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.

First training session

It was the first training session over at Dartford and initial reports coming out are positive.  The new team seem to be getting on well.

Colin Ward’s money is safe though with Surrey bound players taking more than the stated 30 minutes…

Hayden speaks

The Ryman Official site runs an article where Hayden denies an increase in budget.  Well, he laughs it off anyway.

He should mention, however, his love of Leatherhead players both past and present.  In addition to the “Leatherhead three” Steve Sargent joins him, as does Jack Macleod and Greg Andrews.

There is a fella called Craig Tanner joining him too…

Friendlies are announced

The Official site has published the friendlies that have been organized to date.  Only six so far but often more are added nearer the date.

Saturday 13th July - away vs. Corinthian(Kent)

Tuesday 16th July - away vs. Romford

Tuesday 23rd July - away vs. Alton Town

Saturday 27th July - away vs. VCD Athletic

Thursday 1st August - away vs. Thamesmead

Saturday 3rd August - home vs. Welling United

 

Jerry Stays!

Good news from the Official Site that Jerry Nnamani has committed to stay at the Grove next season.

Hayden would no doubt have his eyes on one of last season's stand out players but he is ours.

Last one out shut the door...

Chris Boulter makes it a hattrick of signings for Hayden Bird by returning to his old club Merstham.  The veteran defender made a Paul Scholes-esq return from retirement once before but his departure looks a little more permanent this time.
We still await news of incoming players...

Another one bites the dust...

They are falling thick and fast now as Hayden Bird continues to assemble a Leatherhead 2^nd XI… Elliot Thompson now joins their ranks.

 

Elliott was quite the player for us.  Adding some pace down the wings plus also standing in as a right back towards the end of the season.

 

Meanwhile, Leatherhead fans wait news of replacements…

Tommy is off!

News just in that Tommy has decided to leave Leatherhead after some fine years of service to join Hayden Bird's Mertsham.

A bitter blow for Richard Brady's plans no doubt with rumours that more will follow...

Ryman league it is...

Just released (subject to handshakes, backslapping and chats over brandy at League AGMs)

Ryman League One South:
Burgess Hill Town, Carshalton Athletic, Chipstead, Corinthian-Casuals, Crawley Down Gatwick, Eastbourne Town, Faversham Town, Folkestone Invicta, Guernsey, Hastings United, Herne Bay, Horsham, Hythe Town, Leatherhead, Merstham, Peacehaven & Telscombe, Ramsgate, Redhill, Three Bridges, Tooting & Mitcham United, Walton Casuals, Walton & Hersham, Whitstable Town, Worthing

Guernsey looks to be the stand out fixture... midweek away fixture (no doubt clashing with my wedding anniversary) anyone?

Season ticket news

For those of you who didn't get the email...


Season tickets have been increased in price by £5 for next season to cover the inflation increase over the past year. However if, as we hope, we remain in Ryman Division One South next season then you will be able to attend two extra home league games next season as there will be 24 teams rather than 22 in our division.

Please get back to Richard Bligh as soon as you can get copies of the forms and take advantage of the Early Bird discounted prices.

Where to go?

So good was the post by Evergreen on how the leagues are worked out I nicked for the main page...

The decision is based mainly on geography. Had we won promotion we would have been in the Ryman Prem again next season. However the ever increasing number of Kent and Sussex clubs in Ryman South means we are on the very edge of the catchment area. On the Tony Kempster forum there is a very good spreadsheet produced by black Douglas which he predicts where teams might be placed for next season.

In theory there could be NINETEEN Kent and Sussex clubs in our division next year plus Guernsey! Leaving just 4 other places,to be  filled by Carshalton, Tooting,  Redhill, Merstham and Chipstead, that's 5 clubs for 4 places. The spreadsheet shows us, Walton & Hersham and Corinthian Casuals in the southern.

This is all conjecture because nothing can be decided until all playoffs are completed. Our destiny could even be affected by the outcome of a northern prem play off! After the play offs two FA people sit down and produce their own suggestions for the split, this is submitted to the FA and the leagues. The Ryman and southern usually squabble over clubs and some sides even refuse to take promotion if they aren't in the league they hoped to be in. It's impossible to predict at this stage but I will update when I hear anything. However if we were to gain promotion from the southern central next year we would probably return to the Ryman Prem again.

Congratulations Maidstone

Congratulations to Maidstone who beat Faversham 3-0 today to go up with Dulwich.

Play-off final

A bumper crowd roared Maidstone home 1-0 against Folkestone.  Elsewhere Faversham saw off Hythe with ease to make it through to the final.

Maidstone host Faversham then on Saturday...

Tanners 0 - 1 Faversham

It was Folkestone who ended our dream of promotion three seasons ago in the semi-final and it is them again who spoil our party by grabbing 5th spot but in truth our failure to reach the promised land was of our own making.

We were lucky even to be in with a shout of this anyway.  The three points against Dulwich made both the title race and the 5th spot exciting where, if you were a betting man, it looked over at the time of the wall collapse.

However life is all about taking your chances and while we did at the replay we failed miserable yesterday.  Faversham looked quite content about the game.  They were not going hell for leather but were not lying down either.

As with the Horsham game, the opening spell looked bright with Leatherhead creating some pressure.  Faversham hit the bar from a freekick and on the death of half time Tommy blasted wide when most expected the net to bulge.

Second half and news of Folkestone being one nil up filtered around the Grove.  It confirmed what we already knew.  We had to score.

That didn't happen and just when it looked like we would end the season missing out on goal difference a freak goal added to our misery.  The visiting striker hit the ball with power from an impossibly tight angle and some how it came off or under the 'keeper and in.  0-1.

Could we respond?  No chance.  Composure out of the window and two one on one chances were missed in as many minutes.

Our friends from Dulwich would say justice was done.  Some fans behind the goal and in the forum are not so sure...

Faversham are coming!

With Folkestone hosting Herne Bay it would appear only a win will do tomorrow.  Failing to win by more than three goals on Wednesday rules out the draw option so we need to take the game to our visitors tomorrow.

Not an easy task though.  Faversham sit in 4th place and have a chance of grabbing a home tie in the play-offs if they win.

Tense stuff then so hope to see you at the Grove at 3pm tomorrow for this encounter...

Eastbourne 0 - 1 Tanners

A Sam Blackman first half goal gives us the three points to give us hope.

Saturday awaits...

Travelling Tanners

Big game tonight.  Lose this one and the chances are we will be playing at this level again next year.  Our hosts sit around mid-table but have only score 6 fewer goals than us so plenty to think about.

There is also a bus leaving at 4.30 should you be wavering on whether to go or not.  Details of how to book a place can be seen on the message board.

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

Horsham 1 - 0 Tanners

A bogey ground? Perhaps. A bad result? Without doubt.

Leatherhead fail to take advantage of early pressure and go down to a 27 minute penalty.

Composure ebbed away as Tommy saw red for giving the officials a piece of his mind. Brady followed soon after.

Have we blown it..?

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead travel to a side tomorrow that were in the Ryman Premier last year but suffered the same fate of relegation.  They are also looking over their shoulders a bit of the trap door of relegation again but a point will keep them safe.

They are up for this then and look for the double having beaten us 2-1 already this season.  A classic in the making.  Directions can be found here.  Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

Tanners 4 - 0 CDG

I was worried about this game.  After the adrenalin of Tuesday to go on and face a handy outfit at home I can be forgiven for thinking this was only going to end in tears... I was quite wrong.

The whole team continued in the fashion as they had on Tuesday.  Typified by two quick goals from Bradbrook.  The first being a wonderful lob from distance.

Second half and we were still on the chase against a rather disheartened visiting team.  Elliott and Tommy adding to their misery.

Big Vern made his way back into the side after a period of absence.  Kev Terry returning from injury was another highlight.  Keep him wrapped in cotton wool though as currently we sit 5th...

Horsham away Saturday...

Crawley Down Gatwick are coming

Getting busy this!  Crawley Down Gatwick come to the Grove after several failed attempts to play their first game here.  This newly promoted side has settled nicely into the league and at one point sat in the play-off spots until they ran out of steam a little bit BUT they still pose a threat to our chances.  You don’t score 70 goals in this division by luck you know…

Kick-off is at 7.45.  See you there!

Tanners 1 - 0 Dulwich

Hard hats...

I think a Dulwich side that approached this game in a less militant fashion would have won this easily but the recent frenzy over cheating this and not playing for that created an atmosphere that Leatherhead thrive on.  Dulwich on the other hand often fail to perform under such pressure...

It was clear that Leatherhead had not heeded pleas to sit on the grass for 78 minutes and took the game to Dulwich.  We were closing down and presenting Dulwich with some problems down the wings.  Not least for the number 2 who could cause himself enough problems without any help as it was.

The opening goal came down our right.  A low swift cross that eluded (or perhaps even a dummy) the first man in the box.  It came to Sam Blackman next who dealt the sobering blow.  1-0.

Leatherhead were accused of cheating in the abandoned game.  Pressuring the ref to get it called off.  Dulwich fans remained silent while their number 5 took a challenge and feigned injury to try and draw a yellow card.  Not happy that his acting hadn't worked then went to sit on the pitch for a few minutes to receive 10 seconds of "treatment" only to jog back on and complete the full 90 minutes.

Ugly...

Second half and it was an open affair.  Dulwich probably look the most likely to score although Tommy and Simmo continuously tried their luck knowing it was Chico between the sticks.  He was true to the task until one piece of "Chico Magic" saw him rush off his line to fail to collect a ball and appeared to bring down Bradbrook on the touch line.  Nothing given.

The whistle went and the Dulwich players did not take the news well.  Ugly handbags were drawn and, in a trademark Dulwich move, the dressing room door now lies on the floor.  All in a nights work.

CDG on Thursday then for a more low key affair...

Dulwich are coming

Leatherhead face a Dulwich side that look even stronger than they did on their abandoned trip to The Grove.

Leatherhead look like the shadow of the side that had been on an amazing run until that point.

Football is a funny game though no?

Kick off at 7.45. See you there.

Tanners 0 - 1 Burgess Hill

This game got the go ahead thanks to the hard work of the likes of Dave Blaz, Gerald et al who got pumping and forking since 8am.  For the second time this season their efforts were not rewarded.

Leatherhead did put the effort in but spent the most of the first half enjoying their hobby of water divining by insisting on playing down the left where there was the most standing water.

Burgess Hill managed the better in the conditions and stringed enough passes together in a breakaway move to open the scoring on 19 minutes.

Second half and Leatherhead tried to ply some pressure in difficult conditions.  A loud cry went up when the 'keeper appeared to slip and go straight through Bradbrook but no penalty was given and the game faded out to leave us looking short for the play-offs.

Dulwich Tuesday (subject to pumping)...

GAME OFF

Yet again this game falls due to bad weather.  The game has been rescheduled for next Thursday!

Crawley Down Gatwick are coming

Our new friends touch down to the Grove tonight in yet another crucial game for us if we are going to make the play-offs.  A rare Thursday night outing but such is the need with all of the postponements we have suffered this year.

 

This represents one of those birds in the bush.  Let’s hope Brady has some good birdseed to tempt it out of hiding…

 

Kick off at 7.45pm.  Good luck fellas.

Herne Bay 0 - 1 Tanners

This was a ground I was looking forward to seeing this season.  On the coast and in April, it smacked of a good family day out.  However I find myself in Amsterdam searching for updates where I can...

Before the game much was made of the Herne Bay pitch.  It was dry and bobbly and looked like playing conditions were tough.  But for the cold we could have been playing on an African plain.

 

After a lively start the factors started playing a major factor into the state of play and you could have been forgiven for thinking this game would be one of those that got away.

 

Tommy however had different ideas and put us in front in the second half.  One nil and now our turn to hold on to the win.  Like Corinthians we held on and got the vital win to help lift our spirits.

 

Leatherhead still sit outside the play-offs but it gets busy now...  Thursday night football with the visit of Crawley Down Gatwick...

Travelling Tanners

After the steaming pile of false hope served up Saturday followed by spoons full of cliches in the local press, today represents a considerable outlay in terms of expected return.  Herne Bay sit more comfortably in the league that Monday's opposition and represents a 150 mile return trip.

For those that do brave the conditions a win COULD see bounce back into play-off places.  We are only one point behind you know... but that point seems to get bigger every game.

The location (I cannot find directions) can be found here.  Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

Tanners 0 - 1 Corinthian-Casuals

Oh dear.  The visitors took just five minutes to inflict the killer blow and from then on the game was quite the non-event for the home side.

Kev Terry is out and with a number of players being released it was the turn of something borrowed, something new.  Not a happy marriage as it turned out.

Ramsgate failed to take advantage of our slip.  Herne Bay away this weekend then!

Corinthian-Casuals are coming!

On Saturday we got a much needed win against a side on just 35 points and hopefully Leatherhead can repeat the feat with the visit of Corinthian-Casuals.

Leatherhead sit just one point outside the play off places but face a famous bogey side.  Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck Tanners.

Walton & Hersham 1 - 3 Tanners

Leatherhead long awaited return to winning ways was compete today thanks to three goals to get us on our way.

Tommy must have torn up the boot deal he signed just prior to the Maidstone game and got us on our way with two opening goals.  The Elliott Thompson got on the score sheet with a wonder strike.

Walton & Hersham did find the back of the net themselves but thankfully the damage was done.

Bogey club on Monday then... Corinthian Casuals!

Travelling Tanners

Big game.  Walton & Hersham are not quite in play-off contention to make this a six pointer BUT we have to get back to winning ways this Easter Weekend.

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

Tanners 2 - 2 Tooting

For just a few the prospect of watching England play out a draw in the warm was not enough, we needed to endure Leatherhead come back for what, at one point, looked like a rather unlikely one.

Leatherhead have had some poor luck recently and this was a feature of our opening goal.  A powerful shot took a wicked deflection and rather apologetically flopped in.  Prior to this Leatherhead arguably had the better of the game.

Tommy pulled a shot wide and Bradbrook headed over from close range.  Tooting did force our man between the sticks into a pretty good save but we were certainly having more than our fair share of play.

There was nothing lucky about Tooting's second early on the second half.  A fast move down just right of goal, then a neat ball to slip in a striker just to the left and finished with ease.  This was looking like it was going to be a total disaster.

Leatherhead were given a life life when a ball bobbled up and struck the hand of a defender at waist height.  The ref pointed to the spot and Simmo finished powerfully to make it interesting.  Leatherherhead were to shout for penalties at least another two times.  The first of which looked more a penalty than the one that was given.

Tooting were probably guilty of showing a lack of ambition, looking to time waste.  Leatherhead were probably more guilty of over playing.  Getting the ball wide, then passing the ball back round the box to the other side.  Rinse and repeat.  That said it was from taking a cross from a deeper position that found Bradbrook and this time he headed home.  2-2.

A string of late corners created some genuine excitement for the home fans but the game ended a draw.  Total disaster averted.  Just a disaster then...

Tooting are coming

The omens are good if not a little cold that tonight's game will go ahead.  A picture tweeted shows a pitch free of surface water with no rain since.

Richard Brady as stated he is more than aware of the significance of tonight.  Our form has let us slip out of the play-off places and now we need points from our games in hand.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there.

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead hope to host Crawley Down Gatwick tomorrow but a familiar threat of the weather sets to ruin another Saturday.

No news of pitch inspections yet but judging by the picture tweeted earlier today it may be beyond that...

Keep looking at twitter for updates!

Game off but pub on

The trip to Eastbourne is off but the club house will be open from 1pm.

Darts. Beer. Rugby.

Travelling Tanners

Hold your horses though.  According to their site the pitch is still thick with snow and subject to a morning pitch inspection so be sure to check on twitter for updates.

If the game does go ahead hopefully we can play without gifting them a goal as we have the past two opponents.  Not that they may need it as they, despite their mid-table standing, have outscored us by one goal...

If the game doesn't go ahead the next one isn't until Saturday when we host Crawley Down Gatwick.

Tanners 1 - 1 Folkestone

Well this game pretty much followed on seamlessly from the Hythe game.  Nothing of note happening other than Tommy pulling up with a hamstring injury.  Considering this is two sides trying to reach the promised land of a top five finish this was hardly an advert for what we could "enjoy" come May.

Second half and we thought we might come out on top 1-0 thanks to a lucky goal.  Their No 5 completely mucked up his back pass which fell nicely to Bradbrook who slotted it away with a composed shot around the 'keeper.

Things were going nicely until Folkestone lofted a ball into the box with Jerry and our 'keeper coming together much like Shilton and Maradona.  Due to Jerry's superior height he managed to win it fairly and lob the ball perfectly into the back of his own net.  Habemus calamitas.

One all it finished and now we face a long trip to Eastbourne Saturday...

Folkestone Invicta are coming

Just eleven games to go and we are truly in the home straight now.  This Wednesday night fixture has become increasingly important as we begin to lose our way against higher placed opposition.

Another threat to this fixture is the cold.  The temperature is forecast to be freezing by half time so it could be another failed attempt.  Keep looking at twitter for updates.

Under starters orders at 7.45.  See you there!

Tanners 0 - 1 Hythe

With a heart as heavy as the pitch I report that we lose again to a side chasing the play-off spots.  Scant reward for Dave Blaz who worked on the pitch since 8am.

While it had its moments today was far from entertaining.  If World War I trench warfare was a spectator sport this is what it would have looked like.  Dulce et Decorum est indeed as the futility of our season is potentially unravelling before our eyes.

The high spot was a Tommy powerful strike that rebounded of the base of the post to fall to the new Burns.  His right footed shot bent round the players guarding the goal and narrowly missed the same post that Tommy had just struck.

Second half and Leatherhead were brighter and limited the visitors to just one attempt.  That attempt came courtesy of a Boulter slip leaving the striker to run clear on goal which was clinically finished.

Folkestone come on Wednesday looking to get a nose in front too... another big game!

Hythe Are Coming

Well I hope they are.  I was feeling pretty confident about the game going ahead before the big freeze sets in but then I realised it hasn't stopped drizzling for the last 48 hours.  Hopefully our pitch will cope with the rain that is set to fall until kick off.

If the game does go ahead we will face a Hythe Town side that have come to life in the league.  Five wins and a draw in the last six games has been their recent form.  I remember those days...

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there (weather permitting)!

Ramsgate 4 - 1 Leatherhead

Well.  Leatherhead suffer their heaviest defeat of the season away to Ramsgate tonight.  The arrival of Simon Glover, who made it straight into the starting line up, failed to have the same effect as Tait.

It took only 15 minutes for Ramsgate to open their account.  While it only took 15 minutes for Hutchings to respond the hosts restored their lead after just five minutes.

Second half and Hutchings and Tait missed some good chances which may have changed the game but Ramsgate went on to score two more against a flagging Leatherhead side.

Hythe Town on Saturday for a chance to bounce back then!

Travelling Tanners

Down as another game I would like to go to but sadly it is not on the cards.  Ramsgate on a Tuesday night?  Blimey.

That said it is another crucial game with the home side just six points behind (albeit with us with some games in hand) and looking to sneak into the play-offs no doubt.

We have found our scoring boots again in the league but lets not forget that was against more modest opposition.

Directions can be found here.  Kick off at 7.45.  Good luck Tanners,

Whitstable 0 - 5 Tanners

Tait has proved to be an instant hit since making his debut last week inspiring us to a four and now five goal wins.

He opened and went on to get a hat trick to outclass our hosts.  Tommy and Elliott also chip in to make the annihilation complete.

Kent away again as it is Ramsgate Tuesday...

Travelling Tanners

Today, we are away in the League to Whitstable Town. We find ourselves sitting in 5th albeit with a couple of games in hand.  Whitstable sit (for us) dangerously third from bottom but lets hope for a repeat of Saturday so we can come away with all 3 points.

Don't forget if you fancy a plate of cockles before the game parking can be a bit tricky in town...

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