Tanners 2 - 0 Ks

Leatherhead returned to winning ways with a 2-0 win.  A scoreline that did not reflect the dominance as Leatherhead missed 7-8 clear chances, either through keeping their 'keeper busy or just missing the target.

 

Gallagher opened his account; following up on his shot that was spilled by the 'keeper.  Another new signing also impressed, as Montague resembled a young Steve Davis; quietly going about his business while finding "the pockets"…

 

It is perhaps telling that the goal that made the game relatively safe, came from an absolute howler that fans behind the goal absolutely love to see.  A simple back pass was misjudged by the 'keeper, that had kept his team in the game, and it rolled in while fans either celebrated or rolled around in laughter.

 

Our reward for this win is a visit from Ramsgate on 4 October.  Meanwhile we prepare for the visit of Horndean on Saturday…

Ks are coming!

While I believe the FA Sodding Trophy is entirely futile, today's fixture is rather nice I have to say. Local rivals and ones we beat relatively recently.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas.

Tanners 0 - 1 Hartley Wintney

Leatherhead's league form has slowly been revised down from Perfect to Unbeaten to Table Topping, as we suffered our first defeat of the season last night.

Leatherhead came out to play some swift-attacking football, while Hartley Wintney took a more robust approach with our players.  Sebastian Tauta-Caballero feeling an early tackle that easily warranted a yellow (with the players reacting like it should be a red) but nothing was given.

 

The game turned when Sonny Wheeler was given a woeful back pass to deal with and was left stranded.  0-1.  We could have equalised towards the end of the first half when a shot from outside the box could only be parried about three yards out to Lukas, but his shot across the face of goal went well wide.

 

The second half was, initially, a more patient affair, with Leatherhead slowly applying pressure.  As the game wore on, the visitors were suddenly made of sugar glass and collapsed on the ground upon the merest touch.  Jordan Gallagher made his debut, and showed some good touches, but it was not enough to get an equaliser or more.

 

The referee, though, was one of the worst I have seen this season, and this was demonstrated when he could have awarded us one of two penalties in quick succession.  The Hartley Wintney 'keeper dropped a long-range effort and one of our players was quick to pounce on it as the 'keeper made a dive for the ball.  Down went our player in the box and nothing was given.  Play went on for another player to retrieve the ball and this time was tackled from behind in the box, but the referee somehow saw this to be outside and only gave a free-kick (that was blasted straight into the wall).

 

Breckon fired in a powerful shot which struck the bar.  The referee completely failed to see the clear deflection and awarded a goal kick.

 

A frustrating evening, but we get a Saturday off from the league as we host Ks in the FA Sodding Trophy…

Hartley Wintney are coming!

The second of four home games in a row takes place tonight, with the visit of Hartley Wintney.

Our guests sit in sixth place with a set of inconsistent results. Hopefully the curse of the Manager of the Month award has lifted…

Kick off at 7:45pm. See you there!

Tanners 2 - 2 Hendon

Our fate not to collect all three points was sealed when Ian Selley went up to collect the Manager of the Month award before the game.  It is an outstanding achievement, but to revel in it on the pitch just before the game will only anger the footballing gods.

 

We could have sent these false idols packing in the first half as we missed a about four chances in an end-to-end (but sometimes side-to-side) game.  It started when Breckon placed his shot just inches wide of the right and post.  Then the tricky Anas found Hogan, but he made a double contact with the ball and sent it over.  Lukas then had his tight angle shot saved and then lobbed over when put through on goal from a Hendon mistake.

 

Then the sucker punch.  The ball falls to a Hendon player, some 30 yards out, and his strike find the top left.  0-1 and half time.

 

The second half and the stormy weather matched the mood of the game.  Both sides wanted to win this game and went at it until the final whistle.   We had to wait until the 65^th minute to get back into the game though, when suddenly a rainbow appeared, cancelling out the curse of the manager of the month award.

 

Kareem was brought on and his dynamic play made an instant impact.  He darted into the box and knew what was coming, a rash challenge and down he went.  It was perhaps a little soft, but we cared not as Hogan placed the penalty into the bottom left.

 

As we dreamed of getting a winner, things took another bad turn when the referee (who was being assessed) pointed to the spot for an even softer penalty than he awarded us.  It was coolly dispatched, and we were staring down the barrel of our first defeat.

 

Luckily, Hogan was in form and saved us.  First, Kareem fired a shot that took a wicked deflection, lobbing the 'keeper.  The ball only fell as far as Nathan Hogan, who instinctively fired into the bottom left.

 

The point wasn't quite saved as Hendon pressed for another winner in front of a credible travelling support, but we held on to ensure we are at least unbeaten in the league.  Time to get back on our winning ways on Tuesday then…

Hendon are coming!

After a couple of games where I've been away, I'm back for this home game. That must be a load off.

Leatherhead will hope to retain their perfect record in the league, when 20th-place Hendon come to the Grove. It's been mixed results in cup competitions though, with a fine wine over RPV and a disappointing loss to AFC Whyteleafe.

Kick off at 3pm. See you there!

Raynes Park Vale are coming!

I'm not going to today's game. Not because of my irrational loathing of the FA Trophy, but because I'm taking my youngest daughter to university today. I feel old.

Hayden Bird brings his side of familiar faces to the Grove today. In the league they sit six points behind us, having played less game but tasted defeat once.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas!

Bognor Regis Town 0 - 2 Tanners

As I drove through the city of Chichester, I had a rush of anxiety; not because of the flashbacks of teaching my daughter how to drive here, but we had the chance to extend our lead with a win today.

 

Leatherhead's first half play was a bold as the local council's decision to build a Dutch style roundabout to provide safe cycling infrastructure.  Kareem, again, lit up the right wing and left their No. 3 in knots.  For all the tricky play, though, it was the long throw that opened the scoring as both 'keeper and their No. 5 couldn't deal with it and Nathan Hogan blasted the ball into the roof of the net.

 

We continued to press, and Lukas spurned two chances from close range, in quick succession.  A two-goal cushion was beginning to feel necessary as on another day our hosts could have had two penalties.  One for a late shoulder-to-shoulder challenge that looked a bit like a push and a rather obvious handball.  Ross Stepney got away with a yellow for a challenge that could have seen a red card being brandished also.

 

In the second half, Leatherhead really controlled the game, limiting our hosts to very little.   We had to cope with some injuries.  Kane had to be carried off in the first half, and then Alfie Huckle limped off and towards the end Kareem then went down with a knock to the knee (but was also booked for diving).

 

Finally, we got the goal to make the points feel safer and the Bognor Regis fans feel a little bit wetter behind the coverless goal on the far end.  Anas had already shot wildly across the face of goal twice, when crossing may have been a better option. However, on his third attempt, he found Ty Butler who delivered the decisive touch to beat our one-time 'keeper.

 

So, we go six points clear and will remain that way as next week sees the utter nonsense that is the FA Trophy come to town…

Travelling Tanners

A game, perhaps, neither club wanted to play today as other teams get to have fun in the FA Cup, but it is not all bad news.  The surprise tones of the New Ground Klaxon can be heard, as our old friends are ground sharing with Chichester City AND we get to continue our momentum in the league.  

 

Bognor Regis won on the opening day of the season, 5-4 in front of an impressive crowd at Portchester but have since yet to win.  With Raynes Park Vale losing, our fourth consecutive win sees us top of the table.

 

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

 

Travelling Tanners

We're off to Ks. I'm off on a narrow boat around Leicester.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas!

Tanners 3 - 0 Littlehampton

Leatherhead continue their perfect 3-0 start to the season, with a win over Littlehampton.  Our new friends were an unknown commodity, being new to our division, but came with an unbeaten record and a respectable travelling support.

 

The first half was another 45 minutes where, although we missed a couple of glaring chances, the best bit for me was getting into the bar early for a sit down and a cup of tea.  Kareem being guilty of missing the easiest chance when he was put through, clear on goal, but had too much time to think about it and tangled himself up.

 

The second half and Leatherhead came out looking a more determined side.  Breckon opened the scoring with a classy goal, making space in a tight situation to find the inside of the post.

 

The second goal was all about Kareem and when he beat two players on the edge of the box, burst into the area and found Lukas at the far post.  If people missed Kareem's contribution, they certainly didn't miss his celebration as it was almost as if he passed to himself and put it in.

 

Mark Waters added to the visitor's misery when he pounced on a lose ball on the edge of the box, and fired it into the bottom corner.  Littlehampton gave us a couple of scares, with a fine flying save from Sonny and the crossbar saving us.

 

On to Monday and the trip to Ks.  Their manager, Dean Thomas, just happens to live near me and he said "hi", while I walked through the village proudly wearing my Leatherhead shirt.  We chatted for a while and then I wished him a thoroughly miserable Bank Holiday… they got their first win on Saturday and will no doubt fancy another though…

Littlehampton are coming…

…or have been as Football Web Pages showed this was a 0-0 draw at 8am this morning. On the plus side, it did put us top of the league.

Littlehampton come to the Grove in the first meeting, I can remember.

Kick off at 3pm. See you there!

Tanners 0 - 1 Westfield

Westfield reestablish themselves as our bogey team, with a 1-0 win to knock us out of the FA Cup.

I was worried about this game.  I recall as similar scenario where we travelled to Billericay on the opening game of the season and then returned in the FA.  We lost the league fixture but beat them in the cup, and the tables were turned on us today.

 

If you wanted to be kind, you would say our play was "patient".  It was not the performance that saw us miss many chances and then take them, as it was last week.  It was quality over quantity.  Just a pity there wasn't even much quality attempts until Breckon came on.  Up until then we really hadn't troubled the 'keeper much.  Hedley headed over from close range and our closest attempt to the target came off someone's shoulder.

 

Westfield also looked a different side to the one we faced last week as they were composed and stuck to their task well.  They pressed and got their reward, in the second half, when they stole the ball and lone striker ran at Sonny.  A clever lob put them on the lead on 56 minutes, but no need to panic as I thought we had more than enough time to respond.

 

It simply didn't happen, and with each sub we somehow became more disjointed and less of a threat.  The final straw came when Cam Black was made to go upfront, but he looked completely out of place… because… well… he was.

 

The referee, after two additional minutes to the originally sounded six, put us out of our misery and blew the final whistle.  Westfield rightfully enjoyed their moment while I trudged off and shared my woes with a few other supporters in Tesco.  Back to the league then, and the visit of Littlehampton.

Westfield are coming…

Our weekly encounter with Westfield comes around again, this time in the FA Cup. Our second half performance against our guests should give us plenty of confidence… not too much confidence, I hope, as we have a habit of starting slowly when we think the game will be easily won.

After three 3-0 wins in a row, hopefully we can safely make our way into the next round.

Kick off at 3pm. See you there!

Tanners 3 - 0 South Park

Leatherhead continue their winning ways with a fine 3-0 win over South Park, in game that was very much "a game of two halves".

 

I don't quite know how to sum up the first half, as everything about the game seemed rather timid.  The pace of the game seemed slow and the crowd chatted amongst themselves while this all drifted along.  We looked the better side, but that was hardly much to shout about.

 

The second half, and the action started quickly.  Too quickly for some, myself included, who didn't get pitch side to see Sam St De Croix run onto a through-ball and slot into the bottom corner.  1-0.

 

Then Jacob Brecken came on and things only got worse for our visitors.  First, Kane dispatched the perfect cross to find the big striker in the box and his deft header found the side netting.  Jacob was then instrumental in the build-up to the third.  After some neat one-twos in the middle of the pitch, a lofted ball was sent towards goal and Jacob's clever flick sent Kareem free down the left.  He then fired a low cross to the edge of the box and Kane fired a low shot into the far corner.  The old warrior, Bracken, could not keep that one out following a string of fine saves.

 

Somewhere in all of that, Westfield thought they had a penalty when a player felt a contact from behind and went down.  They probably felt it was a foul, as the referee had awarded similar instances of diving outside the box, but they simply don't count inside.

 

The referee blew his whistle to bring up our third 3-0 win in a row, and now we get ready to face Westfield (again) in the FA Cup on Saturday …

South Park are coming

Let's hope it cools a bit, for the players, as South Park come to the Grove tonight.

Our guests - also 3-0 winners on Saturday- are a side that can ruin the most pleasant summer evening, but hopefully putting away another bogey team, at the weekend, will help.

Kick off at 7.45. See you there!

Westfield 0 - 3 Tanners

Before the game, there was a common thread amongst the fans who had gathered early in the bar before the game; just how many terrible defeats we had suffered here.  This was not the opening game of the season we had hoped for.

 

Our fears were eased with an early goal from the returning Breckon.  Out on the right, he took the ball down on his chest and advance on goal.  He feigned to shoot, committing the 'keeper with a dive to his right, and so with the ball already heading towards the goal he just left it to roll in by itself.  1-0.

 

If the 'keeper felt embarrassed by that goal, he could walk into the dressing room with his head held high with three or four saves that kept Westfield in the game.  A curling effort from Waters and a close range chance from Hogan forcing two of the more spectacular saves.

 

I was asked at halftime for my score prediction, and I said it would either be three of four nil OR a one-all draw; I feared we would be punished for not taking or chances.  Luckily, the captain stepped up and made the game safe.

 

His first goal was a shot outside the box.  The ball did take a deflection, but I don't think it altered the outcome.  He then pounced on a loose ball in the box, after another save from the busy Westfield 'keeper, and picked out the top right hand corner.  3-0.

 

Sonny Wheeler kept his clean sheet bonus intact with a fine save of his own and the game finished 3-0 to set us on our winning way.  So from one bogey team to another… South Park come to the Grove on Tuesday…

Travelling Tanners

League action starts today with the trip to Westfield, a side that will want to get one (if not two) over us given recent player and manager movements.

It's going to be busy in Woking. Carlisle are opening their season next door and are bringing their full 900.

Kick off at 3pm. See you there!

Phoenix Sports 0 - 3 Tanners

Leatherhead safely made their way into the Qualifying Round Proper, following the kind of professional performance that was called for on Saturday.  From the start, Leatherhead controlled this game with the hosts missing only one clear chance.

 

We were still guilty of squandered opportunities ourselves.  Early in the game, Lukas was put through on goal for a one-on-one chance but could only find the post.  There were several other chances that were blocked or saved until we got our breakthrough.

 

Nathan Hogan has really impressed over these two games and both of his goals were things of beauty.  The ball came to him at about thigh height, but he still managed to get the perfect touch to both beat his man and allow for a clear shot at goal.  Their 'keeper appeared to have had one less Red Bull than he had had on Saturday, so could only get a slight touch on it and couldn't prevent it from hitting the side netting.

 

Half time and I pictured Ian Selley sat in Linekar's Bar having just finished his Full English and sending his team talk via WhatsApp.  No need for the second jug of sangria, as Sam De St Croix eased the nerves by firing a shot through a crowded box and it found the back of the net.  It took a massive deflection from a defender, but I can confirm it was heading into the bottom corner with the 'keeper well beaten.

 

Nathan Hogan doubled his tally with a fine piece of individual play.  Chasing a ball down the left, he dragged it back, changed direction and opened up for a left footed shot into the far corner.  He ran off to the corner flag for a well-earned celebration.  The hosts were not happy with this as they felt one of their players was fouled in the build-up, but they had cried wolf a number of times and the ref had waved play on.

 

So, now we face Westfield.  A side we will get to know a little better when we face them on Saturday in the league…

Travelling Tanners

Not only are we in a round sooner than we'd like, but we're playing the replay a day earlier too!  Tonight we travel Bexleyheath to face Phoenix Sports.

Saturday was hard fought, and we learned quite quickly bee can't simply trot around and get a win.  Hopefully they won't make that mistake again.

Kick off at 7.45.  Directions can be found here.  See you there!

Tanners 2 - 2 Phoenix Sports

To lose this game, this early in the season, would be unthinkable but somehow we rushed to a two nil deficit to make it look like our season was over before it even started. 

 

Phoenix Sports came out and bossed the game from the start, playing in confident triangles and bullying our players as we hardly laid a glove on them.  Meanwhile, they capitalised when Sonny dropped a low shot for a tap in on six minutes.  Eight minutes later, it was 2-0 when they managed to flick on a corner to the back post for another easy finish.

 

I was so distraught at halftime, I burst into the dressing room announcing my research was all wrong.  They didn't finish comfortably 16^th in the Isthmian South East, as their website suggests, and were in fact relegated to the Southern Counties East League Premier Division.  The look of relief on their faces allowed Ian to then resume his team talk and they came out a different side.

 

It only took three minutes for us to start the comeback.  There was a coming together in the box as well as a handball, so the ref gave one of them and Breckon calmly slotted it into the bottom left corner.

 

On 60 minutes, the comeback was complete when we broke free and had the composure to square the ball to Nathan Hogan who finished at the near post.

 

Both sides appeared to accept their fate of a replay as neither wanted to lose the tie, so off we go to Barnehurst on Monday with the NEW GROUND KLAXON ringing in our ears…

Phoenix Sports are coming!

Ominous dark clouds formed overhead as I completed my cycle ride and I turned my attention to our early entry into the FA Cup. I was told it was our earliest entry since 1935 (unverified).

Our guests come from the Isthmian South East, finishing 16th last season BUT they have a new club owner so who knows how they'll turn up today.

Kick off at 3pm. See you there!

Tanners 1 - 4 Farnham

Not so long ago, this pre-season friendly made perfect sense, and I was looking forward to it but now, due to the FA's new coefficient, we are just a few days before the extra-preliminary round it didn't look so appealing.  The players seemed to agree as they tentatively saw out this game out, while Farnham played with more freedom.

Another reason to hold the friendly may have been to cash in on their large supporter base, but it appeared the only person who came to watch Farnham was Marc White as he prepares for his friendly against them soon.  Marc did not have to wait for Farnham to open the scoring when they were awarded an absolute stinker of a penalty.  Hardly any contact but he pointed to the spot and it was 0-1.

Farnham soon raced to a three-goal lead when twice Sonny rushed off his line to close down a pass, only to be beaten and the ball calmly rolled into an empty net.  0-3 and half time.

To be fair, Leatherhead did come out and for the first time looked really committed to get into the game and got their reward from penalty.  Sam De St. Croix stepped up and obviously felt bad about scoring against his old team so sent the 'keeper the right way and it was saved.  He scored on the follow up for this penalty, but when we got awarded another one for handball, he sent the 'keeper the same way and it was saved.

Farnham made it 1-4 from a nice move down the right to finish us off.  That concludes the preseason friendlies, and now we get stuck into the FA Cup and the visit of Phoenix Sports on Saturday…

Farnham are coming!

Leatherhead welcome last year's champions, as Farnham come to the Grove for the last preseason friendly of the season.

Love Island will have to wait. Kick off at 7.45. See you there!

Corinthian-Casuals 3 - 5 Tanners

I sat with Rod before the game as he marked off his team sheet, and he looked quite despondent about the number of players that were still unavailable.  I don't recall a season where we have yet to see a full team, so close to the start of the season.

 

We did not need to wait long for our first goal.  As I walked around the ground, I had just heard a fan complain over the dark-arts of the long throw when one was sent in, flicked on and James Richmond scored with a header on just 40 seconds.  1-0… This was going to be easy… The home side equalised with a brilliant 30-yard free kick into the top corner three minutes later.  1-1. Oh.

 

Leatherhead look like they have been working on their corners.  Hogan sent in two corners, and we scored twice in quick succession.  Hedley and Stepney with the headed goals.  3-1.  Just before half time, Nathan Hogan scored from close range just before halftime, increasing the lead to 4-1.

 

The second half had less goals but did not lack drama.  Corinthian-Casuals were given a penalty, for a clumsy tackle form behind in the box.  This made it 4-2 but still felt safe.  Well, until we failed to hold onto a cross and the fired in from close range.  4-3.

 

Our dominance from corners restored our two-goal cushion, when Stepney fired into the top corner when our hosts failed to clear.  5-3 and all we had to do was calmly see this out.  Alas, a Corinthian-Casuals player had other ideas by crashing into one of our players and then insisting he have a fight with anyone who fancied it.  Sonny Wheeler does not need a second invitation, and charged out of his box to join in.  With Ascot still fresh in our minds, a club fine is needed every time he leaves the area as the ref was in a friendly / charitable mood and only sent off the main protagonist.

 

A piece of silverware in the bag and now we get ready for the visit of Farnham on Tuesday…

Travelling Tanners

Oh yeah. I forgot to mention our impressive six nil win over Merstham in the week. I'm not sure what was happening with our visitors, as they named a complete squad of trialists; from Trialist A to T.

Hopefully we will face a more settled Corinthian-Casuals, to give us a stiffer test, in the Harvey Hill Trophy.

Kick off at 3pm. See you there.

Merstham are coming!

Tonight sees The Mick Sullivan derby being played, as our Isthmian South East opponents come to the Grove tonight.

Playing on grass, on Saturday, saw us fight back impressively so we will hopefully look to go one better.

Kick off at 7.45. Free for Season Ticket holders. Good luck fellas!

Tanners 2 - 2 Tonbridge Angels

A touch of déjà vu for the Leatherhead supporters in the opening five minutes as, much like their Tuesday outing against National League South opposition, found themselves 2-0 in a short period of time.  Goals on two and five minutes must have worried all those in attendance.

 

Luckily the fight back started in the 10^th minute, and not the 85^th, when Akinnibi finished at close range.  The come back was complete Hedley capilitalised on our guests inability to clear their lines.

 

Onto Tuesday, and a visit from Merstham…

Tonbridge Angels are coming!

There will be nervous glances at the weather forecast for the rest of today, as a much needed spell of rain comes just hours before our first home friendly.

If the pitch soaks it up, then our old friends Tonbridge Angels come to The Grove. A side that have gone on to play in the National League South.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas.

DWFC 5 - 1 Tanners

I was annoyed even before the game kicked off.  To "save time" I bought a ticket in advance, but with only one turnstile operator accepting payments and scanning it made little difference, and I queued anyway.  Upon entry I was shepherded into the away section… where we shared a bar with the home support… but then – not forgetting that while we are local rivals, it is just a pre-season friendly with a trophy – saw segregation was needlessly introduced to prevent us from standing behind the goal.

 

My mood hardly improved when after just 9 minutes Dorking Wanderers took the lead.  It was disappointing as a move down the right looked like it could have been dealt with twice, but the winger had too much about him and fired in a cross for Rutherford to caress the ball into the far post.

 

Meanwhile, Marc White sipped coffee from a disposable cup showing he was as concerned about the planet as he was about losing this game.  He barely had time to wipe away the froth from his top lip when it was 2-0.  A cross from the tricky Vincent found the head of Rutherford; his header was initially saved by Wheeler but it fell back to his feet and he simply had too much composure to miss from there.

 

3-0.  Bloody hell.  Another cross from their right was met by Carter who deftly lobbed the ball into the far corner in a kind of audacious semi-scorpion kick.

 

Half time and now, not only was I contemplating why I bothered to buy a ticket in advance, but why I had bought one at all.  We did come out with more purpose and mustered our first shot on goal – Lukas fired a shot that was partially blocked so took the sting out of it – but it came to no avail when Lewis fired in from close range just four minutes into the second half.

 

Sod this for a game of soldiers.  I left to prepare for an earlier meeting in Feltham and by the time I got home Trialist B, to add insult to injury, scored.  We did get one back at the end, but 5-1 pretty much reflected what we have come to expect from this away fixture.

 

Onto Saturday and the visit of Tonbridge Angels…

Travelling Tanners

The annual tussle over the Advertiser Trophy occurs tonight at the Meadowbank. A game that can runaway from us, if we're not careful… but perhaps our new side can be more of a match.

Kick off at 7.45. See you there!

Knaphill 0-8 Tanners

Over three friendlies, Leatherhead have score 13 goals.  The only game, of the three, they didn't score in was the game I attended.  Thanks.

 

The heat did not stop Leatherhead from bouncing back from the 1-0 defeat at Cobham.  Hogan and Akinnibi each scored two goals, while Igozouln, Breckon (penalty), Butler, and Waters each contributed one goal to Leatherhead's total of eight.

 

Onto Tuesday and, probably, the stiffer test of Dorking Wanderers…

Travelling Tanners

After a hard-fought game at Cobham, Leatherhead play another friendly on the unforgiving 4G surface that has proved to be so tough to win on.

Today we travel to Ashford (Middlesex) to play Knaphill in our third friendly.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas.

Cobham 1 - 0 Tanners

With so much striking talent recently imported into the squad, I wondered how many goals we would ship past our hosts as I walked around the ground on an altogether pleasant evening.  That did last year's play-off finalists a disservice, as their settled squad looked composed from the start.

 

While we hit the post, Cobham looked relatively comfortable in the first half.  They looked even more comfortable when they scored from a header after they sent in a couple of crosses in quick succession.

 

Some changes were made in the second half and Leatherhead looked the better side but lacked a clinical finish.  Time after time a player was sent clear on goal from a through pass, but they could only blast their shot directly at the 'keeper.

 

We had two or three shouts for a penalty but the referee, who was happy to dish out a few yellow cards, was in no mood to point to the spot during a friendly.

 

Onto Saturday and the trip to Knaphill…

Travelling Tanners

Ok. Let's get this show on the road, then. Spare a thought for Woody, as we play away at Cobham tonight.

This will be my first chance to see the new and impressive array of signings in action.

Kick off at 7.45. See you there!

Travelling Tanners

For the 100-150 supporters that made the trip to Uxbridge, nothing says sorry than offering discounted travel to 15-20 for the battle for seventh place.  

To be fair, twelve games ago Hartley Wintney occupied the coveted fifth spot and I thought they would be the side to beat on the last day.  It's not to be for either side, this year.

 

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

Tanners 4 - 1 Binfield

I didn't go to this game.  Today I celebrate 21 years of marriage and I got to this milestone by picking my battles.  Giving up a Bank Holiday to watch a game that was, sadly, a dead rubber was not the hill to die on.

 

Those that did attend, saw an entertaining half with a clinical late performance from Ruben who was afforded a rare start.  This was not before Binfield took the lead and Lukas pulled off a Le Tissier-esque volley after flicking the ball up in the box.

 

Then Ruben scored on 59, 89 and 93 minutes.  All three goals were scored just to the right of the goal and if there was a perfect hat-trick award for scoring through the 'keepers legs, near post and rounding him and rolling it into an open net, he would nailed this rare accolade.

 

Onto Saturday and the last game of the season… the trip to Hartley Wintney.

Binfield are coming!

Binfield come to The Grove in our last home game of the season. Our guests are safe from relegation but will no doubt want to better their 2-2 December draw and start signing off the season in style.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas!

South Park 3 - 1 Tanners

Book your partner a surprise trip away this May Bank Holiday – anywhere but Uxbridge, Ascot or Hanwell – as we are now free from play-off duties.  While it is still mathematically possible, this defeat signals the end of our distant hopes of making it.  Even with a win, it would have been tough given that everyone else won.

 

If drums were goals, South Park would have been 3-1 up at the start of the game.  The local kids arrived with the kind of drum that wouldn't be out of place beating out Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.  While a large travelling contingent set up South Park's largest home crowd of the season, the game started with dead-rubber atmosphere.

 

Leatherhead gave the travelling support something to cheer about first.  An attack down the middle fed in George Hedly, who sent in a low ball into the middle for Tyler to have a free shot into the bottom corner and score his first goal.  1-0.

 

We could have doubled our lead when a free kick on the edge of the box found George unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box, but he could only turn it into the 'keeper's path.  A goal could have finished off the home side, but at 1-0 they were a threat.

 

The threat got worse when Cameron Black saw red for a rash tackle.  With both feet off the ground, and while only one foot made contact, he was not in control so a fair decision.  Leatherhead tucked into a back three, which allowed space down the wings to cross and one found a player unmarked to head home.  1-1.

 

The second half and Leatherhead regrouped and applied themselves well to get a winner and we nearly got it when Lukas fired in a powerful shot and the 'keeper palmed it onto the post.  South Park then charged down the other end, sent in a similar cross, and another header made it 1-2.  In the dying minutes, South Park broke free and lobbed Harvey as he came out to narrow the angle.  1-3.

 

Onto Monday and the visit of Binfield to round off the festive weekend of football.

Travelling Tanners

A trip into Reigate today as we face South Park in the league. This isn't a happy hunting ground for us, and should we to today the aftermath would be felt for the remainder of the season.

We also need a few results to go our way, so no doubt there'll be some nervous glances at our phones to keep abreast of the score.

Kick off at 3pm. See you there!

Tanners 2 - 4 Walton & Hersham

For 89 minutes, Leatherhead held our guests and seemed to be heading for penalties, but a swift and decisive move finished off our hopes of reaching the final in the dying minutes.

 

Walton & Hersham turned up in confident mood and stroked the ball around from side to side along their back four, for the opening 15 minutes.  This pendulum motion must have hypnotised our players, as a sudden long ball caught us sleeping and it created a one-on-one chance that was expertly finished.  0-1.

 

Those who feared it would get worse did not have to wait long to see us draw level.  We won a free kick on the edge of the box and Fitzgerald slotted a powerful and low shot through the wall and into the side of the net.  1-1.

 

At this point Leatherhead really grew in confidence and looked to score another.  However, our guests proved that, yet again, they could on the break and scored another to make it 1-2.  Momentum remained on our side, and we scored just three minutes later from one of the many dangerous corners we took this match.  2-2 and half time.

 

Walton & Hersham started the second half like they meant business and I feared we would be overrun, but somehow we weathered the storm and created our own problems for them to solve.  As time ticked down, we began to consider which end would host the penalties, but in the 89th minute, another swift move was finished off from a tight angle to make it 2-3.  We responded with one last Kingstonian-esque attack, but it was snuffed out, and our overcommitted attack could not respond to the breakaway, allowing them to notch up a flattering fourth.

 

So, it's back to concentrating on the league then.  The wrong Villa did all the scoring last night as Hanwell could only draw 0-0 with Ascot, which hands a point to both which makes them just that bit harder to catch in the last three games…

Walton & Horsham are coming!

Surrey Senior Cup Semi Final Night is upon us, as we welcome old friends Walton & Hersham to the Grove.

Our guests sit in third in the Southern League - Premier South and have a nasty habit of beating us… hopefully we can put that right tonight!

Kick off at 7:45. See you there!

Tanners 2 - 1 Hanworth Villa

After seeing the Uxbridge post-match interview, I arrived early at The Grove to ensure I got my free drink.  Fearing it would be limited to one drink per supporter, I took an array of disguises (glasses, glasses with moustache, different tops) in order to capitalise, but to my disappointment no drink materialised.  As if the last week's 10-0 scoreline wasn't sobering enough; now we had to face third-placed Hanworth Villa.

 

We needn't have worried as a very different Leatherhead came out.  Hanworth Villa are a big and physical side, and while last week we ran away scared, this week we fought to retain the ball.  And won!  We created some good chances, the best falling to Tyler who smashed the cross bar and headed down at the 'keeper's feet to force a tricky save.

 

Our opening goal came from our own half, where we won the ball and strode up the pitch.  Akinnibi's optimistic cross was not properly dealt with and the ball fell to Matt Everitt who, with some work to do, nipped past the defender and slotted it into the bottom right corner in stoppage time. 1-0 and half-time.

 

The second half saw Leatherhead come out on top again.  Perhaps fewer chances but we were well in control.  Our goal came when a shot from just inside the area was intercepted by a defender but only to put it into the path of Akinnibi who made no mistake.  2-0.

 

Hanworth Villa rallied and started applying real pressure.  Harvey was forced into a fine save when a header seemed destined for the top left corner, but his scrap-book-photo save kept it out.  The pressure eventually told, and a fluffed clearance set up a powerful strike that flew in on 89 minutes.  No problem, the games was about to end.  Wasn't it?

 

The referee indicated that there was going to be six minutes of added time.  Punishment enough, but the referee obviously did not like the sudden spate of Uxbridge-esque cramp so added on even more.  On and one the game went as Villa applied pressure.  The clock entered 99 minutes, and I feared a Y2K situation should we enter 100 and the club's microwaves would stop working. Luckily we are spared the IT consultancy bill as the referee blew the whistle on 99.21 to give us the three points.  Meanwhile every other bloody team around us tasted victory, meaning our job is even harder… but still possible.

 

Onto South Park then… but not before the visit of Walton & Hersham in the Surrey Senior Cup on Tuesday.

Hanworth Villa are coming!

Before delving into this week's fixture, I thought I would reflect on the sad news of the passing of Dave Johnston; news that had a profound effect on me, as it was only two weeks we stood in the bar at halftime and briefly exchanged views on what an entertaining first 45 minutes it was.  I will miss Dave and our pre-match chats.  If there is a better way to spend an hour before a game than learning of the trials on tribulations of a ground-hop across the second and third tiers of Romanian football, I haven't found it yet.  Looking at comments on various platforms, the enjoyment of these exchanges are a common theme and the fact so many people enjoyed spending time with him and exchanging tales, not just on football but other topics, is a measure of the man.  A real loss to the Leatherhead family.

 

Onto the more mundane topic of football and today we welcome third place, Hanworth Villa.  A side we beat, only last month, thanks to a Adam Pearce goal.  We will need a repeat of this heroics (and less of last week's disaster) to keep any hopes of having football to watch in early May, alive.

 

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

Uxbridge 10 - 0 Tanners

If Uxbridge were accused of over celebrating 10 days ago, today they were guilty of over-scoring as they took full advantage of a completely gutless display from a well-backed Leatherhead side.

 

I can't describe many of these goals.  Firstly, I am too disappointed and secondly, I missed half of them.  Two goals spring to mind though.  Their first goal came after Uxbridge's No 4 misplaced a pass and we gained possession.  Rather than build anything we played an lazy ball forward that was intercepted and they went on to score for their possession.  Their fourth goal came from our corner and a good ball in needed someone brave to get a head on it.  Bravery wasn't on the table today and he pulled his head away and Uxbridge marched up the pitch and score.

 

No head injuries for Uxbridge today.  That would need us to get near enough to touch them; not a bit of it as our hosts cruised around in second gear.

 

Into the bar at half time and some light relief as we watched the Grand National.  Oh, how I wished someone would come out onto the pitch and set out a white tent around the stricken Leatherhead team and put us out of our misery as it was about to get a lot worse.  By the time I emerged from the bar, walked past Sonny Wheeler who was enjoying a kebab, and got to the half way line it was 5-0.

 

We did dispatch a few shots – one shot even hit the bar – but in reality Uxbridge were not coming out to tread water and went on to score another five – five! - goals.   You can point to not having our first choice 'keeper in goal, but if that is really the case you should be working harder to protect him, but I saw precious little of that.

 

Miracles do happen, but with our impressive goal difference affectively halved it is going to take a lot to make the play-offs now…

Travelling Tanners

A chance to reacquaint ourselves with housery and over-celebrating of Uxbridge today. With a coach going, this should exceed their (checks notes) 171 average home attendance.

Kick off at 3pm. See. You. There!

Tanners 3 - 2 Ks

29 March used to have the special meaning for me as my wedding anniversary: 21 years today.  Scrap that, it is now 0 years since we scored in the 97^th minute to beat Ks and keep our chances of finishing in a play-off place alive.

 

It did not look like it was going to turn out that way from the first 20 minutes as we started much like we did against Farnham; like meek rabbits caught in the headlights.  Any hopes of blundering our way through it faded when a ball into the box took a wicked deflection off Cameron Black and went in on just six minutes.

 

Leatherhead did not take the early punch well and staggered about on the ropes for a further 14 minutes until something clicked.  Suddenly Leatherhead were relentless and sending in shots from all over the place.  The opening goal came from a brief period of head-tennis and eventually Cameron Black was at hand to head home to atone for his own goal.

 

Just two minutes later our pressure resulted in another goal.  Some nice build-up play down our left got the ball into Alfie Huckle in the box who sent in a powerful shot into the bottom right corner.  A defender dived and used his hand to try and save it, but it found the side netting to spare him a red card.  We should have really scored more but we ended the half 2-1.

 

Second half, for 40 minutes was a fairly even and tame affair.  Then it all happened.  Ks had been growing in the game for some time now but we had largely managed to hold them at bay.  Then we found ourselves with a player one on one with the 'keeper to make it 3-1… his shot was too near the 'keeper not once but twice and the chance was lost.

 

As we entered stoppage time, Ks launched what they hoped would be the last attack of the game as the referee saw a foul and signalled a penalty.  Wheeler guessed the wrong way and at 2-2 it looked like our season was over.  The referee allowed play to go beyond the four minutes signalled to allow Leatherhead to attack from the restart.  After a couple of false starts we broke with the ball down the middle… that went left and then right to Everitt who smashed it into the top right corner.  3-2.  Limbs.

 

When the whistle came, more wild scenes followed as our players – Uxbridge, please take note – celebrated in front of their supporters rather than goad the away support.   Onto Saturday then, when we reacquaint ourselves with Uxbridge again…

Ks are coming

Former-tenants Ks come to the Grove today for this Surrey derby. The club lost to their current hosts in the week, so no doubt they will be looking to bounce back strongly.

A closely contested away game ended 1-1 earlier in the season.

Kick off at 3pm. See you there!

Tanners 0 - 1 Uxbridge

Leatherhead's good form came crashing down, last night, as Uxbridge did a bit of number on us.

 

Overall, Leatherhead looked quite good.  We were attacking but Uxbridge always managed to stick out a foot and block a shot for crucial pass, to snuff out any chance we had.  The best coming from a corner, where a deflection seemed to beat the 'keeper to score an own goal but there was a foot to save the defender's blushes.

 

Uxbridge's goal was therefore disappointing.  It appeared we had dealt with an Uxbridge attack, only to lose the ball again and set up a shot from the edge of the box.  It was a speculative as it was under hit but its accuracy was enough to beat the diving Wheeler.

 

The second half spung into life and the referee tried his best to give us the win with a sending off and a soft penalty.  The player that won the penalty celebrated a bit too much, it hadn't been scored yet and the sheer size of the 'keeper must have been daunting.  As soon as Kane hesitated in his run up, the 'keeper already had half a glove on it.  He guessed correctly and saved with ease.

 

Down to ten men, Uxbridge seemed to suffer a series of head injuries that needed treatment and for the game to stop.  So prolific was their misfortune, Sir Chris Whitty was seen setting up for a press conference to explain the sudden pandemic and what could be done to stop the spread of the condition.  Ultimately blowing the final whistle was enough, as their players we able to robustly over-celebrate in front of our supporters rather than acknowledge the travels of their handful of fans that made the trip.

 

Onto Saturday, where we face K's who had their own taste of disappointment last night…

Uxbridge are coming!

I couldn't make Saturday's game, away at Badshot Lea, as I was taking my daughter to an "experience day" at Winchester Uni.  While this made me feel my age, an early goal helped keep the grey hairs at bay as we went on to win 4-0.

 

Tonight, will be a very different challenge as third place Uxbridge come to The Grove.  They come eighth in the form league, having lost 4-2 to Rayners Lane at the weekend.

 

Kick-off at 7.45pm.  See you there!

Travelling Tanners

Non League Day brings a trip to bottom-of-the-table, Badshot Lea. Looking at the other fixtures, this could be quite the opportunity to put even more pressure on fifth spot… or a massive banana skin…

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas!

Hanworth Villa 0 - 1 Tanners

Ian Selley did his homework for this game and was awarded a distinction by teacher as Leatherhead smashed and grabbed 3 points at the division's in form team.

Villa had won 6 of their last 7 league games using various housery tactics such as banning supporters from behind one of the goals for no apparent reason, and removing all grass from the playing surface such as to resemble a test match wicket at Faisalabad.

With only 9 games left and 8 points behind the hosts this was a must win, but the gaffer set out with a seemingly must not lose 5-5-0 formation. This restricted both sides to very few chances with a lot of head tennis and hoofing. 

There were no health scares in the first half and thankfully we were still all clear at half time. The most entertaining moment coming when Martin Lewis, on TV in the club house, advised everyone on the best savings rates. Monument Bank 4.75% per annum max 3 withdrawals per annum.

In the second half, the referee continued to look like he had been called up from the local Sunday league with a series of incorrect decisions. Just as it looked like no one would score if we played all night, Ian Selley pulled a rabbit out of the hat and changed formation with the introduction of Ruben with 15 minutes remaining.

Suddenly we were all over Hanworth and had 3 good chances but it was the old warhorse "Pearcy" who leapt like a salmon at the far post on 93 minutes. Absolute. Limbs. Even Mick sounded upbeat during the post match interview.

Our next match is against the bottom side whilst Hanworth and Hartley both have tough fixtures. 8 games left 5 points adrift. Dare we dream…………

Travelling Tanners!

A trip to Feltham awaits tonight, for what is surely a drink at the Last Chance Saloon. For a second we were within four points, then you blink and the table looks completely different.

Our hosts, Hanworth Villa, are sitting three points better off than they were on 89 minutes, at the weekend. Two late goals push them up into the coveted last play-off place.

Kick off at 7.45. Good luck fellas!

Tanners 1 - 0 Sutton Common Rovers

A well worn out cliché would be to call this a game of two halves.  If you're a Leatherhead supporter, you may be forgiven fall calling it a game of just one as the action of the first half all but evaporated in the second.

 

From the off, we were looking like we were in a scoring mood.  Our midfielders were finding space and time on the ball, giving our guests plenty to think about.  We scored early, but the ref saw a little too much physicality from Cameron Black and gave a foul.

 

Our goal was a thing of beauty.  Ruben put through Akinnibi who ran on with only the 'keeper in front of him.  How many times would we have seen a Leatherhead player panic and hit it straight at the 'keeper?  Not Akinnibi, who calmly pushed the ball past the shot stopper and slotted it into the back of the net.

 

Leatherhead supporters now settled in for a goalfest as surely the floodgates will open now.  This was a gross miscalculation and the rest of the game, the second half in particular, became very hard to watch.

 

I cannot stress enough how bad the second half was.  Absolutely resolute in defence, which is to be applauded, but I was pleased it was all over.  Meanwhile Hanworth Villa spoilt our party with two goals in the 90^thand 95^th minute to win and stretch the play-off places to eight points…  that will come to a head when we play them on Tuesday…

Sutton Common Rovers are coming!

Today we face Sutton Common Rovers on a sodding cold Saturday, as we look to keep pressure on the play-off places.

Luke Tuff's Ashford couldn't repeat their heroics of beating RVP against Hayes & Yeading, so the gap is now 9 point with 10 games to go.

Kick off at 3pm. See you there!

Redhill 0 - 0 Tanners (Tanners win 5-3 on penalties)

History told me that this game had all the elements to be a painful watch.  A cup game, against lower-league opposition, on cold night and away… and I was right.  Not even the last minute discovery that the New Ground Klaxon was sounding for me could numb the sense of impending doom I felt.

 

The mood was raised on the arrival of a Fish and Chip van, but the act of stuffing my face and subsequently having to wash it meant I missed the only real incident of the game.  The Redhill 'keeper dived to smooth a ball and Ty got their late and stamped on the shot stopper.  Straight red.  60 minutes of even harder to watch football now on the cards.

 

Leatherhead simply couldn't do anything right.  Pump it long and they won the header and back it came.  Attempt to pass it around on the ground, and the bobbly pitch also played straight into their hands.  We were pegged back and had to clear off the line on a couple of occasions.

 

Last ten minutes we did get some form of foothold in the game and apply some pressure but in all honesty, we were relieved to get to penalties.  For once we held our nerve and made all of our attempts count, while Redhill missed their fourth, to send us into the semi-final.

 

Now onto Saturday where we return our focus on the league and the visit of Sutton Common Rovers…

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead travel to the wonderfully named Kiln Brow tonight, to play Redhill in the Surrey Senior Cup.

Our hosts won't make this Quarter Final easy for us, as form must count for something; they sit on top of the Combined Counties.

Kick off at 7.45. See you there!

Raynes Park Vale 1 - 1 Tanners

game was every bit as hard fought as you would expect it to be and, on balance, a point was probably a fair result.

 

Raynes Park Vale had the better of the first half and it wasn't long before they opened the scoring.  Omarr Lawson saw sight of goal, on the edge of the box, and drove his shot into the bottom corner.

 

We nearly equalised in spectacular fashion when Ruben chased a long bouncing ball under pressure from two defenders.  He improvised a lob from over his shoulder, which beat the 'keeper but struck the top of the bar.

 

We built up a bit of pressure from a string of corners and someone must have said something to Tyler Cox as he took the bait.  It wasn't so long ago we were at this ground to see him rotting on the bench for Ks, before we gave him a chance, but that counted for nothing as he hurled insults back.

 

Then our goal.  It was a bit scrappy, and I thought the chance had gone when Ruben's initial shot was smothered by a defender, but the ball ricocheted around the box until Kane could smash it into the bottom corner.

 

The second half started and at times it was hard to see the goal at the far end through the smoke from the tasty BBQ chicken stall.  Despite our players inhaling the best part of a chicken thigh each, they went on to have the best of this half in terms of pressure.  Our best chance fell to Ruben, who opted to cross rather than take a shot on goal from an angle.

 

The final whistle eventually came and I am not sure how much good a point does either side… but we will have to worry about that next week as we have the Surrey Senior Cup to concentrate on with a trip to Redhill on Tuesday…