Tanners 2 - 0 Herne Bay

Leatherhead book a place in a bag to have Trevor Brooking fondle us into the next round.  Herne Bay are not enjoying life in the league below, so without form on their side they would just have to go toe to toe with us and in th first half we proved too strong. 

A great deal of possession and creativity, particularly from D'Sean, was rewarded when Sean tucked away a shot from close range via the post.

Second half and Leatherhead started slipping down the gears effortlessly.  From dominant, to comfortable to defencive to pensive.  It was at this moment I sensed it was the moment to give Leatherhead their important second goal by loudly announcing I needed the toilet.

It worked as a long ball and found Deacon on the wing; under pressure he moved past the returning defenders to power a shot into the bottom corner.

2-0 the game safe and everyone felt relieved.  The draw in Monday...

Herne Bay are coming

The "magic" of the cup comes to Leatherhead today at a difficult time for Leatherhead.  Any progress shown since the opening game of the season took a knock wih the defeat last weekend, where in the second half we looked rather lost.

Leatherhead have been boosted with the return of two of last year's FA Cup heroes, plus a further signing which will hopefully allow the side to bounce back.

Pulitzer prize winning interviews at 2.30; kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

Tanners 1 - 3 Harlow Town

Disappointing.  Leatherhead fans probably went into this game fancying their chances.  We have shown some good signs of making progress, while our opposition is having a torrid time (albeit after just a handful of games).

Despite Harlow missing a free header, it was Leatherhead who started the game looking the most accomplished.  Harlow's defence was easily fooled and we pulled them apart like a well done chicken.  Sean forcing a good save before Robert had free range down the middle to slot home his first goal for the club.

Then, it all just started falling apart.  Our defence became disorganised; a good save from Bull was not followed up by our defenders and they scored from the rebound first their first while gifting enough space for Bull to be beaten near post.

Soon we became despondent, as what ever Bull said at half time failed to do the trick.  Harlow making it 3-1 just 38 seconds into the second half.  Later we were dishevelled as we missed a penalty.  A chance to make it 3-2 and the ball wrestled from Sean, never mind a player who score 40 goals last season he was the player most likely to score today.  The biggest player won the battle for the opportunity but his kick was obvious, wrong height and well saved.

Not even the spectacle of a drink break - a drink break! - could lift the home side that goes into the FA Cup tie against Herne Bay looking rather disillusioned...

Harlow Town are coming

Nikki has been so brutally honest in his post match interviews that they have now received a 12A rating. If we fail to beat bottom of the table Harlow Town on Saturday they may be reclassified as 15.

A win would see us nudge safely into mid table. A defeat would see us blocking Sammy and Jack and their little friends from Twitter. 

There may be scouts and guides from Herne Bay watching the game. You will easily spot them eating bananas and not disposing of the litter in the black bins provided.

Carshalton 2 - 1 Tanners

Nikki is starting to let things slip. He wasn't wearing a suit but still looked rather nice in blazer and tie.

Carshalton are newly promoted but their budget doesn't yet stretch to real grass. They called an emergency supporters meeting in a pub but there was no appetite for it.

Both sets of supporters approached this game in a low key manner with low expectations. Those expectations were well met in a scrappy first half.

The 2nd half was much livelier. Early on a goal mouth scramble saw the ball hit the bar but it was Carshalton who took the lead on 64' through a similar scramble, then fired in a long range effort a few minutes later to go 2 up.

Robert Cullen grabbed one back with a diving header. The referee then showed he was a wimp by choosing to ignore a handball right in front of his nose when a Carshalton defender deliberately prevented a header going into the net.

We can feel very unlucky to only get a single point from 2 hard fought bank holiday weekend games.

It's not all bad news though. At least we didn't lose 5-0 at home. A long way to go to take a few photos and tweet.

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead's Bank Holiday travels continue with a trip to Carshalton Athletic.

We have just one more point than them, and it could have been more but for a last minute equaliser.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas.

Tanners 1 - 1 Bishops Stortford

The loud and passionate Leatherhead supporters, well Woody and Gary, travelled the 60 miles to Hertfordshire and returned with a hard earned point. 

Rod had dispensed with his "RE" touchline jacket and was loitering behind the goal incognito. He explained that as company secretary he was still very much entitled to wear the jacket but he just wasn't in the mood. 

Rod was however in nostalgic mood tenderly carrying an FA Cup 1st Round programme of Leatherhead v Bishops Stortford from 1976.  Nikki was bang up to date though. He was sporting a glorious bespoke saville row suit in dashing grey. Ooh! Suits you sir.

Meanwhile on the pitch, Bishops Stortford had the best of the first half having a penalty saved and missing a one on one, but it was the Tanners who went in 1 up at half time with a header from Sean Okojie on 43'.

We were quite comfortable in the 2nd half and looked the more likely to score until a late equaliser on 89' prevented our first away win of the season. It was probably a fair result yet somewhat disheartening.

Nous voyageons a Carshalton jour ferie lundi.

Travelling Tanners

There is great anticipation surrounding the trip to Hertfordshire on Saturday. Will Nikki wear the same suit, a different suit, or casual clothing? Will he smile?

These are just some of the important issues facing us as we travel to Bishops Stortford who have made a sideways move from the Southern Premier. They have had a poor start to the season with just one point so will be anxious to chalk up their first win.  Meanwhile Sean and Travis will be looking to add to their goal tally and propel us further up the league.

Exciting times. You certainly wouldn't want to be driving around France for 2 weeks when Devon is just as nice.  Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas!

Levred 2 - 1 Haringey

Nikki Bull showed our previous managers how to look the part today. 

Gone. The tracksuit of some Mooro. 
Gone. The skinny jeans and man bun of the Bulldog.
Gone. The homeless beard and pocket billiards.

What we saw instead was a wonderful elegant blue suit so it was fortunate that Nikki was not in goal today or it would have got crumpled. He was replaced by a very competent Craig Ross who had made 39 appearances for Barnet last season.

A strong first half performance and goals from Okojie and Gregory gave us our first win of the season leaving us just 3 points off the play offs. Next up we are away to Bishops Stortford and a chance to see if Nikki has more than one suit.

Meanwhile, the Haringey Borough manager played the part of a sore loser going berserk at the final whilst trying to attack our manager. He was found not guilty of affray so you knew it was bad. Apparently he wasn't offended by the suit but livid about alleged  time wasting as we ran out of balls in the final few minutes. Hardly our fault though as his players had hoofed them all into the car park and the river.

Tanners 1 - 1 Whitehawk

The mysterious cloud of what really happened at the end of last season is still lingering over Fetcham Grove. 

Jack Midson continues to tweet snidey remarks and laughing emojis but won't actually say anything of interest. Meanwhile Nikki Bull is valiantly trying to build a side of players that can compete in the league after Sammy and Jack decimated the side. Their bold 5 year plan, explained with such passion at the fans' forum, turned into a one year then run off to a salt marsh plan.

After a worrying display at Hornchurch, this was a much more encouraging performance and the Tanners were unlucky not to take all 3 points. Sean Okojie smashed the ball into the net to equalise in the first half, but will be disappointed that he didn't convert one of 2 golden chances to win the game.

There were also encouraging performances from new boys Robert Cullen and Travis Gregory, whilst Jerry and Dan Gallagher showed those in Essex that the words loyalty and commitment weren't just catchphrases.

3 points on Saturday and all will begin to be forgotten......

Whitehawk are coming

Whitehawk put down an early marker at the weekend, and come to Leatherhead no doubt full of confidence.  Leatherhead meanwhile try to find their feet after a disjointed performance away at AFC Hornchurch over the week.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!

AFC Hornchurch 3 - 0 Tanners

Too early to say what this result truly means for the season; our hosts could be a big spending team on the up or a side punching above their weight.  That said, those in attendance will be leaving with a sense of foreboding.  This could be a long season.

When the first goal came we were quietly going about our business.  Travis looked strong and confident on the ball and our J League signing was spraying the ball around nicely.  After the goal our work became quieter, practically a whimper.

In the second half Leatherhead mustered a tame shot on goal and a free kick that was tipped around the post.  Meanwhile AFC Hornchurch grew in confidence, something you can win in pre-season, and went on to score two more.

Whitehawk on Wednesday, a side with ambitions to get promoted...

Travelling Tanners

Here we go again.  Another season starts tomorrow after one of the lowest of low key pre-seasons I can recall.  Nikki seems confident in this approach but I can't help feel a comfortable win against Knaphill or Guildford United would go a long way to build some confidence on and off the pitch.

Our hosts were last year's Isthmian North Champions and they, by stark contrast, have enjoyed their pre-season.  Winning three games against Dulwich Hamlet, Concord and Enfield.

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

Travelling Tanners

The last friendly and a trip to Farnborough as we hope Leatherhead can transition from "coming together" to "come together" by getting our first win.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas.

Reading U23 are coming

The last home friendly today, and after losing all of the previous ones I wonder whether we should rearrange this and welcome Reading U13s to try and get a win.

The manager seems happy with the progress (and process, as is fashionable to say) and a few stars have been emerging.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck with the process, fellas!

Eastleigh are coming

After a tough test against Aldershot, which didn't go too well as it ended 0-4, we face Eastleigh in another preseason friendly.

Kick off at 3pm.  Hope the preparation for the season goes well!

Aldershot Town are coming

A blast from the past today as we host Aldershot Town, a club we faced as the Phoenix outfit came through our league a while ago.

Kick off at 3pm. There may even be an international friendly on the bar TV too...

Fixtures are out

The fixtures are out, and we start with a trip to top of the league AFC Hornchurch.  This is then followed by Whitehawk at home.

Official site update

The Lip's link to the official site has been updated... yes, it has been a slow news month.

Merstham 3 - 1 Tanners

Twice now we have arrived at Sutton for the Surrey Senior Cup with a back story.  Last time we had only just won the play-offs and were clearly deflated, last night we had news of a pending departure and it appeared to have an equally unsettling effect.

We did open well, but soon Merstham got into their stride and on the whole we were second best.  There were some good performanced.  Niall was always willing to run at defenders, Jerry committed as ever and Jack looked up for it but this was mainly down to a running battle between him and their no6.

One goal came in the first half (looked like a mishap in defence when we failed to clear), and then two in the second (sloppy half-arsed pass that was cut out and a powerful shot from distance).

We did get one back, a Jack Midson header but we were soon heading out the well disguised exit.

Merstham were the better side all round, but one cannot help feel the timing of the negotiations coming to a conclsuion ruined any chance we had to even compete.  The search for a new manager continues...

The final...

Tonight Leatherhead take on Merstham in the Surrey Senior Cup final.  A side that always seems to find an extra gear when we face each other, or indeed an extra hand when blocking shots on the line.

A new elephant has entered the room.  Football finds it hard to keep a secret at the best of times but the timing of the latest story to break is very unfortunate.

Off to Gander Green we go then.  Kick off at 7.45.  Directions can be found here. See you in the queue to get in about 6pm!

Travelling Tanners

Two teams will face each other that probably hoped for more.  Tonbridge Angels would have started the season believing they had an outside chance of sneaking in, and while our hopes were muted for much of the season the final run in gave us real hope.

Of course there is a chance we could steal a place, but it would mean a goal swing of 13 goals and with Hendon sure to be there I cannot believe they are going to put Leiston to the sword.

Still a season to be proud of though and with the Surrey Senior Cup still to play for it could get even better.

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

Tanners 1 - 2 Hendon

A game too far for Leatherhead as they fall short (subject to a miracle) of the play-offs, despite some heroic performances in recent weeks.

It was a shambolic start to the match, with Leatherhead not being able to do any of the basics right.  Balls were bouncing off of shins and passes going astray.  Hendon pounced on this uncertainty and hammered in their opening goal.  This then set the tone for some time wasting of the highest order.

We thought we had a first half equaliser, but no Russian lino at hand to see if the ball had crossed the line or not.

The second half needed a response and we got it, but it came at a cost.  So thin is our squad, changes could only be made internally within the starting eleven.  Gallagher and Midson both advanced with others forced to shuffle back and play out of position.

It initially paid off, with Midson heading home and the 'keeper pulling off two top saves.  Tom Richards gave way to Calum and the defencive frailty was exposed as Hendon scored late to cement their place in the play-offs and ours outside of them.

Disappointment but from a team that only had real purpose in the last few weeks of last season to where we are today, chuck in the FA Cup and the pending Surrey Senior Cup it has been a great season.  We just now hope they can stick together and have no one Wander off... 

Hendon are coming

Hendon arrive at the Grove tonight for out last home game and to play out a very important game indeed. 

The play-offs are within touching distance but, with our goal difference, a win is likely to be the only result that will see us have a realistic chance when we face Tonbridge Angels on Saturday.

Kick off at 7.45pm.  Car park to be full by 6.45pm.  See you there!

Tanners 2 - 2 Leiston

Twists and turns a plenty in the second half to earn a point that could still prove to be enough, although probably favours the visitors.

The first half was largely scrappy.  For the second game in a row a shot struck an outstretched hand in the box, only for the ref to wave it away.  Derry struck close to half time with a poacher's goal.  A Nana shot was parried down on the line and Derry was the first to react.

Second half and it all went off.  Twice a Leiston player could not get to his feet after falling to the ground, the fact we were attacking was purely coincidence no doubt.  The second time they benefited as they returned the ball to Manny who was promptly put under pressure with his kick.  He fluffed it and they scored with the resulting attack.

We thought justice would be done when Derry was presented with a similar chance.  He stumbled over it a bit, and their 'keeper made a valiant effort to save it but he found the net to put us 2-1.

Leiston really did not want to lose to us and so piled on the pressure and thumped a call into the back of the net.

Could we come back and score a winner?  It looked like we were going to as D'Sean crossed in (after the lino tried flagging for a free kick long after it was obvious we had the advantage) which found Tom Richards.  His shot seemed destined to find the back of the net, but their 'keeper pulled off an amazing save.

Hendon or bust.

Leiston are coming...

Layston? Lieston? Leeston? I have no idea how to pronounce our visitors, all I know is we have to beat them to stand a chance of getting in the play-offs.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

Your players of the season are...

You've been voting for the Lip's Player of the Season and the winners are...

Fans' Player of the Season - Niall McManus

"Neil Grant Buzzing Development" player of the year - Reece Williams-Bowers

Ex-Leatherhead player of the year - Zaki Oualah

Best Ineligible Player - Yannis Ambroisine

Congratulations. You don't win anything, but the accolade should be more than enough.

Tanners 0 - 1 Dulwich

Leatherhead had 45,501 reasons to feel hard done by last night as Dulwich stole all three points at the death.  Last minute action could decide our season, with a back-heel that did not go in at Merstham and this late blow last night.

The first half was tame.  Dulwich probably had the game under control, but it had a feel of pre-season friendly where Crystal Palace turn up with a load of youth players you have never heard of.  You should care about the score, but it was a nice evening so better to stand there and soak it in.

Second half and Leatherhead came out with a purpose.  Their 'keeper did not help matters for them by placing four or five goal kicks into the tea bar queue, but we managed to mount attack after attack and keep them hemmed in for much of the second half.

Then a tale of two corners.  With the game almost over, we launched a ball into the box that was gathered.  Leatherhead returned the favour by gifting them a sloppy corner and they sent in a similar ball.  The difference being they had three players of Jerry's stature waiting at the back post and managed to steer a header on target. 

1-0 and celebrations as if they had won the league.  With Billericay faltering, they may just have.

Our big games keep coming though.  Leiston come on Saturday...

Dulwich Hamlet are coming

With their first wall gag under their belts already, Dulwich Hamlet arrive at the Grove tonight with a real shot of winning the title.  Hopefully the club won't surrender the three points as quickly as they did the bar takings as we are in need of both of those too.

Sometimes when a team scores more than 4 the wind goes out their sails a bit on the following game, but Dulwich should provide enough motivation for that not to happen.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!

Brightlingsea 0 - 7 Tanners

A long trip, but worth it.  True the meal we had before hand was below par but the game more than made up for it.  Plenty of goals and, due to the distance, with a more select travelling support we could enjoy the game without a constant string of obscenities being launched at the ref and opposition.  The F word was rarely used, no one dropped the C-bomb and no player had their parentage doubted.

It was clear after just a few minutes Leatherhead, if they wanted to, could help themselves to a bag full of goals last night.  The newly promoted side have achieved their objective of survival with a youthful side, and as a result gifted us with ample space in which to run unhindered.  For the opening 10 minutes they did try to impose themselves with a few rash tackles but they soon got bored of that and it was open season.

The goal that opened the floodgates was meekly claimed by Nana.  I truth Nana's run on goal forced a covering tackle from behind which lofted the ball over the diving 'keeper.  There was nothing lucky about the second goal though.  A cross to Tom Richards invited a volley which flew into the net to continue his run.

2-0 at half time and little indication of what was to come.  In hindsight it was obvious.  Brightlingsea were struggling outfield as it was, then they had to sub their injured for a 17 year old 'keeper who would have struggled against the likes of Jerry in the box against a disinterested team.  Our tails were up and so he was forced to endure a torrid second half.

Two headers from Jerry put this game to bed.  Nana got a goal he could claim without swearing on his daughter's life.  Calum Davies added salt into the wound before a true talking point of the game... penalty-gate.

The penalty was won and Jerry ran to the ball to take it and claim his penalty.  D'Sean was the named penalty taker and so demanded he fulfil his responsibility.  The travelling supporters' chant of Jerry was unrelenting though, so he was allowed to step up and calmly claim the match ball ("I'll pay for it myself" he was heard saying after a local fan took umbrage to this).

With a healthy boost to our goal difference we are looking like a real contender for the play-offs... just a small matter of playing three of the other contenders in our last four games though...

Travelling Tanners

NEW GROUND KLAXON

Tonight Leatherhead make the long journey to Brightlingsea to play a genuine game in hand as the other offering is only K's and Merstham.  Four points from the play-offs, a win today would start placing a bit more hope on the "there" rather than the "there-abouts".

It is going to be one hell of a drive, so set off soon!  Directions can be found here.  Kick off at 7.45.  Unbelievably... see you there!

Merstham 1 - 1 Tanners

After a long week in Bratislava, I woke to a bright crisp morning and the prospect of a wonderful day's football.  A Full English was washed down with a sturdy cup of tea and the preparation for the day was complete.

After watching the first 60 minutes of Southampton v Chelsea I skipped to the car; Southampton had a commanding 2-0 lead and nothing could spoil my day.  Fifteen sodding minutes later and the crappy footballing gods had turned.

So I turned up at the Moat-crappy-side in less than a good mood, knowing full bloody well Merstham would raise their game against their local rivals.  Leatherhead's first half did little to lift it, with Derry forced out right and Gallagher playing admirably in the back four our midfield was second best and so Merstham had the better of the game.  They got their goal, on the stoke of half-time, as I sat down to a cup of tea so I missed it.

Leatherhead made two changes and that improved things but without the running of Nana I doubt we would have got anything out of the game.

Pressure was building constantly until we got our goal.  A low ball into the area was struck and it ricocheted through the defence and beat their time-wasting 'keeper.

We pressed for the winner and in the last minute it looked like we would get it.  A powerful shot was spilled by the 'keeper and Midson ran to collect but only had time and space to back heel it into a seemingly open goal.  A defender slid in from nowhere and it stuck his arm at close range.  The fans instinctively shouted for a penalty but it did not pass the "would you be gutted to concede one like that" acid test.

The Shakespeare plot continues as we make the long journey to Brightlingsea Regent on Monday... 

Travelling Tanners

Today we travel to our old friends Merstham as we look to continue putting pressure on the top five places.  Games against our local rivals can one of two ways, and did I see Hayden Bird attending a game at The Grove recently..?

Hopefully Tom Richards will play upfront and continue his fine scoring run. 

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

Dorking 0 - 1 Tanners

Leatherhead book their place in the final at Gandy Bloody Green following a gutsy display last night. 

The first half lacked a little quaility but both teams gave their all in the second.  Tom Richards scored for the second game running to put us into the lead.

There were some outstanding performances from Gallagher, who played in the unusual position of centre-back, and Nail McManus.

Dorking thought they had scored a late equaliser but the lino was quick to flag for offside.  The home side were furious with the officials, but he had let them off a couple of heated clashes where another ref could have shown a red.

Hopefully now we can go on and win this much coveted trophy...

Travelling Tanners

The stage for Live Aid rotated to allow the next band to appear in quick succession to the last act, a situation we find ourselves in now for the rest of the season.  Dorking Wanderers are our Style Council to the Status Quo of Staines Town.

Tonight we play the semi-final of the Surrey Senior Cup and I hope the lessons of Met Police are learnt; too many changes and we will struggle.  I am in Bratislava, so will miss the joy of snooty "security" who swear behind your back.

Kick off at 7.45.  Good luck fellas.

Tanners 2 - 0 Staines

A physical yet unimaginative Staines side came to The Grove to play out a rather drab 2-0 win today.

Any kind of high ball into the box was soon snuffed out by the huge centre backs and we only looked dangerous when Nana stretched the play.  Up until our goal there was only 5 seconds of excitement when a series of shots eventually squirmed wide for a corner.

Our goal came in the last few moments of the first half.  Nana was sent free down the right and finished well, under the 'keeper.

Second half and Midson came on to add some height to our attack.  The true turning moment of the game came Derry (Brand Manager, Brixton) suddenly swiped right and was taken down by a player who had already seen yellow from not retreating from a free kick. 

Staines were down to 10 and we could be a bit more adventurous.  An attacking move was well finished by Tom Richards, using the utside of his foot to deceive the 'keeper and beat him near post.

Staines never really troubled us and the games drifted to its conclusion without further incident.  Another big game on Thursday...

Staines are coming

This game is massive.  Lose this and the already distant hope of the play-offs (subject to point deductions) becomes a thing of the past.

Many of the team were rested and hopefully Sammy Moore will play his best player, Sammy Moore.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

Met Police 1 - 1 Tanners (we win on penalties)

On arriving at Imber Court we got to see the team sheet my first thought was it was one or two changes too many, and that is how it proved as we only really got a grip on the game once some changes were made.

Leatherhead did not look comfortable for the first 10 minutes at all, in which time a free kick whistled past the top right corner and they scored from a smart move on the left wing.

Reece Williams-Bowers led the line well but was not given much assistance from Wynter who still needs more time before playing in the senior side.

The introduction of Ghallager and McManus made us more competitive and we started to look like the only side likely to score.  Only the ref and the increased physicality of the game could stop this, the former was becoming increasingly frustrating with his chummy-smile-bottompat style of referring that allowed some nasty tackles to go unpunished.

The ref did make amends by awarding a penalty when the 'keeper clearly brought down Nathan Woods in the box.  Williams-Bowers coolly slotted it away to send us to penalties.

I feel bad for Chris and his son who I firmly told it was extra time and so they slipped off to the bar... I hope they got back in time to see Met Police's No3 (who should have been booked in the opening minutes for an outragous colley of abuse he gave the ref) have his shot saved by Manny. 

We made no mistake from our spot kicks (although their 'keeper got a hand to a couple of them) and when Manny saved a further penalty it was down to Minshull to put us through to the semi final.  He found the top corner and the tie with Dorking Wanderers was confirmed.

On to Saturday and the big game against Staines Town...

Travelling Tanners

Surrey Senior Cup action tonight (subject to the weather no doubt) and a chance to progress into the semi-final... we just two games away from the dream at playing at the souless-bowl of Sutton.

I have heard this is now a fixture where a full(er) strength side will be set out, mainly as that is all we have.  Jerry may be rested due to injury but Will Seager had an im[ressive debut in our 4-1 win over Tooting & Mitcham.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!

Travelling Tanners

I'm amazed, but today's game is on!  Leatherhead have failed to win now in the last four games - roughly since the news of Yanis must have broken internally - and perhaps now the p word can be dropped from match reports.

Today we travel to Tooting & Mitcham, a side we beat 2-0 on New Year's Day and a team we could be close to should the point deduction talked about come home to roost. An unlikely 6 pointer.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas.

Tanners 1 - 1 Billericay

A pre-booked taxi to the airport prevented Glenn from being at this game.  A shame, given his dream that he be crowned league champion at Fetcham Grove.

Billericay are starting to look more accomplished but less special without the likes on Konchesky and Pennant.  Bicknell looks a lethal strike are this level and we would have to work hard to keep him quiet.

It did not take Billericay long to open the scoring.  A breakaway move that found Robinson free to slot his shot under Manny.  The omens were not looking good.

There is nothing like a goal to settle the nerves and from a corner gifted to us by their number 2 - he was a gift that kept on giving - we scored.  Pollock nodding home past their stranded 'keeper and a number of defenders on the line.

Nana had a great game.  He used his body well to hold up the ball and had pace to spare to trouble the defence.  On another day, any one of his three shots would find the back of the net.

Second half and Leatherhead made Billericay look ordinary for 30 minutes.  Our guests struggled to retain possession, and while not bereft of chances we looked the more likely.  That changed when Billericay threw on O'Hara to pack an extra punch in midfield.  Meanwhile Sammy took himself off which handed the initiative to our guests.

Some how we managed to hang on and over the four games of football we have faced each otehr this season, Leatherhead edge it 5-4 on aggregate.  Money well spent Glenn.

Dorking Wanderers 1 - 1 Tanners

Honours even as 1,014 people cram into the Westhumble ground on false pretences.  With the new ground months away, a large crowd - consisting of mainly Leatherhead supporters - descended on the old ground in hope of at least seeing a good game.  Rumours of point deductions (yes, it is April again!) may have played a part in our recent slump as such a deduction would sweep the rug from under Sammy Moore's play-off chasing feet.

What the crowd saw was a competitive game, where the hosts were clearly more fired up, dishing out some robust tackles with not many of their players were spared a yellow card.

Leatherhead were playing some good football though.  With Sammy back in the side our chests just seem to puff out a bit more and we have some purpose to our play.  It was from nice intricate play that D'Sean found himself in the box, cleverly placing his body between the ball and the defender who could not resist a tackle.  He caught our player and a penalty awarded.  Derry sent the 'keeper the wrong way.  1-0.

Dorking levelled the match on the stroke of half time when they won a freekick on the edge of the box.  The player fell inside the box, so no doubt the home fans were disappointed with the ref, but not with the end result.  Our 'keeper asked for players not to jump (strange), but could not resist and the ball glanced off of Sammy Moore and dipped into the goal.  1-1.

The second half, and it was Dorking who looked the more likely overall.  They scored but it was ruled out for offside.  They also had a Peter Crouch-esque player who proved a useful outlet for them.

We had our chances though.  Derry was put clean through but put his shot just wide.  We also though Jerry and Lee were denied clear shooting chances in the box but were pulled down on both occasions.  The unwritten rule of only one penalty a game was used by the ref.

Dorking were reduced to ten men, but that just upped their time wasting which the ref failed to get hold of and so the game nudged its way to the final whistle.

With a win in the league coming hard to come by over the recent games, I would say the Surrey Senior Cup is now something to take very seriously...

Travelling Tanners

I really wish our official site would tweet more reminders about games.  The odd video wouldn't go a miss either... but luckily you have me here to remind you (in case you had forgotten about this cracker) that tonight we travel to Dorking.

Tonight we travel to Dorking's familiar ground at Westhumble due to massive delays and overspend at their proposed Meadowbank stadium.  Disappointing as many of us bought tickets in January on the premise we would be treated to fruits of Mole Valley DC's labour.

While Dorking struggle off of the pitch, we struggle on it with just one goal in three games.  The last being against our hosts tonight.  Hopefully we can start firing again to retain bragging rights and prepare for the visit of Billericay on Saturday.

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

Tanners 0 - 1 Needham Market

A horribly lacklustre draw turned into a horribly lacklustre defeat when the new 'keeper dropped a harmless cross in front of a Needham Market player on 88 minutes.

 

You would be forgiven for thinking that we were the ones who had travelled 100 miles to play the game as we looked leggy and uninventive tonight.

 

We had struggled to get a win in the away fixture and Needham seemed to have our number tonight. They were very well organised in defence and coped very well with our crosses and hopeful balls.

 

A defeat was harsh tonight but our lack of goals is a concern. We have the joint lowest goals scored in the league but one of the best defences. It's an unusual combination for a team in play off contention.

 

Sammy and Jack will need to put their thinking caps on tonight and try and find us some goals on Saturday. All is not lost in the push for a play off place but with a fixture pile up and a small squad it's going to be tough.

Needham Market are coming

Things are looking good for the game tonight!  Conspiracy theorists thought our Monday night game was called off a little prematurely but no such fears tonight.

The P-word is now being spoken openly, although teams like Staines are showing new interest in one of the places.

Kick off at 7.45.  Good luck fellas!

Game off!

Unsurprisngly tonight's match has fallen foul to weather.  A shame as this adds to the backlog of games we have building up.

Hopefully our pitch will ready for the visit of Needham Market on Wednesday...

Tanners 1 - 0 Wanderers

The Leatherhead supporters spent some time in the bar to get to know each other again after three three week mid-winter break.  So much to talk about. Why have we not heard about what happened with regards to the SSC?  Why did we agree to play the game at the new Meadowbank a month later when we should have been getting games under our belt?  Why do MVDC give one club £8million while we beg for repayment plans?

On the pitch and Leatherhead ground out a hard fought win.  The first half was messy and had a ref that wanted the game to be largely about him.  He awarded a penalty for some robust man-management by Jerry (note; dangerous arms to the back of the head are OK as Ruel discovered).  The penalty was saved but the ref would go on to be a general nuisance all game.

Second half and the new style 5-3-2 formation ditched in favour for something more attacking and Derry was added.  This paid off as Midson headed back across goal for Derry to place his header past the 'keeper.

Some panicky last few minutes as we either forgot where the corner flag was or forgot how to run there and Dorking looked good for an equaliser but we held on.  So on to the next game then, same time tomorrow anyone? 

Dorking Wanderers are coming

So much for Leatherhead fans to feel disgruntled about this week.  The continued silence over the Surrey Senior Cup debacle.  A situation that if handled differently could have allowed for other fixtures to be rearranged, but other clubs find such requests hard to understand when you have your head in a bucket of sand.

Throw in the news that our precious cousins from down the A24 won't have their £8 million pound stadium ready for the return fixture, despite charging us in advance for the pleasure, you really have yourself the perfect storm... meanwhile a less than perfect snow storm threatens to get the game postponed anyway.

Keep checking up here for details of the game status, if it is on I will see you there!

Sevenoaks 1 - 3 Tanners

Following the cancellation of the game at Burgess Hill (one of only two games to fall foul of the weather in our league), Sevenoaks stepped in with a friendly to give us a run out.

Lee Minshull played himself in a false 5 position, getting two well taken goals.  In the first half his side volley beat their 'keeper when they failed to deal with a corner, and in second half he stole the Nail McManus to curl one into the far net.

Pollock also made a name for himself.  Leatherhead switched to three at the back to accodomate the new signing but he decided to sneak up the pitch, find himself through on goal and slot home the second.

Sevenoaks were no push overs though.  They forced Manny into two double saves; one he pulled off, the other proved to be too stong for his hand and went in.  In the second half in particular they really took the game to us and it took Midson to come on and steady the ship.

Not a bad day, and good preparation to Wednesday and the visit of Dulwich Hamlet...

Travelling Tanners

Burgess Hill are having a pitch inspection at 10.30, pre-empting some heavy rain over night.  I just hope they get round to telling us quicker than our officicial site, Surrey Senior Cup decisions, or we'll only hear while watching Match of the Day.

Our hosts, subject to the weather, sit at the bottom of the table.  Inconceivable at the start of the season with Worthing not being able to buy a point.  We, meanwhile, still dream of sneaking into the top 5...

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

Enfield Town 0 - 1 Tanners

If anyone turned right at the no right turn sign on leaving the ground, they will get a nasty surprise in the post in the next couple of weeks. I found this to my cost last season but even that shouldn't take the gloss of an excellent win today. It certainly wasn't one to twitch your nose at and decide to go shopping for rabbits instead.

Every game now seems like a must win as we have gradually scratched our way into play-off contention since the FA Cup run ended. This was another extremely professional and hard working performance at a ground where we have often been Enfield's bunny. Lettuce hope the winning run continues.

Nathan Wood was rewarded for his efforts against Ks on Wednesday with a start on the right wing and he was very lively in the first half. Sammy marshalled the midfield with his usual skill and excellence. Jack could have had 3 penalties in the 1st half as he was repeatedly barged over by the Enfield number 5 but the referee wasn't convinced by any of them although he would have been given free kicks anywhere else on the pitch.

The goal came fortuitously as a Tom Richards free kick was deflected into the net by a cotton-tailed defender on 35'. Enfield applied some pressure in the 2nd half but we kept our hare on and were fairly comfortable. The boys get a well deserved midweek off and good timing as well with Siberia coming to the UK. 

Massive game next Saturday as we host Hendon. Can we pull another rabbit out of the hat?

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead travel to Enfield Town today, looking to build another run of wins to help us put more pressure on the p***-off places.

I'm rather in love with their ground.  That stand is quite something to behold and they are a well supported club.  Pity the pitch is sometimes hard work and our results haven't been to spectacular either (perhaps as a result).

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

Tanners 2 - 0 Ks

The five players I mused over last night were indeed absent as kept a solid defensive line up while experimenting upfront, opting for some of the younger players on the fringes.  Ks made a similar amount changes giving four U18s a chance, three of them making their debut.

Sammy was rewarded for his throw of the dice as the attacking line up performed well.  Guided by the experience of McManus and Clohessy, Williams-Bowers and Wood began to shine.  It took a while for it to click, with the opening 25 minutes being something of a stand-off, but when it did there was only one team in it.

There are a number of supporters who offer the advice of "hit it" as soon as we get the ball about 35 yards out.  This is someone infuriating as they are not shouting at Lionel Messi but at Lee Minshull, so it was with mixed feelings we celebrated Reece's goal as he placed his shot from distance into the side netting.

Ks had some chances - Manny pulling off a fine save that had to be cleared off of the line and scoring an offside goal - but overall they lead a charmed life.  All too often a deflection from a shot or a wayward parry from the 'keeper would squirm agonisingly wide where on another day at least one would creep over the line.

McManus helped us to make it safe but using his now trademark tomfoolery to mesmerise the defence and force a rash tackle.  Penalty awarded.  Some of the confusion was self-inflicted though as their 'keeper became tired of the lack of organisation in his defence and started ordering them around.  The poor no 14 for example (only on for a few minutes), was ordered off of the back post and to mark a player at the front post.  Having been no doubt told by his manager to take over at the post he was somewhat conflicted and tried to keep both masters happy by doing neither and standing somewhere in the middle.

Williams-Bowers stepped up and confidently placed the penalty into the back of the net, despite the 'keeper guessing the right way and getting a hand to it.  Two nil and the game won.  The chance to go and play a greatly reduced squad at Met Police the prize.

Ks are coming

I can't think of a cup tie more quintessentially more Surry than Leatherhead v Ks... Walton Casuals v Walton & Hersham perhaps but it is up there as a classic. 

The bigger question is more over how many players will be rested...  Moore, has a knock or a niggle.  Midson, could do but unlikely.  Ruel, he is young but too important.  Derry, too handsome.

It will be a shame if too many players are rested as this is a competition we would love to win.  Ks are a side we would love to beat.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!

Tanners 2 - 1 Brightlingsea Regent

Brightlingsea Regent waltzed into today, sounding like a clumsy hero in a poorly written pantomime.  With the popular Zak having recently departed, Manny would have been hoping to avoid being the villain.

It was a subdued start from both the players and the crowd.  Perhaps over recent weeks we had forgotten what to do... but soon it was clear Leatherhead looked the more accomplished side.  Midson could have had a hatful with good heading opportunities spurned and a low cross was met by an air stroke.

The ref was making a name for himself too.  The highlight in the first half was booking McManus as a reward for pulling off a fantastic tackle, winning the ball cleanly but perhaps the theatrical tumble the Brightlingsea player took convinced the ref there was more to it.  Rather than use his assistant he guessed and got it wrong.

A lot of out play was coming down the right with Sean, but our goal came through the middle.  Ruel slotting a pass to Midson who just found enough space to slot it past the keeper and inside the post.  1-0.

Second half and we pressed for another but the ref's erratic decision making made it hard work for both sides.  Moore, who was finding it hard to hide his frustration, took himself off and we lost our shape a little.  Over committing and allowing Brightlingsea to score on the break.  Manny would not have thanked his team mates for leaving him so exposed, leaving him no chance.

Just when a point looked to be our only reward from the game, the ref came to our rescue.  Midson received the ball by the goal line in the penalty area and was met by a clumsy two footed tackle.  The ball was missed... I am not sure to the extent Midson wasn't missed but he went down and the ref decided on a penalty.  Midson recovered from the tackle enough to slot it away.

Three points and we now concentrate on the Surrey Senior Cup on s.

Brightlingsea Regent are coming

The 5am pitch inspection passed so we are good to go!  See you at 3pm...

Leatherhead v Needham Market (Pools Panel Home Win)

A great day for Leatherhead as none of the teams there or thereabouts won.

The pools panel win means that we would have gone 7th just one point behind 5th placed Staines.

Meanwhile across Surrey other teams braved the very dangerous soft conditions and played an actual game.

Needham Market are coming

The club have thrown caution to the wind and arranged a Happy Hour tomorrow, which can have mixed results in terms of atmosphere behind the goal...

It was a 0-0 draw with Needham Market in December that sparked us into life and set us on our fine run of form.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

Tanners 2 - 1 Burgess Hill Town (BHT)

This was hard work for all concerned. The pitch was heavy, the weather was freezing, and BHT were up for a battle.

And the last thing you want on a brass monkeys night is a 5 minute delayed start while the 'keeper changed his kit at the behest of the referee.

This was a must win if we were to keep the play off dream alive. The pressure seemed, to weigh heavily as we were frequently predictable and relatively easy for to defend. There was plenty of pressure usually involving crosses from Sean but little creativity and the mysteriously accented 'keeper had little to do except complain about his recent groin injury.

BHT livened the game up in the 2nd half by taking the lead on 55' with a header. We responded with purpose and equalised through Sean on 67' at the far post from a cross at close range. There was just enough time to bundle in a winner on 85' to much relief and chattering of teeth. The 'keeper immediately decided enough was enough and shambled off injured.  He was replaced by a sprightly young man who looked delighted with the chance to come off the bench and run around a bit to warm up.

The play offs remain a possibility just but another win is needed on Saturday against Needham Market.

Wingate & Finchley 3 - 1 Tanners

Wingate & Finchley proved to be the yang to Hendon's ying as we crashed to a 3-1 defeat.  Leatherhead had enough chances to win it but on the day it didn't work out for us.

A bright Leatherhead start was undone by a long shot that beat Zaki where we thought he had it cover.  I got a bit too close to the action when Tom forced the 'keeper into a fine save, with the ball clipping the post but hitting me firmly in the chest.

MCS now plies his trade at Wingate & Finchley, and always seem to have a hand in goal when playing against us.  Sure enough, he was brought down for a penalty to make it 2-0.  It got even worse when we left their striker completely free on the edge of the box to allow him to collect a pass and place his shot without a challenge.  Meanwhile, we had a goal-bound header cleared off of the line and had a clear penalty interpreted as a dive.

We rang some changes and continued to apply pressure but it did not seem to be our day.  As the game wore on, Sammy's hat was showing better body language than the manager himself; standing erect and proud while he slouched on the touchline.  Hopefully he will pick himself again soon.

Jack Midson pounced on a spilled shot to make it mildly interesting at the end and had Tom Derry's shot not been ruled out for offside we probably would have lost 3-2, but alas it was not to be.

Hopefully a return to form will be on the cards on Wednesday, when we entertain Burgess Hill Town...

Travelling Tanners

After Tuesday's success in North London, Leatherhead will be eager to go back to get a similar result and a similarly placed team.

Such is the prospect of a good game, some are making the trip by train.  They set off at 10.53 from Leatherhead station and will take in a pub (Chandos by Finchley Central) before the game.

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

Hendon 1 - 4 Tanners

There are games where Leatherhead can have chance after chance but somehow you know that the ball won't cross the line.  Thankfully, last night was not one of those games as we scored with ease to rush to a 4-0 lead.

I was already in a good mood as the soup did not disappoint.  In terms of football food I would put it up there with a hotpot pie at Marine and a balti pie at Aston Villa.  We did not have to wait long before our spirits were lifted further by an early goal.  The 'keeper, despite his 7 foot frame, failed to deal with a corner swung in towards the goal and the ball fell kindly to Ruel who scored just minutes into his debut.

Leatherhead continued to look upbeat and created some good passages of play.  Our second goal was something of an oddity though.  Dan Gallagher launched a rather harmless looking shot towards the goal.  It lacked power and you felt sure that the 'keeper would deal with it, but somehow he either misjudged its flight or saw it late but the ball kissed the underside of the bar and went in.

Second half and we were met by drizzle and a more determined Hendon side and the game suffered a little, from a Leatherhead supporter's perspective.  We had enough time to debate what a stupid choice the away kit was; too close to green to allow enough of a striking difference.

Leatherhead did somehow manage to distinguish themselves from the home team enough to score two more.  Some nice work down the left hand side and a good cross from Theo found Derry at the near post.  His instinctive strike beat the 'keeper low down at his near post.  Then Midson broke free down the middle, but had hardly left the centre circle when he saw the 'keeper way off of his line.  A cheeky lob beat him to make it 4-0.

Hendon did pull one back.  A powerful strike from distance that beat Zaki and deceived us from behind the other goal.  We thought it had struck the post and bounced clear.

A fine win, and back to that neck of the woods for Wingate & Finchley on Saturday...

Travelling Tanners

There or there-abouts Hendon host us tonight, and what hosts they plan to be; bringing back their famous mulligatawny soup with real ales to wash it down with.

Hopefully we are as organised as Hendon.  Last season a young lad called Mendes was a joy to watch, while an old lad had not completed his forms properly thus wiping out our 3-1 win.

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

Game Off

The Surrey Senior Cup, unsurprisingly has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.  Persistent rain over the last 24 hours has made the Fetcham Grove pitch, and my back garden, unplayable.

Details of the rescheduled game will no doubt follow shortly...

Thurrock 2 - 0 Tanners

It was one of those days when the ball wouldn't fall for us, and we weren't going to score if we played all night.

 

The unbeaten run came to an end unceremoniously on a miserable day at a ground sandwiched between the M25 and a budget hotel. A superb number of travelling fans arrived in confident mood and we all nodded smugly to each other when we saw the team was at full strength.

 

We started brightly with plenty of possession and threatening positions. The best chance came early on when the steadfast Jerry had a free header from 8 yards but it sailed over the bar. Unfortunately this wasn't a sign of anything to come, and we failed to create any more clear chances from all our possession. Our patient build up lead to little else. Thurrock were more clinical and simply shot and scored on 37 minutes. 4 minutes later and it was 2-0.

 

Sammy had had enough of himself by half time and took himself off. He must have said something to himself. A brief resurgence at the start of the 2nd half gradually petered out. Jack had also had enough of himself and on 69' replaced himself.

 

Thurrock are now officially a bogey team.

 

Expect an understandable 11 changes for the Surrey Senior Cup on Wednesday as a small squad have played twice a week since mid December and Dulwich visit on Saturday.

Travelling Tanners

The nine game unbeaten run will no doubt feel as heavy as the pitch today as we travel to mid-table Thurrock in the league.

The well earned draw kept us in 9th place, but now just three points behind the ****-off places with games in hand.

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

Margate 0 - 0 Tanners

We have all been there (usually at Woking), a freezing cold night with little going happening on the pitch.  That is the picture the commentator painted on Pundit last night, and suddenly the task of packing the contents from under the stairs seemed more pleasurable.

This is many ways was the game I thought we were going to play in the FA Cup. Organised defending with careful measured attacks.  By all accounts our first real shot (although off target) did not come late into the game.

The win streak ends, but we are still unbeaten and in the chase...

Travelling Tanners

It's not the FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round, but it is close.  Two teams on the same points that lurk just under the ****-offs battle it out tonight.

Leatherhead are having quite the purple patch with seven wins in a row, but Margate are a side who just beat Dulwich Hamlet... they can put on quite a moving display.

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

Tanners 1 - 0 Tonbridge Angels

Leatherhead's recent run of form is the best it has been since the 1996-97 season, where we last won seven games in a row.  Caution for Sammy though, as that appears to be a stumbling block having reached the same amount on three other occasions before we get to our best ever run of 11 (1948-49).

Leatherhead do appear to be on to something though, having won the last two games largely through a war of attrition and retaining possession.  Something that seemed unthinkable only 12 months ago.

The opening exchanges were entertaining enough.  Not the changing of ends before kick off though, that was just annoying and made buying half time tea harder.  I would say we had the better of it in the first half, given the Tonbridge 'keeper was taking an age to take a goal kick.  Our goal came from a fine free flowing move that saw Tom Derry running free down the right, who picked out Tom Richards' run into the box.  His powerful side volley gave their 'keeper no chance.

Second half and Tonbridge grew into the game a lot more and the crowd became a little nervous.  A fine save from Zak being the peak of nervous energy, but somehow we regrouped and saw the half out with another period of playing the ball into the corner.

A tricky midweek away trip to Margate approaches on Tuesday, where they will no doubt be looking for FA CUP revenge.  Bring your dolphins.

Tonbridge Angels are coming

The club are predicting a big crowd tomorrow.  Free entrance for kids (although I thought most of the blighters snuck in free anyway!) and Tonbridge should bring a few.

Support will be needed as our guests sit just three points behind us and no doubt have ideas of climbing the table themselves.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

Tanners 2 - 1 Merstham

I don't think we are high enough up the league that we could consider our guests a banana skin, but to lose to them would certainly be a massive prick to our bubble. It was good to see Hayden Bird again...

I have heard a lot of good things about Leatherhead's style of play while I was on holiday and I was more than a little bit concerned that I would be the unlucky returning charm last night.  Certainly, while we looked the better side, we appeared somewhat laboured.

We thought Jerry had scored in the first half.  Coolly bringing down a ball on his chest and drilling it past the 'keeper, only to see it ruled out for offside.  Although, there was more than a hint of the lino not seeing the defender's position when the ball was kicked.

Second half and we looked even more unlikely to score for the first 30 minutes as our guests wasted time right from the whistle.  To add insult to injury they scored from a fantastic effort from distance.  This appeared to be something of a tactic as they had tried from distance a couple of times before, but this effort was unstoppable as it bent into the top left corner.

The Merstham 'keeper brought about our comeback, seemingly more interested in asking the lino how much time he had more to waste (about 18 minutes) than the run of Midson who score from the type of header you only normally see in league football.  From some distance and purposely placed into the top corner.

Finally Leatherhead were fully on top and we started to attack with real purpose.  Tom Derry was put through on goal and for a second it looked like he had given up on the idea of scoring, but this was just the ice cool composure of a player who can simply bend the ball around the 'keeper into the side netting.  2-1 and it was now our turn to waste time in the corner.

This timewasting was a little hard to watch but did the job as we won our sixth game in a row. Tonbridge Angels arrive on Saturday to test this winning streak further...

Merstham are coming

Merstham take centre stage in this league production of the Mick Sullivan Derby.

The official preview stated our visitors were struggling, but I think that is a little harsh.  They have a bit of a nasty defeat recently but if it were not for this purple patch of form we would be very much along side them, so I treat our guests (who always seem to raise their game against us anyway) as dangerous opposition to face.

Curtain raises at 7.45.  See you there!

Leiston 1 - 2 Tanners

This was an outstanding performance by Sammy Moore's Green and White Army. 

Well about 30 of us made the long trip so more of a Platoon, but those that made the effort were richly rewarded with the league performance of the season. 

Fortunately, the game wasn't all ticket but then Leiston aren't a massive club like Dorking Wanderers.

Leiston were blown away by our speed, skill and commitment in the first 30 minutes and the ball was rarely out of their half. We could easily have been 2 up but, and as often happens when you don't take your chances, Leiston ran the down the other end and scored. Sammy's side are resilient and mentally tough, heads stayed up, and we got our reward with a superbly taken goal by Tom Derry on 40 minutes.

The 2nd half was much more even and Leiston started to show why they started the game in 5th. A defensive mix up gave the ball to the gaffer outside the box and Sammy slotted the ball past a stranded keeper with the precision of a Swiss watch. Leiston threw the kitchen sink at us but we would not be moved.

Merstham are next up. Hayden Bird has always liked to Grouse about us and gets his team fired up but Toucan play at that game. With Jack and Tom Storking the goal, Zak Swallowing up any crosses, and a Swift midfield, we can hopefully enjoy a Nightjar after the game.

Travelling Tanners

Leiston is on!  This game has taken on significance thanks to an amazing run of form over the festive period.  I just hope it isn't all ticket.

Kick off at 3pm... so leave soon... good luck fellas!

Tanners 2 - 0 Tooting

A slam dunk of a festive period from Sammy and the lads as we grab 12 points out of 12.

Remarkably, if we win our games in hand we would be in the play-off zone but there's a lot of work to be done before then.

This was a relatively straight forward game and could easily have won 4-0 as we were too strong for Tooting. Goals from Jack and Tom in the first half saw us comfortably pick up the points. Jerry missed 2 sitters probably put off by the infantile excitement whenever he comes up for a corner.

Sam who? Ambrosine who? That's show business.

Tooting & Mitcham are coming...

Happy New Year to you all. Today we welcome our old friends Tooting & Mitcham in this league encounter.

We have climbed up the league impressively over the festive period, but a four point gap means no further progression can be made today.

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

Met Police 1 - 2 Tanners

A well deserved away win saw Sammy Moore's Green and White Army leap 6 places in front of a superb following of more than 250 away supporters.

Dare we dream of reaching the play-offs and beating Dulwich away? Maybe not yet, but with winnable games to come against Harrow and Tooting we could finish the festive period with 12 points from a possible 12.

There were some sad mutterings before the game about the loss of Sam Blackman who allegedly had got a bit greedy. The good news though is we won't have to listen to the tiresome ginger ninja chants anymore.

Tanners started off playing great football and could easily have gone into the break 2 or 3 up. The gaffer was back in the side adding quality and composure to the midfield whilst Jack was still recovering from a niggle. It was Niall who broke the deadlock with a stunning curling strike from the edge of the box and we shivered off to the bar 1 up.

The 2nd half was hard work and the (the no Police in the) Met Police side equalised with a header from a corner. It looked like we'd have to settle for a draw until Gerry, justifying his adulation at corners, fired a header into the corner of the net in injury time.

Ks are here

Today we face our old friends and tenants, Kingstonian. With games in hand disappearing we are running out of excuses for being so low in the table, but a win would take us above our visitors.

Two new signings get thrown into the battle to help our cause.

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

Travelling Tanners

A Yannisless side travels the 110 miles for this gruelling midweek fixture. I doubt many will be making the journey tonight...

It's a big game though.  They find themselves looking over their shoulder at a resurgent Worthing, something we may well be doing if we lose tonight.

Kick off at 7.45, good luck fellas.

(Not yet playing for ) Leatherhead 0 Wigan 4

A disappointing day for those still hoping to play for Tanners as table topping Wigan proved too good for AFC Wimbledon.

The curse of the newly approved new stadium struck early at a freezing and packed Kingsmeadow. Meanwhile, those who used to own this ground couldn't play because of a frozen pitch at Fetcham Grove. 

AFC fought hard in the first half but missed the clinical finishing of Midson. Neil Ardley looked increasingly concerned as the game wore on as Wigan eventually took the lead in the second half. A crazy tackle saw them down to 10 men and then Wigan had as much fun as Steve Smith and scored 3 more.

On to Needham Market on Tuesday for the real Tanners and with the temperatures warming we may actually have to play this one.

Game off

The local derby against Dorking Wanderers has fallen to a frozen pitch, despite warmer weather creeping in for much of the day.

No game Saturday due to other teams being in the FA Trophy so more time to get your Christmas shopping done.

Burgess Hill are coming

A new frosty period descends on Fetcham Grove, leaving the warmth of the FA Cup far behind, as we focus on the league (and the Surrey Senior Cup!) with mixed results.

Wednesday night was a combination of misfortune and (mainly) lack of application as we made life quite comfortable for our guests.  Tomorrow we see a team in a similar position arrive and we simply have to up our game if we are going to have any hope of climbing the league.

Kick off at 3pm.  "Double socker" klaxon is sounding.  See you there!

Tanners 0 - 2 Thurrock

For the 200 hundred in attendance, we could reflect on a fine weekend and yet be a bit sniffy about the absence of approximately 900 supporters who lost their way to the ground last night.  Supporting Leatherhead isn't all league quality stadiums and TV cameras you know... but the queue for the tea bar was mercifully small so we couldn't complain too much.

On the pitch we started well.  Thurrock seemed quite rattled and could not cope with our attacks, their keeper for one lost the ability to kick and sent balls squirming in all directions.  This dominance lasted about 20 minutes before Thurrock regained control and looked quite comfortable.

On the stroke of half time Leatherhead failed to deal with an areal ball and it plopped into the back of the net.  This trick was repeated in the second half and Zak was lobbed by a looping header and the ball nestled into the side netting.

We tried to rally but found ourselves offside.  Nash did plant a powerful header straight into the chest of the diving 'keeper but even it had beat the impressively large shot stopper it would have been the last action.

On to Saturday and the visit of Burgess Hill... just two points behind us and a must win if we have any aspirations of play-offs.

Thurrock are coming

I don't think we should be too disappointed after our FA Cup exit as we gave it a good go and were beaten by a better team with form on their side.  That should help, as they players need to get back on with the job at hand; the league and the Surrey Senior Cup.

League action returns tonight.  Thurrock come to the Grove who are in a similar place in the league, albeit after playing more games.  Should be a good measure of how we will adjust to life without the glamour of the cup.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there.

Wycombe 3 - 1 Tanners

To get over 1,000 fans at an away game is an achievement in itself, but to play out a game in front of them where for 45 minutes we had perhaps the better of it shows how far the club has come.

Wycombe are a different club to Torquay when we last faced league opposition.  Torquay were finding life hard in their league while Wycombe are fifth; off the pitch we were welcome into their bar at Torquay, here we drank in the car park.

Once in the ground it was clear who was looking forward to the match more, and if Wycombe were to lose it would be partially down to their lack of support.  A lack lustre following if ever I saw one while the away end (as is often the case anyway) were in fine voice.  I was lucky enough to be in the main stand for only five minutes just prior to kick off and the sound coming from the stand was impressive.

Like Torquay, Leatherhead surprised the hosts and got off to a good start.  It was a set piece on 2 minutes that we got our goal in Torquay so it seemed like an age before we scored from a set piece on 7 minutes.  A ball swung in from Sammy Moore and the defence panicked, pulling on Midson's shirt to prevent his run.  The ref, in a picky moid, gave the penalty which Midson confidently put away to get his tally to 12 goals.

Leatherhead could have really gone on to make things very difficult for Wycombe was Colhessy was through on goal and brought a good save from the 'keeper and soon after we struck the bar.  Meanwhile The Beast was firmly in Jerry's pocket and we were looking quite comfortable.

An area where Wycombe were dominate though was midfield.  Constantly pressuring us, forcing us into mistakes and winning free kicks and that is how they got themselves back into the game shortly before the half hour mark.  Despite being quite a way out, the free kick looked dangerous as soon as their midfielder purposely placed the ball down.  Zak might have been expected to cover more ground to save it but it was well struck.  By not retaining to half time the lead perhaps allowed Wycombe to regroup a little easier as in the second half the game was very much Wycombe's.

Their midfield were even more composed, hunting in packs and they started using possession better.  The Beast was now finding more space and his powerful shot on 76 minutes could only be parried into the path of a Wycombe striker who bundled it over the line.

Wycombe perhaps knew Moore was "getatable" and this proved to be the case when he received a niggly tackle from behind and the Wycombe player persisted in harassing him while finding his feet.  He unleashed a swinging elbow to get the player off of his shirt but the move was far too aggressive for this ref and he received a second yellow.  Despite being down to 10 we nearly scored from the freekick Moore had just won, but Minshull's header sailed well over.

A fast breakaway move stretched our depleted side and The Beast scored with a powerful diving header to make it 3-1.  The hopes of being in the third round hat dashed, but memories of a great cup run and day out will live on for a long time.

Wycombe hospitality did not extend to anything after the game, unless you approached the bouncer with a middle class accent and claimed to be neutral and got into the bar to congratulate the players.  Now they must dust themselves off for league action that starts this Wednesday... we hope to see as many of the 1,152 that enjoyed Sunday at The Grove then...

Travelling Tanners

In 2003 our hosts were travelling to their last game of the season needing a win to stay up and while stopping halfway stumbled across a statue of a statue of a Native American.  They saw this as a lucky sign and vowed, should they win, the statue would be bought. 

They won and the lucky statue took them all the way to the FA Cup semi final the following season... now we have our own lucky charm in the unlikely shape of the dolphin.  While the providence of the dolphin has come into question, it has strangely captured the imagination of the team and I believe it will feature amongst the fans tomorrow.

Not much else needs to be said about tomorrow.  To reach the second round would have been beyond any expectations at the start of the season, a campaign that started with the future of our home ground even in serious doubt.  This cup run has brought the much needed funds to clear debts and get the ground out of the sights of millionaire academy owners.

There is everything you need to know about the game here.  Kick off at 2pm.  See you there!