Tanners 0 - 1 Havant & Waterlooville

It was a stark contrast to Saturday, where then the players had been instructed to go out and enjoy themselves but last night they were clearly told to be bloody miserable.

It was a far more conservative approach to the game, against a very good visiting team, that was not easy on the eye.  Havant were experienced and patient enough to wait until their goal came while we offered little in the hope of a draw.

I am not saying the ref cost us the game, we were quite impotent, but it couldn’t have helped.  First of all Lopez was brought down and the ref had the good eyesight to spot it happened an inch outside the box.  This eyesight deserted him when Tomi was pulled back inside the box.  He was a ref who loved to “let things go” for both sides but when Sole was fouled and the ball fell to a marked Leatherhead player he shouted advantage.  This advantage quickly disappeared as the marked player was dispossessed and they went down the other end and score. 

Tomi was later booked for diving after riding three poorly timed tackles and then getting clearly tripped.  While the ball had run on slightly beyond him there was clearly contact and a massive mistake by the ref.

Hughes Mason came on and looked dangerous when playing through the middle.  He actually found the net but it was ruled out for offside.  Those fair minded supporters by the bar were convinced it was yet another blunder by the officials.

So Leatherhead lose, albeit to a side that are going to be challenging for top spot, and it may get worse with the visit of old friends Dulwich Hamlet.  Perhaps Bradbrook will be back to reaquaint himself…

Havant & Waterlooville are coming

Tonight we welcome second place Havant & Waterlooville to the Grove, an away fixture that was embarrassingly one sided back in August.

We can perhaps hope for “one of those nights at The Grove” which has seen some fantastic (often 1-0) wins over higher placed opposition.  We will need a fair wind, a kind ref and a host of other things to go in our favour if the second half away at Burgess Hill is anything to go by…

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there.

Burgess Hill Town 3 - 2 Tanners

A large home crowd turned out, in almost stunned silence, to watch a Leatherhead side playing some of the most fluid attacking football seen in the Ryman Premier.. for about 15 minutes.  While it lasted it was breathtaking as we passed the ball from the back, around a hypnotized Burgess Hill, to build attack after attack.

It is true that the shots on goal were low and at one point I was just willing for a reassuring long ball but it was impressive stuff.  From the pressure we got our goal.  The home side did not deal with a corner properly and when the ball was sent back in Jerry was at hand.  Some say it was an own goal, but he was there to apply the pressure so I am putting it down to him.  On 15 minutes, another fine pass from Sole picked out Calum whose shot just went wide.

Then Burgess Hill decided to stop chasing shadows and pressure us more and as a result gained more possession.  While Leatherhead saw out the first half the danger signs were there.

Into the second half and it was clear that the home side were told to chase down everything, and we failed to change our game plan.  As a result we often lost possession due to rushed passes and they applied the pressure.

Leatherhead will look back at the goals and wonder if the result could have been different though.  The first was a penalty.  It looked like two players swung at a bouncing ball and the Burgess Hill player got caught.  The spot kick put away with ease, sending the ‘keeper the wrong way.

While Jimmy has taught us how to play some pretty football, for two games in a row we have let in a goal directly from a corner from the left.  Disappointing.  Calum did pounce on a cross into the box to make it briefly 2-2 we needlessly gave the ball away on the edge of the area and our new ‘keeper was beaten by a well-placed shot.

Hughes Mason came on to try an recreate the drama of Wednesday but alas it was not to be.  Leatherhead suffer defeat again and have the daunting prospect of facing Havant & Waterlooville of Wednesday night.  Any chance of practicing defending corners before then?

Tanners 3 - 3 Leiston

There was initial disappointment at The Grove with the announcement of the team; there was no David Norris nor Tom Bradbrook.  It was like the Dream Team rocking up to Barcelona without Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.

The disappointment continued as, despite playing some pretty football around the box, Leiston opened the scoring with a header from a corner.  Leatherhead persisted playing around the box while Leiston played through the middle.  Their striker looking dangerous scoring after bursting into the box and shooting from the right.  Luckily he was also looking a bit wasteful when he missed a one on one and then being denied by our ‘keeper from close range.

Being 2-0 at half time and there was barely a hint of hope but from somewhere a recovery was found.  Leatherhead have clearly been given a mandate to shoot from distance and one finally paid off.  A poorly cleared ball fell to Richard Seixas and his shot kept low (an act that could not be repeated by his team mates), taking a couple of deflections, to beat the ‘keeper.  2-1.  Game on.

Leatherhead’s tails were up and clearly Leiston were worried but not petrified as they still mounted some attacks of their own.  Leatherhead failed to deal with one of these attacks and the weakest of shots appeared to beat our ‘keeper near post.  3-1 with 23 minutes left to go, surely it was over.

Leatherhead and the referee had different ideas.   Not that the ref made bad decisions, not at all!  He just suddenly managed to see a foul in the box as the previous two were deemed to be just inches outside.  Sole steps up and makes it 3-2.

Leiston started to play it into the corners to waste time now but with a minute left one of their players, who could have run unchecked to the corner, decided to cross.  This was cut out and we built are last two or three attacks with the possession.  It was with the last try we scored. 

A perfectly weighted ball found Hughes-Mason, who had already struck the post moments earlier.  One on one with the ‘keeper he skipped past him; all he had to do was put it into the net; all he had to do was control it; surely now he could shoot; he needed another touch; then take a stumble; then coolly dispatched the shot from a tighter angle than anyone behind the goal would have liked.  It went in though and Leatherhead went wild, casting aside the ghost of Folkestone where we suffered the same fate.  The ref then allowed just one touch from Leiston before blowing for full time.

Entertaining stuff, in the end.  Off to Burgess Hill on Saturday then…

 

Leiston are coming

Spare a thought for our visitors; as I type they are probably already one hour into their journey for tonight’s game.  After securing a much needed win we now host the current league leaders, Leiston.

Perhaps an even bigger crowd than the 308 that saw Jimmy’s debut can be expected with the signing of David Norris…

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there.

 

AFC Sudbury 1 - 2 Tanners

Leatherhead get their first win under Jimmy Bullard but as he was sent off does it count?

Two Academy players scored to set up the first win. Lopez in the first half, Davis in the second.

There was plenty of drama. There was an equaliser for the home side; also Jimmy and Bradbrook were sent off for questioning the referee's decision making and parentage.

Travelling Tanners

To celebrate 10 years since we reached the FA Cup first round, the league have arranged a re-match.  Today we take on AFC Sudbury away.

Under Jimmy we are taking an even more star studded look with the arrival of David Norris.  I hope the playing budget is under control as the ball will be at his feet…

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

 

Tanners 0 - 1 Staines Town

A second messiah arrived at Fetcham Grove on Wednesday night but it was not enough to avoid a home defeat to a very well organised Staines Town.

Tom Bradbrook may have lost his clippers but hopefully not his cutting edge as his hard man crew cut has been replaced by barely recognisable foppish hair. I believe this was his first game of the season after un-retiring and so it will take him a few games to regain his sharpness.

This game also proved a trial for Jimmy as Staines had no problem evicting most of our balls into the box. In the first half Bradders got onto the end of a couple of crosses but his powerful headers went wide and Sole sent a free kick just wide. It was a competitive first half and ended with honours fairly even.

Straight after the restart a Staines player ran through our defence and fired into the corner. We remained lively but created few clear cut chances and Staines fairly comfortably saw out the 2nd half for a 1-0 win.

It's on to Sudbury on Saturday and the scene of the famous Dave Stevens hand ball that lead to an appearance in the FA Cup 1st round proper. The residents along the A12 are hoping that their gardens won't be watered this time.

Staines Town are coming

For Jimmy to be taken seriously for the England job he will have to do at least two things. Firstly, avoid any meetings with any Far / Middle East and businessmen; and then get his first win tonight.

How old friends Staines Town come tonight and we can hope for more of the same attacking football showed in the first half and perhaps less for fading in the second.

Kickoff at 7:45. Good luck, from Romania.

Tanners 1 - 1 Needham Market

It was another case of what could have been at The Grove as we let a slender lead slip again.  Not quite in the same agonising fashion as midweek but it must still be disappointing to the new manager.

The first half went rather well for Leatherhead.  The new players have certainly made a difference and for the first time the season we looked confident with players demanding the ball, notably Rash Kamara who was beating players throughout the game.

I also wonder if Evander Lopes was the U21 player Jimmy “liked the look of” as his introduction to the first team was also a highlight,  It was from his drive into the box that we won the penalty; coolly dispatched but Sole.

The first half ended with Leatherhead fans rightly optimistic.  We were playing good football from the back and perhaps we could hope for more goals in the second half…

These goals didn’t come for Leatherhead.  Sole was suddenly playing a bit deeper and Tomi, who had worked so hard at closing down defenders in the first half, lost his way.  Ultimately that meant we had no real credible goal scoring threat.

Needham then sent on two pairs of fresh legs and the pressure was on resulting in an inevitable equaliser.  The ball powered home for within the box.

Leatherhead did rally to bring some excitement into the final 5-10 minutes but Needham were able to keep us at bay and take a point.

Can we go two points better on Wednesday with the visit of Staines Town..?

 

Needham Market are coming

Let’s have it right.  Jimmy Bullard takes charge of his first league home game after the disappointment of the midweek last minute equaliser.

Needham Market are a side we failed to deal with last year when they were relatively poor in the league.  My advice would have been to look after the big lad upfront but there must be more to them this season as they sit in the play-off places.  A tough game to start with in front of what could be a big crowd.

The club have responded with happy hours and a chance to meet the man himself after the game.  I myself am holding out for an invitation to go fishing with him…

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

Folkestone 1 - 1 Tanners

Ex-Tanner Draycott popped up with a last minute equaliser to spoil the perfect start for Jimmy Bullard. 

Leatherhead, who have been thoroughly outclassed away from home so far this season, gave a good account for themselves.  Striking the woodwork early on and their ‘keeper was certainly the busier.  That said we could not take advantage of our chances and we went into half time 0-0.

Leatherhead again started well and Ben Francis scored on his debut.  If his arrival had anything to do with the new manager you could imagine there would have been a smile from ear to ear when that goal went in.

Any smile that was there was soon wiped off as Ian Draycott pounced in the last minute and took advantage of a nervous Leatherhead.  Perhaps what was more sickening was their ‘keeper had been forced into two good saves moments earlier.

Still.  Our first point away and the chance to take on Needham Market at The Grove presents itself on Saturday…

 

Travelling Tanners

What a surreal week it has been with the appointment of Jimmy Bullard and all the media attention, the likes of which we have not seen since we qualified for the first round proper of the FA Cup.

Now there is work to do with the trip to Folkestone, a midweek trip that would have previously meant a handful of supporters braving the M25 but I can see that increasing considerably.  Our hosts have doubled our tally of points for the season with 10 points.  Oh to avoid defeat for the first time on the road.

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

 

Dorking Wanderers are coming

Set your alarms as Marc White is having his interview for the manager position at 10.30 tomorrow, it's just £4 to watch.
We welcome Dorking Wanderers in this hastily arranged fixture as we both suffered FA Cup defeats.

What a night

It has been a busy night at Fetcham Grove.  First of all we were reminded that we host Walton Casuals tomorrow in the League Cup (kick off at 7.45), and then we are informed of a Sandmann’s departure.

The timing is strange as we had just brought in a few players but results and second half performances were simply not going his way.  I am sure we all wish him well.

 

Billericay 4 - 2 Tanners

Leatherhead make it five away losses from five attempts following yet another second half disaster.  Game after game I find myself writing the same bloody thing; good first half but things go wrong from the off in the second.

Leatherhead did take the lead.  Hughes-Mason finding the net at last after we won the ball and broke away.  Leatherhead couldn’t quite see the half out and conceded a penalty to make it 1-1 at half time.

To be fair Leatherhead did put up a bit of a fight in the second half but failed to adjust to a double substitution and so conceded two quick goals.  Leatherhead looked to maybe get at least a point on the road when a red card was shown for deliberate handball on the line.  With the penalty scored it was now 3-2 and we had our tails up.

This one man advantage did not actually materialize into any real chances and insult was added to injury when the 10 men of Billericay did what we should have done and score to make it 4-2.

Looks like we have the week off… there are rounds in the FA Cup beyond the First Qualifying apparently…

Travelling Tanners

A bit of a six pointer it seems as we travel to Billericay tomorrow in the league.  Leatherhead are looking to get any kind of joy away from home.  Four trips and we have three league defeats and the FA Cup loss of last week.

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

The Longest Day

Hythe Town 1 – 0 Tanners

I had a long time to contemplate the point of going to this game.  My wife often asks me “we do you bother?” and normally I have the answer, but that question would have sent my eyes staring firmly down at my nervously shuffling feet.  Defeat was inevitable as the journey was long.  To be fair the effort was there, unlike FA Cup ties over the last three years.  The players genuinely looked like they cared but simply were not good enough to beat a confident team with form on their side.

The first half was summarised as “it could have been worse”.  Those who braved the average journey time of three hours and remember South Park last year were at least rewarded with some attempts on goal.  While Hythe gave us the initial scare we probably edged the opening 45 minutes.  Hughes-Mason headed onto the post from a tight angle and Sole found the back of the net after the ‘keeper had spilled it but it was ruled out for offside.

Second half and it must have another Sandman halftime talk performed as a lullaby as there was only one team likely to win this game.  Hythe certainly overran us in midfield and poor Hughes-Mason is pushed so far out on the wing in an unnatural position he may as well run the bar.  Tomi was having a good game though, using his power to hold up the ball and make runs into the box.  There was more than a shout for a penalty when Tomi won the ball outside the box, beat a defender and then was brought down in the box.  The ref blew for a foul but gave it as a free kick outside the box, perhaps seeing the smallest of fouls he had played on from…

Leatherhead did have their moments, in fact it was from a piece of rare Leatherhead pressure that Hythe scored.  Breaking away from a corner and slotting the ball under our ‘keeper.  Leatherhead did try and respond.  A couple of substitutions allowed Mahal to come forward and in the dying moments Tomi dragged a shot agonizingly wide.  The last five minutes was probably our best spell in the game but it was too little, too late.  The two and a half hour drive home did at least give us time to contemplate what went wrong of which there was much.

Travelling Tanners

Well.  What should be an exciting weekend, with the FA Cup clash against Hythe, has suddenly become a little bit disappointing.  Firstly, it is the FA Cup and Leatherhead haven’t put up much of a fight in this competition in recent years.  Secondly, the route is going to need some smart navigation as the M20 is closed for the whole weekend.

Putting those two elephants in the room aside it should be a good clash.  Hythe are in the league below but are going well; we are in the league above and while struggling we just got our first win.  Could this even be a new ground?  It will be for me… if I ever get there…

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

 

Tanners 3 - 0 Merstham

'o sole, o' sole milo, sta nfronte a te

Finally the sun was upon Leatherhead yesterday and particularly upon the face of Sole who put in a match winning performance to score 2 goals to secure our first win of the season.

Merstham have had a similarly difficult start to the season and they had nothing to crow about after this one which will have been hard to swallow for Hayden Bird who was left raven mad after two swift early goals left him with plenty to grouse about. Sole had showed his free kick potential in earlier games and on just 4 minutes he smashed one into the net off the underside of the bar.

Merstham couldn't handle Jerry at all in the box from set pieces, and on 14 minutes the referee blew for a fowl after a Merstham defender pulled Jerry off in the box. Sole strode up confidently and converted the penalty on 14 minutes to further ruffle Merstham feathers.

Merstham had plenty of possession and lots of energy but rarely created goal scoring opportunities. On 44 minutes it was Jerry's tern to score when swooped on a corner to send us into the break 3-0 up.

In the 2nd half we should have had a 2nd penalty when a defender handled the ball to prevent a goal-bound shot but the referee followed the unwritten rule of only one penalty per side per match. The win moves us out of the bottom 4 and gives us a much needed boost for the trip to Hythe and the chance of FA Cup glory.

 

Harrow 3 - 1 Tanners

A Leatherhead capitulation in the second half made way for yet another defeat on the road after having the better of the first half.

Harrow should have opened the scoring perhaps.  A cross was met in front of goal with a firmly placed headed but it went narrowly over.  Leatherhead were in an attacking mood with Calum, Sole and Tomi looking the brightest.  It was through those three that the opening goal was scored.  A Calum cross, Sole flick on and Tomi on hand to strike it into the back of the net.  1-0 and all was well with the world.

Well apart from the ref.  Booking our player for taking too long to take a throw in while their ‘keeper could tell his player to leave it in the corner and take a slow goal kick.  We were booked for jumping in front of a ‘keeper kicking it out of his area yet an elbow to the head warranted only a talking to.

Second half and I don’t know what Sandman said to them but I can only imagine it was said with Sade playing softly in the background.  Right from the off Harrow wanted it more and we had no answers.  First minute of the second half a cross was put away.

Leatherhead appeared to believe it was just a formality and showed no real sense of urgency.  Calum nearly proved that thinking right when he slid in to tap in but went all Paul Gascoigne and the ball rolled just beyond him.  Shortly after their striker was through and powerfully struck in his second.

What is so frustrating is seeing Ryan Mahal, last year’s player of the season, stuck at right back when he was such an attacking threat.  Especially when you have Hughes-Mason being asked to do a job out on the left that he is clearly not enjoying.  Yet while we were impotent down the wings we did very little to change it, waiting far too long to change what was so bleeding obvious.

So we made a change which, to be fair to Sandman, made very little difference so I can imagine that is why we waited so long.  To add insult to injury the centre back and ‘keeper decided not to talk to each other but mime the desire for a hopeful ball down the middle.  As a result no one collected except for the hat trick hero who walked it into an open net.

A complete shambles watched by only a handful of travelling supporters.  On to Merstham on Monday…

 

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead go into tomorrow’s game looking for their first win.  Unlucky at home and outclassed away has been the early tone of the season.

Harrow Borough hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for us, not helped by MCS who always seems to score against us, but they are not far away from us in terms of points.  A win could make all the difference.

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

 

Tanners 1 - 1 Worthing

For the second home game Leatherhead have thrown away a 1-0 goal lead to pass up a chance to grab their first win.  It lacked the same convincing dominance that we demonstrated over Grays but we had headed ourselves in front and conspired to throw it away.

The first half started brightly for Leatherhead.  Sole having the best of the chances but never really troubled the ‘keeper.  Worthing grew into the game and ended the half looking the keener.

Second half and Leatherhead got their goal.  A corner swung in and the ‘keeper seemed to get boxed in with Lloyd Harrington at hand to head in off of the bar.  Worthing seemed to hurry up as up until that point in the second half they appeared to settle for the draw.

Then the moment that disappointed me the most.  A 50 50 ball down the right wing saw Worthing’s winger confronted with an oncoming Semakula.  If ever you wanted a player to be in that position it would be your defensive midfielder.  Inexplicably though he backed out, much to the surprise of the winger who kept the ball in play; swung in a cross; and from the resulting play the ball was struck in off of the post.

Worthing then slowed up the play and we failed to get the winning goal, despite some good free kick taking from Sole.

So it is a trip to Harrow Saturday and a chance to catch up with our old mate MCS…

 

Worthing are coming

Tonight sees our old friends Worthing come to the Grove after their sabbatical in the lower league comes to an end. They have started well: we haven't started well.

Kick off at 7.45. See you there.

Canvey 3 - 0 Tanners

Leatherhead were blown away at the weekend with a disastrous trip to Canvey Island.  The hosts won the toss and with gale force winds blowing towards one goal they opted shoot with the wind to their back and place Leatherhead under early pressure.  That early pressure told after just 8 minutes when we conceded a penalty.  Martin Tuohy stepping up to put away the spot kick. 

Tuohy got his second as the half was drawing to a close to create the cushion they were looking for in anticipation for Leatherhead’s turn to use the wind…

Leatherhead, with the wind forcing Canvey deep into their own half, had the lion share of the possession but did not quite have the quality to create good chances.  The host’s ‘keeper perhaps making two or three saves.  To add insult to injury Canvey proved it is possible to score upwind and made it 3-0, Tuohy getting his hat trick.

Not a great day but time to focus on the surprise league leaders.  Worthing are coming Wednesday!

Travelling Tanners

Two sides go into Saturday's game like looking for their first win, with Canvey Island just one goal better on goal difference.

We played a tough side midweek, let's hope to bounce back with our first win.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas.

Havant & Waterlooville 3 - 1 Tanners

This game puts the draw against Grays into perspective a little as we looked less creative against a side that are favourites to win the league.  The endeavour we saw down the wings were replaced with hopeful balls over the top that were largely gathered to safety.

The home side did not need to wait long for their goal.  A ball was lofted to the far post and our right back completely lost his man to allow a free header.  Leatherhead were not without their chances though.  New signing Sole tested the ‘keeper and had Tomi been more aware he may have latched onto to a corner moments later.

Second half and the hosts controlled the game with us barely having a chance but for the last 10 minutes where the damage was done.  Their second goal coming from a corner and headed into the back of the net.

The third goal showed the gap between the two sides.  In the first half Paul Semakula was through on goal and his shot from the edge of the box was weak and hit towards the near post.  Havant & Waterlooville brought on an ex-Pompey player who in a similar position hit a powerful shot that flew in off of the far post.

Leatherhead did rally with only pride to play for and Calum Davies made enough room to fire home a consolation goal.  Perhaps he should have been put on sooner rather than some senior players…

On to Canvey Island where you can book your coach travel by looking for the details on the message board.

Travelling Tanners

I am quite looking forward to this fixture tonight.  It is not a new ground for me but Havant & Waterlooville are good club (albeit a bit too close to Portsmouth for my liking) so it’s great to be in the same league as them.

Their opening game of the season did not go well.  Having made the long journey to Leiston they were soundly beaten 3-1.

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

FA Cup Draw

Leatherhead will face Sittingbourne or Hythe Town away in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round. 

Game to played on Saturday 3rd September… good draw for us?

 

Tanners 1 - 1 Grays

Leatherhead put up a spirited performance that deserved more at the weekend.  On the back of everyone’s mind was how the reduction of playing budget would affect the squad but the early signs show they can be competitive and put on an attacking display.  The first half Leatherhead dominated and really should have scored but somehow the final touch seemed to elude them.

The start of the second half could not have gone any better.  After discussing Tomi in the bar as being a potential source of goals he popped up to score a sensational goal to allay the fears of any doubters.  The ball sat up nicely for him on the edge of the box and he put his laces through it to send it dipping over the stranded ‘keeper.

Leatherhead pressed on and we felt we could have had a couple of penalties.  One for a trip that was conveniently adjudged to be on the line; the next for a handball when a sliding defender appeared to prevent a cross with his arm.

We then lost our way and invited Grays to press.  They got their goal from a low cross that perhaps should have been cut out but our ‘keeper was beaten to the ball and it was prodded in via the near post.  Grays then went on to celebrate like they had won the league.  Given they were only 60 minutes into a new season it perhaps indicates they feel they are in for a hard ride.

Leatherhead responded with the best chance falling to Hughes Mason.  A spectacular side bicycle kick that was hit with power but straight at the ‘keeper.  The only thing left to do in the game was moan at the ref for seemingly being unable to count out ten yards from free kicks.

Not a bad start but a trip to Havant & Waterlooville is just around the corner…

 

Grays Athletic are coming

A new board of directors and a new season as we welcome Grays Athletic to the Grove tomorrow.  Pre-season results have been good where most of the noise has been of slashing of budgets.  This season could go one of two ways…

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

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.