Worthing are coming

Worthing come to the Grove in the final fixture of the season. A win will see us second place. Anything less will give Folkestone the chance to nick it from us.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas.

Travelling Tanners

Tanners try again to put the finishing touch on the season proper and hold off the late charge of Folkestone for second place.  Losing second place at this stage of the season would be careless to say the least.

Two quick fire goals quickly ate up our lead on Saturday and we were not able to respond to get a winner leaving the door open for Burgess Hill to keep their season alive.  Furthermore, today is a tough game.  Away at Faversham.  They too harboured play-off hopes but it appears the defeat away at Guernsey snuffed this out.

Kick off at 3pm.  Directions here (via Ramsgate's forum!).  Good luck fellas.

Burgess Hill are coming

An inform Burgess Hill come to The Grove in this Easter Weekend fixture.  They suffered a slight set back of losing to Faversham but they will think they have a chance of sneaking into the top 5 with the last three games to play.

Meanwhile a win for us could make sure of our runners up spot.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas.

CDG 0 - 5 Tanners

Leatherhead were welcomed to this new ground by a friendly bunch considering the run they have been on.  On the pitch they were equally as accommodating as it is clear they have yet to bond.  A defender referring to the man between the sticks as “keeper” as opposed to “Smudger” etc.

Bradbrook and Theo were left on the bench for this encounter, pushing Parkinson into the no 9 shirt.  It soon paid off with him collecting a cross at the edge of the box and stroking it low past “Keeper”.

There is one thing we can learn from this game.  Avery is good in the air.  He had already thundered one into the feet of the man on the post and soon after he leaped through a defender to score the second of the day.  The third goal moments later came from Avery heading down towards Jerry who prodded home.  He celebrated in disbelief he had scored.

Darren Smith was given an opportunity to make it four on 40 minutes.  A free-kick right on the edge of the box sailed into the top right hand corner.

Second half and the damage was done.  The home side were not looking dangerous and so we went about our business at a leisurely pace.  Avery added a goal to his tally from an instinctive strike some 15 yards out.

No one wanted a goal more than Kev Terry but it didn’t go his way.  Theo came on and could have scored a couple but luck was not on his side either.

Burgess Hill come to the Grove Saturday hoping to keep any chance of them making the play-offs alive.  A win could give us the runners up spot…

Travelling Tanners

With top spot now confirmed as being out of reach all that remains to do is finish second to ensure home advantage is retained going into the play-offs.  That good fight continues tomorrow with a trip to Crawley Down Gatwick.  A team that was flying at the start of the season but have drifted away alarmingly.  So much so a whole new look team has been created to keep them in the league.  I hope they don’t click into life tomorrow!

Kick off at 3:07.  A new ground so see you there!  A list of the new players for your reading pleasure is below…

 

Baff Addae from Thamesmead Town
Alex Addai from Carshalton Athletic
Karl Akehurst from Eastbourne Town
Fope Coker from Tilbury
Wade Eason from Peacehaven & Telscombe
Akwasi Fobi-Edusei from Horsham
Thomas Hughes from Tooting & Mitcham United
Jide Maduako from Cray Wanderers
Romone McCrae from Redhill

Herne Bay 2 - 0 Tanners

Well that was disappointing.  Leatherhead lose to a second half brace allowing Peacehaven to claim the title.  Now all bad news as those below us too struggled.

Leatherhead could have built up a safe lead after a series of missed chances.  Leatherhead were also accused of being a tad too robust as the home side made all three changes to accommodate injuries.

Herne Bay then went on to punish us with a double from Jordan Casey.

A rare week off now until we travel to a new look Crawley Down Gatwick…

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead travel to Kent again to play Herne Bay who will be equally drained after beating Crawley Down Gatwick on Thursday night.
Kick off at 3pm.  Location here (no directions on their site from what I can see).  Good luck fellas.

Whitstable 2 - 3 Tanners

Richard of Arabia masterminded a welcome win in Kent thanks to a last minute Kev Terry tap in.  It look at first like it was going to be a formality with Draycott hitting the inside of the post in the first few minutes and their defence looking all at sea.  So typical of a wounded animal that 20 minutes later they slotted one in from the edge of the box.

Leatherhead responded well with a stooping header from Draycott levelling, but then we seemed to take our foot off the pedal and they forced a number of corners to put together some pressure of their own.

Second half and we began to dominate so no surprise when debutant Richard Avery scored with another header.  2-1 and perhaps we could finally think the three points were ours… but then in a rare foray the home side won a free kick 30 yards out which was expertly bent into the back of the net whilst our wall still seemed to be lining up.

This buoyed Whitstable and moments later they carved us open only for their striker to inexplicably hit the post from 5 yards when faced with an open goal.  Both sides had decent half chances, until in the last minute of injury time Eisa went on a mazy run, the ball found its way to Kev inside the box, he juggled it past the keeper and tapped home to much elation from the visiting few.

Herne Bay awaits…

(based on Dickie’s match report)

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead travel into the dust bowl of Whitstable tonight in a rare Thursday night outing.  They must be playing catch up as they beat Eastbourne 3-2 on Tuesday.  Leatherhead fans may as well find a nice B&B to stay in as they will be returning to that neck of the woods Saturday with a trip to Herne Bay.

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

Tanners 1 - 0 Folkestone Invicta

The game was not pretty but Folkestone were sent home pointless and lucky to have only conceded one.  I did worry about this game given the ambitions of the 4^th placed visitors who were looking over their shoulder at Merstham.  I had nothing to fear as they turned up and were shackled from the start.

While on Wednesday it was almost a free for all the wide players set out with a clear instruction it would seem to “tuck in” and so the visitors resorted to a long ball game.  Food and drink to “Terry Butcher and his mate” who kept any attack at bay for much of the 90 minutes.  I do not want to do Ibrahim a disservice, he may have pulled off a wonderful save but I do not remember a meaningful attack until we got into the 4^th minute of injury time in the second half.

Our goal was a screamer.  A ball into the box was partially cleared which fell to Bradbrook who instinctively decided to hit it first time.  It flew into the near corner leaving the diving ‘keeper no chance.

Half time entertainment ensued with a foul mouthed team talk from the visiting manager.  You could tell by the limp applause that it had missed its target and Folkestone went out and played even worse than they had before.  Leatherhead seemed quite content with this and so the game became rather stale.  Three points were becoming a certainty.

It could have been made safer when in the last 10 minutes Leatherhead then started tearing into Folkestone.  Theo was denied by the ‘keeper who had been lambasted by his manager for slicing a clearance.  Then Ryan Mahal struck the crossbar from 6 yards when faced with an open goal.

These misses looked like they could haunt us only when the ref went on to find 2 to 3 minutes of extra extra time but we held out.  A mid-week trip to Whitstable now awaits…

Folkestone Invicta are coming

Even stranger than Dickie’s prediction was that of Folkestone’s manager in a press article claiming how their playoff hopes were boosted after a 5-0 win at Leatherhead.  They can afford to be confident (although hopefully not that confident) with three players in the top 15 goal scorers with 48 goals between them.

Quite the challenge for us while Guernsey face Walton & Hersham in an evening kick-off.

Kick off at 3pm for us though.  See you there!

Tanners 5 - 0 Eastbourne Town

It was a confident prediction of goals that could have easily have gone sour but on the night it came true thanks to Bradbrook and a Leatherhead team looking for an emphatic win.

It wasn't long before Dickie must have been planning his "told you so" post.  Kev Terry was causing trouble down his left and Bradbrook gratefully took advantage of his work by finding some space and "placing" the ball in the net with his left foot.  The English Bebeto celebrated the birth of his first child...

Soon after there was a touch of deja vu too with the penalty.  With a goal 'keeper off his line and well beaten a goal bound shot was denied by a raised arm.  This time only a yellow was shown with the belief it was more ball to hand.  Smith stepped up and placed the penalty to his right with the 'keeper going the wrong way.

Draycott turned provider of sorts for the third goal.  A powerful shot was parried into the air for Bradbrook to pounce and head into an empty net.  A perfect hat trick was on...

Second half and Leatherhead were at it again after a brief spell of Eastbourne trying to score.  It was a fleeting period of the game and soon shots pounded the visiting 'keeper.  A series of shots eventually fell to the right-back who finished near post and almost seemed embarrassed to celebrate.

Bradbrook must have had the weight of the world on his shoulders.  Could today be his hat trick day?  Yes it could as he found himself in front of goal, firing initially with his right but finishing the rebound with his left.  No perfect hat trick.  What a failure.

So, Leatherhead push on and will need this form with Folkestone Invicta coming to the Grove Saturday...

Eastbourne Town are coming

Leatherhead entertain Eastbourne Town tonight in the league.  A chance to increase the gap to eight points is at stake but caution to thinking the bottom placed side will be a push over.

Firstly we have had a bit of a wobble and we went to their place needing at least two goals to put pressure on the play-off places… while we won it was by a single Sam Blackman goal and so the dream slipped by.

Kick-off at 7.45pm.  The last mid-week £5 game I believe!  See you there.

Sittingbourne 0 - 1 Tanners

With Guernsey losing the 1pm kick-off the opportunity was there to put up a five point cushion.  A trip to a new ground was also in store for the travelling fans.  What could possibly go wrong?

The main problem was the entertainment value.  It was not easy on the eye and the only thing to look forward to was the unusual offering of lasagna and chips at half time.

With double carbs on the menu you could expect a similarly sluggish second half but changes breathed life into the game.  None more so than Mo Eisa whose composed finish turned out to be the goal that separated the sides.

Five point gap retained and basement club Eastbourne Town come to the Grove Wednesday…

Travelling Tanners

Today Leatherhead travel east to try and put a worrying run of results behind us.  Slips happen but this has become more of a slide...

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

Tanners 0 - 1 Hythe

No second half flurry to save Leatherhead last night as we fall 1-0 to our visitors Hythe.  Leatherhead missed some early chances to take the lead which came back to haunt them when Josh Burchell pounced on a loose ball in the box.

Guernsey play Whitstable tonight in an attempt to close the gap to just two points…

 

Hyde are coming

Twice now in recent weeks we have had to rely on a purple patch in the second half to get us the three points, on both occasions the new signing Theo has been at the heart of it.

If the last time we played them is anything to go by we will need such a goal rush tonight as they ground out a 1-0 win at their place.

Kick off at 7.45.  £5 again I believe!  Good luck fellas!

 

Tanners 1 - 3 Faversham

A worrying blip has emerged as for three of the last four games we have found life difficult.  It appears that the loss of Coyle perhaps has unsettled the defensive unit as without his organization skills we have looked vulnerable.

Going forward we looked fine.  Creating chances which were not being taken.  Faversham on the other hand, despite our lack of confidence at the back, found clear chances hard to come by but still managed to score two from the slim pickings they had.

Second half and Leatherhead again pressed forward, albeit from a rather shaky platform after just conceding a third, and got their reward.  Bradbrook got lucky with a ball striking his hand which placed it nicely in his path to score.  Theo was then placed in a more advanced position alongside Bradbrook which unsettled the visitors but no goals came.

Back at home again for the visit of Three Bridges.  We had a slow start against them away but came through impressively.  I hope we can repeat that tomorrow…

 

Faversham are coming

Greetings from Zagreb which, as I expected, is as drab as a 3-2 defeat away to Merstham.  That said the club need to move on from that defeat and focus on the task at hand.  A visit from Faversham.

Faversham are just hovering below the play-off places and a timely run could see them burst into the promised land.  With Hastings losing last night they would see tonight as the perfect opportunity.  Let’s hope we are firing again.

Kick off at 7.45.  £5 again I believe… good luck fellas.

Merstham 3 - 2 Tanners

A very below par day out for Leatherhead today.  For all bar 10 minutes we were disjointed today with few players covering themselves in glory.

Ex-Tanners were always going to be a danger today.  None more so than Tommy Hutchings who has a left foot that, while underperformed this season, can cause problems.  So it turned out as he went on to score a hat trick.

The first came after a difficult period of play to watch.  Leatherhead we not comfortable on the ball and Merstham seemed up for it.  It was a defensive slip that let in Tommy.  Treading on the ball pushed it into his path and he smashed it home.  1-0 at half time.

Second half and Merstham were really all over us.  They hit the post before Tommy got his second chance.  The initial save was then smashed home.  All looked lost as Leatherhead seemed completely flat.  That said Merstham seemed to take their foot of the gas and Leatherhead grew in confidence.

The first goal came from a corner, poked into the goal at the near post by Eisa.  2-1.  Could we dream?  Yes we could.  A long ball was chased by Theo and the 'keeper panicked when trying to gather, spilling it into out striker's path and he walked it into an open net.

While Merstham fell away winning 2-0 they stepped it back up at 2-2 and applied pressure to tap in after a cross was not dealt with.  They gave the goal to Tommy, I am not so sure.

Guernsey and Peacehaven win... Faversham in the week is far from a meaningless fixture...

Travelling Tanners

Off on the road again to play our old friends Merstham and meet up with Hayden Bird.  On getting the directions I noticed their website had a section called Bird Banter… a section that should be moderated after his attack on the league led to a bit of humble pie being eaten…

On the game itself and after scoring four goals I sometimes find a side can go off the boil so I hope that isn’t the case tomorrow.  Things are hotting up and we can’t rely on sea breezes and spring flowers to get us home advantage in the play-offs or (dare I say it) the title…

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

Tanners 4 - 0 Ramsgate

After the disappointment of the weekend it was important to bounce back and keep the pressure on the top spot.  Bounce back we did with an energetic display that was finally rewarded with goals.

It was clear from the outset that Ramsgate were not going to pose the same problems as Guernsey as the Leatherhead started positively.  Their ‘keeper was leading a charmed life was free headers from Coyle and Terry both were straight at the ‘keeper.  Theo too danced through the defense to have a chance to beat the keeper but it was fired low and hard again at the ‘keeper.  The large shot stopper did pull off a fine save from Terry who tried to find the far corner.

 

After this pressure Kev Terry had another chance not without some controversy.  Another fast break down the right saw Kev clear on goal, the assistant raised his flag then put it straight back down.  Kev continued his run and this time found his spot.  Ramsgate were not happy.

 

Second half and the game was played again at high pace.  Ramsgate persevered with a high line which was being beaten with ease.  Bradbrook missing the best of several chances as the ball bobbled up from a cross that left him with a tap in, the shinned ball going just wide.  Bradbrook was then withdrawn, perhaps his rib injury playing up again, and for a while this unsettled us but we soon found our rhythm again.

 

It was Draycott that first sent us on our way to the impressive score line.  Beating the trap just right or goal, wrong footing a defender and then powerfully beating ‘keeper.  Moments later Eisa scored a mirror image of that goal.

 

Then the own goal.  It wasn’t a particularly powerful cross but it came into the box that tempted both the ‘keeper and their captain into dealing with it.  The ‘keeper sliding out to gather and the defender shaped to hoof.  A moment of hesitation from both players caused the ‘keeper to withdraw his hands and the defender to halfheartedly swipe at the ball… the result was the most delicate of chip over the ‘keeper (who could have only been a foot away) and into the net.  A finish Messi would have lorded over for years.

 

Plenty for Guernsey to think about tonight as they travel to Whitstable.  We’re off to Merstham Saturday…

Ramsgate are coming

A massive night of football tonight.  Never mind the England friendly, just look at the fixtures in the Ryman League One South…

Horsham  vs  Tooting & Mitcham United
Leatherhead  vs  Ramsgate
Peacehaven & Telscombe  vs  Folkestone Invicta 

We take on a Kent club that have fallen away of late but still lie in a dangerous 8^th place.  Two of our promotion rivals slug it out near Brighton… meanwhile Tooting travel to Horsham.

Another £5 game I believe tonight!  Kick off at 7.45.  See you there.

 

Guernsey 2 - 0 Tanners

Leatherhead suffered a two goal defeat on their travels as their hitman continues his run while ours was at home.  The weekend got off to a bumpy start as it was.  While I was on a nice early flight as the day went on the winds grew stronger and by the time the players’ delayed plane slammed down the winds had grown to gusts of 40-50 mpg.  I dare say we will have a few Dennis Bergkamps in our ranks if we are to play there again.

With the players tucked up in bed the fans hit the town with varying degrees of composure… sore heads all round for the big match.

With a crowd of over 1,200 you should expect an atmosphere but Guernsey is not like that.  Polite, friendly and welcoming yes.  Boisterous no.  It is the only crowd I have heard “Let’s all have a disco” being sung sitting down.

The game itself did not really live up to the expectations.  In the first half the ball was largely stuck in the middle third with each team cancelling each other out.  When it did break for a rare attack the slim majority of attempts fell to the home side.  Theo, who shone in the week, had some moments that caused the home team concern but not quite the same display as he was made to play a Bradbrook-esque role of chasing and stretching play rather than a ball to his quick feet.

Second half and Guernsey took the lead.  Ross Allen providing the killer blow.  Leatherhead began to stir.  The best chance falling to Kev Terry who rose at the far post but his header could not be directed on target. 

Ross Allen soon added his second.  It appeared like he had scuffed it but when you’re hot you’re hot and the ball found the far post.  Leatherhead now threw everything at them and the home side began to buckle.  Coyle also had a looping header on target but the handsome / cocky ‘keeper tipped it over.  A back header from their defender had to be cleared off the line to prevent an own goal.

Once those scares passed Guernsey started playing for time and finished the game the victors.  We still remain second though and it is important we remain there to prevent another trip to the Island in May…

 

Tanners 2 - 1 Horsham

For much of the game, from Leatherhead’s perspective there was little to cheer about.  A bright opening spell lasted about 10 minutes until Horsham began to dominate the game.  During this spell we played some neat stuff with Bradbrook going clear but pushing his shot wide of the stand in ‘keeper and the goal.  Horsham’s goal was a thunderous strike that gave Ibrahim no chance after their striker had found some space in the box.

Second half and it really didn’t look like Leatherhead were going to get anything from this game.  There was one bright spark though in Theo Fairweather Johnson who had been introduced at half time.  Early signs were there that he could bring something to the game and when Bradbrook was withdrawn he was pretty much our last home.

Our opening goal came from Theo.  He had fed in Kev Terry who had blazed over minutes earlier.  Seeing that Theo had continued his run he prodding it back to him who in turn poked it past the ‘keeper.   Not long later Theo was given a diagonal ball to run in on and his deft shot on the turn eluded the ‘keeper and snuck in off the far post.  Quite the introduction.

Horsham must have felt completely robbed and the ref appeared to agree, awarding them plenty of free kicks in the last ten minutes but we hung on.

No time for a Travelling Tanners update this week.  We set off tomorrow at 8am for the big game away at Guernsey.  If you don’t know the directions etc. by now you are rather stuffed…

 

Horsham are coming

Leatherhead’s season of goodwill continues as the game tonight will only cost £5.  I am not convinced the demand curve is suitably elastic to truly benefit but you shouldn’t need too much incentive to come tonight.  Leatherhead are going well and look to try and close the gap on first place to just one…

Horsham stand in the way of this though.  They have steadied the ship from last year and, while a shadow of the team that once played at Queen Street, they can still spoil the evening.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there for once!

Tanners 1 - 0 Walton Casuals

Leatherhead are looking very good for their second place at the moment.  While lesser managers, like Hayden Bird, choose to blast Ryman officials we have largely just gotten on with business.  True, Brady may have questioned the speed of some of the decisions the Ryman has made but recent BBC coverage is testament to the positive approach to the rest of the season.

On the pitch it was a lively display.  While the score line deceived the performance mid-week so does this one.  We were lively and deserved our 1-0 half time lead thanks to a Darren Smith strike.

Leatherhead will feel they could have scored more.  The visitors feel they could have snatched a point but the early pace setters went home disappointed.

So.  4 points adrift.  Horsham Wednesday night then we go all European...

Leatherhead 3 - 1 Redhill

A rash of goals at Leatherhead to put pressure on Peacehaven on Wednesday night.  Despite the long enforced layoff Tom Bradbrook’s form has not deserted him.  Opening the scoring in the opening minutes.  Tom Parkinson soon got into the act making it 2-0.

The score line does not tell the full story.  It was a workman like performance built on a solid foundation of two early goals.  While Redhill made it interesting with a goal in the second half, Tom Bradbrook made it safe in the closing minutes.

Walton Casuals come to the Grove Saturday…

 

Redhill are coming

Well, fingers crossed.  Perhaps there is some real hope that the game is on.  The players are itching.  Could be a great night to come down to The Grove to watch the Tanners.  Not least as the game will be £5 (according to a text message I received prior to the last game that was cancelled).

Points being dropped around us.  Exciting times.  Kick off at 7.45… look for twitter for updates though.

 

Game off

No surprise. The game away at Whitstable is off.

Tanners Aid

Not only was it a great evening but I'm pleased to say that £2,084 was raised by Tanners Aid.

Thanks to all of you for making this such a great occasion.

Tooting & Mitcham 1 - 2 Tanners

Hopefully not too many sore heads after the night of live music at The Grove as we took on our old friends Tooting & Mitcham.  With Leatherhead in control for most of the first half Draycott opened the scoring on the half hour mark.

While the home side equalised and claim that we were quite average Coyle's goal on the hour mark put us in the lead and on track for all three points.

The wood work rescued the home side a couple of times to save them from a more impressive scoreline...

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead travel to Tooting & Mitcham (subject to weather) for a crucial league fixture.  Our old friends have already acknowledged history is not on their side with 1 draw and 5 losses being inflicted over the last couple of years.

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

It's a sell out!

Great news that the fund raising musical event has SOLD OUT this Friday.  Hope all of you who have tickets have a great night.  If you do not have a ticket do not go to The Grove as you will not sweet talk your way in.  There is a good Blondie documentary on BBC4 though…

Woking 3 - 1 Tanners

While there was a notable absence in Bradbrook a strong starting eleven was sent to Woking for the quarter final tie.  The game lacked something though and it was left for the more experienced Woking (with 6 first team regulars) to control much of the game.

Woking got their reward after 20 minutes.  Their striker working his way along the edge of the box until he found room to shoot into the bottom left corner.  They doubled their lead just ten minutes later when an incisive move cut us apart allowing for the simplest of tap ins for the ex-Fulham striker Betsy.

Second half and Leatherhead had more about them.  Not quite the fight of a Tiger but more of a cornered Mongoose.  On the hour mark the increased effort paid off when we won a penalty which Darren Smith calmly slotted away.

The revival was killed off just ten minutes later when a swift move made it 3-1.  Had Draycott finished his chance when clean through it may have made for an interesting finish but as it was the hosts were quite comfortable.

Out the cup but very much still in the promotion race.  Tooting on Saturday!

 

Travelling Tanners

Quarter final action tonight and a trip to Woking, where I haven’t seen a happy ending for the Tanners but the unusual night of Monday may indicate a less than full strength side being  played.

More good news is that it is only £5 to get in.  We did get a lot of rain so I will update the site via twitter with news of pitch inspections (if needed).

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

Tanners 3 - 0 Hastings

410 people came to watch Leatherhead today.  Some came out of morbid curiousity but most out of a rejuvenated interest in a club that has hit hard times.

The first half was not an exciting affair to keep the crowd too interested.  Both sides had their chances but pretty much cancelled each other out as often is the case when two play-off placed clubs meet.

Second half and Leatherhead were certainly looking the more likely.  Bradbrook prowling in the box like Federer on the base line and he nearly turned in a shot that was dangerously parried across goal by Hastings's 'keeper.

Moments later he did get his reward.  Bursting through the middle he was one on one with the 'keeper who was rounded with ease to allow our hot man to tap into an empty net.

It was not long before Kev Terry too found himself free in the box but at a tighter angle.  Kev opted to bend it round the 'keeper and nudge it in off the post.  Classy.  Wind assisted?  Probably played for.

It all looked two easy and just as the game was drawing to a close there was a stark reminder why so many people were needed to come today.  The pleasant evening suddenly turned nasty with strong winds and hail for the final five minutes.

The strong winds that brought trees down on the Epsom Road did not unsettle Bradbrook.  He defiantly struck one in from 25 yards to end the day on a high.

Woking on Monday then...

Hastings Are Coming

Here is the deal.  The game as it stands is ON.  If heavy rain comes then that may change things but I have heard we are in good shape.

Those at the club have worked hard to get the ground as ship shape as possible given the repeat floods and police escorts out of the ground etc, so it will be good test out what new facilities we have.  Also, for those ground baggers, I understand the pitch may have moved a few degrees so it may even count as a new ground.  Either way, get on down to The Grove and support your local club.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

Walton & Hersham 0 - 5 Tanners

Leatherhead are going through a little Man City spell at the moment.  Scoring quite freely and when not conceding penalties keeping a clean sheet.

Draycott got us on our way, latching onto a inswinging free kick to nod us in front.  From the sublime to the ridiculous for our second.  Bradbrook was tackled some 20 yards out as he attempted a strike at goal.  Then the moment all supporters love.  The ball starts flying towards goal and a somewhat panicked Maan could do little but watch it bobble in.  Quite the own goal!

Walton & Hersham knew it wasn’t their night and the flood gates opened.  Draycott grabbing another.  Semakula had an easy task of heading into an empty net after Maan had saved from Bradbrook.  Then finally the man who had done everything but score did.  Bradbrook ended the night with a goal.

Now the focus returns on The Grove.  After ALL this rain will there be a game on..?

 

 

 

 

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead travel to a familiar looking Walton & Hersham side with quite a few ex-Tanners on display… the likes of the Maan brothers, Dan Dean, Jon Boswell, Big Vern and Greg Andrews will be on display.  Perhaps Hayden Bird has revised his Leatherhead signing policy…

Meanwhile I had the joy of winning tickets to the Capital One Cup semi-final… then the misery of seeing Man City score 6 goals to make it a dead game.  Oh well… better luck tonight for Leatherhead I hope.

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

Woking away

The tough Surrey Senior Cup draw of Woking away appears to have been arranged for Monday, 27 January with  7.45 kick-off.  A strange day for football unless the Sky cameras plan to be there perhaps...

Worthing 2 - 4 Tanners

A pulsating game down on the coast as Leatherhead came out 4-2 winners but not without some scares.  On penalties Worthing edged it 2-1 but when you have Bradbrook scoring in open play you always have a chance to overcome that.

It all started so well for Leatherhead taking the lead in the 9th minute when a long throw beat the defence and allowed Bradbrook unchecked to stroke home.  Our  lead only lasted 8 minutes as a quick breakaway forced panic in the box and Worthing equalised from the resultant penalty.

Leatherhead managed their own counter attack which allowed Darren Smith a simply side foot to restore our lead.  Half time 2-1.

Second half and a foul on Draycott in the box allowed Darren Smith to get his second from the spot.  3-1 and Dicky started the “Easy” chant only to see the impressive Ibrahim bring down a player in the box.  Worthing’s second penalty and a nervy end to the game.

Deep into injury time Elisa made it safe.  While it looked like he fluffed his chance when rounding the ‘keeper he summoned just enough composure to get the ball over the line.

An impressive win and Walton & Hersham await on Tuesday.

 

Travelling Tanners

Game on! The pitch passes its inspection and Leatherhead travel down the A24 (take it easy though) to face our old friends Worthing.

About 10 years ago this was the destination for my stag do... Just saying.

Directions below.

http://www.worthingfootballclub.co.uk/club/FindUs

31 January 2014

Camberley 1 - 3 Tanners

Even by my standards I have little information on this game that saw us through to the next round of the Surrey Senior Cup in muddy conditions.  With Bradbrook, Nnamani  and Ibrahim watching on the side lines it took two penalties to make the game ours.

Eisa made and took one of those penalties.  The rest… wait for the official report… Next up Worthing away on Saturday!

Travelling Tanners

It’s been a while since we last met but tonight we travel to Camberley in the Surrey Senior Cup.  A competition we should enjoy more and certainly tonight, after a weekend off, we should be ready to give our hosts plenty to think about.

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

The Local Jukebox

Leatherhead FC are pleased to announce the details of a fundraising gig at the clubhouse on Friday 31st January.

 

The evening will be a 'Live Aid' style evening (hence 'Tanners Aid') and the cream of local bands have agreed to donate their services in order to raise as much money as possible for the Tanners flood repair fund. So far the following will be appearing:

 

 

WitchDoktors

MoCara

A.K.A.

Los Bastardos

Empire Parade

 

More acts will be added to the bill and there will be some 'special guests' and surprises.

 

No band will play more than 30 minutes so it will be a fast-paced evening, quick turnaround of bands with egos left outside so that the focus will be on fun and fundraising for our local club. All proceeds from ticket sales and bar receipts will go to the clubs flood repair and restoration fund.

 

The event will be held on Friday 31st January at the Leatherhead FC clubhouse, Fetcham Grove, Leatherhead KT22 9AS. Doors open at 7.30pm.

 

We need Tanners fans to show their support by coming along to what will be a great evening.

 

Please order your tickets now - they are only £7 available from David Pope via email: david.pope321@gmail.com

Leatherhead calling

Sunday 11.30am Leatherhead will feature on Talksport live show as part of CAPITAL ONE Ground Improvements Funding following flood damage.

Richard Brady will be making the case for Leatherhead...

Work Party

The club is running another work party tomorrow to help get the ground ready for the next game (hopefully 25 January).  The club house is drying out so much of the work will be outside.

Work party starts at 9am. 

Faversham off. Again.

In case you missed this within the update provided from the club yesterday the proposal to switch the Faversham game to their place (as we have yet to play each other) did not work out as they have a private function.

Therefore we are without football this weekend… suggestions of where to go instead anyone?

Peacehaven & Telscombe 3 - 0 Tanners

Perhaps Leatherhead should have trained at The Grove this week to get used to the conditions as it was a surprise to see the game on when I arrived at kick off.  The ball did not look like it was going to bounce in either goal mouth but we had made a long journey so let's see what we could get from the game...

Not a great deal as it turned out.  As early as 9 minutes the home side were in front.  Their striker finishing from close range when put through with a clever pass.

On the half hour mark it got worse for the Tanners when a ball in the box got stuck in the mud which allowed a quick thinking P & T forward to latch onto it.

While the conditions may have cost us a goal it came to our rescue on more than one occasion when a beaten Ibrahim was saved by a ball stopping on the line.  Also the home side never really looked troubled by the soft surface and played a neat passing game while we looked out of sorts.

One player who was not having a good day on the surface was Leroy and his day only got worse when he got a second yellow for not taking a throw in for the correct position.  This was not a great day for Leatherhead on the officiating front.  The ref had previously awarded a corner from an obvious shot at goal, tolerated dissent in spades and gave a yellow for a dangerous tackle having awarded the same colour card to us for a mere coming together only moments earlier.

With ten men and heavy conditions there was no way back, which was a shame as we had just started to apply some pressure.  Bradbrook heading just wide.  Our fate was sealed when a ball to the far post and a looping header beat Ibrahim.

Don't think talk of the pitch and officiating is sour grapes.  They were worthy winners today given we both had to play on the same boggy pitch and made it look easy.  No game Wednesday but away to Faversham in the switched fixture Saturday.

Travelling Tanners

Well, I didn't think I would be typing this today.  The 9.30 pitch inspection has deemed the game on.  So a new ground for me AND a table topping clash to boot.  I will post any changes via Twitter...

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

Flood update

From Peter Ashdown.

A RED ALERT flood warning just issued by Environment Agency.

Water levels are rising rapidly this morning with the car park and pitch flooded with water entering lower part of clubhouse again and boardroom. Gates are locked, and mains electricity turned off at request of police. 

Flood levels expected to rise over next few hours. 

Work party

Your club needs you!

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

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

Chipstead 0 - 3 Tanners

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

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

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

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

Travelling Tanners

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

Happy Christmas

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

Ramsgate off

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

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

Ramsgate are coming

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

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

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

Corinthian-Casuals 0 - 0 Tanners

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travelling Tanners

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

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

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

Leatherhead 1 - 0 Herne Bay

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

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

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

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

Herne Bay are coming

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

 

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

 

Tanners 1 - 0 Molesey

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

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

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

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

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

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

Molesey are coming

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

Kick off at 7.45.  Hope to see you there.

Folkestone 2 - 0 Tanners

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

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

Travelling Tanners

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

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

Walton Causals 2 - 4 Tanners

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

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

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

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

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

This weekend we are off to Folkestone...

Travelling Tanners

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

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

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

 

Tanners 3 - 0 Sittingbourne

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

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

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

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

 

Tanners 2 - 0 Guernsey

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

 

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

 

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

Guernsey are coming

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

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

Kick off at 7.45.  Good luck fellas!

Three Bridges 1 - 4 Tanners

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travelling Tanners

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

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

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

Burgess Hill Town 0 - 0 Tanners

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

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

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

Travelling Tanners

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

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

Leatherhead 1 - 0 Merstham

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

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

Merstham are coming

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

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

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas!

 

Dulwich 3 - 0 Tanners

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

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

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

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

Travelling Tanners

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

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

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

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

Tanners 2 - 1 Crawley Down Gatwick

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

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

 

Crawley Down are coming

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

Travelling Tanners

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

Lewes 1 - 2 Tanners

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

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

 

Travelling Tanners

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

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

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

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

Oh, what might have been…

Biggleswade 5 - 1 Tanners

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Travelling Tanners

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

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

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

Tanners 0 - 2 Walton & Hersham

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

 

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

On to Biggleswade though…

Walton & Hersham are coming

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

Kick off at 7.45.  Good luck fellas.

Tanners 4 - 0 Harlow

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

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

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

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

Harlow are coming

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

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

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

Hastings 2 - 2 Leatherhead

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Biggleswade Town Away

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

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

Travelling Tanners are coming...

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

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

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

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

Binfield 1 - 2 Tanners

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travelling Tanners

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

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

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

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

 

Birthday wishes

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

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

 

Tanners 3 - 3 Walton & Hersham

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

Walton & Hersham are coming

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

Kick off at 7.45.  Good luck Tanners.