Dulwich 4 - 1 Tanners

I didn’t really fancy this one and so it turned out to be a complete ruddy disaster.  Dulwich spent most of this game on top and while we had our chances, restricted to the first half, 4-1 pretty much sums it up.

Dulwich are a professional outfit.  They know how to shield the ball, nudging us off the ball just enough to win the ball and favour from the referee.  They also hold onto it well and pretty much squeezed us into our own net by the time their deflected shot beat Wells.

Our heads did not drop with Stacy and Vas leading the way, both going close before we won a free kick out wide.  The cross was flapped at by the ‘keeper and then headed in at close range from Jerry.  1-1 it ends at half time.

If we had about 40% of the game in the first half in the second it probably dropped to about 20% and this then was reflected in the score line.  Pressure resulted in goals.  A glancing header to make it 2-1.  A shot from the left and a shot from the right make it 3 and 4.

So, Hornchurch away Saturday to round of these very unfestive fixtures…

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead’s hugely disappointing festive fixtures continue with a trip to Dulwich Hamlet tomorrow.  Disappointing not just the result Boxing Day, but that we have no local derby.  Perhaps it is a game with some spice as still “the wall” gets a mention on forums to this date.  The only problem is that with the London Sales the traffic may be so bad I may be setting off shortly after I finish the first verse of Auld Land Syne tonight.

Dulwich will also prove to be more than tough opposition tomorrow.  Of their 10 home games they have only lost once and sit proudly in fourth place.

Directions can be found here.  Kick off at 3pm.  Probably see you there…

Tanners 0 - 1 VCD

Ye Leatherhead faithful were left neither joyful nor triumphant after the ghost of home defeats past came back to haunt them.
VCD are a big strong side and probably better equipped to take their excess of drink and food from the day before. With 3 live games on TV today, would we have been better playing this fixture tomorrow when there is no league football at all?
I can't think of anything much to say about the first half other than it was cold and finished 0-0. We started more brightly in the 2nd half and looked the more likely to score until a poor throw from Louis Wells went straight to a VCD player. He was taken down by Bruce who was shown red. Wells redeemed himself by saving the penalty.
Carl Rook appeared as a second half sub and showed he was full of festive cheer by putting his arms around every VCD player he came across! The referee saw it differently and booked him after 10 minutes and very nearly sent him off after 15 minutes for what must have been his 7th or 8th foul.  
A VCD corner was met by a free header in the 90th minute and that was that. A trip to Dulwich will ring in the New Year. Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
(Report by DMontague)

VCD are coming

Local club VCD come to the Grove for this classic Boxing Day derby.  Our visitors will be looking for some Christmas cheer as they have found life in the Premier hard this year, sitting second bottom with five wins to their name.

A Leatherhead fan may feel a lot more festive as the Christmas draw is made.  First prize is £1,000 so if you win make sure you avoid eye contact with any Officials or you’ll find yourself without the prize but with a rewarding position on the Board…

Don’t forget.  Kick-off is now 1pm!  Good luck Tanners.

Leiston 1 - 2 Tanners

Leatherhead spring the surprise of the season by winning away at Leiston.

Leiston failed to take their chances in front of goal, Louis pulled off a world-class save in the second-half and the few chances that came our way were admirably dispatched by Karagiannis and Hughes-Mason.

Green saw red with 15 minutes to go to signal a song of “We only had 10 men” and “Jingle Bells…” for the handful of supporters that braved the long journey.

Hopefully we won’t get a Christmas pudding of a display on Boxing Day when we host VCD…

Travelling Tanners

Those fixture planners must have had a right ruddy laugh at Leatherhead when they pulled these “festive” fixtures out of the hat.  Our local derbies include games against Dulwich (26 miles) and VCD (43 miles) while K’s and Hampton & Richmond would have been too easy.  Now, the day after the “Black Friday of Booze” we make the 260 mile trip to Leiston.

Leiston sit in 5^th place and will test our not unreasonable away record.  I hope we can take the display of last weekend into this game to make the six hour commute worthwhile…

Directions can be found here.  Kick off at 3pm.  See you there (I can’t believe I just typed that…).

Tanners 3 - 1 Grays

There was no yellow hatching and we were missing 28 stewards. The referee assessed the situation and took the bold and possibly reckless decision that the game should go ahead anyway.

With the defensive Holy Trinity back (Wells, Jerry and Bruce) there was little room for excuses should we fail to put on a good show today.  With the relegation zone creeping up we needed a result and from the kick off it looked likely we would get it.

Grays arrived in good form and had probably taken a sneaky look at ours. They thought this would be a straightforward 3 points and started boldly. However, a superb free kick from Adam Green gave us a half time lead. Personally, I think we need a lot more balding players in the side.

In the clubhouse, the Chairman arrived bearing mince pies which were very gratefully received and so much more practical than a lamb. Then an urgent message was passed to our manager; the winner of the 15.35 at Cheltenham.

The second half started brightly and Grays were getting moody. Paul Semakulu hit a well struck shot to make it 2-0. The referee feigned an injury.  Their centre back started squealing like a pig when he was taken roughly from behind within a minute of Carl Rook's arrival. Grays hit back to make it 2-1 to bring back painful reminders of Burgess Hill, but we needn't have worried as Hughes-Mason expertly made it 3-1 and secure a gift more valuable than gold, frankincense or myrrh.

All round an excellent performance but lingering doubts remained; whose turn was it to drive the 130 miles to Leiston...

 

Grays are coming

Leatherhead welcome Grays to the Grove tomorrow for league action.  Points seem to be eluding us recently so if we can get our defence sorted we may have a chance especially with Vas in the form he is in.  It won’t be easy though, they beat Witham 4-0 last time out.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

Maidstone 2 - 1 Tanners

Playing at Maidstone is never going to be easy.  A good team, different style of pitch, big support and little in the way of travelling support when playing mid-week.  Life is then made even harder when you concede a goal after 23 seconds.  A powerful shot from the edge of the box following an opening long ball doing the damage.

We did make a good account for ourselves but ultimately the game was over when ex-Tanner Jamie Coyle rose and headed in the second goal of the game.  Vas continues to score and gave us some hope with a trademark goal but the hosts saw the game out to make it just 1 point from 9…

Grays come to The Grove Saturday…

Travelling Tanners

A midweek trip to Maidstone is on offer tonight.  Don’t just take my word for it you can read their own preview of the match here.

While we have just come from a game where we were unhappy with the stewarding, I hope lessons have been learnt where we could have done with someone in a yellow jacket nearby when we scored a late winner there last time we faced them.

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

Ks 2 - 2 Tanners

Before the game the players gathered to take a photo to remember the famous football match that occurred during the Christmas truce of 100 years ago.  Leatherhead continued in this spirit by, apart from the opening and last 4 minutes, not taking any shots for the rest of the game.  During this cease fire the referee walked into no-man’s land exchanging gifts with the players… dodgy decisions and pointless bookings a plenty.

Off the pitch peace did not reign over the land with a continuous bombardment from the over officious stewards that, equipped with a two way radios and all the power that comes with it, decided to make rules up for their own amusement.

Back to the game.  It started rather well with a long hopeful ball played down the middle and Hughes-Mason in chase.  A low sun blinded the ‘keeper who was late to the ball and our striker coolly lobbed the ball over him and into the net.

The celebrations did not last long.  The ref awarded a penalty, the reason for which I missed as we were enjoying the second wave of steward harassment at this stage.  The penalty was well placed and left the returning Wells no chance.  Wells did not have an enjoyable first half with him slipping in a frosty goalmouth as the same Ks player took a weak shot.  2-1 down but the ref still saw fit to book a Leatherhead player for taking too long at a throw in for time wasting and deny us a penalty.

Second half it did not look like we were going to get anything from the game until Brady introduced his subs.  Kev Terry made way for the returning Rook, also Stacy made his return and together the game swung.

At last we had something to cheer about as an in swinging ball was met again by Hughes-Mason who headed onto a defender and the deflected attempt beat the ‘keeper.  There is talk of Rook getting a final touch but I missed that.

For the remaining 4 minutes we were on the front foot and had a couple of flashes at goal but the added time sign (five minutes) seemed to paralyse the visitors and it was our turn to soak up the pressure.

A good point but sadly the atmosphere created by the continuous harassment and inconsistent rule enforcement (Ks fans allowed to stand freely where we were not after an alleged phone call to an AFC official who had nothing better to do on a Saturday) did not make for an enjoyable afternoon.

Maidstone away midweek anyone?

Travelling Tanners

Even as far back as the Leatherhead Rose days we would have had a bitter rivalry with Kingston Wanderers… or Kingston-on-Thames A.F.C… or Old Kingstonians…  it’s the big one tomorrow.  K’s away.

Brady must take his skeleton crew to Kingstonian who sit two places above us despite playing two games less.  Is there hope?  Of course, with the hosts only winning twice there this season so far.

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

Harrow Borough 3 - 2 Tanners

The big news prior to the game was the departure of our big striker Rook.  He and the club have parted company after a few months.  He is a fine player and I am sure we all wish him well.

Back to the game and it was business as usual for the Tanners who succumbed to a 3-2 loss for the second time in a week.  It was the hosts on the front foot from the start this time with Leatherhead clawing their way back twice but were ultimately finished off by an old Leatherhead favourite.

Spectacular goals were on show again with the hosts scoring from range.  Perhaps our ‘keeper was unsighted but at first glance it looked like he could have done better as it bent away from him but hardly in the top corner.  Our response though left their ‘keeper no chance.  Vas, with his trade mark move along the edge of the box let fly with his left foot to send it in off the post.  1-1 at half time and back to the bar to enjoy some bread and butter pudding.

Second half and it looked like we might get some joy out of this game especially down our right wing with Dembelle and Nwokeji outpacing their number three.  Our hope took a dent when they too built up some play down their right, worked their way round the back and found an unmarked player in the box who slotted it home.

Again Vas was the source of our comeback.  Breaking down the middle he had the composure to push a perfectly weighted ball for Nwokeji to run onto and he finished low and hard past the ‘keeper.  2-2.

Could we go on and snatch a win?  No.  A hopeful ball was lobbed into our area and for once Avery was beaten in the air.  A bulked up Marc Charles-Smith held him off, taking the ball on his chest, rolling his marker and volleying superbly past our ‘keeper.

A game we would have hoped to get something from but thoughts must now turn to Saturday.  The big one.  K’s away…

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead venture into Harrow for a spot of footer tonight after the disappointment of the weekend.  As it turns out we missed out on a chance to play Aldershot and a share in a good sized gate.  

No point dwelling on that when we face a side we were a little unlucky to lose to last time.  Kev Terry had a perfectly good goal ruled out and then we run out of steam as we tried to mount a comeback.

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

 

 

Burgess Hill 3 - 2 Tanners

A second half collapse cost Leatherhead their place in the 1^st round for the first time since 1986.  It all started so well though.  Leatherhead were getting the ball out wide and causing their defence trouble and then the goal.  Leatherhead have been scoring spectacular goals recently and none more so than Vas’ dipping shot from 30 yards out that caught the ‘keeper off of his line and it found the back of the net.

Leatherhead kept applying the pressure until Avery rose for a header and he and the ‘keeper came together with the shot stopper coming off second best.  This seemed to galvanise the home side and from that point on they were a force to be reckoned with.  Had they been able to shoot on target they could have won at a canter.

Leatherhead rode their luck and went in to the half time break 1-0 up and received the hairdryer treatment from Brady.  For once the half time talk appeared to do the trick.  We came out firing and snatched a two goal lead.  Rook rising to a ball the ‘keeper should have dealt with to make it 2-0.  There was no way back for Burgess Hill now surely…

The comeback was on when our stand in ‘keeper rushed out, over committed and brought down their striker.  A clear penalty which was scored with a powerful shot straight down the middle.  Soon after Mahal (I think) attempted a tackle from behind on a striker, it looked like he got the ball but probably after he got the player.  The ref did think long and hard about it but as he was on first name terms with most of the players decided to give it.  The same player made no mistake about the second.  2-2.

Could Leatherhead hold on for ten minutes?  No.  We failed to clear and eventually a powerful toe-poke of a shot from the edge of the box flew past our diving ‘keeper to send smug levels through the roof from the home fans that couldn’t be bothered to change ends at half time.

Dreams of Bristol Rovers put on hold.  Back to league and Harrow in the week…

 

Travelling Tanners

Today represents a classic cup (or trophy) tie.  Leatherhead, while not languishing at the bottom, are hardly pulling up trees of the league above.  Burgess Hill Town however are on a formidable run of form and have a talented striker who is seeing out his time at the club before heading to Hull.

Leatherhead also find themselves a little short at the back.  Injury and suspension means that someone will have to step into the centre back position.  If we choose to play Mickey Mouse back there it could be a long afternoon for the travelling supporters…

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

Tanners 2 - 1 Farnham Town

No one really fancied this game. Well 83 hardy souls ventured out into the mist and gloom and muttered to themselves about whether they should have stayed in the warm and watched TV. Some of our first choice side were doing just that leading to some unusual names on the team sheet. Farnham had a youthful enthusiastic side who looked like they were determined to enjoy the evening even if everyone else was less sure.

Avery gave us an early lead with a far post header and talk was of the flood gates opening. That lead to an immediate equaliser from the visitors. Fortunately, there was an excellent choice of tables in the bar at half time avoiding any of those awkward moments asking a stranger if it was ok to share their table.

The 2nd half got wetter and discussion turned to whether it was worth staying for extra time. Mike had a rather awkward moment attempting to return the ball leading to much tutting from the players waiting for the corner to be taken. Finally, Rook headed us into the lead and we held out against a late Farnham onslaught. Thoughts turn to the FA Trophy on Saturday and (should we be victorious) the possibility of playing Bristol Rovers or Barnet.

(Report by DominicWJM)

Farnham Town are coming

Leatherhead attempt to end 45 years of hurt when we begin our Surrey Senior Cup campaign against Farnham on Wednesday night.  Despite 6 finals we have only won this Trophy once. Even Metrogas can claim a better record having won in 1921 and 1922.

This illustrious competition was first won by Reigate Priory in 1883 with a fine 2-1 win over East Sheen. Rod claims to have written the match report (citation needed).  The craziest final was undoubtedly in 1903 when Townley Park despatched Sanatorium 4-0 which drove them mad!

Farnham sit 14th, two leagues below us in the Combined Counties.  They are managed by Paul Tanner but it was the real Tanners who hit 5 last Saturday at Peacehaven with our best win of the season.

Nudkeji will be hoping to crow again tomorrow night with more goals that would surely seal a regular place in our starting line-up.  Let's hope there will be no mention of Micky Mouse after this game!

(Preview by DominicWJM)

P&T 2 - 5 Tanners

We really needed this win.  It has been a while since we took all three points and so the relegation zone was drawing closer.  As it turned out we need not have feared as, but for a spell in the second half, we looked firmly in control.

What was so enjoyable was the attaching football we had on display.  To feet with Vas being the main outlet down the right.  Avery (who may find himself in the back four soon) and Smart ruled midfield and Kev Terry too put in a good shift.

The first goal was the comical slapstick kind.  A ball to Vas on was cut out by a sliding keeper but, unfortunately for him, his slide took him outside the box so he could only drop it at the grateful winger’s feet.  His cross was met by Hughes-Mason and we took the lead.

Our smiles were wiped off of our faces moments later when Dean Pooley cut out a diagonal ball and headed it routinely towards goal.  Wells slipped and could only watch as it rolled into the back on the net.

Leatherhead were soon back on top though.  Dembele, who had been denied an audacious lob minutes earlier, found himself clear on the ‘keeper and his powerful low shot left the shot stopper lagging on the floor as it nestled into the far corner.

A good first half but the best was yet to come…

The opening 15 minutes of the second half and Leatherhead fans were wondering what ever Brady says at half time he should stop saying it.  As with Whyteleafe it looked a little flat and it was not long before the pressure told.  I missed the goal trying to find a bin behind the goal.

It did not miss the rest of the goals though.  The travelling fans felt sorry for Dembele when he was subbed for Nwokeji as he had scored and had looked lively.  It was Nwokeji that set the game alight though.  His first touch was to control the ball at the top of the box while his shirt was being pulled.  He then rolled his man to fire a low shot into the far corner.  3-2.  He then received a ball to his feet a little further out.  It sat up invitingly so he struck a dipping shot that clipped the top corner and dropped into the net.  Le Tissier would have been proud of that one.  4-2.

The scoring continued as Vas danced through the box and his left foot too found the back of the net.

It got worse for Peacehaven, a defender got his second yellow and they finished the game with 10 men.

A good win and then we face Farnham on Wednesday…

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead fans have complained they have been kept in the dark on a number of things this year and tomorrow we have an early kick off to avoid the same being said of this away trip.  Problems with their flood lights have caused the game to kick off at 2pm.  Could be a good thing too with an artic Buffalo blast due in from America any day soon!

Our last meeting was also hit by severe conditions.  Heavy rain minutes before kick-off lead to flooded goal mouths.  There was only enough sand to make one (their) goal mouth playable… but then managed to find some to fill the other end in the second half.  Not that I am bitter.

Anyway, kick off at 2pm.  Location can be found here.  See you there!

So, what happened last night

Leatherhead fail to do the double over Whyteleafe losing 2-1.  If your name is Jason and you played for Whyteleafe you probably scored last night… the match report can be found here.

Meanwhile Burgess Hill won their replay over Folkestone 1-0 so get to host us in 10 days.

Travelling Tanners... Whyteleafe again!

League cup action and this tie caught me out.  Our generous hosts have a second chance to knock us out of a cup competition as we travel again to The Leafe.

Kick off… well soon so get a move on.  Directions as before.

 

It's Burgess Hill or Folkestone away

Our reward for overcoming Whyteleafe and their 3G pitch is a trip to Burgess Hill or Folkestone.  Game to be played on Saturday, 29 November.

Burgess Hill travel to Folkestone tomorrow to battle it out for the honour of hosting us…

 

Whyteleafe 1 - 4 Tanners

Leatherhead supporters were delighted find an excellent playing surface despite all the heavy rain. In fact, it was so good that Greg Andrews could have eaten off it! Rod was so impressed that he considered (very briefly) digging into his Cash ISA to fund the £320,000 required to lay a similar surface at Fetcham Grove.

Whyteleafe are in good form and you could tell they really fancied this one. Having already seen off Dunstable and Redbridge, they glanced at the league table and thought we were there for the taking. For the first 35 minutes they were right as Leatherhead repeatedly gave the ball away and struggled to adapt to the surface.

Vas came to the rescue on 38 minutes with a sweet volley that had Greg purring in approval. Unfortunately his purr soon turned into a sulky strop and the inevitable yellow card soon followed.

We went into half time with an undeserved lead but it wasn't enough to appease Richard Brady who could be heard expressing his views on our first half performance from the tea bar queue. it was the sort of passion sadly missing from Ed Miliband's Party Conference speech and it was a different Tanners side that came out for the 2nd half.

There was more urgency and passes were finding other men in green when, against the run of play, the enigmatic Andrews soared like an eagle to level the scores. Leatherhead decided enough was enough and two fantastic strikes from Vas and Kiernan and a debut goal for Nwokeji saw us bag £3,250 and into today's draw.

Can we play you twice a week?

(Report by DominicWJM)

 

Travelling Tanners

Tomorrow Leatherhead travel to our old friends Whyteleafe in the FA Trophy… and what a collection of old friends we will see there too.  Greg Andrews, in fine form, and do I see Elliott Thompson plying his trade there?

All things are set for the travelling faithful too.  A hardy group are getting a train at 12.53 from Leatherhead, arriving at around 2pm for a swift half before the short walk to the ground.  Join them to benefit from ticket offers etc.  What is more they are showing the England game afterwards, with a pint costing £2 until someone bundles the ball over the line in the 80^th minute.

If the train isn’t for you the directions are here.  Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas!

 

East Thurrock 1 - 1 Tanners

Leatherhead suffered a late equaliser to deny them all three points on the road.

It was Dean Pooley who grabbed the opener for us.  A commanding header in the early minutes thundered past the East Thurrock ‘keeper.  With the home team on the rocks Leatherhead searched for another but could not break down them down.

East Thurrock were in many ways making the game easy for us.  Their passing was off key and we were happy to collect the stray attempts and move forward.   As the game wore on East Thurrock found their rhythm and so the pressure grew.

Just when it looked like we may see the game through until the 90^th minute where Wells was deceived by a high ball and it was headed home to ruin our night.  That said a valuable point in a return to the Ryman Premier.

Travelling Tanners

East Thurrock come back down to earth with an almighty bump tonight after their day in the sun at Hartlepool.

There were many Leatherhead supporters who were voluntarily bumping their heads against a brick wall after a dire home defeat to Lewes saw us much too close to the bottom 4 for comfort.

East Thurrock are just one place above us but have games in hand and we will be hoping that for them it will not be a case of after The Lord Mayor's show.  We have no such worries having swept up all our horse manure left on the pitch last Saturday!

They can be found here.  Good luck fellas.

(Preview by DominicWJM)

Tanners 0 - 1 Lewes

The Leatherhead fans that took advantage of the pre-match entertainment could have hoped for more on the pitch as Leatherhead lose to second bottom Lewes.  Actually it was a bright start with Lewes failing to handle Rook and were forced into some rash tackles in midfield.  Certainly at one point the game was getting a little heated as the rain swept in.

The game for Leatherhead hinged on two chances.  In the first half Rook burst (yes, I said burst) through to be clear on goal on the left.  His powerful near post shot struck all three pieces of woodwork before bouncing clear of danger.  Then in the second half a loose ball fell on the penalty shot for Kev Terry to put his foot through.  By then the rains had made the pitch boggy and he lost his footing and his chance.

In between that Lewes swung in a powerful cross and it was side footed past, player of the month, Wells to the joy of the travelling supporters who were braving the downpour.

A game to forget for Leatherhead and on to East Thurrock on Tuesday…

 

Lewes are coming

Always a pleasure to welcome Lewes to The Grove.  After the midweek excitement of penalties Leatherhead must get back to the routine of the league and there is no better way than from a visit from Lewes with their travelling contingent.

Meanwhile in the bar there is quite an offering of football and promotions.  See the @thelipfc twitter feed for the poster and details.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

Tanners 2 - 2 Canvey (Tanners win 6-5 on penalties)

It was Hughes Mason who let off the fireworks last night as Tanners squeezed past Canvey Island to reach the 2nd Qualifying Round. We are now just 7 wins away from a 2nd appearance at Wembley.

Canvey Island took an early lead after a cross was met by a free header. They say that if you see one Rook it's a Crow, and if you see lots of Crows they're Rooks, but either way we were Raven about his deft cross led to our equaliser shortly before half time.

Half time created more interest than usual as it was many people's first view of the infamous boardroom erection (not Rod in an amateur theatre production). The general view was that it was not as obtrusive as some feared. In fact, some didn't even notice it.

In the 2nd half the temperature was dropping and toes numbing, when Mahal raced down the right flank to set up an accurate cross for Hughes-Mason to take the lead. Canvey Island decided that they didn't want to waste 180 minutes of football and applied enough pressure to force an equaliser with only a few minutes left.

Extra-time was met with little enthusiasm by the brass monkeys behind the goal, and some concern for Canvey Island as their manager anxiously checked the time of the last ferry back from the mainland. A fairly uneventful extra time lead to the usual debate about which end the penalties would be taken.  The referee saw sense and chose the end nearest to my car.

A superb set of penalties from both sides made it 5-5 when Wells made a fine save to the 6th and we were through. Mike had been considering a pitch invasion but it was agreed that the perimeter fence was too high for someone with a PhD in Chemistry when Physics would have been more useful.

Those at a work dinner missed out on a hard fought win and positive signs for the rest of the season.

(Report by DominicWJM)

Canvey Island Are Coming

Tonight we face Canvey Island in a replay as we continue our quest to reach the FA Trophy final for the 2nd time in just 36 years.

Canvey Island went one better in 2001 when they defeated Forest Green Rovers at Villa Park in front of 10,007.  We can be confident of the 7 coming from Canvey Island tonight but maybe not too many more.

If we win, not only do we bag £2,700, but we also face the prospect of a rejuvenated Greg Andrews at Whyteleafe. Will he be in one of his tantrums? Let's hope we can find out!

Kick off at 7.45.  Good luck fellas.

Canvey Island 1 - 1 Tanners

It was a solid performance and a hard earned draw. We started in lively fashion with 4 attacking players in Vas and Kev Terry out wide, supporting Rook and Nwokeji. Richard Avery slotted into centre back as Jerry is out for up to 6 weeks after picking up an injury in Wednesday night's friendly!

Vas earned a penalty which Rook stood up to take but he was faced with a sunken penalty spot. The referee insisted that the ball must be placed in the middle of the crater and Rook's careful penalty was comfortably saved. Matt was smartly on hand to pick up the pieces.

An equaliser came from a deflected Canvey free kick.

Half time bought a stroll to the river and a healthy debate as to at what point a river becomes the sea. We decided it was the sea as it had a sea wall.  The 2nd half was mostly Canvey but Rook saw a towering header just pass the post, and a chance for Kev Terry bounced harmlessly off his knee for a goal kick.

Still £2,700 up for grabs on Wednesday in a winnable replay.

(Report by DominicWJM)

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead enter the FA Trophy tomorrow with an away trip to Canvey Island.  This week has given Leatherhead plenty to think about, notably their appalling inability to defend corners…

Leatherhead were also given a robust work out on the pitch by Farnborough in the week.  The Conference South visitors running out 5-2 winners in the midweek friendly.  Good to see Vas on the score sheet.  The full report can be found here by the way.

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

 

 

Friendly night

The club have arranged a mid-season friendly against Farnborough Town tomorrow night.  I am not entirely sure how this will help us prepare for the trip to Canvey Island in the FA Trophy but still a good way to spend a Wednesday night.

It is free for season ticket holders and just £5 for everyone else.  Kick off at 7.45.

I have also realised I have forgotten to write a match report for the Margate game.  I completely forgot there was a game.  750 people watched in stony silence while 15 Leatherhead fans wondered when the game was going to start.  Margate pretty much controlled the game from start to finish, showed little ambition and got their goal from a thunderous strike in the first half.  The usual result when it comes to celebrating my birthday at a game.

 

Travelling Tanners

Tomorrow is a game I have been looking forward to for a long time.  A trip to Margate always seem to typify the ultimate English away trip.  A lengthy drive to the coast, a big name, a chance to meet Buster Bloodvessel and a stay in Fatty Towers… some 16 years on from this dream I am now staying in a Hilton somewhere to celebrate my 40^th birthday with a wife and two kids alongside…

The birthday is a worry.  Leatherhead have only won once on my birthday weekend.  That win took us into the 1^st rounds proper of the FA Cup so perhaps we save it for the big games.

Kick-off is at 3pm.  Location is found here.  That’ll do nicely!

Tanners 2 - 0 Wingate & Finchley

Karl Rook had one of his best games for us today.  The two goals a rather obvious contribution but the defenders simply couldn’t come to terms with his style of play that so often has seen the yellow card being shown his way.

Considering our opponent’s league position the steady approach to the game was pleasing.  We limited them to a few chances and we perhaps edged on possession.   Our opening goal came when a high bouncing ball down the middle put Rook through one on one with the ‘keeper.  Both players seemed to hesitate but it was Rook who managed to compose himself first to chip the ball over the ‘keeper.  1-0 and “not much to write about”.

Second half and it was very much the same but the visitor’s frustration in Rook grew.  Two or three cards were issued for telling the ref he was being gullible to the tactics alone.  Then the goal that made us look very safe with the three points.  Dolby found Stacy on the edge of the box whose powerful shot was pushed into the path of Rook.  Three yards out and no mistake.

The new left back Adam didn’t make the best impression on his debut.  A soft yellow in the first half was complimented with a nailed on one and so a red was added to the collection.

Margate Saturday then.  My birthday weekend, so don’t expect a win…

 

Wingate & Finchley are coming

Leatherhead are back in league action after the International break and I am very much looking forward to getting to see some football again.

Wingate & Finchley sit six points above us having lost to Hendon in a seven goal thriller in the week.  Meanwhile at the Grove, talk of a new signing at left back and the best position for the player of the month should make for an interesting afternoon.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

South Park 0 - 2 Tanners

Leatherhead progress onto the next round of the league cup thanks to two Stacy Long goals.  Life has started without Vas, whose departure must have come as a bit of a shock as his name appeared on the team sheet but had to be scribbled out.

Stacy Long was the differences who inflicted the first blow on 15 minutes and then doubled the lead with a 35 minute penalty.

A mid-Autumn break can now be enjoyed as we have no action until 18 October (subject to a friendly being arranged as was the talk on Saturday) when we host Wingate & Finchley…

Travelling Tanners

League cup action and a trip to South Park.  Funnily enough I seem to remember we went to South Park in the Surrey Senior Cup (or something) when we were last in the Premier League.  We hoped it would spark players like Greg Andrews back into life as South Park were a league lower.  It didn’t and we were soundly beaten on a forgettable night if you were a Leatherhead fan.

South Park have risen up a league since then and while we are not quite in the pointless position we were then we may go there hoping for a break from the rigours of the league.

It is hard to find… so get your satnav locked into here.  Kick off at 7.45.  Good luck fellas.

Tanners 1 - 2 Witham

It was perhaps naive of me to think we had hot upon a magic formula that was simply going to roll over all sides that cross our path.  Whether it was Rod’s mix tape that created a low key atmosphere during the warm up or tiredness from scoring 5 goals midweek, there was something wrong today as we put in a lacklustre performance.

At the heart of Witham was their defence.  A player of note was their number 5.  Limping in the first half and then going down injured in the second half, he played the full 90 minutes.  He, the number 4 and the ‘keeper constantly urging themselves and their team mates on.  Something we appear to be lacking as we were caught out at the back twice, with Wells pulling off some fine saves, before Witham eventually scored two goals.  The second had more than a hint of offside about it though.

It was a shame as in the first half we were playing OK.  Probably having more of the possession but lacking ideas of how to get past their defensive partnership.  Eventually Dolby found a cross that was met at the near post by Hughes-Mason and he prodded it into the back of the net.

Dreams of a second half hurrah were soon put to bed as we put in a thoroughly abject display and we never really looked like scoring.  The other low point that sticks to my mind was their number 5 who went down in my estimations.  Heroic defending but opted to feign being elbowed in the face only to jump to his feet when play was waved on and even laugh at the home supporters who picked up on this cheating.

Disappointing all round.  League cup action midweek then…

Witham are coming!

Tomorrow we face Witham in the league after quite an eventful game for us in the week.  Five goals was quite the change in fortune from our previous run but just reward when you consider we played 135 minutes of our best football over the last two games.

Witham come to us in similar fashion to Hampton & Richmond.  On the back of three straight wins then losing midweek.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

 

Hampton & Richmond Borough 1 - 5 Tanners

Leatherhead played this game in exactly the same manner they went about the second half against Hendon to devastating effect as the hosts we humbled and at times humiliated thanks to their hapless ‘keeper.  While he played his part in the majority of the goals, you make your own luck when you apply the pressure we sustained for much of the game.

The fun and games started as early as the tenth minute.  A bouncing ball down the centre of the pitch was challenged by Hughes-Mason and the ‘keeper outside the box.  Rather than head the ball, the ‘keeper opted to try for a high kick but only managed to slice the ball towards the empty net.  Hughes-Mason did the decent thing to tap it in to avoid an own goal for the ‘keeper.

Leatherhead’s lead did not last long, just 7 minutes in fact.  There was something familiar about the goal.  A striker drops deep, gets the ball, turns, picks out a pass to set up a free run on goal.  Shouts of “tighter” are not having the desired effect.

We could have felt hard done by but seven minutes later we were back in good spirits.  A shot from Stacy could only be parried onto the penalty spot.  The ‘keeper failed to react and sat on the floor helpless as Semakula powered his shot into the back of the net.

These goals were pretty funny but nothing could prepare us for what happened 10 minutes later.  Again the ‘keeper failed to deal with a shot and he parried it into the air.  He dived but rather than catch it, opted instead to palm it into the air again as if he was a volleyball player desperate to keep the rally alive.  The ball fell to Karagiannis who spiked the ball back with interest and the ball flew in off the post.  The post coming to our assistance for once!

Second half and we continued to apply the pressure but our goals came from set pieces.  The fourth was a ridiculous free kick from Stacy.  25 yards out and the ‘keeper was beaten near post.  A brilliant piece of awareness and skill to get it so perfectly past the defender and the right side of the post.  You shouldn’t be beaten from there near post though.

We did have two goals ruled out for offside before we won a penalty which Rook calmly placed for 5-1.

Awesome stuff and hopefully we can keep this attacking shape for another crucial game at the weekend…

Travelling Tanners

A big one tonight as we reacquaint ourselves with the Beveree Stadium as we take on Hampton & Richmond Borough.  A few weeks ago they were not enjoying life in the Premier League but three wins in a row see them leapfrog us to mid-table while we look nervously at the relegation zone.  Early days in the season but such has been the turn of fortunes some are questioning when this blip will end.

Kick off at 7.45.  You can find them here.  See you there!

Travelling Tanners

No action for Leatherhead on account of us being out of the FA Cup so we are off to see a team close to our hearts tomorrow.  Dorking Wanderers v Biggleswade.  Dorking Wanderers are what Liverpool are to Southampton.  They take on our players while the bigger club climb the table.  All for a small fee of £50 million.

Kick off at 3pm.  They can be found here.

 

Tanners 2 - 3 Hendon

Leatherhead lose out to a single goal in a game that will be remembered for a spirited second half performance and the shocking inconsistency of the ref.  His performance  saw a Leatherhead player sent off for daring to challenge a 50/50 ball with a ‘keeper while the visiting team went unpunished for kicking the ball away and dragging back players who were through on goal.

First half and we lacked composure, gifting possession to Hendon and none more so than a weak back pass that fell perfectly into their onrushing striker who finished with an assured shot past Wells.  

The second goal came from an excellent display of attacking football from the visitors.  Their number 11 eluded two or three of our defenders before looking up and deftly chipping Wells who had perhaps gone to ground too early.  The ball may have cross the line under its own perfectly weighted steam but a greedy striker was at hand to make sure.  2-0.

Leatherhead meanwhile had collectively decided the best way forward was to shoot from range.  Why not with some of the goals we have scored so far this season and it paid off when Smart fired home a fine goal from distance.  Alas we then proceeded to allow their striker a completely unchallenged header at the far post to restore their two goal cushion.

Second half and Leatherhead came out that we could beat Hendon playing ball to feet football and we came close in doing so.  The comeback seemed on when the superb Dolby drove in a cross which Dembele fired home.  The ref then came to the fore…

In both halves Long had beaten his man only to be pulled to the ground.  Unsporting behaviour is most people’s books but the ref decided a word was all that was needed.  When ahead Hendon on three occasions kicked the ball away after the whistle was blown.  Again such unsporting behaviour was tackled with an unheeded word as by now it was clear there was no consequence to their actions.  A flash point arrived when Smart was pulled to the ground in the middle of the pitch, the ref saw differently and awarded a free kick.  A small fracas erupted which the ref spent several minutes discussing and a yellow for each player was issued.

Back to the game but not without mention of the ref.  Leatherhead won a free kick on the edge of the box (this was shortly after the failure to show a yellow card for the worst of the two assaults on Long) which was whipped in only for the keeper to flap at it twice.  As the ball fell to the ground Hughes-Mason stretched to try and force the ball home.  The ‘keeper smothered the ball which looked dangerously close to being over the line for an equaliser.  Some people behind the goal even celebrated but no goal was awarded but a foul, then as the ‘keeper decided to walk 10 metres and go down again if shot the ref reacted and sent Hughes-Mason off.

This actually made little effect to the pressure we applied and kept Hendon defending deep until the ref blew his whistle.  Early in my opinion given the time he took to lecture players.

Another winless game and a point closer to the relegation zone but at least the fans walked away asking “what if?” instead of “why do I bother?”

Hendon are coming

Looking at last year’s table Hendon were leading the chasing pack finishing 8^th but still some 13 points from the play-offs.  This season they are no doubt looking to improve and arrive at The Grove in 5^th place having only lost two games.

After a good start Leatherhead have not found winning easy but are still chipping away with the draws to keep us mid table.  Perhaps tonight we can beat the woodwork which we have struck so readily in recent games.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!

Tanners 0 - 2 Enfield Town

I am no expert, I have never managed a football team before BUT I am an accountant and studied statistics and the recent results have not made good reading.  No wins in the last 7 games.  Out of the FA Cup to lower opposition.  A draw against a side with 10 for much of the second half and finished with 9.  Today we were bossed around by a side where we could have hoped for more a month ago.

The main problem, as far as the fans behind the goal see it, is tactic being deployed recently.  Our best players pushed out wide feeding on scraps and with slow lofted balls into Rook who is asked to do a job he seems uncomfortable with.  He opened the season scoring when running onto whipped in crosses.  Now with his back to goal, heavily marked and trying to deal with an obvious ball in the penalty box it is slim pickings. 

Leatherhead had two spells worth typing about.  In the first half they had five minutes of pressure.  Karagiannis hit the post and a ball fell at the feet of Jerry in front of goal but he couldn’t adjust in time to strike.  True to form we were caught on the break and a swift move brought their opener.

Second half and for 45 minutes were largely ineffectual.  Stacy, who had struggled out wide to effect the game, was at last allowed to move more central towards the end of the game with the introduction of Dolby and he started to look the most likely to score.  Thank god for him and Smart.

Into stoppage time and we struck the post again and forced a series of corners but as in the first half we failed to convert and down the other way they went and a cool finish beat Wells from distance.

Fifth placed Hendon come to The Grove on Wednesday night. 

 

Enfield Town are coming

Enfield Town make their way from north of the river tomorrow to visit the Grove.  We must have played these fellas before but I cannot remember it.  They certainly were not part of the Premier set up in our last outing there in 2011/12. 

We are chipping away at the league.  Lacking the winning touch but drawing our way to our current mid-table standing.  Hopefully tomorrow we can go that one goal better and get all three points.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

Canvey Island 1 - 1 Tanners

Leatherhead could have taken all three points against a side that was down to 9 men.

It was an incisive move that allowed Canvey to open their account.  A good through ball cut opens our defence for the striker runs onto the pass and score.  Leatherhead did respond with Hughes-Mason hitting the post at close range and Karagiannis trying his luck from range but the half ended 1-0 to the hosts.

Second half and the game started swinging in Leatherhead’s favour.  A straight red for a player for a challenge that the home fans seemed convinced it was rather harsh.  Leatherhead started to press the advantage.  The goal came long range.  Stacy, who can hit them, struck a powerful shot that was blocked by the ‘keeper but the ball squirmed through his hands and over the line for the equaliser. 

As the game drew to a close a Canvey Island player went down under a challenge but the ref viewed it as a dive and brandished his second yellow card of the evening.  They were down to 9 men and continued to pressure for the winner.  In the last minute a chance came but the shot went wide.

Another point and back we come to the Grove Saturday.  Enfield Town are coming…

Travelling Tanners

There is nothing else the Tanners can do after the disappointment of the early cup exit then to dust themselves off and get into Essex for tonight’s Ryman fixture against Canvey Island.

The preview needs nothing more than what they have posted on their site.  It reads… “This will be our ninth competitive fixture against Leatherhead, with our record to date reading P 8, W 7, D 1, L 0, F 17, A 6.”   Good luck with that fellas!

Kick off at 7.45 and directions can be found here.

 

Tanners 1 - 2 Faversham

Leatherhead exit the FA Cup after losing to lower league opposition after a largely disappointing display.  Faversham though played their part in our exit, signalling their intentions in the opening minute by winning a corner.  We did not heed the early warning and Faversham opened the scoring with a free header from the resulting corner.  Moments later they nearly doubled the score but this time the header looped onto the top of the net.

Leatherhead found their way back into the game through a set piece.  It was not going to come from open play as we seemed content to pump the ball up to Rook who was marshalled out of the game whenever he got within 18 yards of goal.

Karagiannis drilling the low free kick past the impressive visiting ‘keeper despite the best efforts of the ref to allow the wall as close as possible.

Second half and Leatherhead were more inventive in their play and perhaps looked the most likely to score.  Stacy being bundled over in the box in the first five minutes certainly looked like a good shout for a penalty too.

As the game wore on the fear of knockout punch grew.  Despite our greater possession the final ball lacked pace and was lofted either straight to the ‘keeper or again into Rook who was on a tight leash again.

The sucker punch came when their striker decided he had enough of the two Leatherhead players snapping at his heels so from 25 yards let fly with a shot that flew over Wells and dipped into the goal.  A spectacular striker indeed.

Leatherhead felt they had a good shout for another penalty when Stacy’s shot was blocked by an outstretched arm but the ref, keen to be everyone’s friend, waved it away.

Very disappointing and hardly the platform to launch an attack on Canvey Island midweek…

Faversham are coming

Faversham arrive at the Grove tomorrow drifting in on a carpet of FA Cup magic filled air.  There game against Westfield was by all accounts a classic.  Faversham perhaps felt the FA Cup gods were against them when they saw themselves enter the 90^th minute one nil down and having seen Westfield’s goalkeeper escape a red card when deliberately handballing outside of the area.

Then they equalised and if that was not enough went on to win in the 94^th minute.  With our knack of conceding late goals we should beware.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

 

Bury Town 1 - 1 Tanners

Only a supporter of the same calibre of Rod can comment how we did last night.  He skipped to the train station, ticket in hand, to make the long journey to Bury to watch Leatherhead battle this one out.

By all accounts we played well.  Stacy Long continuing to impress with an opener on the 30 minute mark.

Bury Town though wanted their unbeaten run and Leatherhead finally succumbed to the pressure in the 82 minute.

Disappointing perhaps BUT FA Cup weekend this Saturday weekend!

 

Travelling Tanners

If you are thinking of heading off to this game I suggest you start making your way soon.  Leatherhead have the 240 mile trip to Bury Town tonight.  If the journey wasn’t hard enough the task will be pretty tough too as we appear to have stalled a little and our hosts have yet to lose at home (albeit with three draws).

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

 

Tanners 1 - 2 Tonbridge

A better performance but the same result as the bubble appears burst.
Tonbridge brought with them a large replica kit wearing crowd and the side rose to the occasion. While there were a few chances the visitors looked the most comfortable.
That said Leatherhead mustered two quick shots on target in the opening 15 minutes, which was the same as they managed against Billericay on Wednesday.
Second half and perhaps we could dare to dream. Hughes-Mason launched a trademark right foot curler into the top corner.
The lead did not last long. Leatherhead failed to deal with a shot in the box and the resulting rebound was passed calmly through to a striker who slotted in past Wells.
Hughes-Mason could have regained the lead just 60 seconds later. He was put through one-on-one with the keeper but his shot was parried to safety.
Minutes later Leatherhead conspired to throw the game away completely. A corner to the far post was fumbled and spilt ball was prodded opportunistically towards goal. It squirmed under Wells to give Tonbridge their first points on the road this season.
Bury away midweek anyone?

Tonbridge Angels are coming

Tonbridge Angels come to the Grove tomorrow for this Ryman Premier fixture and we benefit from it being Non-League Day.  Some interesting ideas out there.  Bungay Town give away mushrooms and Dulwich have a “pay what it’s worth policy” (although if you read the website it suggests you still pay the same price).  We have opted for a penalty challenge for the first 30 people to register so get there early…

Tonbridge Angels will be hoping for some festivities on the road themselves having lost their four away games this season.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

 

Tanners 0 - 1 'Ricay

Leatherhead were out played last night as Premier stalwarts Billericay came to the Grove and pretty much controlled the game from start to finish.  Long was the jewel in an otherwise rusty crown as we managed only two attempts on target, both of which were deep into the second half.

To Leatherhead’s credit we only lost by one goal, a theatrical penalty which will have Jack Wilshire wondering why he didn’t earn one for England last night.  The penalty might have been saved too had Wells opted to stand his ground as their number 5 leathered it straight down the middle.

Stacy in the first half was the closest I have seen to Messi in the non-league.  With the ball at his feet he ran and skipped past defender after defender and had them falling over themselves at one point.  He brought the most telling of saves from the ‘keeper in the last few minutes to trouble an otherwise redundant ‘keeper.  On another day it would have sailed in and snatch a rather undeserved point.

You live and learn I guess and onto Saturday for the visit of Tonbridge Angels…

Tanners 0 - 1 'Ricay

Tanners outclassed tonight but were only outdone by a second half penalty.
More to follow...

Billericay are coming

The side that marked our return to the Premier league last time around come to the Grove tonight as the home games come thick and fast.  I felt we were a tad unlucky that game with some amazing displays of what we now lovingly refer to as “Chico Magic”.

Not a lot separates the two sides.  Both of us sit on 12 points but we are two goals to the good on goal difference.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!

Met Police 3 - 3 Tanners

Another high scoring encounter at Met Police but it will be the home side that will be the happier after we threw away a two goal lead.

Leatherhead started this game by far the more comfortable.   Stacy Long, a non-league Marion Pahars, and Matt Smart were pulling the strings in midfield and Rook winning flick-ons for Hughes Mason and Karagiannis to run onto.  It was therefore against the run of play that the Met opened the scoring.  A sloppy goal from my point of view.  A cross from deep found one striker alone on the penalty spot who guided his looping header over the stranded ‘keeper.  This shook Leatherhead and for about 5 minutes we were second best to everything.

Leatherhead did regroup and start launching some attacks and went on to build a 3-1 lead.  The equaliser coming from Karagiannis who was put through clear on goal, he looked to have taken it too wide but his clinical finish went under the ‘keeper and in off the far post.

Leatherhead thought they had the second moments later when the ‘keeper could only parry a shot on the edge of the box into the path Hughes Mason who tapped in with ease but he was adjudged to be offside.  Moments later he got his reward when a whipped in ball was flicked on by a defender onto another surprised Mat Police player whose touch laid it off perfectly for another simple tap in.

It got even better when a cross to the far post was met by Avery and there are few defenders that can deal with his heading ability.  It looped back over the ‘keeper for a healthy 3-1 lead.

Second half and Leatherhead seemingly had nothing to fear.  We were on the front foot and Met Police could barely string a few passes together.  Then on about 15 minutes something changed.  Their number 5 who had a torrid time in the first half was switched to right back and all of a sudden he could play and was delivering quality crosses.  The breakthrough came when one Met Polices found enough room on the edge of the box to shoot.  Now most of Met Police’s long range efforts only troubled the cricket game in the field behind but this one screamed past Wells.

Leatherhead fell into to hang on mode and a string of defensive substitutions were made.  I could see why as there was a point in the game when four tackles were pulled out of in a row so Brady probably wanted a bit more bite in midfield.  The problem was that we couldn’t keep playing the long ball anymore as we no longer had the pace to chase… but we did and so the pressure grew and grew until they got the equaliser with four minutes to go.

It didn’t look like Met Police were happy with just a point and they tried to get the winner but managed to hold on and even force a corner but it came to nothing.

We would have taken a point before the game but definitely another game of what might have been.  Billericay Wednesday it is then…

Travelling Tanners

After the 6 points notched up over the weekend there is always a danger that you could start to relax a bit.  No chance with this fixture though.  Met Police in recent years has been a classic encounter despite the lack of home crowd.

Met Police have had a similar start to the season to us.  Three points behind but with a game in hand so we are nicely poised.

Details of where the ground is (as if you didn’t know) can be found here.  Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

Tanners 2 - 0 Dulwich

I am fairly certain Dulwich would have felt pretty confident coming into this game.  They have had a year to get established themselves in the league, our last meeting in the FA cup was pretty one sided and a few wall / flood jokes surfaced on twitter.  Once the game started though the flood jokes began to dry up.

Stacy Long has made quite the impression.  He scored again to open the scoring with a deft chip from the edge of the box on 20 minutes.  Leatherhead were put under some pressure for the last 15 minutes of the first half but that is as good as it got for the visitors as the Tanners went on to dominate for much of the second half.

Avery was causing Dulwich plenty of problems and finally he got his reward with a diving header on 80 minutes, pouncing on a fine cross by Ryan Mahal.

A significant win as it will give the side confidence when going into a game that is never dull… Met Police away…

Dulwich are coming

A wet and miserable Bank Holiday is forecast but at least football is at hand to brighten things up.
Dulwich Hamlet come to the Grove. Let's hope we can become friends again with our new look ground.
Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas.

Tanners 2 - 1 Hornchurch

Leatherhead notch up their second win of the season against a side that is going to find life in the Premier difficult if they continue to defend as they did today.  It was clear in the early minutes we could get something from this game when they shinned their first clearance into the car park.

 

That proved to be the case when Rook beat the offside trap and calmly lobbed over the ‘keeper.  Rook has been deadly from one yard out this season and it was good to see a true goal scorers touch with this deft finish.  He went on to get on first name terms with Hornchurch’s number 4…

 

Second half and Leatherhead must have decided Hornchurch were not up to much which in turn allowed them to play.  We resorted to long ball clearances and before you know it we were camped in our half defending.  A familiar end to the game it seems.

 

It was during this pressure we got our second goal though.  Dolby down the left put in an over hit cross which fell to Smart who rolled it into Stacy Long’s path.  His curling shot beat the diving ‘keeper for his coolly taken debut goal.

 

At this point Leatherhead must have felt the job was done as moments later a long ball from the ‘keeper was met with two or three hopeful flick-ons until it fell to a striker who prodded it home to make it 2-1.

 

Back into our half we fell but we had enough about us to see it out for the win.

 

Up the league we bounce but we have Dulwich Hamlet coming on Monday…

Hornchurch are coming

AFC Hornchurch arrive to the Grove tomorrow for the first of a Bank Holiday weekend double header.  Leatherhead are holding their own and a point against Ks would have helped confirm that but we were denied in the last minute. 

Hornchurch have not had the best of starts with only one point and two goals to their name.  That said these guys know their way in this league, last year they were in the play-offs, so we should be wary.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

Tanners 1 - 2 Ks

Tanners have a hard earned point snatched away in the last minutes tonight against our local rivals.  Painful stuff after we equipped ourselves relatively well for good 80 minutes of the game.

Tanners looked reasonably comfortable at the start of this game.  We perhaps even had more possession although Ks certainly had the best early chance, their striker blasting the ball into the leisure centre from close range.  Their goal was a lovely sweeping move that carved as apart and was well finished and at which point you might have expected the floodgates to open.

Not for the first time this season Leatherhead responded.  There is an online profile for Karagiannis that states he has a “sweet left foot”.  Ks would have done well to read this in advance as he shaped with his right, then switched to his left just inside the box.  His powerful shot bent in from outside the post into the top corner.  A bemused looking ‘keeper picked it out of the back of the net.  You don’t save those.

Karagiannis was in the thick of the action moments later.  Another shot whistling over the bar.  Then he was fouled just inside the box with the defender straddling the line.  The ref must have decided with one of the defenders feet outside the box it was not a penalty.  The free kick missed by a country mile.

Second half and it was pretty even but as it wore on there was a feeling Ks were going to snatch something.  They were placing us under increasing pressure and our clearances were getting more hurried.  We had our chances and Ks had their dives… their no3 was at it all game and should have been booked when feigning he was clipped when clearing the ball with the Leatherhead player nowhere near him.   Their striker was booked for diving moments later.

They did get a penalty at the death though.  No complaints with that though.  A raised hand in the box stopped a cross and the resulting penalty was finished by sending Wells the wrong way.

Disappointing but no time to dwell on it, Hornchurch visit Saturday…

Ks are coming

Tonight, it is the big one.  Our guests need no further introduction as our old rivals and it is good to be back going toe to toe with them again.

Ks come into this game with two wins and a draw.  The draw being to one of the pre-season favourites Dulwich, another side we get reacquainted with soon…

Kick off at 7.45… see you there!

Grays 1 - 1 Tanners

Rewind the clock a few years and Aveley was the scene of our first point following promotion and the score line was repeated today.

It was clear it was not going to be the same type of game as it was at Bognor.  Grays set out to use their strength and we rarely used our pace to stretch them.

Hughes-Mason continued his scoring run by doing what all good strikers should do and that is gambling on defenders mucking up.  A high ball down the middle should have been cleared up easily by a backtracking defender but he missed the ball leaving Hughes-Mason alone with the keeper and a bouncing ball.  It bounced once and we held our breath expecting a shot.  It bounced again and the keeper came out but still no shot… it bounced again and as it came down he headed the ball up over the 6 foot plus ‘keeper in the coolest lob you’ll ever see.

The game then returned to being the scrappy affair it had started out to be.  The ref loving the sound of his voice and stopping the game for chats and booking four.  In the last five minutes the ref struck and awarded Grays a penalty.  It looked soft with two players coming together in the box.  The penalty looked scuffed but did enough to beat Wells.  Moments later Hughes-Mason was again through on goal chasing a bouncing ball but before he could shoot there was a coming together with a defender.  This time no penalty came.

Second half and Leatherhead were besieged in their own half for large periods of the game.  While Grays mainly fired in long range shots they were on target and Wells was called into action in spectacular fashion.  Leatherhead did mount a few attacks with a header from Mahal being glanced wide being the best but they were few and far between.

1-1 not a bad result and off to the visit of K’s on Wednesday…

 

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead travelling to Grays Athletic tomorrow in the hope of continuing their opening form.  Four points from the first two games was more than many would have thought given the opposition.  Grays meanwhile are looking for their first points after losing their opening games 2-0.

Don’t forget they ground share with Aveley and directions can be found here.  Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

Rocks 1 - 2 Tanners

Well, this is going better than expected.  Leatherhead snatch all three points after looking like they were going to be punished for not taking their chances in the first half.

Leatherhead started this game brightly and were certainly difficult to contain down the left hand side with Karagiannis and Dolby running riot.

The opening goal came from Karagiannis stealing possession and running clear on goal.  His shot was parried but only into the path of Rook and for the second time he scores in a poachers position.  Leatherhead went on to have some good chances with Cooper heading over being the clearest.

One to the good at half time and on to the second half where the game seemed to swing to Bognor Regis and it was their turn to press.  It was our ‘keepers turn to parry into the path of a striker and we conceded the equaliser.

As the game seemed to be heading to a draw, or worse still a loss for the Tanners, Bognor Regis again lost possession in a dangerous position.  With still plenty to do Hughes-Mason scored another beauty, curling past the ‘keeper to send the travelling Tanners wild.

Off to Grays (well Aveley) it is then Saturday…

 

 

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead make their first trip on the season and we are away to Bognor Regis.  A well supported side that, despite their opening loss, will no doubt fancy themselves for promotion.

The last time we went there was in the Ryman South in what we felt would be a decisive game.  A close encounter which they went on to win but they failed to win the league and entered the lottery of the play-offs.  The rest is history…

Kick off at 7.45.  Directions can be found here.

Congratulations Peter!

I have had the word that Peter completed the Surrey 100 (well 87 after Boxhill was cut out) safely and in good time despite the terrible conditions.  It was probably the hashtag #prayforpeter when it started trending that spurred him on…

A fantastic effort that puts my cycling from Guildford to Leatherhead and back Saturday to shame…

Tanners 2 - 2 Peacehaven & Telscombe

Perhaps it was the superiority the visitors exerted over the Ryman Division One South last season many will feel this is a good result.  Certainly if you had offered us a point at half time many would have bitten your hand off as we failed to look like a team but a group of individuals.  The visitors on the other hand look composed and it seemed inevitable that they would score. 

Their goal came down the left side, which was looking a bit vulnerable in the opening minutes.  The looping cross was met by the grateful striker that headed into the back of the net at point blank range.

Whereas the first half was disjointed, the response in the second half was emphatic.  Leatherhead did survive an early scare where Peacehaven hit the post but after that it was nearly all Leatherhead, pegging the visitors into their half large spells.

Leatherhead’s goal was spectacular as their change in play.  New striker Hughes-Mason bringing the ball down on the edge of the box and firing a powerful shot into the top corner.  Moments later he could have doubled his tally when his glancing header (well shoulder) struck the bar.

It got better.  The impressive Karagiannis was fed in by the equally superb Ryan Dolby who forced the ‘keeper into a smart save.  The rebound fell kindly to Rook’s knee who prodded it home to take the lead.

Leatherhead looked like they could hold on but a rare second half attack from Peacehaven down our right and resulting cross allowed for another close range strike.  2-2.

It got worse.  Whitely came on for on 80 minutes and got stuck straight into the action.  Running onto a ball and attempting to beat two or three players.  One of them was Cotton who appeared to foul him but it went unpunished.  Whitely then appeared to strike Cotton once in the initial contact, an innocent coming together perhaps, but the second strike was a little more blatant.  Cotton went down in a fine piece of showmanship and so the red card was brandished limiting Whitely’s contribution to about 30 seconds.

We held on and a well-earned point sees us start the Premier League ahead of our last outing.  Away to Bognor Regis Tuesday then…

 

 

 

Peacehaven & Telscombe are coming

Last year’s Champions come to the Grove to get this season off to a start.  Both teams not only have promotion in common but also lost their top striker in the summer to higher ranked teams.  They lost 40+ goal  man, Charlie Walker, to Luton.

Tomorrow we get to see the effect of losing so many of our players and how well we have been able to recruit.  Peacehaven may have suffered the same fate but if they turn up with players like Craig Richards then I would say not.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

12th man

The Club have asked me to post this…

“Leatherhead FC are operating the 12th Man fund raising scheme for the new season 2014/15 which helped the playing budget when it was introduced last year. The scheme gives the opportunity for any and every supporter to get involved in helping us to field the strongest team that we can every week. Understandably we have to work to a tightly controlled Playing Budget and this scheme helps us to recruit better players.

You are invited to give your help in improving our chances this season by joining the scheme and paying a sum that you can afford each week that will be used only for the Playing Budget.  I will again collect cash donations each week I will submit an updated spreadsheet to all participants who have provided me with their email address, the Directors and Richard Brady showing the details of sums collected. This will enable you to ensure that your donations have been recorded accurately.

I hope that many of you will be able join in. Please help us by letting me have your cash commitment each week. Weekly payments help us to rely on the contributions and plan accordingly, but if you would prefer to help the scheme on a less regular basis your help will still be much appreciated.”

For further please contact Richard Bligh (Membership Secretary) via email.

Leatherhead 3 - 3 Slough

No complaints on the entertainment front today with six goals and a more competitive match.  Eyebrows will be raised though at the defensive display at times, especially in the second half where we lost our composure a few times and gifted them a goal.

The game started brightly.  Not the day to have a flat tyre with two goals coming in the first eight minutes.  Leatherhead struck first with Dolby beating the ‘keeper with a free kick.  The lead did not last long with Slough breaking down the middle and calmly slotting the ball into the corner.

Into the second half and Slough rushed to a 3-1 lead.  Their second goal came with Leatherhead failing to deal with a ball in the box with the shot going through our ‘keepers legs to add insult to injury.  Moments later Leatherhead tried to pass the ball out of defence only for the ball to clip the heel of a defender and rebound kindly for Slough to run unchallenged on goal and finished with ease.

While the defending was a low point the response was commendable.  Some changes were made and meaningful attacks were strung together.  Ogeah-Andrews being the grateful recipient of a ball played in on the left side of the box and scores via the far post.

Soon after it was Slough’s turn to lose concentration and failed to deal with a free kick and Cooper was at hand to volley into the top corner.

Tanners 1 - 1 Eastbourne Borough

A game that never really caught alight as both sides set out not wanting to lose but not really that desperate to win either.  There were some bright spots though.  Players like Oceah and Mason-Hughes look like exciting prospects upfront while Mahal continues to create down the wings.

The game was not looking like it was going to deliver much so I have to confess I nipped off early.  It was 15 minutes later that the game sprang into life.  The visitors scored on 75 minutes with a deft lob over our keeper.  Then at the death trialist Matt Parsons popped up with an equaliser.

So we avoided defeat to a higher ranked side and the experience was enjoyable for Matt Smart to come out of retirement.  Important with Semakula being away at the start of the season while honeymooning.

On to Slough’s visit in the last pre-season before we get serious…

 

 

Eastbourne Borough are coming

Eastbourne Borough arrive to the Grove for tonight’s pre-season Friendly.  The Conference South club will give us our toughest test of the pre-season and a chance to see our new charges work out.

If you’re a season ticket holder it is free.  If not the admission charge is £5.00 (Adult / OAP) and £2 for Under 12.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there.

Carshalton 1 - 1 Tanners

Not the goalfest Richard Brady would have asked for but given the conditions still enough promise for it to be a worthwhile outing.

It was a hot day, hot enough for the ref to award FIFA style drink breaks, but the game opened at a fast pace with Leatherhead doing the most of the attacking.  After 20 minutes the game swung the other way with Carshalton on the front foot.

Perhaps this is what will disappoint the manager the most that not only did Carshalton produce a string of good chances for periods of the game they were in control.  Leatherhead could have struck to kill off some of this pressure but Rook blasted over from close range.  Miller did get the breakthrough, attacking down the left he broke free and slotted it into the far corner on 40 minutes.

Second half and Leatherhead came out firing again.  Rook was denied again at close range from so brave defending blocking the ball on the line.

In the closing 15 minutes Leatherhead came under more sustained pressure.   Leatherhead had to change both centre backs through injury then went on to make a triple substitution including the ‘keeper.  This may explain why the Carshalton striker was able to receive the ball on the penalty spot, turn and shoot to level the score.

Leatherhead had a golden chance moments later when Miller forced the ‘keeper into a good save but he could only parry it invitingly for a Leatherhead player to run onto and tap in.  The defender did enough to pressure the shot and it hit the post.

A draw then, but unbeaten and onto the next friendly at home against Eastbourne Borough then…

Travelling Tanners

Bom dia!  I am back from Brazil and Leatherhead are back in action today.  We’re off to Colston Avenue for a friendly versus Carshalton Athletic.

Leatherhead have been winning their friendlies but Richard is still looking for more.  A decent score line according to the local press…

Directions can be found here.  Kick off at 3pm and only a fiver to get in.  See you there.

 

Work party

On Monday a demolition company is coming to the ground to remove the pitch perimeter wall so the club needs to save the advertising hoardings around the ground.   Therefore there is a work party arranged for tomorrow at 9am.

There are plenty of other tasks to help out with too so hope as many of you as possible can make it to The Grove…

Draycott leaves

Folkestone are promising goals galore in the Ryman Div One South with the signing of Draycott as he joins the ranks leaving The Grove for clubs to the east.  Perhaps the travel demands of the Premier are proving too much…

Rumour also has it we welcome back Louis Wells between the sticks who was with us in 2012.  News of new signings will no doubt wait until the players meet in July…