Tanners 3 - 0 East Thurrock

Something must have gone wrong at East Thurrock, as they turned up with only one sub and a team that failed to compete for much of the game.  Just before kick-off East Thurrock got into a close morale boosting huddle and given the hysteria over the virus I was surprised they weren't all shown a red card for dangerous play.

Leatherhead put the visitors to bed after within the first 30 minutes.  First it was Ibz, allowed to play from his period of quarantine on the bench, struck with a confident shot under the 'keeper.

On 24 minutes, Robinson when all Ronaldinho and lobbed the 'keeper while pretending to cross...

Then on 30 minutes, a Leatherhead player was knocked to the ground while competing for a ball in the air.  Penalty awarded and  dispatched by Ikebuasi.

Into the second half and Leatherhead aimed to manage the game and attacking chances became more scarce.  East Thurrock did lift themselves but their No 7 decided the best way to compete was try and get our players sent off, which he did masterfully when Lema reacted to something and slapped him.

A pity as it took the edge off of a fine win... a win that makes the long trip to Potters Bar even more interesting....

East Thurrock are coming!

A big game today; a there or there abouts six-pointer.  We've worked hard to get this game on, that will be a very different challenge to the one presented on Tuesday.

I'm only going on the off chance there will be some toilet roll in the Tanners Bar.  Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

Tanners 4 - 0 Potters Bar

Leatherhead run out comfortable winners and send their goal difference into positive numbers but, if Potters Bar could hit the target, the result could have been very different.

Leatherhead laboured for much of this game.  From the touch line, Nikki screamed for the team to liven up but Potters Bar were proving to be a very touch team to break down.

Potters Bar were carving out chances.  On 15 minutes they shot just wide and then on the half hour mark a cross found a player completely unmarked and Zak no where to be seen, but his shot went wide.

On the stoke of buying half time tea, we struck.  Brown was played in with no defence anywhere to be seen, it was like a penalty (only a couple of yards further out) and he made no mistake.  Bottom right, 1-0.

Second half and more of the same.  Potters Bar missed a couple of more sitters.  One was spectacular, in that the player skipped past Zak and had the goal at his mercy - albeit from a tightish angle - and sent his shot for a throw in.

The game became more comfortable when the 'keeper brought down Robinson and he stepped up to score the penalty.  Relief given the poor form we had from the spot at the start of the season.

Then the game changer.  Ibz and Robinson were finally unleashed together and we were unstoppable. 

First, a low strike from Robinson continued his scoring form.  Then, Hester-Cook was brought down in the box, but the referee had met his "only one penalty per side" unofficial quota so waved play on.  Robinson pounced first with a low strike that was saved and as the ball spun in the air Ibz used his strength to head it home.

Quite the game and we do it all again on Saturday with the arrival of East Thurrock...

Potters Bar Town are coming

Potters Bar Town come to the Grove after a few days of Jorge-less weather.  There is no need for a pitch inspection but a yellow double sock warning has been issued.

Nikki has issued his target for us to reach the play-offs and tonight must be one of those must-win games.  It is not a "banker", by any means, but you simply cannot hold hopes of reaching the promised land without winning a home game like this.

There will also be an opportunity for the club to pay their respects to Les Benjamin, who passed away last week.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!