Faversham are coming

Like an idiot I didn’t check Twitter before making the journey to South Park and therefore turned up to find the place in darkness.  I think “waterlogged pitch” was a slight exaggeration, but understandably the hosts did not want their pitch cut up in a friendly.

Without the midweek game that just leaves one more friendly to prepare for the season and that is the visit of Faversham on Saturday.  The Ryman Division One South side having enjoyed a credible run of results in their own pre-season friendlies.

Kick off at 3pm.  Consult the Official site for prices etc.

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead return to the scene of the crime tonight.  A trip back to South Park where we put in one of the worst FA Cup performances of all time last year.  Second perhaps to the replay where our hosts thoroughly outplayed us and deservedly went through.

So, can we visit South Park and get a positive outcome?  After an 1-0 win against AFC Hornchurch and a draw against Maidstone perhaps we can…

Kick off at 7.45.  Directions can be found here.

 

AFC Hornchurch are coming

The first job for Richard Brady is for him to dust off that suit he won and wear it to the friendly visit of AFC Hornchurch.

A competitive performance in the week will give Sandmann something to build on as we get closer to the start of the season.

Kick off at 3pm.  Check out the official site for prices…

Tanners 1 - 1 Maidstone

Leatherhead played out an entertaining friendly that they were unlucky not to win. 

Maidstone did take control over the first ten minutes and forced our new ‘keeper into a good save but soon it was Leatherhead who looked the more confident side.  Leatherhead pressed well which forced a strong Maidstone side into mistakes.  A Tomi free kick looked destined for the top corner but for a heroic diving save from the visiting ‘keeper.  A less heroic dive was later seen by a Leatherhead support who tried to save his beer from a wide shot only to land on the floor.

Academy product, Callum Davis, opened the scoring to continue his impressive preseason run.   A powerful shot from outside the box could only be parried up in the air for the striker to head the ball into an open net.

Second half and Vas started to look a bit more interested in the game.  It was his shot from outside the box that levelled the match, although there was more than a touch of the Joe Harts about the attempted save.

Leatherhead responded well and should have maybe gone on to score two more.  A new striker broke free and beat the ‘keeper only for the flag to go up for offside.  Hughes Mason then hit the inside of the post with the rebound rolling along the line rather than into the back of the net.

1-1 is not to be sniffed at and now to prepare for the next big showdown.  The AGM on Thursday night…

Maidstone are coming

Tonight sees Maidstone arrive at the Grove for a pre-season friendly.  There is also a mystery announcement…

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there...

 

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead take in their next friendly away at Margate.  Not the obvious choice, the smaller club often hosting the friendly but I am sure it is good preparation.

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

 

Herne Bay at River Lane

After Margate chickened out of hosting today's fixture we now face Herne Bay at River Lane at 3pm...

Pre-season underway

Leatherhead’s pre-season got underway on Friday night with a 2-2 draw away at Corinthians.  This is a fixture we play every year, yet it somehow eludes me and still remains a ground for me to tick off.

Tuesday night Leatherhead play away at East Grinstead.  Directions can be found here.

 

Season Ticket Renewal

The club have asked me to mention season tickets are now on sale…

“The club are now able to offer the opportunity to buy a season ticket for next season under the Early Bird offer. For details please see the attached Application Form and the informative Membership Summary.

Last year the club offered a very special deal on season tickets.  Although many took up the offer the gate receipts went down by considerably more than the extra income from season tickets.

The good news is that we have gone back to the popular Early Bird offer of previous seasons and the adult season ticket prices under this offer are £5 lower than they were two seasons ago.

SEASON TICKET
£175 Adults
£125 Over 65s/Students
£55 Juniors (under 16)

 

Please contact Richard Bligh directly here.

 

Faversham are coming

OK; the prospect of hosting Faversham isn’t away to South Park exciting, but it is exciting all the same. 

Tonight Dorking Wanderers host our old friends from Kent in the Ryman South play-off semifinal.  Early tweets suggested it would be advance ticket only but I am sure if you get there early enough you may be in luck.  I have my ticket: so there.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!

 

Harrow 2 - 2 Tanners

A second half of open, devil may care football was on offer to the few that braved the Harrow traffic today.  With both sides comfortable with their positions in the table it could have been quite a stale affair, but it appeared both teams wanted to end the season on a high.

Leatherhead had a bright start and could have scored a couple as Ryan proved hard to handle.  It was the hosts who opened the scoring from a lovely move that Leatherhead appeared to halt on three occasions but they persevered and steered it into the goal.

The first half had some tempo to it but it was in the second half it picked up.  Tomi opening the scoring with a powerful finish as we were leaving the bar.

Then Mahal used his pace to get a one on one, for him to have the composure to lob the 'keeper.  2-1 and we were above Merstham and all was well with the world.

Then Harrow bounced back.  A lovely free flowing move down their right, a cross and a one touch finish that was steered in off the post.  2-2 and we finish the season below newly promoted rivals, Merstham,.  Disappointing, but survival was achieved and on to next season... where we do it all again...

Travelling Tanners

So, here we go into the last game of the season.  Leatherhead, 10^th and can climb no higher, play 17^th place Harrow (who can climb one place) in this exciting fixture. 

Operation Merstham is still very much in own hands though as we are two points ahead, but with an inferior goal difference so a point won’t do.

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

Tanners 0 - 1 Farnborough

Leatherhead lose their last home game thanks to a swift move from the visitors and poor penetration from the hosts.

The game pretty much had the same pattern all the way through.  Leatherhead built attacks through the endeavor of Mahal but all too often there was no support in the box to pose any threat.  Farnborough probed but on the whole we looked comfortable.  Wells was forced into a couple of fingertip saves and their goal was a powerful finish from a purposeful run to the byline.

The only thing that changed was Farnborough were keen to time waste at every opportunity once they took the lead.  Who can blame them when a double relegation looms over them.

The introduction of Walsh did boost our presence in the box but the telling touch still eluded us.  1-0 it ended and good luck to Farnborough with their great escape.

Farnborough are coming

Leatherhead have the grim task of potentially delivering the final blow to Farnborough’s hopes of “survival”.  They are relegated no matter what it seems but relegation from this league will mean the punishment will send them into the Combined Counties.  That stand behind the goal looked rather empty when we visited, I dread to think what it will look like when Epsom & Ewell visit!

Leatherhead meanwhile continue to aim for tenth place.  It looked unlikely but a midweek comeback has put us in with a chance.  Hopefully The Lip’s Player of the Season, Ryan Mahal, can show some of the good form that won him the votes to secure three points today.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

Last chance to vote

We are entering the last few hours to vote for The Lip's Player of the Season.

https://twitter.com/thelipfc/status/719496011962572800

Twitter users get on it!

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead travel to Harrow based Hendon for tonight’s league encounter.  After giving themselves Saturday off, Leatherhead should be well rested for the game.

Hendon are in a group of three teams on 48 points who will be looking nervously over their shoulder at Farnborough.  So they should do to, they haven’t won since February.

Kick off at 7:45.  Directions can be found here.  Good luck fellas.

 

Bognor 5 - 0 Tanners

We really should have phoned in sick.

This was a dreadful effort from Leatherhead. Bognor had lost 3 of their last 4 games and this was their 15th game since March 1st. But we turned up like we were away to Barcelona with only damage limitation on our mind. Bognor were all over us from the start. We barely entered the Bognor half and had not a single shot in the first 30 minutes.

On 28 minutes Adam Green was shown a straight red by the referee who couldn't wait to appease the baying Bognor crowd behind the goal. The offence was outside the box but Adam was adjudged to have fouled the last man and he was off.  Mr Sandmann patted Adam on the back as he left the field which was rather strange as even before the foul we were getting murdered. 2 goals followed before half time and 3 after but Bognor could have had as many as they liked.

Worse things happen at sea.

 

Travelling Tanners

Despite being fourth they can still mount a challenge for the title with two games in hand, although they would need Hampton to slip up at least once.

For that challenge to happen they need to win all their games so Leatherhead can expect a tough afternoon.  Beating Billericay was a much needed boost and a reminder of what the team are capable of.  Operation Merstham is back on…

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

Tanners 4 - 1 Billericay

It was Leatherhead who were finally able to break out into brainless pub songs after we destroyed a hapless Billericay 4-1.

The Essex side's season has ended in disappoint after having flirted with the play offs and they were a shadow of their normally combative selves tonight. From the start we were all over them and we blasted 4 good chances wide in the first 15 minutes. A well taken free kick from Frannie gave us the lead and Jerry made it 2 when he forced in a cross at the far post.

We started the 2nd half as we normally do - really badly. Ricay got a goal back after a period of pressure but failed to capitalise on it and then started to wilt. Toni fired a goal through the bearded keeper's legs to be followed by Mahal who lobbed the keeper from distance.

It was the demure Craig Edwards who was made to look an "idiot" and "big time" today...

Billericay are coming

Billericay arrive to the Grove in a fixture that needlessly has become somewhat heated.  Ever since Richard Brady pointed out, with some justification, the team’s winning anthem was a bit crap they took this to heart and have gone on to beat us in every game.

Will tonight be any different?  On the evidence from Saturday, unlikely.

Kick off at 7:45.  Good luck fellas.

 

Tanners 1 - 3 Met Police

Met Police and Leatherhead have nothing left to play for this season other than pride, which meant the home side were in trouble from the start.

In fact, Met Police added to the end of season feeling by letting one of their players' dads go in goal for the day. The 46 year old Scott Tarr was very largely relieved that his creaking knees only got dirty twice as the rest of our shots were fired at a more comfortable height or wide.

We went behind after 3 minutes due to a sleepy defence and soon after we lost Watt to an injury which meant that Walsh had to put on his other hat. We forced a deserved equaliser late in the 1st half when a good cross was well taken header by Bodkin.

The 2nd half, and we were looking the more likely to score until the player of the season papers were handed out around the ground. Louis Wells was being written down by a couple of people around me which immediately led to a very rare howler as a weak shot bounced off his body into the goal. After that we dissolved into a bit of a shambles and conceded a late goal to make it 1-3.

Only 5 more end of season games to go...

Met Police are coming

Today is a game I have been looking forward to for a while, East Allington host Kingskerswell & Chelston in the South Devon League.
Meanwhile Leatherhead host Met Police with a new bolstered striking line up... Tomi is back...
Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas.

Hampton & Richmond 2 - 0 Tanners

Mr Sandmann showed that he is still undecided whether to try for the play-offs next season or settle for 14th place.  It appeared that he changed his mind at half time as a competitive first half was followed by an embarrassingly one sided second half. It was reminiscent of the second half at Torquay except Hampton are in the same league not four leagues higher.

We held our own in the first half and even had a couple of chances through Mahal and Collin. Hampton must have thought they were in for a fight for the three points but they were sadly mistaken. From the start of the 2nd half we were camped on the edge of our penalty area and attempted to repeal forces. It was fruitless. Wave after wave of Hampton attack rained down to be followed by poor clearances with none of our players able to keep the ball or pass to one another.

Hampton stay top of the league but are already promoted in the league for the most difficult ground to park.

Tanners 2 - 0 VCD

Leatherhead make it a double over VCD who, along with a couple of ex-Tanners, look like the drop is looming.

The game was not one for the scrapbook.  What actually goes into the scrapbook is still open for debate.  Those behind the goal were struggling to think of one… perhaps East Thurrock away… or Farnborough away… anyway…

Leatherhead always looked the more likely.  VCD were happy to try and defend and we would probe away looking for a goal.  It got to about 60 minutes and we were getting confused.  Surely a point would not be enough for VCD and they’d have to go for it.  However their surge never really came.

Then on 70 minutes we introduced Franny Collin.  He has not been as prolific as his previous stats suggest he could be but he turned the game.  His first contribution was to send in a freekick that strikers like Walsh must love.  It eluded the ‘keeper giving him a free header at the back post.

Late into the game two events summed up why VCD may well be going down and why we will not.  VCD had a one on one with Wells who saved twice and somehow we managed to block a third shot before scrambling it away.  At the other end Collin was clear with his shot saved which was followed up by Mahal.  His first attempt was saved but his third was finished.  2-0 and the three points were ours.

We travel to perhaps the champions, Hampton & Richmond…

VCD are coming

The Easter festivities start today with the visit of VCD.  A team no doubt scratching their heads as to how they did not get at least a point when we visited their place earlier in the season.  I felt they played rather well in the second half and worthy of a 1-1 draw.

VCD find themselves in real trouble though.  While we can look forward to a discussion on whether we will try and win a few games next season in the Ryman Premier or not, VCD are 11 points from safety with games running out.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

Burgess Hill 1 - 2 Tanners

Tanners get the three points many believe will keep us safe this season thanks to two quick goals in the first half.

The host’s twitter account was having a nightmare with both goals needing clarification.  The first came from a shot from Hughes-Mason that took a deflection from Mahal.  Just two minutes later Walsh got in on the action and headed in a goal that gave us a two goal cushion.

This cushion was soon halved due to us giving away another penalty.  Burgess Hill converted and applied pressure for the rest of the half but we held on.

So now a true test.  Playing VCD Saturday with the knowledge we are probably safe…

Travelling Tanners

Burgess is probably a Hill too far for me tonight.  I still cannot face going back ever since the 2014 Trophy defeat.

Burgess Hill sit just a couple of places below us but have a slightly better goal difference.  Without a win in seven games they will be out to get a vital three points to push them away from the relegation zone.

Kick off at 7:30 and NOT 7:45.  Directions can be found here.  Good luck Tanners.

Wingate & Finchley 1 - 1 Tanners

Perhaps writing off the performance as lackluster even before hitting the stationary traffic was hasty if not a tad harsh but when you consider the two goals came from a penalty and a bundled in set piece it tells you what you need to know about this game.

Apart from the last 10 minutes, where Leatherhead really did start to press, the game really never took off as a viewing spectacle.  There was a small  amount of ill feeling amongst the players and a few pushes could be seen but on the whole it was a tepid affair.

Leatherhead could have opened the scoring when Hughes-Mason evaded the ‘keeper and found himself with an open goal, albeit at a tight angle.  The time it took to get a good sight of goal allowed a defender to cover.

Shortly after a clumsy coming together  presented the referee with a decision to make and he went for a penalty.  A fairly clear decision and some supporters wanted a red card.  The resulting penalty sent Pidgley the wrong way and he would have had a better chance of saving it if he had just stood there waving at the crowd as he had done when the players lined up.

On the stroke of half time Leatherhead where a awarded a free kick about 35 yards out.  The lofted ball should have been dealt with by the ‘keeper but he dropped it and Steve Watt was on hand to prod it home.

Second half saw little in the way of clear cut chances but it was pleasing to see Leatherhead pass the ball well and play something close to football.

A new ground and a family trip to Hampstead sees me in the good books.  Not a bad day then.

Travelling Tanners

First of all, apologies for the lack of match report from the Wednesday game.  I thought I was going to receive a report from someone at the game but he was either comatose or concerned over the impact of the sugar tax, the conversation on which was the most entertaining part of the game.  That said, good luck to Bognor in their Trophy Game today.

Today we travel to Wingate & Finchley.  A trip I find myself making, although I fear I will witness another halfhearted performance that will inevitably end in disappointment.  It’s a new ground so still worth the trip.

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

 

Bognor Regis are coming

Tonight we welcome Bognor Regis as they return to league action after enjoying a fine FA Trophy run.  Currently they are 1-0 down in a two legged semi-final with Grimsby.

All that excitement has seen them slip down the league by virtue of the fact they have played six less games.  I would expect them to start rising again soon but with such a big game Saturday perhaps tonight is a good time to play them.

Same again please Leatherhead.  A spirited performance Saturday gave the home supporters something to look forward to.

Kick off at 7:45.  Good luck fellas.

 

Tanners 2 - 1 East Thurrock

Finally Leatherhead show some passion that has been so lacking ever since the dismal Surrey Senior Cup display against Merstham.  Leatherhead went toe to toe with the visitors and grew into the game to deservedly win the game.

It didn’t start that way.   On just two minutes we looked disorganized and were forced into desperate tackles, one of which resulting in a penalty which was coolly dispatched by the visitors.  For those who have seen too many lacklustre performances recently feared we’d be on the end of a thrashing but a couple of things happened.  Firstly, the visitors began to rattle the cages of key players (and the officials) with some robust tackles and persistent playing the man rather than the ball.  Second we won a penalty when a defender’s raised hand struck the ball.  Franny was equal to the task.

In the first half the officials seemed to be very much intimidated by the guests but things changed in the second half.  Certainly when their centre-back went off injured (and should have been sent off for the volley of bad language directed at the angelic Leatherhead supporters by the bar) they lost some of their presence.

Mahal was in wonderful form today, running at the defenders and creating problems.  With ten minutes to go it was just him and the ‘keeper and perhaps he should have finished it but for a wonderful save but the ball ran to Franny who fired it into the top corner.

Masterful ball retention from Leatherhead followed and when East Thurrock finally had the chance to play the ball into the box we held firm.  Not conceding the now traditional last minute goal.

So Bognor turn up mid-week and perhaps something for them to think about.

East Thurrock are coming

At the start of the season it was all about Dulwich and Bognor Regis as to who was going to go up automatically but now our visitors have emerged as a credible challenger for first place.

Only last weekend they saw off Tonbridge easily 3-0 and will no doubt come to the Grove looking to improve on the draw they got at their place where they must have felt they threw away all three points.  3-1 up at half time, Leatherhead stormed to a 4-3 lead only to concede in the last minute of the game.  Exciting stuff.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

 

Tanners 2 - 2 Needham Market

This was a game Leatherhead would have hoped to win and could certainly not afford to lose and perhaps that accounted for some of the nerves on show in the first half.

Needham Market look like they are going to survive to play another season, and if they do it will be built around the skill of their number 9.  We discovered that at their place so it was disappointing he was the one player we allowed to have the ball about 20 yards out and his shot beat Wells on just three minutes.

We feared the worst but Leatherhead struck back.  After some pressure, the visiting ‘keeper made a smart save but could only push it into the path of Mahal.  His powerful shot found the back of the net after perhaps two deflections.  The ‘keeper made another fantastic save from a Franny Collin free kick.

Second half and we played with a bit more freedom and with our attacking pressure so Needham Market started making mistakes.   It was Mahal’s pressing that allowed him to steal the ball in midfield and set up Franny Collin.  He was now one on one with the ‘keeper and he picked his spot well.  2-1 and we could now dream for a much needed win.

It looked like we were on the right track until we made a couple of substitutions that unsettled the balance and gave the visitors the initiative.  First was the much anticipated Cooper Smith, who had he scored would have no doubt signaled a chant of “he’s one of our own”, for Mahal.  Then Okoh for Walsh.  Now neither of these did anything particularly wrong it was just their enthusiasm for the game found them offside more often than not and so the ball often returned to Needham Market to build attacks.

As a result the pressure built until the last minute of the game where a swung in ball found a head and Wells was beaten again.

No game now until Saturday where we host the current leaders… East Thurrock are coming.

Needham Market are coming

Hopefully we can get a game on for a change.  I swear it’s been ages since the last time I saw Leatherhead play so I am looking forward to seeing some action.

Last time we met we made the 200 mile trip to witness a first half where we were largely outplayed but to bounce back and do everything but score, suffering a 1-0 defeat on the way.  We felt we were unlucky but a trend has since emerged.

Maybe by returning the favour and inviting down our new friends to a boggy pitch is the polite thing to do…

Kick-off at 3pm.  See you there!

Travelling Tanners

This was a game I was rather looking forward to a few months ago.  Perhaps I’d make a weekend of it with the family… alas I had forgotten a previous commitment so for the second year running this new ground passes me by.

I wonder if I will get the chance to see them next year.  Certainly at one point they looked like definite play-off hopefuls but have drifted away to 10^th place.  Certainly losing 3-0 to Farnborough does little to help their clause.

The last few miles of directions can be found here… the other 120 miles you’ll have to work out yourself.  Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

 

Game off

No trip to Harrow to see Hendon tonight.  The continuous rain has made the pitch unplayable.

Next up the away trip is Leiston…

Tanners 0 - 4 Merstham

When the draw was made this was a tie the fans were happy about.  We had avoided teams such as Sutton, got a home tie and against a side we had a real chance to beat.  It was chance to progress to the semifinal and create some genuine excitement in a season which, apart from a good run against sides largely below us, has been rather drab.

The weather was wet but sadly the performance was even wetter. The lack of interest and effort in this game from the manager and players wouldn't have been more obvious if we had put up a sign outside the ground.

I counted the number of tackles we made in the 2nd half and needed just one hand. We made Merstham look like they were 2 or 3 leagues above us.

Even more concerning is that the last 4 games have seen no wins and an aggregate score of 2-13. We haven't scored a 2nd half goal in a league game since Boxing Day. The players don't appear to be as fit as other teams but tonight the overriding  impression was that they just didn't care.

Merstham are coming

The big one. Merstham arrive at the Grove looking to go one step further to reach the Surrey Senior Cup Final at Woking.

This quarter final tie will no doubt be played out in the usual lively manner when we meet.

Kick off at 7:45. Good luck fellas!

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead head south to take on Burgess Hill in the battle for 12^th place.  We sit just one point apart but with the same goal difference of seven in arrears.

Now, I thought this game was a certainty to be on but persistent rain in the morning (and Bognor Regis being postponed) it may be worth keeping an eye on Twitter.

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

Tanners 2 - 2 Hampton & Richmond

Was it two points dropped or two points gained?  For us it probably doesn’t matter either way.  We will hopefully finish mid-table and look back on a wonderful run of form that got us out of trouble.  Given the loss for Dulwich our visitors may look back at this point and find it rather important.

We also now know a two goal cushion is not enough given the complete loss of composure we seem to suffer when ahead against stiff opposition.  This was shown against Leiston and again last night.

The first half we cannot fault.  While Hampton & Richmond probably shaded possession our defence looked rather solid and upfront we had a certain about menace.  Hughes-Mason and Collin stole the show combining twice to race to the 2-0 lead that proved insufficient.

First it was Hughes-Mason who found himself advancing on goal down the centre with a defender and ‘keeper to beat but opted to slide a pass to Franny who made no mistake from a tight angle.  He returned the favour just minutes later when Franny broke down our right and fired in a cross.  Get your scrap books out.  Hughes-Mason buried his chance with a header.

Second half and all of that attacking endeavour went out of the window and we were forced in to hurried clearances.  This allowed our promotion chancing guests to set up camp in our half.  Our defence, led by Watt was magnificent though.  So much so it looked we could hold on and it was only down to a fortunate deflection that gave the visitors hope.  A shot was struck Jerry and ballooned up and over Wells in what turned out to be a perfect lob.

Then Watt re-asserted himself and kept them out until the last minute of injury time.  He made a crunching tackle to the right of goal, got up and ran to the far post to head clear from the cross that quickly followed.  The header then fell to another Hampton player who sent in another cross but it evaded our colossus and it was headed home.

A further 30 seconds of play was allowed before the ref ended the game.  Not the embarrassing defeat it could have been and something for Burgess Hill to think about Saturday…

 

Hampton & Richmond

After conceding seven goals in your last two games you could perhaps hope for an easy game (if there is such a thing when you have conceded seven goals in two games!) to get your eye back in.  No such luck for Leatherhead.  Hampton & Richmond will be a tough task.  Losing once in the last 11 they put goals past Leiston at the weekend.  Our only hope is that they conceded three themselves.

The pitch may be a factor.  Currently the form is soft and with no rain forecast the game should be on.

Kick off at 7:45pm.  See you there.

Tanners 0 - 3 Enfield Town

Seven wins out of eight was a healthy return but 7 goals in two games has taken the shine off of that a bit.  It is difficult to decide which game was worse.  Saturday’s visit of Enfield Town was not brilliant but lacked the shambolic corner taking of the midweek game.

In both games we were conceded a spectacular goal.  This time it was the third goal, which came on the stroke of half time was a magnificent bicycle kick from around the penalty spot. 

By then we had already conceded two.  The first from a mix up between Watt (who play and missed at a ball in the box) and Wells (who did not expect such a spectacular swipe of the ball to be sliced across the face of the goal).  The second was just a well worked move which slide in a more direct ball for the same player to tap in.

Second half and Enfield Town came out looking to settle for the 3-0 win and it appeared Leatherhead accepted the offer and played out a rather lackluster half.  Only Mahal, on an a sub, came anywhere near to scoring.  His toe pock from close range was saved by the rather charming and friendly ‘keeper.  In fact it was only watching his goal kicks as he mastered beautifully the windy conditions that offered any real kind of entertainment value.

Can we hope for better Wednesday when we host Hampton & Richmond.  Somehow I think Storm Imogen will spare our blushes.

 

Enfield Town Are Coming

Leatherhead are hoping that playing at home will result in a level playing field as we take on Enfield Town who are looking to press on with their promotion chase.

Enfield Town steamrollered their way through us when we met at their place last season but they have hit a bumpy patch after losing their last two games.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

Tonbridge Angels 4 - 0 Tanners

So, what went wrong last night?  We have heard much about the new signings adding balance but could it be the unassuming figure of Kinnear was the lynch pin to our recent success?  Certainly a lot was asked of Parker and Semakula to try and combat the hosts in midfield.  For 20-25 minutes it was a credible attempt but soon we started to become overrun.

Another factor that could not have helped was Steve Watt was out with an illness.  This placed Walsh into the back four which meant we had no real physical presence beyond the defensive unit.  

We had four attacking options upfront with Collin, Hughes Mason, Mahal and Okoh.  That latter two were deployed on the wings and looked lively but as the game wore on, with little support from the centre of midfield, they became isolated and easy pickings for the Tonbridge players.  By the end of the game we were playing a 6-0-4 formation that allowed the final onslaught to take the score to 4.

The other problem was the state of our corner taking.  In the second half those behind the goal were appealing to the ref to give a goal kick instead of a set piece to us that ultimately ended in failure and embarrassment.  They were largely either scuffed to the near post or became a complete shambles when taken short.  One corner was sent in with any real purpose.  One.

Tonbridge hunted in packs and grew in confidence and were well worth the 4-0 score line.  Their first goal was a stunner.  Pressure from the home side resulted in a ball being half cleared to the edge of the box.  This was volleyed back with interest and screamed into the back of the net via the underside of the bar.

All too often we have accused Leatherhead of only turning up for the first half and then collapsing in the second.  Perhaps they had given us the first half we asked for and we can expect for a change in fortunes.  Alas, as already indicated it only got worse.  Their second goal again coming from pressure that could not be cleared and they shot from close range to beat Wells who had been magnificent at keeping it close until that point.

Two goals followed in the last ten minutes, long after we had got into the car to return home.  A look at the balance at the side is needed and perhaps Sandmann should make a call to Dover or Maidstone for a defensive midfielder.  Or perhaps look on eBay.  It’s amazing what you can pick up on there these days…

Travelling Tanners

For some of us this is the second trip to Tonbridge Angels this season.  A late downpour caused the game to be called off but not so late that Leatherhead officials in the know could have shared the information via twitter… at least we know the way there.

That cancellation may have done us a favour as back in December they were top of the table.  With only one win in ten things have slipped.

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

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead travel  to Hendon (who play at Harrow) today for this league fixture.  Hendon have enjoyed back to back wins but we’ve been on quite a run ourselves.

I started typing this believing there was no need for a pitch inspection... now there is one at 11:15 so check twitter for updates.

Kick off at 3pm (I hope).  Directions can be found here.  See you there!

 

Tanners 3 - 2 Leiston

Three first half goals were enough of a buffer to protect the three points from the second half slump and a terrible referee.

Leatherhead needed some performances today if they were going to overturn the visitors you had made the 130 mile trip south.  In the first half at least we got it and with a shade of fortune built up an impressive lead.

The opening goal came from Frannie.  Since his debut penalty he has seemed a little goal shy so it was a relief to see him on the scoresheet again.  Playing in a deeper role he collected the ball on the edge of the box and drove a low purposeful shot into the bottom left corner.  The ‘keeper could have perhaps done better but it was well placed.  Six minutes gone and things were going well.

Hughes-Mason was a player who had perhaps caught the bug Tomi brought with him in recent weeks.  Glaring misses have plagued him over the last four games but he has always maintained his ability to burst into the box with the ball at feet.  On the half hour mark he did just that and released a fierce shot which, despite the strong hand of the ‘keeper getting to the ball, sneaked in on the far post.

Just three minutes later Frannie made it three with another shot from outside the box.  He was aided by a massive deflection and with the ‘keeper going the wrong way it found the back of the net.

From here on in the ref took over.  On a televised game he’d be in the “let things go” category but it was difficult to watch when some of these instances appeared to inflict genuine pain.  Phil Walsh took a high boot to the face for example with on the assistant prepared to give it.  Phil was subbed off shortly afterwards.

Leatherhead have developed a habit of only being able to play 45 minutes and so Leiston pressured with us sinking deeper.  On the hour mark there was a goal mouth scramble with the ball crossing the line.  Unsurprisingly the ref was unable to make a decision and the assistant stepped in and gave it. 

Leiston did not seem to have the urgency to really press us though and at no real point did the fans get too nervous.  In fact we thought the result was beyond doubt when Alex Wood tapped in from a Cash cross but it was ruled out for offside.

Deep into stoppage time Leiston pulled one back to cause the pulse to race a little.  Not aided by Leatherhead’s decision to believe the last kick of the ball from the re-start would come from punting it straight at their ‘keeper.  The ref found an extra few second to allow the ball to be sent back towards our goal but we managed to hold off their last attack long enough for the ref to finally see sense and call time on a great win.

Leiston are coming

I hope this game is on.  The frosts of midweek were replaced with persistent rain on Friday but the sun is out so hopefully we can get the game on.

Leiston would hope to be there or there abouts so promise to be a very different opposition to that we have faced in the league recently.  There was a time we used to consider teams from Kent our bogey sides.  Lets hope we don't come to the same conclusion about sides from Suffolk.

Kick off at 3pm (look at twitter for updates).  See you there!

Needham Market 1 - 0 Tanners

Tanners will come away from this game disappointed they did not get more, perhaps a point being a fair result.  Then again, VCD would not doubt feel the same so while we have three points over the two games if football was fair we’d only have two.

The first thing that struck the few that made the 100 mile trip was the state of the pitch, it looked as if it had been freshly ploughed.  Home advantage proved to be crucial as the hosts quickly adapted to the conditions.

Something Needham Market had was a powerful forward who dominated down the wings.  He seemed unstoppable and no sooner did we get to grips with things he simply changed sides.  It was from one of his runs they got the goal.  Down the right he fired in an early cross that found an unmarked player just inside the box on the left hand side.  He had time to pick his spot and curl his shot past Wells with apparent ease.  Disappointing but with 60 minutes to go we need not panic.

It was only really in the second half did we really get going.  We were now used to the cabbage patch and started to apply pressure.  Also we tried to match their tactics of a large striker and deployed Walsh upfront to bolster our attack.

Things just simply did not go our way.  When Hughes-Mason was clear on goal with a ball coming to him it would bobble under or over his foot.  Shots from midfield were sliced.  In the dying minutes we had a goal mouth scramble where three shots on target were blocked or save.  The third and best shot was hit with so little power the defender on the line could have built a campfire to keep warm waiting for the ball to arrive.

It wasn’t meant to be and Sandmann suffers his first defeat after an impressive six straight wins.  There is also no chance to bounce back with a quick game as conflicts elsewhere mean Bognor Regis will not be coming Wednesday.  Leiston it is on Saturday then!

 

Ks 0 - 1 Tanners

Difficult to know what to think about this game.  It certainly didn’t get off to a good start.  The ref has one job to do before the game and that is to get it started on time.  He failed miserably, coming out two minutes late and then allowed Ks to do a stupid warm up routine.  They too join the ranks of teams I have seen muck about on a side line then lose.

The game also didn’t start too well from a Leatherhead perspective.  Ks were quick out of the blocks and on three minutes they were through on goal.   Wells is in the form of his life and must have appeared to be an oncoming Darth Vader to the striker and the shot was well saved.  The resulting corner brought about a free header that was cleared off the line and the follow up shot smothered by Wells.

I would say that set the tone for the match.  Leatherhead were the team forced to desperately clear their lines while occasionally springing an attack of their own.  The highlight being Mahal scoring but seeing the offside flag go up and Hughes Mason blasting over at close range, albeit from a tight angle.

During the second half it looked as if the game was going to reach its natural conclusion.  Penalties.  However Leatherhead managed to build some pressure from a number of corners and it was from one we scored.  First half we mucked about with short corners which serve no purpose in my opinion.  Second half we took proper corners, swinging in and causing trouble. 

On this corner it went long to the far post with Jerry waiting.  With some improvising he managed to bring the ball down and then blast his shot under the ‘keeper.  Leatherhead fans celebrated, Ks fans wondered what had happened to a side that won here comfortably 5-1 and should have been enjoying a home fixture.

The rest of the game was played in torrential freezing rain.  If only the game had started on time, the ref could have been wrapped up inside by then.  Shame.

So, Martin Tyler at 8:50 tomorrow morning for the draw?  It’s a date.

Travelling Ks

Surrey Senior Cup action tonight as Ks fulfill their “home” fixture at the Grove.  At the time of the draw I wrote this game off.   Our form wasn’t brilliant, our cup form even worse and we had just been dumped out of the Trophy 5-1 by our local rivals.  After a run of five victories perhaps renewed optimism for this fixture and our last chance at a cup run.

The pitch has survived the rain so no need for a pitch inspection.  Kick off at 7:45pm.  See you there.

 

VCD 0 - 1 Tanners

Tanners make it five in a row and push into the top half for the first time in, what feels to be, a long time.

On arrival the pitch looked excellent.  Lush, green and no standing water.  On closer inspection the grass looked a little long and you could hear water underfoot.  It wasn’t Eastleigh but it must have been hard work to play on. 

A word to VCD though.  As far as I am concerned no team in the bottom four has ever won a game, in the history of football, by taking out cones and performing a warm up routine just before the ref blows his whistle to start the game.  You’ve had perhaps 30 minutes to warm up, it looks ridiculous and it achieves nothing as the opposing side simply wait for you to finish and then have a huddle so you cool down again.  I predicted they’d lose following this as I did with Brentwood who tried the same nonsense.  So, on to the game.

The game promised so much early on when we scored.  The beauty of our goal was its simplicity.  Leatherhead had the ball in the middle and were confronted with what looked like a well-organised back four.  Kinnear then simply pushed through a perfectly weighted pass through the centre.  Mahal timed his run perfectly and with his first touch eluded the ‘keeper and with his second slotted it into the goal.  Such a move wouldn’t have seemed out of place with Messi passing to Suarez.  This was obviously something that they have been working on as such passes were tried for the remainder of the half but without threatening.

Second half and Leatherhead set out to settle for what they had it seemed and VCD had the majority of the ball.  That said Wells look largely redundant with only a lobbed attempt that went close saw him move with any urgency.

Leatherhead meanwhile had their chances.  Hughes Mason had the best two but were missed.  The first one was forgivable as he could have believed that Walsh would make contact to the low cross into the box.  He didn’t so Hughes Mason had a stab at it and it went wide.  The second identical ball was meant for him and he had time to settle but in the wet conditions it skewed wide.

It was then a case of holding the ball in the corners for the last minute until the ref realized he’d seen enough.  1-0 it ends and quite a build-up of momentum to face Ks Wednesday in the Surrey Senior Cup.

 

Travelling Tanners

Game on!  According to our official Twitter feed anyway as I have yet to see any confirmation from the hosts.  No rain is forecast before the game (although none was forecast last night and down it came) so we should be good to go.

VCD are having a hard time of things this season but will be buoyed by the memory of a league double over us last season. 

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

Tanners 3 - 0 Staines

Leatherhead made it four wins in a row and inflict more misery on the travelling Staines team who have picked up just three points in the last 6 games.

The visiting ‘keeper had a strange opening ritual.  On the ref’s whistle to commence the half he jumped  and touched the cross bar.  A touch of OCD perhaps and I wonder why he does it.  Perhaps if he doesn’t he’ll concede in the first minute or something… actually he conceded twice.

Leatherhead kicked off and made a purposeful attack down the middle.  An attempt at a throw ball struck the outstretched hand of a defender and the penalty given after some time to think.  Had the ref waited a fraction of a second longer he would have seen Hughes-Mason strike the ball under the diving ‘keeper.  Hughes-Mason fancied getting the goal he was denied but new striker Franny took the ball off him and planted the ball confidently past the ‘keeper.  1-0 with barely a sip of the pre-match tea taken.

Staines felt they bossed the first half.  I disagree.  Sure they had some possession but rarely threatened and we looked the more likely to score on the break.

Second half was a different kettle of fish though.  Their Staines really did come out with a view to score and started to apply some genuine pressure.  Watt has created a rather impressive defensive unit since his arrival and while the attacks came they were swatted away.

That said, Leatherhead fans always suspect their luck would run out and when a nasty deflection surprised Wells into a reflex save we felt that time was soon to come.  Luckily this feeling did not last long as a break down the right fed in Hughes-Mason who was now clear on goal.  He wanted to hit it first time but probably assessed he was too far out so allowed himself to travel a few metres forward, sent the defender the wrong way and calmly curled it into the side netting from the edge of the box.  2-0.

Thing were looking pretty safe but things got worse when Mahal sent in a dangerous cross with Frannie Collin looking favourite to tap it in at the far post.  The covering defender tried to deal with the situation but could only steer it in from two yards.  An impressive finish considering the misses we have seen from that range recently.

VCD it is then, weather permitting, Saturday!

 

Staines are coming (?)

By all accounts we should have a game tonight.  A close encounter with our old friends Staines.  I am concerned that the pitch is still underwater… certainly the U21s did not play last night for that reason.

No rain forecast for today so there is hope.  Keep following twitter for updates…

 

Game Off

The new year is dry on a footballing front as overnight rain has taken its toil on the pitch.

Time to find a game that has survived...

Merstham 1 - 2 Tanners

Leatherhead lifted the Mick Sullivan Trophy with the hosts getting the lesser prize… The Hayden Bird Cup… after an entertaining second half performance.

It was not that the first half was not impressive.  It just seemed to lack chances but you could not fault the effort made on either side.  It was Tomi who had the first chance to score for the visitors.  Put through and clear on goal his powerful shot was aimed straight at the ‘keeper who had done well to come out smother.  Dembelle too managed to wriggle through the defence but could not get enough space to get the shot away and it bounced off his shin to safety.

Second half and the game was still played with plenty of huff and puff but little in the way of clear cut chances until Mahal came on and added some new pace down the right wing.  From his run on 69 minutes we won a corner and on the second attempt of swinging the wall in we got our goal.  It was a dangerous ball into the ball, low and hard and could have gone in on its own.  Perhaps it did as Mahal, Jerry and Tomi all seem to want a part in it.  I seem to think it came off Tomi and he certainly got the lion share of the praise from his fellow players.

Our lead did not last long.  A nice build of play saw the ball in open space just inside the box and it was lashed home by their winger.  Wells got his hands to it but it was simply too well struck to save.

Merstham now looked the more purposeful but with Mahal we were quick to break.  Also we welcomed back Sam Blackman, who after adjusting from playing football from soccer, looked very composed.  His best moment came when he danced through the Merstham defence with his shot going just wide.

It was from a break we got the winner.  Tomi chased what appeared to be a lost cause but just managed to get a cross in which eluded the sole defender and ‘keeper but not Hughes Mason who had the presence of mind to chest in the cross.

Merstham started to press for the equalizer again when Mahal went on another run down the right.  His cross beat the ‘keeper and found Tomi along in front of goal.  He had scored a goal and created another.  Perhaps now his confidence was up.  Alas if it was it did not help as from three yards the ball was ballooned up over the bar.  At first we cried, then laughed and then began to panic as it looked increasingly likely that the miss would cost us two points.  On the death a powerful header beat Wells and from my angle it looked to have dipped under the bar, but it sailed just over and the ref blew the final whistle.

A fantastic victory that makes it three in a row and was felt hard by the local supporters by the boardroom who are usually so smug.  In fact, if you’re a teenage boy smiling to yourself on the way out you could expect to be told off for such a show of disrespect…

So.  The Tanners have some time to see in the new year then look forward to the visit of Hampton & Richmond…

Travelling Tanners

With Bubble & Squeak consumed we travel to Merstham for this important Mick Sullivan Derby game.  The two sides, who know each other from our Div One South Days, are separated by just one point.

An ex-Tanner leads the line for the hosts.  Phil Page has come in for Tommy Hutchings who now joins the ranks of the Leatherhead Hall of Fame at Westhumble.

All in all it is a big festive game… let’s hope it will be the Tanners who will be sleighing Merstham today…

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

 

Tanners 1 - 0 Brentwood Town

Leatherhead voyage in the league looks to be on calmer waters after today’s win.  Back to back wins against teams in deeper relegation trouble than us has seen us pull away 11 points clear of the dreaded drop zone.

It was another assured performance with the new Assistant adding much needed leadership and commanding things at the back with Jerry.  Walsh was pushed upfront and was masterful in his knock downs and holding up play.

Kinnear Jnr got our opening goal from such a knockdown and steered a shot from the outside of his boot in off the inside of the post.  It wasn’t the most powerful shot but did enough to beat a ‘keeper who went on to make two top class saves.  Watts could have doubled the advantage but his powerful header bounced off the bar.

Second half and Leatherhead played largely being in control.  Walsh was went off injured and on came Tomi.  He went on to miss two big chances which did little to calm the nerves as the game went on.  Playing well at 1-0 is still a dangerous position.

Leatherhead held on and took all three points.  Now on to the Mick Sullivan derby this Boxing Day…

Brentwood Town are coming

Our new friends from Essex make their first trip to the Grove today. After winning the Ryman North League play off final they are finding wins slightly harder to come by than us. They sit delicately poised fourth from bottom. This is yet another 6 pointer.

Leatherhead were spared a midweek trip to the league leaders. Unlike a handful of supporters who arrived only to discover the news of it being was not sent to anyone in the club who cared enough to spread the news.

The welcome win against Farnborough should set us up for this big game. No early clangers please!
Kick off at 3pm. See you there!

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead hit the road again and travel to the current leaders.  Our much needed win of the weekend may give us some confidence going into the game… then again we got a much needed win away at Lewes and then they beat us 2-0 in the following game.

We do have a new layer of management to help steady the good ship Leatherhead.  It will be interesting to those that make the journey to see how it all fits together,

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

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead hit the road again and travel to the current leaders.  Our much needed win of the weekend may give us some confidence going into the game… then again we got a much needed win away at Lewes and then they beat us 2-0 in the following game.

We do have a new layer of management to help steady the good ship Leatherhead.  It will be interesting to those that make the journey to see how it all fits together,

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

Farnborough 1 - 3 Tanners

Leatherhead got a much needed win to give us some breathing space at the bottom of the table.  A word of the hosts though.  A fantastic stadium for a club that should they be relegated will find themselves drop down to the Combined Counties next season.  OK, they still charge big club prices (£12 to get in) but are friendly and with no chips on their shoulders.  A far cry from our local rivals in their rented stadium…

Sandmann wanted to steady the ship and he must have feared the worst after just four minutes.  A poorly hit back pass fell between the defender and ‘keeper and both tried to clear the danger but neither succeeded.  The ball fell kindly and, despite scuffing his shot, the striker found the back of the net.

Luckily Farnborough were equally charitable.  A scuffed goal kick went straight to a Leatherhead player who played in Hughes-Mason.  The ‘keeper came to smother but missed allowing a simple tap in.  After two clangers it was time to start the game again.

Leatherhead took their lifeline well.  Hughes-Mason in particular was lively and cutting through the host defence with ease.  He just simply was not able to get a shot away of square it to new boy Tomi.  With some of his glaring misses in both halves there may be a reason for that.

Second half and Leatherhead dominated the game.  Our second goal came when the ball came from out wide to Dembelle in the box.  He had a lot to do but somehow managed to flick the ball over his marker and find room to power a shot past the diving ‘keeper.

2-1 and Farnborough tried to get an equalizer but we killed the game when Mahal was set free on the left wing, pushing the ball past the rushing ‘keeper and he passed it into an open net.  3-1 and the points were safe.

A great win but Leatherhead will face tougher opposition than Farnborough though.  Notably Tonbridge just this week.  The home fans, despite the result, sang “We’re the famous Fanborough and we’re off to Camberley”… on this evidence they are correct.

Travelling Tanners

Tomorrow we travel to Farnborough FC in this league fixture.  Our new manager has come out to say he is ready to steady, what many believe to be, a sinking ship.  Certainly a couple of life rafts in the shape of lofty strategic positions and higher placed clubs have already been jettisoned.

I haven’t been to Farnborough since their Conference status as Farnborough Town, and their stadium looks like a ground worthy of higher leagues.  After they had a brief spell of getting their administration in order at the start of the season they are now finding their rhythm.  Stringing together a few wins in a row but still sit in the bottom four.  Six pointer?

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

 

Tanners 1 - 2 Harrow

This pretty much summed Leatherhead’s season up so far.  A bright start saw us create a number of chances.  Our right back in particular was involved in many of the attacks, overlapping and delivering dangerous crosses.

It was Hughes-Mason who got our goal.  Slightly on the left wing he cut across the edge of the area determined to get a shot away.  After riding, even pirouetting, over a number tackles he found enough space to send his low powerful shot into the bottom corner.  1-0.

It appears though that 45 minutes of competitive football is as far as Brady can take the current team, given the financial constraints blah blah blah, and so we were forced to watch a very different Leatherhead performance.  Credit should be given to Harrow who perhaps adjusted to the threat down our right and pegged him back.  Vas certainly didn't get lonely with two chaperones close by whenever he got the ball.

Leatherhead’s demise started almost as soon as the second half whistle sounded.  Harrow finding the back of the net in the 49^th minute.  I actually missed this goal as I was walking to my usual spot behind the goal.

It was not as if we were overrun but for great periods of the second half it looked destined to be a 1-1 draw, it was just allowing them to waltz into our penalty area and rifle home a powerful shot ruined that.

So now we welcome a new era of a new manager who, if the statement is to be believed, is brimming with new ideas.  Where were these new ideas yesterday or throughout a spell that has seen us drop into relegation trouble?  Perhaps they were stifled… by the same person who will now oversee all footballing matters and, despite needing more time away from football, will be there on match days… it all makes perfect sense I’m sure…

Harrow Borough are coming

Leatherhead “welcome” in a new era today with the visit of Harrow Borough.  A big game as we are transitioning from the middle table pack into the relegation group.  Something for the new Head of Football Development to ponder on...

The game also takes a poignant turn with a tribute to Pete Lavers with some past managers such as  Keith Oram and Dave Harlow bring some their golden generation to the Grove to pay tribute.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

 

Tanners 3 - 0 Carshalton

Leatherhead put out a strong side, applied themselves and got what they deserved.  A much needed win and a place in the next round.

Confidence must be fragile in the Leatherhead camp and I wonder what would have happened if the visitors made more, despite being under constant pressure from Leatherhead, of their early chances.  In the opening minutes they were through 1-1 with Wells but he saved.  A similar move down the middle brought about a clumsy challenge and a penalty.  It was struck powerfully but too close to Wells who had guess the right way and it was saved.

Leatherhead got their breakthrough from a set piece.  A free kick curling in with Big Phil to glance it in.  Then on the half hour mark we doubled our lead.  A ball played across the box was watched as the defence played musical statues.  Hughes-Mason took full advantage of this and powered it past the ‘keeper.

2-0 at half time and the home fans could begin  to dream

The second half could not have gone much better for Brady.  True, Wells was forced into a couple of good saves but on the whole we were in control and he got to introduce three of his Academy players.  Notably Calum Davies who played the whole of the second half.  Fresh from scoring four goals in an Academy game on a pitch just recovered from severe flooding he played out 45 minutes with the big boys.  While on a couple of occasions it was clear he needed a few more post-match curries in the Five Rivers to bulk himself up a bit he certainly had something about him.  None more so when a long ball from Wells, following an injury in our goal mouth, fell to Davies 18 yards out.  An instinctive finish left the visiting ‘keeper no chance to round off a good night.

So, the monkey is off the trophy chasing back and on to Saturday with the visit of Harrow…

 

Carshalton Athletic are coming

Four cup games have come and gone with one draw and three defeats (largely against lower level opposition) and so we attempt a fifth in this popular competition to get something from it.

Carshalton again are in the league below although I had to do a double take.  A side that I have always associated with a higher level have lost their way but sit just outside the play-off places in the Ryman Division One South.

So what can the home fans expect in tonight’s Surrey Senior Cup game?  Hopefully not a red carpet leading directly to a “Welcome” mat placed in front of Wells as was the case in the Trophy.  Just an indication that we have set out to win the game in the first place would be a start.

Kick off at 7:45.  See you there.

 

Canvey Island 3 - 1 Tanners

Oh to be in Canvey Island now that winter's here. The pretty Christmas markets, the stunning architecture, the cosy bars and restaurants, and the players inviting you to meet them after the game.

It didn't take long to count the supporters behind the goal because we both travelled in my car. It didn't take long for Canvey to knock two goals past us either, but it was the wind who will probably take the man of the match award. It was involved in every move and never looked like tiring.

We did rally after going behind and got a goal to bring us back to 1-2. For a while we looked like we might force an equaliser but we didn't adapt to the conditions as well as Canvey. I lost count of the number of balls that we over hit, the wind getting on the end of them and knocking them straight into touch.
We didn't show that much in the 2nd half and Canvey got a 3rd and saw out the game comfortably. However, we weren't awful and we kept up the effort throughout the game.

Let's hope for a morale boosting win over Carshalton in the Surrey Senior Cup on Wednesday.

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead are on the road again and travel to Canvey Island in this league fixture.  Not a happy hunting ground for us and certainly may bring back painful memories of one of a few 4-4 draws we “enjoyed” in the early part of the season.

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

 

Met Police 1 - 0 Tanners

After three weeks off the travelling contingent hoped for a fresh start and for the first 45 minutes they got it. 

In the opening five minutes Leatherhead won a penalty when the ball struck the arm of a sliding defender when we tried to cross.  A tad unfortunate for Met Police but their luck was in when Vas stepped up to take it.  I don’t think he is a convincing penalty taker and this proved right when, after sending the keeper the one way he proceeded to put the ball the other way… to far the other way and it went wide.  Moments later Wells made a save at point blank range.  It could have been 1-1 in the first 10 minutes.

The rest of the half was played out in much the same pace and spirit.  Vas shooting just wide, as did Hughes-Mason when perhaps squaring to Vas may have been the better option.  The home side were not shy at going forward either.

0-0 and into the half time break and despite the lack of goals, a game worthy of my prediction of a cracker.  Into the comfy members bar to warm up and I wish we had stayed there as Leatherhead decided to show a remarkable lack of ambition.

It was looking like a 0-0 game until Met Police made the most of a fumble by Wells.  This is unkind on the ‘keeper as he did well to get something on the deflected shot that was heading for the goal.  He was perhaps worried any attempt to tip it over would in fact send it into the back of the net so he opted to palm it up in the air.  With Wells now on the ground and the ball headed back across goal there were two Met Police players unmarked competing to head it in.  1-0 to the Met Police.

The game then got tetchy.  First Smith won a tackle which a home player took exception to and a scuffle broke out.  Both got booked.  Then Josh came on and straight away launched into a tackle that I was amazed was not penalized with a red card.  The game played on and another Tanners player slid in on the loose ball which the ref decided was over the top but while on the ground he received a stamp and another fracas erupted.  The referee’s assistant decided he hadn’t seen anything and no further action was taken.

It ended 1-0 and while the new right back looked good and Vas tried hard there was little else to shout about.  This could be a long  cold winter.

Travelling Tanners

Association Football gets underway again for Leatherhead after three weeks off.  The winter break should see the team well rested but may need a quick refresher course on the laws of the game in case they have forgotten anything.

Tomorrow we travel to Met Police.  Just two points above us and generally this game has turned out to be a cracker.

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

 

Folkestone Invicta Are Coming

It hasn’t just been our cup form that blows hot and cold, Storm Abigail arrives overnight which might put pay to any action.  Let’s hope not as Folkestone Invicta arrive with the league’s best away record to the Westhumble Community Ground.

Leatherhead’s alternative XI are in fine form themselves.  No wonder when they boast the likes of Elliot Thompson, Kev Terry, Phil Page and Chris Boulter… I also hear one Rook has landed.

Should be a classic… Surrey v Kent… kick off at 3pm… see you there!

 

Tanners 1 - 5 Ks

Three cup competitions have come (over four games) and three opportunities pass with barely a whimper from Leatherhead.  This is exactly why I contemplated watching a different team yesterday in the hope of finding a group of individuals who cared.

I wonder what the team talk was… “Just go out there boys and see if you can keep it down to just 2 or 3”.  They couldn’t even manage that.  OK, Ks are a side that are in form and have realistic hopes of making it into the play-offs but this was unacceptable.  Again.

Leatherhead concede late into the first half by their recent standards… on seven minutes Ks break down the middle with Wells initially saving but his parried shot fell kindly and that was blasted home.  Ks were playing their part brilliantly.  Not getting involved in any personal spats, as they did Wednesday, but quietly winding in their catch.  Leatherhead lasted a further 11 minutes before the game was effectively put to bed as a free kick was turned in… and on the stroke of half time it was 3-0 with Ks finding that our defense, even with Walsh placed back there, was in a accommodating mood.

The second half and I imagine Brady’s half time talk went something like “OK boys, try and get at least one goal…” and they did rally but this did not last.  Hughes-Mason had a half shout for a penalty turned down with Ks playing on.  They launched a long ball down the pitch and Wells came out to punch but it only skidded off his glove to set up an open goal.  It was now 4-0.

The fifth goal was simply a ruddy shambles and now Guy, who had won the free entry but somehow forgot to claim this godsend at the gate, was feeling the unluckiest man in Fetcham Grove.  I was close behind as Knaphill beat Cray Valley 5-4 and looked infinitely more entertaining at half the cost.

A complete waste of my time and money and a reminder that I will never watch a Trophy game while this current cup ethos of rolling over and having your belly tickled is in place.  Leatherhead now have to wait until 21 November until their next game… a well-earned holiday for the supporters to try and forget this nightmare.

 

Ks are coming... again...

Given how it ended Wednesday I dare say there may just be a few things that go bump in this game… Kingstonian come back to the Grove for this FA Trophy fixture.

Wednesday night we looked good in the second half, but Brady was photographed holding our tactics on Thursday night so they could well know what to expect.

Kick off at 3pm (festivities start earlier at the clubhouse).  See you there!

 

Tanners 0 - 0 Ks

Leatherhead turned in one of their best displays of the season, particularly so in the second half, to earn a draw against play-off chasing Ks.

Perhaps on chances Ks edged the first half.  A clear header going wide and a couple of scuffed shots where they hoped for better.  Other than that Wells continues to impress in goal making sure of his catches.

Not that we did not have our chances.  Had Jerry been able to direct his far post header back towards goal we could have taken the lead.  If the ref walked onto the pitch with his backbone he would have given us a clear penalty when Hughes-Mason was brought down.

Where Ks edges the first half on points, Leatherhead won the second on a unanimous decision.  For the majority of the second half we penned Ks in their own half while we applied pressure.  They could not handle the strength of Tashan who was holding the ball up in the centre.  Out wide Vas and Hughes-Mason were running at the defenders but lacked the goal scoring flare of Saturday.  Chance after chance flew just wide.  The best falling to Tashan, who had the chance to place into the bottom corner, pushed it just wide.  The Ks ‘keeper also made a fantastic save from a Hughes-Mason shot.  We were all surprised he could dive that fast as he spent most of the game time wasting.

The game came to a close but the ill feeling on the pitch did not.  A card was shown as the players left the pitch.  An invitation to do it all again Saturday perhaps…

 

Ks are coming

Bad news.  It is my birthday today and Leatherhead have a very poor record when competing in or around this date.  From memory we have won only once in the 20 odd years I have been coming to The Grove… OK, it was Sudbury to get us through to the First Round proper but other than that it has been slim pickings.

So it is local rivals, Kingstonian, who could benefit from the jinx I have placed on the club.  They sit just two points off of the play-offs and will no doubt be looking for revenge for the 3-0 beating we handed out in August… a month that seems a long time ago for some of us…

Kick off at 7:45.  See you there!

 

Lewes 3 - 4 Tanners

This was the very best and the very worst of Leatherhead, played out in the rolling beacons of the South Downs.

Leatherhead have been accused of being a soft touch in the opening exchanges and did nothing to start changing that opinion by conceding a penalty… after 38 seconds.  Lewes clearly informed to start brightly and on the first run into the box the ball bobbled up into Walsh’s arm.  A tad harsh but the ref gave it and the penalty was blasted past Wells, who did guess the right way but could only get a finger to it.

Leatherhead did respond by exposing Lewes’ biggest weakness.  Their left back was in all kinds of trouble trying to keep up with the likes of Vas and was puffing after just a few minutes.  Hughes-Mason was fed in down their left and retrieved the ball at an impossible angle to think he could score, but it turns out Lewes’ second biggest weakness is their ‘keeper as he allowed it so slide past him and the near post for 1-1.

Just two minutes Leatherhead took the lead.  Vas was brought down by the puffing no3 and from the free kick a Lewes defender tried to clear but sliced it past his keeper who was beaten near post for the second time in two minutes.

A side with only one win may have crumbled at this point but they equalized when they built a move down their left and crossed into the box.  Their Ciadini was afforded far too much space and he smashed it on the half volley past Wells.

When Leatherhead need something special they need to turn to one player.  Vas.  Today he did not disappoint with two curling left footed wonders that left their keeper flailing in desperate hope to get something on it.  Leatherhead go into halftime 4-2 up and seemingly in control.

Just before the game recommenced I witnessed where I think Leatherhead are going wrong.  Just before the game restarts they are made to do an elaborate hokey-cokey, jumping in and out of a circle in attempt to get them to focus.  It clearly does not work (and should cease immediately) as within a minutes of the restart a Lewes ball into the box was a stud away from being tapped in by an unmarked striker.

While Leatherhead had some chances it was Lewes who was looking the most likely to score.  Wells was forced into a fine save and the resulting tap in was deemed offside.  A lucky escape.

On about 70 minutes it looked like Leatherhead would weather the storm.  That was until Lewes’ left back deliberately pulled back Vas and was seen a second yellow.  Without a clear weakness to exploit Leatherhead looked lost for ideas and Lewes grew into the game. 

Wave after wave of attack followed with our right back now looking the weak link.  Lewes struck the post from close range before they get their goal following a mix up at right back.  4-3 and Lewes looked for the 4-4 draw that looked inevitable.  They had one more attack that was wasted before the ref blew his whistle to spare our blushes.

So we get a vital three points and an extra hour tonight for Brady to dream up a way to get this side to defend before we face local rivals Kingstonian…