored in the dying minutes but they were well beaten today.

Onto the visit Guernsey on Wednesday who slipped up today...

Travelling Tanners

A trip Crawley way to visit our new friends Three Bridges.  They are finding life in this league a little hard and while they sit outside the relegation zone they only have four wins to their name.  They have landed a new striker though so their fortunes could well change.

I have heard Tuesday night was a hard game to watch and we offered little.  I hope we improve in time for my return to these shores…

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

Burgess Hill Town 0 - 0 Tanners

Two points dropped or a point gained?  Given we played out the last 16 minutes with 10 men you could say we came off quite happy but given our promotion aspirations the inability to concentrate on the league is disappointing.

From reports received it was Burgess Hill who controlled much of this game.  Hitting the post once.   

A trip to Three Bridges on Saturday to help focus the mind…

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead face Burgess Hill Town tonight in the league.  No news on their site as to whether the pitch is in trouble.  I assume it is fighting fit and well rested as they have gone after nearly three weeks without a game.

An early kick off for you tonight.  It is at 7.30pm.  Directions found here.  Good luck fellas!

Leatherhead 1 - 0 Merstham

Hayden’s season isn’t getting any better.  His team of ex-Leatherhead players failed to make themselves at home as Draycott’s second half goal proved to be the difference.

Leatherhead climb into the play-off places and a trip to Burgess Hill on Tuesday to see if we can climb further…

Merstham are coming

Tomorrow (weather permitting) will see Merstham arrive to the Grove.  The Merstham team reads like a Who’s Who of old Leatherhead favourites and friends.  Hayden Bird also comes to the Grove with his Merstham side that are failing to live up to the promise they did in the pre-season when there was a revolving door stationed on the Epsom Road with many players heading to our old rival.

They are having a terrible run but represent a wounded animal to a side that can now “concentrate on the league”…

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas!

 

Dulwich 3 - 0 Tanners

Leatherhead fail to upset the form book and lose 3-0 to the Ryman Premier side.  Despite looking good for the first 30 minutes Daly got the home side on their way.

Second half and the ref jumped to give a penalty after two tangle in the box.  2-0.

The game got worse when Semakula was sent off and Daly made it a brace shortly after.

The FA Trophy run over for Leatherhead but at least those with unduly long memories go home happy.

Travelling Tanners

Tomorrow Leatherhead play in the second round of the FA Trophy and a chance to meet up with our old friends Dulwich Hamlet and key cheerleader Dessie. 

If Richard Brady needs to motivate the players then all he needs to do is place a few of his tweets on the dressing room wall.

Dulwich Hamlet have more than settled in the Ryman Premier League.  They are sitting in second place behind Maidstone.  This is going to be a tough game despite the obvious motivation of the petty abuse the Leatherhead faithful have received.

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

Tanners 2 - 1 Crawley Down Gatwick

Leatherhead come back from a goal down to take all three points today at The Grove.  Goals from Draycott and Griffiths get us back to winning ways.

No action until Saturday where we play Dulwich Hamandchipsonshoulders in the Trophy.  Get there early to drink cans of drink outside anyone?

 

Crawley Down are coming

Just suffered my first earthquake here. No one took their eyes from their beer here... but will the earth move for Leatherhead tomorrow?
Kick off at 3pm at the Grove. Good luck fellas.

Travelling Tanners

2am here so the jet lag is in full swing. As is our league campaign again as we travel to Hythe Town tonight...
Kick off 7:45.

Lewes 1 - 2 Tanners

After our exit from the FA cup I did not see this result coming.  Travelling away to Lewes with league fixtures piling up I had a fear we wouldn’t be up for it but a good display saw us over the line.

Lewes took the lead but goals in either side of half time set us up into the next round.  Draw today on the radio.

 

Travelling Tanners

The FA Trophy and I don’t see eye to eye.  I can’t get excited about it but now it represents one of our last hoorays in cup football this season.  Should be quite a good gate though.  Lewes are a well supported club who are no doubting looking to make us feel welcome.

If you love Lewes’ great football posters see ours here.  Directions can be found here.  Kick off at 3pm.

Let's see what you could've won...

A home tie against Canvey Island COULD have been the Fourth Qualifying Round  in the FA Cup.  The side sit in the bottom half of the Ryman Premier. 

Oh, what might have been…

Biggleswade 5 - 1 Tanners

Fairy dust one week.  Peter Pan the next but today The Lost Boys were put out of the FA Cup in emphatic style by our hosts Biggleswade.

Leatherhead played a defensive game.  Bradbrook asked to work alone and it would seemed we had learnt nothing from our trip to Binfield.  There two centre backs could marshal the exposed Bradbrook as the long obvious aerial balls were pumped in.  Today was no different.

After some opening scares we held our own but we looked under par.  Then on the stroke of half time Biggleswade got the opener and it was only a few minutes after the restart they made it 2-0.

Only then was Bradbrook allowed some more advanced support in the form of Draycott and it paid off.  Draycott scored to put us in with a shout but then it fell apart.  Biggleswade made it three within a minute and heads fell.

Two goals in the last three minutes confirmed today as a disaster but not many Leatherhead fans were there to see it.  The writing seemed on the wall long before the fourth and fifth goal went in.

Good luck to Biggleswade.  On to Lewes in The Trophy then…

 

 

Travelling Tanners

The big one tomorrow.  An away trip in the third qualifying round to a ground we have visited before.  Biggleswade.  In a recent radio interview their manager is quite happy with the draw.  They have played 22 FA Cup games at their ground and only lost one.  There within the remaining 21 lies a hidden story of a late Kev Terry equaliser and a win for Leatherhead in the replay.

We have Bradbrook back after being coaxed away by a Secret Sheikh deployed by Walton & Hersham perhaps.  He spent the week in Dubai.

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

Tanners 0 - 2 Walton & Hersham

Perhaps with the prize that it is at stake today’s result is not a surprise.  Not to take anything away from our visitors there was something in the air tonight with some mentioning about 70% of the work rate we have seen in recent weeks.

 

A quick goal sealed our fate with a second making it all more than comfortable.  A forgettable game.

On to Biggleswade though…

Walton & Hersham are coming

Walton & Hersham are coming to play in the Robert Dyas League Cup.  Robert Dyas, what a store.  Full of storage and filing gadgets that prevent you from forgetting things.

Kick off at 7.45.  Good luck fellas.

Tanners 4 - 0 Harlow

Tinkerbell was 20 minutes late arriving to the Grove with her bucket of fairy dust as Leatherhead failed to show the dominance the score line suggests.  However when it came there was no stopping the hosts.

Kev Terry’s opener was stunning.  A fine volley on the edge of the box that got us on our way.  This time last week when we were struggling to get the ball into dangerous areas a short corner would have been met with groans.  Today it paid off.  A flick on allowed Bradbrook to ghost in for a free header and notch up another goal for him.  Another sprinkle when Harlow believed they had scored only for it to be ruled out for offside.

Kev Terry went to get on the score sheet again with yet another volley and Burchell joined the party to jfinish off an impressive day.

All in all an entertaining game with Ibrahim being asked some questions too.  So Leatherhead come out smiling and let’s hope for more of the same with the visit of Walton & Hersham on Wednesday (providing Rod has organised another game) and then Biggleswade…

Harlow are coming

FA Trophy action tomorrow and the visit of Ryman Div 1 North opponents Harlow Town.  They sit in 10^th but have outscored us with an impressive 30 goals to their name.  That is better than any team in our league.

Could be a mixed bag.  The team has taken some knocks in recent weeks and the FA Cup waits in the wings so on the one hand I can see this being low on the priorities.  Then on the other hand a couple of new faces enter the mix for a chance for them to impress.  Only one way to find out…

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

Hastings 2 - 2 Leatherhead

An outstanding performance tonight was rewarded with a well-earned point away at Hastings.  A side crippled by injury sees a few new faces slot into the side.  Obersteller (from Welling I believe) and Plean bolstering the side.

It started well too.  Despite some early pressure Kev Terry’s pin point cross found an inform Bradbrook to put us in the lead.  Lucky to have him on the pitch as the car he was in had a flat tyre on the way to the ground.

Hastings are having a good run themselves and managed get one back by lashing the loose ball into the top corner at close range.  1-1 at half time.

Second half and Leatherhead really started to get into their stride.  It was unfortunate then that Ibrahim was adjudged to trip a Hastings player in the box and concede a penalty which was duly dispatched.  2-1 to the hosts.

It looked like our play was not going to be reward.  A header saved cleared off the line and a long range effort well saved from Semakula just two instances of our dominance.

Then when it looked like it was going to be tough justice Bradbrook struck again.  He managed to turned superbly onto Eisa's pass, before unleashing a 20 yard shot that shot past the home shot stopper.

A good point against a good side with promotion ambitions of their own.  Onto Harlow in the Trophy…

Biggleswade Town Away

So.  Calor Southern Premier league opposition awaits us in the next round.  They dispatched Chelmsford City in the last round 2-0 so a tough draw.

Rod will update the official site with confirmation of the dates soon…

Travelling Tanners are coming...

Well, it’s been a busy weekend for someone.  Tomorrow Leatherhead travel to Hastings for a Monday night fixture.  Something of a first for me and perhaps this is what lead to the confusion.  Hastings sit above us in the league and, while losing to Merstham will be a low point for them, they pose a real threat.  Directions can be found here kick off at 7.45.

Then onto the Walton & Hersham League Cup fixture which seemed to be slotted in on the Wednesday night.  That has now been re-scheduled for Wednesday 9th October at Fetcham Grove. Kick off 7.45pm.

That means the next game at the Grove is against Harlow Town in the FA Trophy on Saturday, 5th October.

In all seriousness, we know Rod and his programme collection give up their time for free and do a bloody good job BUT if you want to join the full public enquiry please follow the hashtag #rodhasmuckedup.

Binfield 1 - 2 Tanners

First of all, what a club Binfield is.  £6 to watch a competitive team in a friendly atmosphere.  A credit to the game.  While our hosts were warm and friendly we were cold and disjointed.  A traffic accident on the Kent border meant that several members the team would be late and two more arriving during the second half.

Obviously this unsettled us.  Tait and Draycott playing with injuries with some others out of position.  The side just did not look interested for long periods of the game.  Quiet with no real leadership.  Had it not been for Bradbrook we would not be in the hat on Monday.

Although Bradbrook did not have an easy opening 30-40 minutes.  Binfield's centrehalves had him in their pockets while we lumped long high balls down the middle.  Only when we pushed it into the corners in  the last five minutes for him to chase did we start moving their defence and create some pressure.

Until then it was all Binfield.  Their opening goal a ball pushed through the middle and calmly chipping the 'keeper.  They went on to create three chances in similar fashion but they did not finish.

Second half and while Leatherhead were not quite as bad it was still Binfield in control.  No one could see where a goal was coming until the 70th minute when the ball bounced to Draycott who had the composure to beat a keeper who was poorly positioned in the goal.

Binfield's keeper reacted in a way that signalled they now wanted the draw.  Refusing to give the ball to Draycott to restart the game quickly.  Leatherhead now started smelling fear and for the first time really took hold of the game.

While in the last five minutes they had some chances and but for a point blank save from Ibrahim they would have scored.  In the last minute Leatherhead won a free kick about 22 yards out.  As Bradbrook stepped up they home side seemed to panic, throwing extra men into the wall.  The confusion was taken advantage of and Bradbrook bent the ball through a gap and past an unsighted 'keeper.

A win that even the hardest of Leatherhead supporters would admit was lucky and barely deserved.  We're in the draw BUT will need to improve to take on some of the names left in the hat.

Travelling Tanners

THIS is what the FA Cup is all about in my mind.  We’ve dispatched with the familiar opposition and now we get to travel to a new ground and play in a competitive game.

Binfield are already pretty pleased with themselves over their run as they are into the second qualifying round of the competition for the first time in their history.  Be warned, they want more though.

Warning signs must be shown at our end too.  The last three results have seen us ship seven goals and gain two points against sides that a team with ambitions of promotion should be putting to bed.

What a match it promises to be.  Directions can be found here.  Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

 

Birthday wishes

Happy birthday to Adam Gray.  Part of the team that took us to the FA Cup First Round proper. 

Hope to see you at the Grove again soon.  Dickie said he’d buy you a drink…

 

Tanners 3 - 3 Walton & Hersham

The curse of the clanger goes on.  Leatherhead squandered their advantage after fighting their way back into the game following a poor first half.

 

Walton & Hersham didn’t hang around scoring in the opening minutes.  The ref was not enjoying the robust exchanges with the home side appearing to come off worst for the decisions.  The form of Bradbrook put us back in the chase, benefitting from a deflection he notched up his 10^th goal of the season.

 

Second half and it was the home side’s turn to stun with Kev Terry and Coyle scoring in two minutes to give us a commanding lead.

 

The commanding position was then wasted.  Eisa was subbed for the more experienced Burchell but there came the problem.  Kev Terry had been combining well with Bradbrook and between them they had the measure of the visitors.  Kev Terry was pushed out wide and Burchell replaced him upfront but he did not have the same instant chemistry thus allowing Walton into the game.  Cue calamity. 

 

Walton, as Eastbourne did but in less dramatic fashion, notched up two goals to deny us two points.

It’s not all bad.  Leatherhead sit second with a game in hand on the leaders but with two points from nine it could be so much better.

 

Walton & Hersham are coming

After the blip of Saturday comes a chance to bounce back.  Tomorrow sees our old friends Walton & Hersham come to the Grove during a challenging start to the season for them.  That said, they are in better shape than Eastbourne who stole two points from us as an eye drifted to the FA Cup game (perhaps).

Kick off at 7.45.  Good luck Tanners.

Tanners 1 - 2 Whitstable

Approximately this time last year an unbeaten Leatherhead was announced in the press as not having found top gear.  Cue a run of disappointing results.  Inexplicably the same sentiment was issued in the week and on came the inevitable defeat.

It could have been so different though.  While Whitstable issued an early warning it was Leatherhead on top and looking the most likely.  The visitors appeared to be treading water when the goal finally came.  A free kick found a Terry Butcher-esque Coyle who headed back across goal to a grateful Bradbrook.  An assured header shot past the 'keeper, 1-0.

Two chances came about ten minutes either side of half time.  The first one to Kev Terry who was set clear straight through the middle to a keeper on the edge of his box.  His shot saved with ease.  Then Bradbrook had a similar chance but out to the left with another player in support for a tap in.  Again the shot was saved.

If Leatherhead's opening goal was straightforward from a set piece then Whitstable's was even simpler.  Cutting out the middle man and heading straight in for the equaliser.

At 1-1 Leatherhead were no doubt looking for the winner but to some degree the referee had a part to play.  Consistent in his decisions but overly officious, halting the game to have a chat here or replace the ball there.  This allowed Whitstable to settle while we began to panic.  The damage was finally done when a shot was lashed in from distance after bouncing over the diving 'keeper.

The hero of lastweek had a chance to level but this time Birchell blasted across the face of the goal.  The first defeat of the season was notched up.  A mid-table Walton & Hersham come to the Grove on Wednesday.  Time to finish what we started...

Whitstable are coming!

The Oystermen return to the Grove tomorrow for this league encounter.  They are struggling a bit so far sitting in 18th but have Charlie Smith who has snuck into the top goal scorers table with 4 goals.

It may not be an issue for some but remember the Tour of Britain comes to down, albeit early for Leatherhead, which results in rolling road blocks.  Check here for details of how you could be affected.

Kick off at 3pm.  Get on your bikes and ride!

Rod, close up and personal

The FA sent their man to film the game and interview the big names around the club and they do not come bigger than Rod Ellis.

Here are his thoughts on his programme collections... oh and some other people talking about winning goals and stuff.

It's Binfield

So, its Binfield.  They ran out 4-1 winners last night against Ardley United. While they are a league below their current form and home advantage will make this a tough match.
 

Travel details to follow nearer the time.

FA Cup draw

It’s Ardley United or Binfield away for a chance to win £4,500 and to make it through to the Third Qualifying round.  A couple of new grounds to look forward to and avoiding Conference South clubs.

Game to be played 28 September…

Tanners 2 - 1 Carshalton

Leatherhead battle their way through into the next round in a game sparse with entertainment value.  Not that we will be complaining Monday when the draw is made though.
Where I have always been critical is the needless changes that have been made to winning teams over the last two seasons.  I am sure some drastic changes had to be made to find Kev Terry at left back but why muck around up front?  Tait, who has been linking up with Bradbrook so well, found himself in midfield and out of sorts to accommodate a new striker.  A square peg in a round hole unsettled this winning side and Crashalton were truly on top.
The pressure told and Carshalton powered a header after a dominating possession in the final third.  Leatherhead reshuffled with Kev Terry now playing on the left wing.  We managed to gather a few passes into their half and had a ball bounce off the bar.  Then on winning a foul out to the left, the resulting free kick was headed home by Bradbrook.
Second half saw Tait advance up front and Draycott back in midfield.  It worked.  Now it was Leatherhead on the front foot and applying the pressure.  Tait lobbing a ball to Bradbrook to head at the feet of the 'keeper.  He could only spill it into the path of Birchell who prodded the ball for a scrappy yet important goal.
Ten minutes later later Carshalton were down to 10 when their captain launched into a tackle and caught a Leatherhead player head on.  Not a good day for them.
Get refreshing your twitter accounts Monday.  We're there.

Carshalton are coming

Get your tin foil out and start cutting cardboard.  The FA Cup weekend is almost upon us.  Ryman Premier opposition descend to the Grove in the second of the two early round draws we have known about for some time.

Our visitors are not enjoying life in the Ryman Premier at the moment though.  Only one win to their name they sit joint bottom, but hold the phone.  Leatherhead did not enjoy the last two minutes of their game against the bottom club in our league so let’s be on our guard for the whole 90 this time.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

 

Eastbourne Town 2 - 2 Tanners

Leatherhead will feel disappointed after letting a two goal lead slip in stoppage time.  Two early goals from Kev Terry and Tom Bradbrook got us on our way but it all went wrong.

Kev Terry got things underway within the first few minutes scoring on our first attack.  Bradbrook continues his scoring run by latching onto a cross and heading home inside the six yard box and powered it home.

From then it all seemed to be going well until Eastbourne started applying some late pressure.  It told on the stroke of 90 minutes when they pulled one back.  Surely the bottom place club couldn’t make a comeback?  Sadly for Leatherhead they could and on the last kick of the game they pulled it back 2-2.

One eye on the FA Cup perhaps?     

 

Travelling Tanners

As indicated briefly below Leatherhead travel to Eastbourne Town tonight.  Another team playing on a Wednesday night… all of those dual registered players both sides could be unrecognisable.  Painful memories of the last fixture though for me.  Not a great game and a missed wedding anniversary to boot.  Needless to say I won’t be there tonight.

That said it could be a lively one as Eastbourne are having a tough start while we are looking in fine form.  Sorry if I jinx it.

Directions can be found here.  Kick off at 7.45.

Coach to Eastbourne

We are trying to arrange a supporters minibus to Eastbourne Town on Wednesday night. Dickie has a few names but we are still a bit light to make it viable. The minibus will leave Fetcham Grove at 4.30pm on Wednesday and, assuming they can get 12 supporters, should cost around £10 per head.

Please let Dickie know ASAP if you would like to go (number to be found in the message board).

They aim to make a decision as early as possible tomorrow based on numbers so please look out on the message board for updates.

Goal sharing

Leatherhead sit top of the table, best defence and second highest in goals scored... BUT selflessly sharing the goals it seems...

Name	Total	Team	Breakdown
Brendon Cass	5	Faversham Town	Goal (5)
David Cook	5	Hythe Town	Penalty (2), Goal (3)
James Everitt	5	Ramsgate	Goal (5)
Richmond KIssi	5	Redhill	Goal (5)
Aaron Rhule	4	Merstham	Goal (4)
Ashley Robinson	4	Crawley Down Gatwick	Goal (4)
Charlie Walker	4	Peacehaven & Telscombe	Goal (4)
Connor French	4	Walton Casuals	Goal (4)
Dane Luchford	4	Folkestone Invicta	Goal (4)
Liam Wright	4	Crawley Down Gatwick	Goal (4)
Max Miller	4	Burgess Hill Town	Goal (4)
Soloman Pinnock	4	Tooting & Mitcham United	Goal (4)
Allan Tait	3	Leatherhead	Goal (3)
Gary Charman	3	Horsham	Goal (3)
Jamie Brotherton	3	Peacehaven & Telscombe	Goal (3)

Tanners 5 - 1 Tooting

This is all going rather well.  Leatherhead climb top after Crawley Down Gatwick slip up while we pile on the pressure onto lowly Tooting.

It didn’t start that way though with Tooting’s Dalhouse rising uncontested to head home from a corner on 24 minutes.  Could be the first defeat of the season?

No.  Leatherhead started their surge with a deft header from Parkinson that lobbed the ‘keeper just before half time.

If the Tooting ‘keeper was embarrassed by being caught out by the flicked header worse was to come.  The pressure was building for in the second half before we finally got the breakthrough.  Tom Bradbrook got us on our way.  He had already headed one ball at close range right at the ‘keeper but on his second chance he made no mistake.  A squared ball across the box allowed him to tap in to the goal thanks to an over committed ‘keeper.  It got worse for the shot stopped when he was beaten near post by Bradbrook again minutes later.

Perhaps the “shot stopper” was worried about where his near post was when Kev Terry struck.  Freed from a brief spell at right back he advanced on goal from the right and powered his shot across the ‘keeper and it nestled into the side netting.

Mo Eisa topped all the goals.  Taking the ball through the middle he worked some space some 25 yards out and hit the ball powerfully into top corner.

Eastbourne away Wednesday…

Tooting are coming

Tooting & Mitcham come to the Grove tomorrow in a repeat of the FA Cup tie.
I hope they took defeat on the chin for a well mannered game tomorrow.
Kick off at 3pm. See you there.

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead’s unbeaten run gets another examination when we travel to Redhill.  After four games they have just suffered the one defeat and sit three points behind us.

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

(Holiday for me this time!)

 

Horsham 2 - 2 Tanners

Leatherhead secure a draw in an entertaining game away at Horsham.  It did not start well for us though with us conceding our first goal in the opening minute of the game.  Tait was on hand to level the scores with a composed finish on half time.

Horsham’s hitmat Charman put the home side in the lead against the run of play but Leatherhead hit back quickly with a stunning free kick from Jack Hobbs.

The clean sheet run ends but the undefeated streak continues.

Travelling Tanners

Greetings from Almaty where I have been enjoying the local football in the shape of FC Kairat.  Less than a pound to get in and an entertaining game which was won 3-1.  I am not hear trying to get Kairat new sponsors though.  No.  There are more pressing matters closer to home.

Tonight Leatherhead take on our old friends Horsham.  Last year they struggled but I can't help feel they have adjusted to life in the Division 1 South after the turmoil of being relegated and now present a real challenge.

Leatherhead with three clean sheets under their belt will travel to a club we have not always found easy to beat at their place... albeit a borrowed place.

Directions can be found here.  Remember, it is a 7.30 kick off.  Good luck fellas.

Tanners 0 - 0 Peacehaven & Telscombe

Not much here for the highlights reel should we go on and achieve something this season.  That said both Leatherhead and their ‘keeper remain unbeaten.

There has been much talk of Leatherhead’s chances this year, but the visitors had either not heard the rumour or didn’t care as they came out confidently.

On the opening day of the season the game was decided by Matt Smart’s “worldy”, beating the keeper with a 30 volley.  Such is the error of margin as, but for the width of the post, Bradbrook was denied from 35 yards by the woodwork.  You can’t hope to win all your games from out there though.

Seven points from the opening nine is still a good start.  Horsham on Tuesday, they won at Guernsey and will be confident going into this game…

Peacehaven & Telscombe are coming

Last year's Sussex County League champions come to the Grove tomorrow looking to spoil our perfect start to the season.

What is more the club are tempting you down earlier with live BT sport brought to you.  Well, on past form it will be showing Cash In The Attic but if you ask nicely they will turn it over for you.

I will be on a plane to Kazakhstan so will miss out on the first visit of our new friends.  Kick off at 3pm.  Хорошо кожевники удачи!

Tanners 3 - 0 Corinthian Casuals

Leatherhead go top with getting one more than the two goal lead they needed.  That only really tells perhaps a third of the story as 6-3 in favour of the Tanners could easily have been notched up.

Leatherhead looked the most purposeful than they have in a number of months.  Flowing forward nicely and creating chances.  The first two chances came thanks to a ‘keeper who had buttered up his gloves prior to stepping out on the pitch.  Twice the ball squeezed out to fall goal wards only for a defender and then the post to help him out.  Kev Terry then found the net after going clear and finding the bottom corner.  He was deemed to be offside.

The goal came from a swift move down the center, then out to the right and the following cross found Tait perfectly.  Soon after Corinthians responded, hitting the post and then a defender on the line full in the face.

Second half.  Both sides looking to score, Leatherhead perhaps the more composed although this was one of the best Corinthian sides I have seen in a while.  It was down to Kev Terry to make it safe.  A composed trademark finish, slotted under their keeper. 

Two nil and we could dream of going top.  What could get better?  What about a delicate lob over the stranded ‘keeper from about 20 yards by Tait.  Yep, that ought to do it.  3-0.

Corinthians still found time to hit the post again while Bradbrook's outside of the foot tap in was ruled out for offside.  Good times return to the Grove!

Tanners 3 - 0 Corinthian Casuals

What a night.  Leatherhead win 3-0.  Ricky Lambert scores for England.  Leatherhead go top of the league.  Leatherhead 2nd XI lose 2-0 to Ramsgate.

Two from Tait and another from Kev Terry tells half the story.  Match report tomorrow...

Corinthian Casuals are coming

Football returns to The Grove on a Wednesday night with the visit of Corinthian Casuals.  Both teams got off to a winning start and the bogey team klaxon has already been sounded on the official site.  A win against our Surrey rivals we see us off to a great start in the league.

Leatherhead are not alone in playing tonight with Eastbourne, Guernsey and Leatherhead 2^nd XI also choosing to clash with a televised England game.  I am sure the prospect of seeing live non-league football outweighs seeing a meaningless friendly with Andy Townsend providing his thoughts…

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there.

Ramsgate 0 - 1 Tanners

The perfect start for Leatherhead on the road at Ramsgate today getting all three points thanks to a first half Smart screamer.

From the off Leatherhead were all round sharper with Ramsgate looking quite sluggish in comparison.  Shortly after the half hour mark the dominance paid off when Smart found himself with a chance to volley about 30 yards out.  In it screamed and set us on our way.

Ramsgate managed to respond in the second half and made more of a game of it.  Indeed but for the woodwork twice they could have well scored as the piled on the pressure for the last 20 minutes.

Leatherhead were not to be denied though and the opening day win was ours.  Wednesday, yes Wednesday, it is then for a visit of Corinthian Casuals…

 

Odds on...

Feast your eyes on the odds available on BetVictor to win the league.  If this is anything to go by we should be battling it with Leatherhead's 2nd XI for a play-off place...  Please bet responsibly.

	Hastings United	6
	Folkestone Invicta	8
	Guernsey	8
	Ramsgate	8
	Leatherhead	10
	Merstham FC	10
	Burgess Hill Town	16
	Faversham Town	16
	Horsham	16
	Hythe Town	16
	Crawley Down Gatwick	20
	Eastbourne Town	20
	Corinthian Casuals	33
	Sittingbourne	33
	Chipstead	40
	Herne Bay	40
	Whitstable Town	40
	Worthing	40
	Peacehaven & Telscombe	50
	Redhill	50
	Three Bridges	50
	Tooting & Mitcham United	50
	Walton & Hersham	50
	Walton Casuals	66

Travelling Tanners

The time for tittle-tattle is now over as Leatherhead open their campaign away at Ramsgate.  There will be some time to enjoy the beautiful game without the pressure of the opening fixture as Ramsgate are hosting a National Football Day event with coaching and penalty shoot outs for kids.

Leatherhead have been scoring well in pre-season but with only one clean sheet (although this has been a feature of our pre-seasons for years) there will be plenty of work to be done at the back.

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

League Cup Draw

Only 2 first round ties and Leatherhead have been drawn in one of them!  It's a Walton double for the first two rounds...

Round 1
Leatherhead v Walton & Hersham

Round Two
Walton Casuals v Leatherhead or Walton & Hersham

For the full draw got to Percy’s post (from which I shamelessly stole this article!).

 

Welling United are coming

Conference football comes to the Grove in the shape of Welling United in our last friendly of the season.

Kick off at 3pm.  The last friendly at the Grove was £5 for adults so I assume it will be the same.

Enjoy.

Thamesmead Town 2 - 4 Leatherhead

A fine win on the road for Leatherhead.  As the hosts prepare for their first season in the Ryman Premier League in their history they have been scoring well.  In a way that continued with two first half goals.

Leatherhead had all the answers though.  Firstly through a piece of skill from Kev Terry.  Tait then got a brace to welcome his return to the side.

3-2 would have been a good scoreline by Bradbrook headed home to make it 4-2.

Home game on Saturday to boot…

 

Thamesmead

Another away friendly and quite the journey too from memory as we take on Thamesmead Town.  It was certainly an eventful trip where the referee found himself the villain sending off at least two of their players.

Tonight should be a more sedate affair and a chance to build on the clean sheet obtained Tuesday night against Ryman Premier opposition.  We will certainly get a test, they have scored 9 goals over their last three friendlies.

It is a 7.30pm kick off.  Directions to be found here.

 

Tanners 0 - 0 Lewes

A nice clean sheet to build towards the season tonight.  Not an overly exciting game but certainly we were on top in the early exchanges.  As Lewes grew into the game so it drew to a stalemate but Richard Brady can certainly go home the happier of the two managers. 

Sadly a lack of team sheet means I cannot add a great deal of value.  Rod was clearly showing preseason nerves and failed even to name the substitutes on the bench.

Bradbrook looked hard to handle for certainly the first.  Tait got a start tonight.  Oh, we had another youth team player in goal who did well.

Thamesmead on Thursday then…

 

Lewes are coming

The pre-season was looking a little bit skewed towards away grounds until this hastily arranged game was thrown into the mix to give us something to watch.  Leatherhead have done well so far, although the first real test with a full squad only came last Saturday.  This was won 3-1 against opposition at our level.

Tonight we face Ryman Premier opposition as Lewes make their way up from the south although the narrowly avoided relegation last year.

Kick off at 7.45.  No ideas about the prices I am sad to say.  See you there though.

VCD Athletic 1 - 3 Leatherhead

A well-rested Leatherhead side came out and gave a good account of themselves at VCD Athletic today.  More of the first team as we would expect to see them were on show today with a starting lineup of Ibrahim, Pezza, Jezza, Coylie, Jenko, Semakula, Hobbsie, Tommo Parkinson, Smithie, O'Flaherty, Kev Tezza.

Leatherhead’s first half performance was simply too much for the home side.  Goals from Hobbs, Smith and finally one from the local talisman Kev Terry.  It was certainly a relief to hear Kev made it past Merstham without getting hauled in.

VCD pulled one back but Leatherhead’s first half dominance meant the damage was done.

Next up.  A visit from Lewes.  Yes.  A game at The Grove!

VCD Athletic

Leatherhead’s preseason continues tomorrow with a home from home trip to Dartford as we face VCD Athletic.

The Ryman Division 1 North side should be a good indication how we are preparing for the season although the Alton Town game indicated we are still without some key players for various reasons.

NOTE Kick off at 1:30pm.  An early kick-off.  Make sure you leave by 1pm.  Route planning stuff can be found here.

Alton Town 1 - 4 Leatherhead

Leatherhead ran out easy winners tonight beating Alton Town 4-1.  More details to follow.

Alton Town

Tomorrow we travel to a club I have a certain soft spot for.  I was picking up a bulky item I won on eBay and found myself and in their neck of the woods to took in a FA Vase game which they drew in the dying minutes. 

A few months later they were under threat of eviction and asked for people to come to one of their last home games to support their plea.  I am pleased to see we are returning to that ground tomorrow.  I would love to be there but sadly I will find myself in Basel…

So far this pre-season campaign the club has hosted sides like Bognor Regis and Godalming and have lost 2-0 and 3-0.  Should be a good chance to see the new team take shape.

Directions can be found here.  Kick off at 7.45.

 

Fixtures are out!

At last, they’re out.  The Ryman League fixtures were issued today which sets up with an away tie to Ramsgate on 10 August.  As usual we miss out on any kind of glamour Bank Holiday fixture with Chipstead visiting in August with us returning the favour on Boxing Day.  News Day is Red Hill and Easter an away trip to Faversham.

Get your passports ready for 1 March 2014.  We are off to Guernsey,

AGM tonight

Don’t forget tonight is the AGM where you can hear all about the club’s ambitions for the season.  It starts at 7.30 and you need to be a member to participate but I understand you can sign up on the night.

With the club issuing statements over Tommy and Dartford over the last few weeks it could be an interesting one…

Romford 2 - 0 Leatherhead

Leatherhead lose on the road to Romford 2-0 last night.  The game has been put down as “one for the fitness levels” and was mainly a team of trialists by all accounts.

If you’re interested their goals came from Aime Blessing and Jamie Dicks.

Romford away

Another friendly for you tonight and this time we are off to Romford.  Be sure you go to the right place though.  My sources tell me it is at the Newbury Park venue (described here) and not at Ship Lane where they usually play.  Also be warned it is a 7pm kick off!

Hopefully I will get more details of this game…

 

Corinthians 2 - 3 Tanners

Leatherhead get their preseason of to a winning start with a 3-2 win over the Kent based Corinthians.  They were not pleased with the two sloppy goals they conceded but happy to come through a game played in hot conditions.

Not much news on our scorers other than Reggie Yembra got one on his debut…

First friendly

Saturday Leatherhead face their first friendly away at Corinthians.  Not the Surrey based side, but the local one in Kent.  This is the kind of game I would turn up to (new ground for me) but alas my daughter’s birthday party has scuppered this.  I will be hoping for some match reports from someone though…

No directions available on their website but the address is here.

A decade of The Lip!

Today, well there or thereabouts, marks 10 years of The Lip!  It started all those years ago when the then webmaster went to Bangkok never to return and I stepped in with an unofficial message board then the blog we know and love today.

Oh the memories.  Here’s to another 10 years..?

FA Competitions

Well.  Not the kindest of draws for Leatherhead this year!

In the FA Cup, Tooting & Mitcham travel to The Grove in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup, tie to be played on Saturday 31st August.  If we get through that we will be a home against Carshalton Athletic in the First Qualifying Round, tie to be played on Saturday 14th September.

The FA Trophy is equally as cruel.  First up is Harlow Town in the Preliminary Round with the winners travelling to Lewes.