Carshalton 2 - 2 Tanners (3-2 on penalties)

In a bid to concentrate on the league, you have to admire Leeatherhad's dedication to the cause.  To be out of all cups - three on the first time of asking - by 5 November is a truly outstanding effort.  This master plan was nearly ruined last night when a second half saw us come back from 2-0 down to take the game to penalties.

The first half was a terrible affair.  A real pre-season friendly feel to it, with both sides going through the motions.  There game was there for the taking for any side that really wanted it.  Arguably we had the most chances but it was Carshalton that were more clinical.  A cross and a thumping header for the first and some individual skill, a flick over the head of a defender and a cool finish, for the second while we hit the bar and went wide.

Second half it was a very different kettle of fish.  Leatherhead wanted something from the game, even Carshalton wanted to win, and the game was better for it.  Our opening goal came from a ball driven low into the back post, tantalising in that neither defender nor 'keeper knew who was going to deal with it.  Luckily Sean knew what to do and slipped it past the stranded 'keeper.

We pushed for an equaliser and and after seeing the ball strike the bar and then go narrowly wide we thought we had missed our chance but the ref saved us.  He was a players ref.  No bookings, full of smiles, taps on bottoms, jokes etc. and he didn't want to blow the whistle when a side was in possession and attacking.  This allowed us one last cross and Sean was at hand to score the kind of header that is a joy to watch; powerful, back across goal, unstoppable.

The ref immediately blew his whistle after the restart so momentum was truly on our side.  Memories of Hanwell were fresh in our minds; there was no way we were going to muck this up...

So it seemed when their centre back stepped up first and Zak saved.  Sean then stepped up and a small conversation broke out as to whether this goal would constitute a hat trick or not... this matter was resolved by his attempt going wide.  0-0 and my job of keeping count was being made easy.

The next two were made (1-1) and then Carshalton took the advantage (2-1).  The shoot out took a sudden twist when Zak then stepped up to take one.  While you have to admire his courage, you can't his technique as it was blasted into orbit.  Zak did make amends by saving the next one.  D'Sean scored to make it 2-2 and then into the crux of the matter... the sudden death of the fifth penalty.  Carshalton scored and then with our fifth it was all over.  Such a poor penalty would be hard to find.  For this attempt to score the 'keeper would have needed to dive the wrong way, boil an egg and then slip on something.  As it happens he guessed right and saved it with ease.

Back to league duties then, with the visit of Margate on Saturday!

Tanners 2 - 2 Bognor Regis

Leatherhead fans needed to see signs that the club was back on the up yesterday and for much of the game they got that.  No more so in the first half where Leatherhead looked by far the most comfortable of the two sides.

Our opening goal came from Sean, a swivelling strike with a hint of miss hit that did enough to beat the 'keeper.  By contrast a similar yet more cleanly hit strike from Travis deserved a goal bu twas well saved.

On the stroke of half time we had an open goal but missed our chance... where have we seen that before...

The second half was a marked contrast.  We were absolutely hopeless for about 20-25 minutes; long enough to allow our guests to score from the simplest of tap-ins at the far post.  The reaction of the Leatherhead supports was captured in High ruddy Definition as no less than three people in high-viz dicked around with three cameras; sticking them in peoples faces when really we would just like to watch the bloody game we had paid to watch.  PLEASE DO NOT REPEAT.

Leatherhead did respond.   The changes that Nikki made seemed to unsettle us, but soon they clicked and Cullen in particular lead the attack.  His classy pass fed in the newly signed Olutade who squeezed his shot under the 'keeper.  2-1!

Bognor Regis fancied their chances and piled on the pressure, narrowly going wide just before they got their goal.  Deep into stoppage time, their player danced past three tackles before finding room to shoot.  His fast feet must have allowed him to think he was Neymar as he pulled the trigger and found the top corner from distance.  A great goal, but a massive blow to Nikki Bull.

On to Carshalton and the inevitable cup exit on Monday night...

Bognor Regis are coming

After all that unnecessary distraction of the FA Competitions, Leatherhead can concentrate on the league after freeing themselves from these shackles so brilliantly last week.

Bognor Regis will be the dose of smelling salts and a slap in the face to bring us back round; they sit in fifth place.  A raft of signings come in to help us compete at this level.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

Folkestone 5 - 1 Tanners

We have had better weeks. Knocked out of 2 cups. Shipped 7 goals. Missed out on £28,250. Dropped into the relegation zone. 

From the moment Folkestone opened the scoring on 7 minutes it looked like we were going to be on the wrong end of a hiding. The players looked tired and demoralised after playing 120 minutes just 3 days ago. 

Folkestone were 3-0 up at half time and even the chalk horse up on the hill hardly needed to get out of a canter. It doesn't actually look much like a horse anyway.

After 63 minutes we were 5 down and talk turned to the last time we got battered 7 or 8 nil. Fortunately, Folkestone started to lose interest and feel sorry for us even allowing Sean a consolation goal on 79 minutes. 

It will be a long hard winter of discontent if we don't start winning some league games soon.

Travelling Tanners

As one cup door closes another one opens. Although the FA Trophy door doesn't normally stay open for too long.

We travel to Folkestone, the scene of a famous play-off victory under the leadership of Richard Brady (whatever became of him) in 2014. We won 3-1 on penalties after finishing extra time 1-1. The legendary Tom Bradbrook had put us in the lead on 13 minutes. This was revenge for a play off semi final defeat on penalties in 2010. 

Will tired legs and deflated minds recover enough for us to put in a good showing tomorrow in an attempt win £3,250? After all we are the famous Leatherhead and we've been to Wembley although there have been 40 years of hurt in this competition since then......

Tanners 1 - 2 Hitchin Town (AET)

Hitchin Town proved to be an H too far.  In a season jam-packed with mediocre performances this game stood out from the rest. It was even worse.

Our luck in the previous three rounds of the FA Cup by drawing teams from lower leagues came to an end as we were cruelly forced to play a team at our own level.

Hitchin were more streetwise, more experienced and had a plan. We were devoid of ideas and toothless. Jerry stood out again by defending heroically, also scoring our goal, but generally we are indecisive, horribly out of form, and lacking in any confidence.

We squeezed past Hanwell from the level below with one goal in 210 minutes. In the league we have scored just 8 goals in 810 minutes. (Excluding Haverhill of Level 5) Elliot hasn't scored a single goal all season and Sean hasn't scored since September 8th.  So by having the penalty well saved on the stroke of half-time, it was always likely to be an uphill struggle.

Hitchin Town brought up extra-time with a goal on 70 minutes and from there our best hopes were in penalties, but we failed to keep the guests out who by now and the smell of blood in their nostrils.

The midfield lacks an enforcer and a leader. D'Sean was originally a winger so not sure why he is now expected to be Dennis Wise. Dan is left to valiantly try and protect the defence on his own. We set up to get the ball wide and get in crosses, but no one has noticed that we have no natural headers of the ball.

We are less than the sum of our parts.

Hitchin Are Coming

Hitchin Town come to the Grove tonight, fresh from hobnobbing with the BBC, to decide who has the right to play Solihull Moors in the FA Cup First Round Proper.

Leatherhead may feel they missed their chance, given the "advantage" of having a man advantage for 70 minutes but will hopefully be confident given the experiences gained from our last replay.

Kick off at 7.45. Good luck fellas.

Hitchin 1 - 1 Tanners

Leatherhead get into the hat for tonight's draw, but failed again succumbed to the curse of playing a team reduce to 10 men.

Leatherhead were dealt this blow just 20 minutes into the first half.  The ref deemed a foot to be raised and so a straight red card shown. 

Early in the second half, Leatherhead scored a goal that many would have thought would be enough to take us through into the second round.  Travis pouncing on a ball in the box to prod it home from close range.

The ref was a bit of a ponce though and gave a soft penalty to HItchin to even out the soft red card which allowed the hosts to score and take this game to a replay. 

The location of the televised draw remains with the self-declared underdogs of Hitchin... but all eyes will be on who the prize of winning the replay will be.  Sunderland away anyone?

Travelling Tanners

This is the big one.  We are off to Hitchin Town.  That said, and I don't know if it is because I am flying to Azerbaijan on Saturday, I feel the game seems to be understated this year.  Both teams seem keen to be seen as  the underdog by losing their games and tickets still remain available on the coach.

Nevertheless, tomorrow is massive.  A real shot at the £25,000 and the chance to be in the same hat as the likes of Sunderland.

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

Wingate & Finchley 1 - 0 Tanners

Leatherhead earned the right to the title of underdogs against Hitchin with a weary first half performance that ultimately cost us the game.

After 120 minutes of commitment and hard work against Hanwell on Tuesday and £15,000 (see refund terms and conditions) it is hard to be too critical.

For Wingate & Finchley, this was the first game in charge for Nicky Shorey.  He had a quite illustrious career with Villa, Forrest and Fulham before joining West Brom for £1.3m in 2010. He went on to make 2 full international appearances for England which is two better than Jimmy Bullard.  However, if he is anything like Jimmy Bullard as a manger he will soon get bored and give up.

The usual goal against us by MCS came on just 18 minutes. We struggled to cope with Storm Callum in the first half which blew everything out of play. In the 2nd half we were much better and had numerous chances on goal. Unfortunately, our two main strikers seem to have left their shooting boots at their previous clubs.

The sooner we get to play Sunderland in the FA Cup the better. We can then concentrate on the league.

Travelling Tanners

After the drama of the penalty shoot out, Leatherhead must now focus on the the league and a trip to Wingate & Finchley.  Our hosts sit just one pont behind behind us and a loss would start to make the season look like a bit of a dog fight.  On a plus note, it my allow us to claim the "underdog" status that Hitchin were so quick to take up...

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

Hanwell 0 - 0 Tanners (Tanners win 4-2 on penalties)

There was no winner in this game; just a murderer and an accomplice.  On arriving at Hanwell, I was rather impressed with the outfit.  Friendly and an amazing playing surface, but any goodwill for the club soon dissipated when the rhythm of the game was constantly disrupted by cynical foul after cynical foul.  The ref appeared to prefer talking to the home side while dishing out yellows to the Tanners in the early part of the game, although this balanced itself out towards the end of the game.

Their 'keeper is a chatty type, who received dog's abuse in the home tie, who engaged in friendly "banter but I can't help feel he talks a lot of crap.  He started by telling me their scoreboard was donated from Brentford, which turned out to be not quite true.  He then went on to say the pitch was maintained by the centre back, number 6 was Glenn Tamplin's cousin and they had subbed off their two best penalty takers.  Well, the last part may be true...

The game was horrible.  A pre-match interview on Talk Sport had Nikki Bull saying how he wanted the young team to express themselves.  Unless he has picked the dullest bunch of players ever assembled that never really happened.  There were flashes of mediocrity to lift the mood, but any advance down the wing was turn turned into an array of backward and side ways passes.  Hanwell were well organised and gratefully accepted the gift and played their part in making the game as dull as possible.

In the second half was perhaps our better half where we struck the woodwork twice from set pieces.  That said Zak needed to be pretty decisive in some of his saves.  Extra time, Jesus... what was the point?  Hanwell probably edged it but certainly they seemed happy to go into penalties.

There is only one thing more disappointing in life than not getting what you want and that is getting it.  Hanwell wanted penalties and they were given a masterclass in how to save them from Zak.  Their first spot kick had Zak guessing correctly, with two hands behind it, but some how it squirmed in.  We then levelled.  Then a special word for their number 7, happy to blow ironic kisses at the travelling fans when we accused of him of diving and wasting time (which he was) only for him to miss the first with the worst kick of the night.  Pucker up!  The 'keeper regained his pantomime villain status by flicking the ball over D'Sean's head as he approached the spot to try and add to the pressure; it didn't matter, he scored.

Zak got his and to the next penalty but it went in off of the post.  Where are we, I've lost count?  We scored to make it 3-2 and then Zak saved again giving us a chance to win with the next kick.  Cooney stepped up and slotted it home to book us into the next round and add another £15,000 to the FA Repayment Fund.

Great times.

Travelling Tanners

Yesterday's draw of Hitchin Town (new ground klaxon) makes this replay even more significant.  For the second year running we have avoided teams higher in the pyramid and while Hitchin are at the same level, it could have been a lot worse.  We could have be drawn against Dover or something.

However, tonight's hosts will have aspirations of travelling to Hertfordshire themselves and if they equip themselves as well as they did on Saturday they may achieve that.

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

Tanners 1 - 1 Hanwell Town

Very heavy weather indeed and then it started to rain.

Alfie Cue scored in injury to spare our blushes and also spared Hanwell £15,000. Well at least for now.

It wasn't just at Fetcham Grove that people were worried. There were furrowed brows at the F.A. as well. After all, Hanwell may be well organised enough to keep their winnings.

Leatherhead huffed and puffed and played more backwards and sideways passes than Kevin Spacey at a drama school. We dominated possession but were mostly toothless and bereft of creative ideas against a well organised and totally committed Hanwell defence who only had 10 men for 40 minutes.

Never mind. All is forgiven. Let's play better on Tuesday. Much better.

Hanwell Town are coming

I'm going to stick my neck out here and say two sides have never met before. Tomorrow we welcome Hanwell town to fetch some growth in this FA Cup third qualifying round tie.

Winning this will officially see us on a cup run.  Lose it and it's over to Crowd Funding for repairs.

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

Plastic Pitch 1 - 1 Tanners

A unnatural bounce took Zak by surprise and prevented us from taking all 3 points away from Sussex by the Sea.

A superb crowd of 906 weren't afraid to leave the in laws at home and came to watch the Levred.

Woody and Chloe had enjoyed a pre-match Cod and Chips on the seafront and all was going wonderfully until the 89th minute and that bounce.

Nevertheless this was probably our best performance of the season especially the first half when we were lively and creative. 
Wednesday's home league game has been postponed as Corinthian Casuals have a cup match.

Travelling Tanners

Today's game couldn't get much tougher.  A trip to Worthing is a tricky affair at the best of times, chuck in their form and plastic pitch and this could head south quickly.

Leatherhead have shown real progress though, and scoring a few goals in the FA Cup can only boost confidence.

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

Hanwel Town at home

The reward for getting through to the third qualifying round is a home tie to Hanwell Town.  A team going quite well (7th) in the Bostik South Central Division. 

The game is to be played on yet another weekend I find myself away!  6 October.

Haverhill 0 - 6 Tanners

This was a case of Men v Boys. The Men went to watch an FA Cup game at Haverhill. The Boys went to pick up in-laws on the instruction of the wife.

This was one of the easiest draws we could have got as Haverhill are at level 5 but that hasn't stopped us losing to teams at this level in years gone by.

Haverhill have a tidy ground and a superb pitch and slightly American Football style supporters with a silly drum and trumpet. Mostly they were here to enjoy the day and no one seemed that concerned when we opened the scoring through Sean on 8 minutes.

Man for man we were too strong for Haverhill despite their henpecking, and it never looked likely that we would be under the thumb for too long. Robert added a 2nd and we went into the convivial bar 2 up. 

We started the 2nd half with real purpose and soon went 3 up thru Elliott then 4 up thru Elliott. He then got promptly subbed. That will teach him to score 2 goals. He didn't want a hat trick anyway.

Travis made it 5-0 from the spot then scored again for 6-0 to complete a comprehensive win.  As a lucky omen, I also missed the game we scored heavily last year... Let's hope for a nice home draw in the next round.

Travelling Tanners

I'm not having the best of weekends.  After months of training, the 100 mile ride I was going to undertake (the Velo South) was cancelled due to bad weather.  In addition, my Brazilian family land from Brazil at 4pm and we need two cars pick them up, which results in me missing this tantalising game. 

That wouldn't have been so bad as I had an AirBNB booked for myself just outside Chicester by a country pub tonight for myself but I am not going there either ON ACCOUNT OF THE BLOODY RIDE BEING CALLED OFF!

...and breathe.  The new ground klaxon sounds as you lot travel to Haverhill of the Eastern Counties League Premier Division.  They sit near the bottom with only a win and a draw, but have played a couple of games less while they enjoy their progress in the Cup.

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

Potters Bar 0 - 1 Tanners

Everything about this game screamed scrappy. Arduous road conditions, the scrap to find a parking space... hell, it was so scrappy the lady in the tea bar needed to take a break 15 minutes into the game and shut up shop for 10 minutes.

On the pitch Leatherhead equipped themselves well and certainly were the better team in the first half.  Our goal came from Cullen, who struck his shot from just inside the area into the top corner after the home side failed to clear. 

We struck the bar from distance too but, on the whole , chances were hard to come by but we went off the happier side.  As Nikki Bull strode off I was impressed with his maintaining of the high line with regards to his tie; the point coming halfway down his chest.  I assume this is because he allows for some dramatic unloosening of it as the stress levels build in the second half.

Predictably it was indeed Potters Bar who came out firing and were now creating some clear cut chances; Zac earning every penny of his clean sheet bonus.

Nikki Bull's tie would have been nestling perfectly on his belt as Sean missed a one on one with the 'keeper at a time when we really needed the second goal but we held on to get a valuable win on the road.

FA Cup duty next week!

Travelling Tanners

Tomorrow we travel to newly promoted Potters Bar FC in the league after the distraction of the cup games.  Both clubs are safely through to the next round in the FA Cup while deciding that the league cup is too much effort and crashing out.

NEW GROUND KLAXON!

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

Tanners 0 - 1 Worthing

A smattering of 1st team players.

A modicum of interest amongst the supporters.

More than a hint of Autumn in the air.

A strong Worthing side full of confidence.

A weakened Tanners side with unfamiliar faces.

The predictable late Worthing goal.

The regular early League Cup exit.

Worthing Are Coming

The Velocity Trophy (!?) tonight and Worthing arrive to the Grove in fine form. Second place and going well.

The FA Cup will hopefully provide a boost to the team both in terms of the result and the draw taking us to pastures new.

Kick off at 7.45.  Good luck fellas.

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!