Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead make their second trip to Southall, having played there in the FA Sodding Trophy, for this crucial fixture.

On the one hand, we are the most in-form team in the league.  On the other, we are playing on a tricky 3G surface with strong winds and with the curse of just being awarded Manager of the Month.

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

It’s off

Dry your salty tears, league officials. It's off. No game tonight, away at Badshot Lea. Spare them a thought though, with 9 games (including one cup) game left to play.

Corinthian-Casuals 2 - 3 Tanners

A strangely spirited and incredibly tall Corinthian Casuals side made this a much more exciting game than anyone had expected. The Fiel Londres were there in numbers to create a good atmosphere and make up for those sob o polegar da esposa.

Tanners attempted to start the game in our usual way by passing the ball around gently amongst ourselves but it soon became clear that Casuals weren't in the mood to watch and admire.

After 13 minutes a long range effort gave Casuals the lead soon followed by Amadou limping off the park. Fortunately we had an able deputy on the bench in the form of Harvey Keogh but he was unable to prevent Casuals making it 2-0 after 38 minutes. 

We normally try and pass the ball into the net but strangely today we supplied the tallest team in the league with a barrage of crosses. After a ugly goalmouth scramble we bundled a goal back from Ollie just before half time. 

In the second half we started to move the ball more quickly and Ollie equalised with another bundled goal on 53'. There was more than half an hour left to get the winner and the lumbering Casuals defenders started to tire and feign injury. The referee grew agitated with the huge Casuals players rolling on the floor disrupting play and awarded a soft penalty as a punishment. 

The Casuals manager disagreed with the decision and got sent off. If his team had showed this much passion in previous games they might have more than 15 points. Ghus Sow calmly slotted the penalty away on 87' to limbs. There was a cast iron penalty just a few minutes later but a rattled referee waved it away wishing he had found a different hobby. 

After an intransigent jobsworth league decision we have to play again on Thursday evening but it will be Marlow choking on their overpriced Michelin star burgers tonight as we open up a 3 point gap.

Travelling Tanners

It has been a long season for Corinthian-Casuals, this year.  Just 15 points to their name and 4-1 beating by Marlow on Saturday... but Leatherhead be warned... the bogey ground klaxon sounds today.

The league handed us Corinthian-Casuals as our festive opponent and we won 1-0 in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day.

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

Tanners 5 - 1 South Park

I got this one completely wrong.  I have been disappointed by South Park too many times and feared a draw, and an early calamity did little to ease my fears.  A hopeful ball was met by our 'keeper but a cruel bounce deceived him and allowed an easy tap in for our guests.

Our response was swift and decisive.  First Ibz; unplayable today; used his strength to hold off a defender and create a one on one chance which he slotted under the 'keeper.

The South Park 'keeper then made it 1-1 on massive errors when he saved a shot from Atewologun but then only managed to push it into his own net.  2-1.

Taking an early lead can sometime mean we start to play sideways, but we were far from being done.  The next goal was not only the best of the game but contender for the season.  

Tyler Cox deceiving the defence with a I'm-going-to-the-corner-flag-oh-no-I'm-not move and then fired in a cross to Ibz.  Ibz let the ball cross his body and then powerfully guided it into the top corner with the outside of his boot.  "GOLAÇO!!!!" said my nephew, when I sent him the footage.  3-1.

Ibz then pounced on a spilled save to make it 4-1 to get his hattrick and we even had a goal ruled out for offside in the last few minutes.

Again I was wrong.  I predicted the 4-1 scoreline would stay the same but the downtrodden South Park defence gave Trevan too much space on the edge of the box and his low shot beat the 'keeper and into the bottom corner.

A performance so stunning I didn't feel the need to embellish it with Easter Egg puns; and the fact my wife forgot to buy me one is entirely coincidental.

Off to Corinthian Casuals on Monday then...

South Park are coming

A rare glimpse of the sun, this morning, gives hope that the first of four games will be played today and this Easter fixture sees seventh place South Park come to the Grove.

The league has mandated we must play Badshot Lea on Thursday (although the weather may have the last word on that), so we are going to have a busy week.

Our guests are unbeaten in their last four games while we go into the game top of the form league... but this is a bogey team...

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

It’s off

Put the klaxon away. Heavy rain has ruined our evening.

Travelling Tanners

The sound of the New Ground Klaxon is itself a joyous thing, but the true joy comes from moving up to second place but first we must overcome another slippery banana skin of Badshot Lea.

Badshot Lea, who have back to back 3-1 wins, sit in 11th place.  With Marlow not in action tonight, a draw or better would see us climb to second.

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

Tanners 2 - 0 Binfield

Binfield came into the game having conceded 96 goals, so with a 3 goal a game average we could either get a hatful or score early and struggle to find the back of the again... and for a large part of the game it looked like it was the latter.

For the opening 10 minutes it was clear who was chasing promotion and who was staring down the barrel of relegation.  Leatherhead were pulling them apart and could have scored two or three before our goal eventually came.

Trevan was set free down the right and sent a low cross into Ibz, who slotted his shot under the polite and friendly 'keeper.

Then a combination of missed chances and easing off the pressure took us into halftime 1-0.

As the second half wore on we slowly built up the pressure again and on 72 minutes we got the goal that made the three points feel a lot safer.  

A ball was spread out wide to Tyley Cox and with the ball falling slightly behind him he flicked back his right foot and sent the ball perfectly over his head and into his path to run onto.  His cross found Masikini who finished into the far corner.  

A third goal could have been added just moments later which made me think a thrashing was coming but suddenly the plucky visitors rallied and could have grabbed one back but the spectacular volley went just over.

Onto Tuesday then and the NEW GROUND KLAXON sounds for the trip to Badshot Lea...

Binfield are coming

Binfield arrive at the Grove today for this league fixture.  Our midweek win sees us level with Marlow on points but behind on goal difference, to the tune of 16 goals.

Binfield sit in the relegation places and will be hoping for the start of a Great Escape, if they are to clawback the 10 points they need for safety.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there.

Ashford Town 0 - 1 Tanners

We went into the game hoping for the 18 goals that would see us go into 2nd place above Marlow. Marlow obliged with a defeat at Chertsey but the 18 goals proved elusive.

The Robert Parker stadium is more run down than Old Trafford, and emptier than the Emptihad on a Champions League night. The Leatherhead faithful seemed to make up about 100 out of an attendance 134 on a night that was a Tuff watch for everyone.

Not all of us could enjoy a slap up meal in a bland chain hotel at shareholder' expense, so had to be content with a cup of tea and a burger which Guy felt a little too dry for his liking.

We started brightly with uncharacteristic long balls troubling Ashford and it was on just 8 minutes that those who were waiting for a goal saw Trevan deliver on just 8 minutes. He calmly slid the ball past the 'keeper who didn't even bother to dive or try and close him down.

We thought that this would lead to a comfortable evening with 17 more goals to follow but it turned into ref watch. He seemed to get most decisions wrong, missing several corners, and generally annoying both sides but he did it with humility and a willing smile. We ended up holding on in the 2nd half, creating few chances, as the players looked leggy after a long day on Saturday. 

On to a home game with a Binfield as the race for 2nd place hots up.

Guernsey 1 - 4 Tanners

An impressive win, away at Guernsey, to keep us very much in the hunt for the top half of the play-off places.

A tentative start was soon rewarded with two goals from Trevan Robinson on 24 and 35 minutes.  While Guernsey pulled one one back before the half time whistle blew, Leatherhead repeated the two goals in a half trick to make it 4-1.

A big game looms on Tuesday, when we travel to Ashford Town on the same evening Marlow play Chertsey...

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead travel to Guernsey tomorrow in the league.  The cost of this trip seemed to have soared in the last few weeks, so I am sitting this one out.

Our hosts now sit in 14th place, well clear of the relegation places although they did just lose 6-2 to Chertsey.

Kick off at 2pm.  Good luck fellas.

Tanners 2 - 1 Met Police

Leatherhead got off to a flying start, thanks to the quick thinking of Ibz and the referee.  

Just minutes into the game a Met Police player completely shanked his clearance, so the ball spun up into the air and towards his own goal.   Ibz ran on and slotted the ball past the 'keeper as the assistant raised his flag.  The ref had seen the crucial touch for the perfect through ball had come from a Met Police player and overruled.  1-0.

Did we score too soon? It certainly looked that way as Met Police decided to become less defensive and put us under pressure.  That told when they won a free kick on the edge of the and fired in a powerful shot into the top right hand corner.

Just as the half came to a close we got the winner.  A low ball in from Tyler Cox was neatly sidefooted into the back of the net by a defender.  Apparently.  I had just turned to get a cup of tea.

In the second half, we pushed for more goals but Met Police did just enough to prevent us.  Meanwhile in the league, it looked like a perfect weekend with all other teams in the top  5 failing to win... until Marlow popped up with a late goal.

On to Saturdy then, and the trip to Guernsey...

Met Police are coming

A burst water main under the foundation for my new patio wasn't the best preparation for today's big game.  Hopefully Leatherhead can cause the floodgates to open today, as they did in November with a 4-0 win, and get all three points.

Our guests sit in 16th place.  Meanwhile we are three points off of second.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there. Don't be late!

Tanners 1 - 1 Chipstead

In the preview I was somewhat concerned about the weather and inadvertently typed we were hoping for the next rain.  How prophetic, as there were times in the first half I hoped for the heavens to open and get this called off.

The first 20 minutes of the first half did not reflect the table as we looked rather tentative and leggy, while I guests took the game to us.  Their opening goal was fully deserved as a shot was fired through a crowded area.

That did kick start us a little and our passes became a little more forward looking, instead us just purely lateral, and eventually we got an equaliser through a Splatt cross to allow Robinson to glance his header past the 'keeper.

In the second half we looked more threatening and had the ref added more time on for the two players who went down injured while the ball was out of play the pressure may have told... 

Ibz probably came the closest.  Heading and shooting wide, but the winning goal didn't come and the chance to go just one point behind Marlow slipped by.

Onto Saturday, when we face Luke Tuff's Ashford Town...

Chipstead are coming!

After the fine win against RVP, at the weekend, it is absolutely crucial we maintain the momentum with another rain tonight.

Our guests sit one place above the relegation places, albeit with a seven point gap.  With Southall not playing tonight, a win could take us to third.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!

RVP 0 - 1 Tanners

Leatherhead secured all three points and a double over play-off rivals, thanks to a last minute goal from our new signing.

Leatherhead can, at times, be considered patient in their play.  Maintaining possession in lateral passages of play.  With a player like Ibrahim Otulade, we suddenly start looking purposeful again.

Leatherhead took the first half by the scruff of the neck and could have opened the scoring from any of the three headers that came our way.

The game seemed to be heading for a, not totally unwanted, draw but in the last few minutes Trevan found some space down the right and crossed into Ibz who made no mistake.

1-0 and some breathing space in the playoff places...

Travelling Tanners

A big game for Leatherhead today, as we travel to Raynes Park Vale to face a side that is, no doubt, looking for revenge.  

While we have had our pants pulled down by the likes of Marlow and Chertsey, the pullee became the puller when we met at The Grove a few weeks ago.

Leatherhead have added a formidable striker, by the way of the returning Ibz, to help boost our chances for the run in of the season.

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

Tanners 0 - 2 Marlow

If Chertsey signalled their claim on the league title in the recent win, then Marlow did the same with the route to promotion via the playoffs.  6-0 they win on aggregate and we really haven't laid a glove on them.

Leatherhead set out in their familiar style of play.  Marlow were quite happy and could have watched us pass it from side to side all day.  Then the goal.

A ball was poked through the middle for Dave Tarpey to run onto and a clinical finish found the bottom corner on just 11 minutes.

Away in October we were 3-0 after 20 or so minutes, so it was encouraging to keep it to 1-0 until the end of the first half. But in added time the ref saw a mere coming together of something more and awarded a penalty.  Rogalski added to his impressive tally and made it 2-0.

I thought we had scored early in the second half, but it went just wide of the post.  Perhaps we could have add a goal towards the end, but Marlow by now were happy to see the game out.

No game on Tuesday but on Saturday we travel to Raynes Park Vale...

Marlow are coming!

Marlow arrive tomorrow and with them they bring Dave Tarpey.  I can't think of a player that has so many contrasting opinions... should we have resigned him, let him go or even signed him at all?  The fact I called my Leatherhead FC Quiz Team, Tarpey's Tiki-Taka Trivia should tell you something and that he will deserve our respect tomorrow (particularly from our defenders) as he is banging them in.

As if having the league's second highest scorer wasn't enough, Marlow also have the top scorer, Dawid Rogalski, with 28 goals to his name.

Tuesday's win may not have been overly convincing but the three points and a clean sheet were very much needed.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

Tanners 1 - 0 SCR

There was plenty of drama before the game.  First there was an ever-increasingly desperate Rod to get a team sheet as they seemed to evaporate before his eyes as they were circulated.  

On getting one he casually asked about a player's availability which caused enough concern to see a change of pace from John Loveridge, to establish if there was a mistake, that hasn't been seen since someone told me the TSC were serving free food by the club shop.   It was confirmed all was well.

Then there were reports of a squirrel falling from the stand roof onto a supporter.  With so much drama off the pitch it would have been selfish to believe there would be some off of it as it was Leatherhead that was squirrelling around for a goal.

A very different Leatherhead today.   More direct; more attacking even, but somehow that did not translate to a good game to watch, despite their efforts.

The goal came in the second half (which was better than the first, admittedly) when a cross was met by Trevan but his looping header found the crossbar.  The rebound fell to Lawson who smashed the ball into the roof of the net.  For a heart stopping second, it looked like it was going to fly over but relief when the net bulged.

Raynes Park Vale got a last minute winner, so these three points were very welcome.  Especially with the visit of Marlow on Saturday and the return of in-form Tarpey...

Sutton Common Rovers are coming!

Flippin 'eck!  If the rain stays away, we have a home game tonight with the visit of Sutton Common Rovers.

Our guests sit in 14th place but are unbeaten in three games, including a very credible (and welcome) draw against Westfield.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!

Tanners 0 - 4 South Park

Something told me South Park would kick us out of the cup. I didn't think it would be to the tune of 4-0, the score line we enjoyed at the weekend, but we have slipped on this banana skin before.

Of course, conceding two penalties in two minutes didn't help.  Twice a South Park player was brought down by our 'keeper (with some assistance from a defender for the first) and twice the penalty was calmly put away.

Half time came and the home fans hoped for a response but a determined South Park side kept us at bay and added to our woes by making it 3-0 on 52 minutes.  A South Park player was able to dance through our defenders and fire a shot into the back of the net.

If two penalties in two minutes was bad, Dan Hector decided to up the ante and get two yellows in one.  Back chat and a bad tackle in quick succession saw him take an early shower.

South Park made it 4-0 on 76 minutes to finish off a sodden night.  Out the cup and onto Badshot Lea on Saturday where the NEW GROUND KLAXON sounds to drown out last night's disappointment.

Tanners 4 - 0 Uxbridge

Given Football Web Pages had the scoreline at 3-1 after just three minutes, I cannot work out whether ending up at 4-0 is disappointing or not.  

The error showed us scoring three goals in the second minute, which didn't feel as far-fetched as it sounds as we raced to a 3-0 lead.

The opening goal came after just 90 seconds.  Uxbridge played an ambitious high line, and Trevan took full advantage of this by running onto a long ball and cooly lobbing the standard 'keeper.

Ten minutes later it was 2-0.  Alechi burst down the left side of the goal and was one on one with the 'keeper.  Much like a golfer approaching the green, he deftly swung his left sand wedge through the ball, over the 'keeper and into the back of the hole... I mean goal.

We then missed a couple of good chances.  Trevan just wide and then Tyler Cox blasted high when he had an open goal.

Tyler got his goal on 28 minutes when he received the ball in the box.  His first touch looked too heavy but the 'keeper was slow to react and Tyler prodded the ball under him.  3-0.

The second half and Leatherhead were happy to casually sniff out chances while Uxbridge looked like they would rather be anywhere else but The Grove.  Tyler got his brace when he received the ball on the edge of the area with his back to goal.  Then on the turn sent a lofted-curling shot into the top right.  4-0.

An impressive score line, showing our players knew both where the goal was and, judging by some of the social media posts, where the cameraman was for their celebration.

Onto Tuesday, and the slippiest of banaskins, when South Park come for the Surrey Senior Cup...

Uxbridge are coming

Midtable Uxbridge come to The Grove today, as we try and shrug off the disappointment of conceding a last minute goal to Chertsey.  

Our guests will have their own demons to deal with when it comes to Chertsey, as they recently lost to them 6-0.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

Chertsey Town 2 - 1 Tanners

The Tanners lose, to a last minute goal, despite putting in a second half performance that deserved more.

The first half was very much a carbon copy of the home game with Chertsey controlling the game.  Their No 5, Reuben Collins, for one did not let a lot get past him.  In fact we were pretty much boxed in, at times.

On 28 minutes the warning signs were there as we failed to deal with a corner but it whistled past the far post.  Three minutes later, we weren't so lucky and Luke Robertson was there to fire the ball home.

Into the second half and we grew in confidence and attacked more, but appeared to lack the cutting edge.  Here my contribution to the game cannot be underestimated.  Not only did I declare we didn't look like scoring but also questioned why we continued to prod the ball around on the right wing as we weren't getting any joy there.  30 seconds later the ball was prodded into Dan Hector from the right wing and he fired a low shot into the far corner.  You are welcome.

Now it was pretty much all Leatherhead as we pressed for a deserved winner.  Then on 90 minutes the hosts won a free kick out to their right and I feared the worst.  Their dominance from free kicks again proved too much as Robertson headed powerfully into the side netting via the hand of our diving 'keeper.

We won our own dangerous freekick in the dying seconds but our header went just over as the referee pressed the whistle to his lips.

Time to dust ourselves off for the visit of Uxbridge on Saturday...

Travelling Tanners

In the reverse fixture, we witnessed a Chertsey Town side that purred like a Royal Royce engine; smoothly going through the motions to calmly keep us at bay and take all three points home.  They probably looked the best side we have played this season.

This is also reflected in their league position.  Sitting at the top of the table for a number of weeks, despite having a one point deduction.  As a result, they expect a big crowd (661 to see Ashford on Saturday!) and recommend you buy a ticket in advance here.

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

Thatcham 0 - 2 Tanners

Leatherhead took all three points home after an entertaining game on the road on Saturday.

We started in an attacking mood and started, through Trevan in particular, apply the pressure to our hosts.  The missing of early chances must have worried the travelling supporters.

Then our opener.  Tyler Cox continues his run of form by making space on the edge of the box and fired the ball into the bottom corner.

1-0 is a fragile score for any team but after the midweek result we needed another.  That came from Trevan, who was picked out by Splatt and he made no mistake.

We stay in third, despite Southall having a shock defeat to Binfield and on we go to Tuesday when we face Cherstey...

Travelling Tanners

My memories of this game last year was visiting a town centre that had pubs that did nice food and ones that showed live football, but not both.  So a Boot Meal Deal and a Southampton defeat later, we went on to watch our first league win of the season.

Thatcham have scored 10 goals in their last three games and sit in tenth place.  We slipped down to third after Marlow snatched a last minute win in the week, and need a win to keep pressure on the top.

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

Hartley Wintney 1 - 1 Tanners

Frustration for Leatherhead as they probably deserved the win, based on first half chances alone, but came away with a draw.

With the wind swirling around, it was difficult to tell who was benefiting from the conditions but it certainly appeared like Leatherhead had come to terms with them first.

This was demonstrated when Trevan slipped in (I believe) Alpha who fired in a shot into the far top corner only for the assistant to raise their flag.  A penny for Joey Barton's thoughts...

Leatherhead continued to pressure and the Hartley Wintney 'keeper began to crack.  After one near miss he came out to gather a lofted ball only to get slightly blocked by his defenders.  His attempt to punch the ball only served to lay the goal on a plate for Luther Williams, who only had to tap into an open goal.

More chances came but were not taken.  The highlight being Trevan beating the 'keeper to a ball on the edge of the box but his chip went just wide.

1-0 at halftime after missing chances ... what could possibly go wrong?

The hosts came out more composed and it was their turn to probe for the equaliser.  While they created the clearer chances, it was a touch of fortune that allowed them to score.  A deflection deceived both our defence and 'keeper and the ball went in after kissing the far post.

We finished the game strongly, but lacked the last clinical pass or shot to get a much needed last-minute winner; the kind of which was enjoyed by Marlow.

Onto Thatcham then at the weekend then...

Travelling Tanners

On Saturday we lost a game, due to a frozen pitch.  Today we look to the heavens as we could be battered by our second storm in three days; Storm Jocelyn joins the party following Isha.

So if the game goes ahead, expect strong winds and the prospect of a goalkeeper scoring a comedy own goal from his goal kick.

Our hosts sit just outside the play-off places and a win would take them above Raynes Park Vale.  A win for us wouldn't see us move into second but will keep us from falling behind a Marlow side that is breathing down our neck.

Kick off at 7.30pm.  Directions can be found here. See you there!

Northwood 1 - 2 Tanners

After a superb midweek win, Tanners knew that anything other than a win at Northwood would be a grave mistake. Meanwhile the faint spectre of relegation loomed over the hosts.

On soft ground (heavy in places) Leatherhead started brightly hoping to dig out an early goal and bury The Woods. After some sustained pressure, Trevan was put through on 20 minutes and coolly side footed the ball into the net leaving the 'keeper in his wake. Northwood created very little in the first half and certainly not enough to stop all the clocks or prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone.

Half time and the clubhouse warmly welcomed many of the congregation who had gathered there today. The unusual red neon light decor was more reminiscent of a gentleman's club in Prague. 

David Simmons MP has a comfortable majority and would have been hoping for better news from the returning officer as his side took to the field for the second term. A fantastic long range effort from Alpha put Tanners 2-0 up on 54 minutes and even Hayden was dragged into some Klopp style hugging on the halfway line.

Leatherhead tried to see out the dying embers of the game but tired a little and Northwood were able to grab a late consolation goal. The players will enjoy a well earned midweek rest after a good week.

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead travel into London today to play Northwood in the league.  Our 17th place hosts had a win of their own, midweek, so both teams are looking to go on a run of form.

A tweet said cash was "preferred" over card, but last time I went cards were not accepted so go prepared.

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

Tanners 4 - 1 RVP

Remembering how our guests have over celebrated following friendly and Surrey Senior Cup matches, I was rather dreading this cold fixture but the smug boot was on the other foot last night.

Leatherhead asserted themselves in the opening minute.  Tyler Cox running onto a ball over the top and finishing into the bottom corner.

RVP equalised when the ref allowed the freelick to be taken in an advanced position.  The whipped in ball was missed by a defender and headed in at the far post.

Fabio made it 2-1 in the last few minutes of the first half (when I had retreated to the bar to warm up), with a long range effort that gave the 'keeper no chance.

The second half and Leatherhead maintained the levels we have seen in, say, the first 15 minutes at Westfield and continuously pestered their defence and 'keeper.  Suddenly the once-table-topping RVP started to look older and less fit than they did at 7.45.

The third goal could be described as a tap in but that would do the work of Alpha Diallo a disservice, who ran to a long raking pass and volleyed the lost cause across the face of goal towards Stagg who made no mistake.  4-1.

A fine win that needs to be backed up at Northwood on Saturday...

Raynes Park Vale are coming!

In a hundred years or so, we will look back and wonder how the tradition of inviting Raynes Park Vale to play once a month started... but for now all we can do is rejoice (with two pairs of socks) that it is finally on.

Despite there being some water on the pitch yesterday and freezing temperatures last night, the game gets the green light and we can play.

Back in October - October! - the gap before we were due to play them looked rather foreboding as they sat 7 points above us.  Now it is just one, albeit with RPV having a game in hand.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!

Westfield 3 - 0 Tanners

Leatherhead's run of clean sheets came crashing to an end on a miserable night in Woking.

For the first ten minutes, Leatherhead played some of the most attacking football I have seen over the festive period.  A low cross was met by Tyler, but the speed and a bobble meant it was sliced wide.  Moments later a similar cross could have been tapped in by two players but neither could quite reach it.

Then the game turned.  It seemed to start when Trevan lunged for a ball that the 'keeper came out for.  It looked a little desperate but he won the ball and it went out for a likely corner.  The 'keeper's yelp convinced the ref otherwise and Trevan received a yellow card (and was lucky to stay on the pitch following two incidents).  The 'keeper managed to reattach his foot to take the freekick though...

The opening goal was the hosts first attack.  A long diagonal ball could have been intercepted by a defender, but in deciding whether to control it or clear he did neither and it ran onto a player who slotted the ball into the far corner.

A few minutes later it was 2-0.  This time a free header did the damage.  The rain by now was coming down sufficiently to make the evening feel like a complete disaster.

Leatherhead came out in the second half looking for way back into the game but Westfield were more than happy to sit deep.  15 minutes of huffing and puffing later, Westfield grabbed a third and I headed home to hit the spiced rum I bought myself for Christmas.

Leatherhead now sit six points off of the top and look to bounce back on Saturday with a visit of Sutton Common Rovers.

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead travel to Woking today, for this New Year's Day fixture.  On seeing our game was moved to accommodate the Woking vs Aldershot game, I jumped on the chance to buy tickets to set up a double header.

Westfield are knocking on the door of the play-off places.  Only goal difference currently keeping them out.

Kick off at 5.30.  Directions can be found here.  Good luck finding space at 5pm!  See you there!

Tanners 1 - 0 Ascot United

Another big crowd came Leatherhead notch up their second 1-0 win over the festive season.  Again we were forced to be patient as the visitors played a cagey game.

Leatherhead showed attacking intent from the start, with mainly Dan Hector on long range shooting duty.  Ascot sat deep and invited these pot shots and it looked to be one of those long afternoons.

The first half could have finished with Leatherhead having at least a one man advantage,as Stagg was put through for a one on one and the 'keeper opted to save using his left hand when outside the box.  Had a few Leatherhead players appealed it may have been given but all we got was a corner from the incident.

Second half and the pressure told.  The ball was "stood up" to the far left-hand post and Splatts was there, eagerly waiting for the ball to drop.  He wound up a side volley and in truth sliced it a little but what it then lacked in power it gained in accuracy as the ball span into the far side netting.

We suffered a few scares in the last 5 minutes, but we held on to set up a crucial game against Westfield who will prove to be a very different type of opposition as they sit outside of the play-off places on goal difference only.

Ascot United are coming!

Leatherhead see out the year with a visit from Ascot United.

This damp and windy Saturday will see the highest placed side (13th) to have a negative goal difference come to the Grove.

Kick off at 3pm. See you there!

Tanners 1 - 0 Corinthian-Casuals

I didn't wear my Palmeiras shirt to this game, as it seems only to bring bad luck against our bogey team.

Watching the first half was much like watching a game of cricket.  You didn't need to focus on the game, but you could turn and talk to your neighbour about festivities and only turn your attention when you heard a ripple of applause or a cry from the middle of the pitch.

We looked a lot more purposeful in the second half, and full attention was needed.  Our opening goal came when Travan was slipped through a clever ball that he ran onto and fired it across goal.  Tyler Cox was on hand at the far post to bury it from close range.

Corinthians' fans were now in full voice and their team responded so a second goal was crucial.  The chance came when the ref awarded a penalty for a foul on Stagg...  

Stagg ran onto a ball but hovered over it to allow a defender to clumsily crash into him from behind.  Gus Sow hit his penalty at the perfect height for such a tall 'keeper and it was saved.

Our visitor's day got worse when their defender received his second yellow card, reducing them to 10 men.

We held on and now set up a home tie against Ascot, to keep pressure on the top 3...

Corinthian-Casuals are coming!

If the players feel anything like I did, when I woke up this morning, we're doomed. That kind of preparation, that only Dave Stevens thrived on, I am sure was expressly banned by Hayden.

Our guests will be looking for some festive cheer, as they sit in the relegation places.

Kick off at 3pm. See you there!

Happy Christmas!

From everyone here at The Lip!, Happy Christmas!

Hanworth Villa are coming

Seventh place Hanworth Villa come to the Grove tomorrow for this league fixture.

I'm still in the US and have absolutely no idea what time it is.

Kick off at 5am.  Good luck fellas.

Travelling Tanners

For some, the New Ground Klaxon will sound tomorrow as we travel to 8th place Hartley Witney.

If you are going, there are road closures (see tweets) and heavy rain and wind to contend with...

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

Raynes Park Vale

Pre-season friendlies; mid-season friendlies; mid-week cups... we haven't been able to beat our guests... annoying.

Tonight, Raynes Park Vale arrive at the Grove for this league fixture and the winner will go top; albeit with us having played two more games than Chertsey should we break into unchartered ground.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!

Tanners 1 - 0 Guernsey

Leatherhead faced a Guernsey side that were determined to leave with at least a point, as they frustrated us for 80 minutes.  While sides around us were scoring five goals, we will take the 1-0 win to keep us in the chase.

This wasn't one for the neutral.  It was bloody freezing and with our guests showing little ambition, we had to be patient and pass the ball around in front of them until an opening could be found.

We could have scored in the opening 5 minutes, but once Guernsey had found their main-land legs, they proved hard to break down.

The second half was much the same until about 70 minutes when suddenly Guernsey looked to get more than just a point, and tried to score on the break.  In turn, our chances started to look more promising.

Stagg rattled the bar.  Hector skimmed the far post.  Headers were being blocked on the line.  Most of these were replicated in our goal.

A Dan Hector cross was headed on goal, only for it to be cleared off of the line and the ball landed on the penalty spot where Ollie Cook was at hand to take control and fire it into the bottom corner.  After working so hard, I almost felt sorry for Guernsey.  Almost.

On to Tuesday then and the big one.  Raynes Park Vale are coming...

Guernsey are coming!

Guernsey arrive to the The Grove  today, with the DOUBLE SOCKER KLAXON sounding loudly.   It is the kind of weather that would see Dave Blaz, our ex-groundsman, reaching for his winter shorts.

Last week we bounced back from defeat and beat last place Binfield.  Now we face a side one place higher, as Guernsey find themselves in the relegation places.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you th-th-th-there!

Binfield 0 - 2 Tanners

Perhaps more hard-fought than we would have hoped, given our hosts are bottom of the table, but work us they did as we came out with a 1-0.

Omarr Lawson got us off to an early start.  We had just survived a scare in front of our own goal before Omarr finished off a low cross.

A pretty even game unfolded and Stagg left it until the last few minutes of stoppage time to make it safe and 2-0.

No game midweek so we wait until Saturday to host Guernsey, who sit just one place higher than Binfield... 

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead travel to Binfield tomorrow, to face them in the league.  

Last year, our hosts were just outside the play-off places.  This year they are rooted to the bottom and have yet to win a game.  A perfect chance to bounce back from our midweek defeat... or a massive banana skin..?

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

Tanners 1 - 2 Badshot Lea

Leatherhead came out in the first half like world beaters and really should have added to Stagg's early goal.

Our guests came out in the second half galvonised from surviving the opening 45 minutes just one goal down, and took the game to Leatherhead.  We failed to respond and got completely outplayed, lucky not to lose by one or two more.

On to Binfield on Saturday then...

Badshot Lea are coming

The recent rains appears not to have scuppered this fixture again, so tonight we play Badshot Lea.

I miss this game as I am away in Paris.  Sacre bleu!

Kick off at 7.45.  Bonne chance, garsons!

Tanners 1 - 0 Ashford Town

A frustrating day for the 505 crowd, who hoped to see more goals but a stubborn Ashford side kept them at bay.

Luke Tuffs arrived back at the Grove, knowing his side were going to be worked hard for 90 minutes and set his side out to make life as difficult as possible for us.

Little happened in the first half until the 40th minute when their 'keeper landed badly, resulting in a dislocated shoulder.  With no recognised 'keeper on the bench, this left out guests playing the rest of the game with effective 10.5 men.

On the stroke of half-time we won a penalty, which Beanie smashed to the stand-in keeper's left and had no chance.

In the second half, Ashford were far more adventurous and hit the roof of the net with a looping header.  Game on.  Meanwhile Leatherhead shot more on sight but Ashford did an fantastic job of closing the threat down, so only one found it's way on goal and the 'keeper dealt with it.  Just.

Up to third we go but we face a very different challenge on Tuesday...

Ashford Town (Middlesex) are coming!

Game on!  Barring a heaving downpour (which last night was forecast) we can expect to see football at the Grove, after having had three games rained off in quick succession.

This fixture will see our old manager Luke Tuffs return, with his side sitting in 14th place.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

Badshot Lea are coming!

I made a mistake and the NEW GROUND KLAXON is on hold as Badshot Lea come to us tomorrow.  However, for the third home game in a row, a storm precedes the fixture and The Grove could be in for another soaking.  Fingers crossed.

Our guests are knocking on the door of the play-offs and sit in sixth place having scored the same amount of goals as us but we've conceded almost 50% less.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!

Met Police 0 - 4 Tanners

Another dominant performance, as Leatherhead repeat the score line of Tuesday night with four goals (with another own goal).

Met Police failed to consistently deal with Leatherhead from the start.  Our attackers were allowed to roam freely down the left wing but they seemed to stamp out anything down our right...

It was also clear we were going to be shooting more.  These shots were troubling the horses, in the facility behind, more than the 'keeper but it was nice to see the intent.

The our opening goal.  An attack down our left and a cut-back ball into the box, found Hector how slotted it passed the 'keeper who was well out of position.

The second goal was a calamity from their number six.  Just seconds early he had volleyed it just over his own goal, mistiming everything.  He made no mistake from the following corner which found him unmarked at the far post; keeping his head over the ball he calmly stroked it into his own net.

A Braverman-style halftime team talk saw our hosts come out a lot more organised and for 20 minutes looked the most likely to get one back and make it interesting.  Leatherhead got through this spell and started applying pressure for more goals.

The Met's 'keeper had opted to kick it long all game but for some reason started playing out from the back when we were at our most adventurous.  This resulted in him getting the ball back with Stagg bearing down on him and in the resulting panic, played it into his shins and it rebounded towards goal and needed no further encouragement to cross the line.

In injury time Stagg made it four... but I missed this goal.

Onto Tuesday and a NEW GROUND KLAXON of Badshot Lea...

Travelling Tanners

After scoring four goals in the week Leatherhead hope they have at least one more in the locker when we face our old friends, Met Police.

The Met Police make a return to our league, missing us so much they took voluntary relegation to play us again.

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

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead need to dry themselves off and get back to league duties, after we lose our second Saturday home fixture in quick succession.  We are off to Chipstead.

Our old friends sit just three points behind us, having played one more game, and score 8 more goals (while conceding 12 more).  Hopefully we will see more of our strikers than we did away to Marlow... 

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

Marlow 4 - 0 Tanners

You would cry too, if it happened to you.  Another birthday and another defeat, but more crushing than I had anticipated.

I arrived at the ground in good spirits, but this didn't last long as Marlow slotted away their first goal on 7 minutes.  A Marlow player was allowed too much time on the ball and made space to put it calmly away.

1-0 soon became 2-0 when we all played musical statues and allowed Marlow a free shot on goal.  We held out for a bit longer before we conceded a third in a manner I have blanked from memory.

As we changed ends I saw the famous chef, Tom Kerridge, enjoying the game.  I had naively thought he was slaving away in the kitchen where I had enjoyed my birthday lunch, but realised my curse had not only made him a little bit richer but also provided him with an eventful afternoon of football.

Early into the second half I popped into the bar when a muted cheer went up.  "If it's a Marlow goal you all get a discount, if it's Leatherhead you pay more!" announced the bar manager to the weary travelling supporters.  With business sense like that, Marlow will soon go out of business.  Of course it was a Marlow goal and it was now four ruddy nil.

Dave Tarpey started the half, coming on with the thankless task of rescuing us at 3-0 and his job was now harder.  The damage was done and we caused enough problems to limit the damage.

On to Saturday where we hope to avoid storm damage on Thursday as well as to our league position.  A loss will see us 10 points off of the lead...

Travelling Tanners

I have bad news for Hayden.  Tomorrow is my birthday and, from memory, we have only won once in the 25 years we have played when I celebrate this milestone.  The first being Rushden & Diamonds, where a cruel last-minute equaliser meant a mid-week 4-0 thrashing away in the replay. Sudbury is a nice win to have under the belt though.

We live in hope though and the trip to Marlow looks daunting, even without my hex.  They sit one point about us having scored 8 more goals and have won four games in a row.  They do have a pretty wooden stand, so there is that to look forward to...

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

Tanners 3 - 1 Abbey Rangers

A second half goalfest sees Leatherhead through to the next round of the Surrey Senior Cup; a competition we should finally get our teeth stuck into.

The first half had its moments but after buying a cup of tea on 42 minutes, I felt confident that if I went into the bar to secure a table I wouldn't miss any action.  Table secured; no action missed.

The second half was a different kettle of fish.  Less sideways passing and more intent was the modus operandi and it paid off.

Firstly Splatt was given far too much respect and the defender backed off too much as he strode into the box.  A confident shot was placed into the bottom right hand corner.  Where would we be without our scoring defenders?

Then a moment of wonder from Abbey Rangers.  Our 'keeper came out to clear a ball but found an Abbey Rangers player who went for the lob.  I couldn't call it a deft lob, it was more of an orbital-intergalactic one.  High it went beyond the main beam of the flood lights so the ball dimmed in the highest point of its arc.  The down it came, landing perfectly beyond the line and into the roof of the net.

The long-cold-boney hand of penalties seemed to be resting on our shoulders until Omar Lawson struck.  Picking up the ball on the edge of the box, he danced around three players before finding the bottom corner with a powerful strike.

Hector sealed the deal with a low strike from range, bending the ball around a defender to beat the unsighted 'keeper.

On we go to Marlow then, who suddenly look like world beaters...

Abbey Rangers are coming!

Abbey Rangers, who sit in 9th place in the Combined Counties, come to the Grove tonight for this Surrey Senior Cup fixture.

It is "Pay want you want" deal on the gate and the pitch looks like it has recovered from Storm Babet.  Like us, our guests have score 14 goals but have conceded nearly three times as many.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!

Game off

The morning's rain was a drop too far and the game is off.

Hopefully it dries out in time for Tuesday…

Tanners 0 - 0 Northwood

There was once a time when watching Leatherhead, under the lights, on a Tuesday night was a thing of wonder.  In recent weeks it has become a trip to the hygienist who is running 30 minutes late for your appointment.

Northwood came with a game plan to frustrate, but still had enough in the locker to give us a scare.  Missing a free tap in at the far post on about 10 minutes was the first and most notably warning sign. 

Leatherhead could have scored from range in the early exchange, with a gaping open goal, but the first time shot bent wide.

Other than that, Northwood had the measure of us.   Our crosses were picked off one by one. Some were tantalisingly close to completion to set up a good attempt at goal but somehow a boot or head got in the way.

Frustrating but we come back here to make amends on Saturday.  Saturday!

Northwood are coming

Northwood make the difficult midweek journey to the Grove for the first of the trilogy of home games.  

We will go top with a win and our hosts sit near the relegation zone.   That said we got battered at their place last season when their tall striker proved too much to handle.

Kick off at 7.45pm.  See you there!

Uxbridge 1 - 3 Tanners

A match report as late as Leatherhead left it to grab the victory on Saturday.  Two goals in the dying minutes were enough to beat a side playing in front of a large home crowd, welcoming them home.

On arrival, we were impressed how friendly the hosts were.  Excited to be back at their stadium (new pitch, not a new ground for me) they greeted us with smiles and a pay as much or as little as you like policy.

They were as welcoming on the pitch, as after just a few minutes we were 1-0 up.  A free kick (that I did not think the ref was going to give) was swung in and Ollie Cook rose to head back across goal.  It seemed to take an age to find the far post and sneak in but the 'keeper could not get to it.

Watching the game also told us just how good Chertsey were.  Uxbridge are a good side, but they were nothing compared to how Chertsey controlled us in the week.

After controlling the game for about 30 minutes we dropped off and suddenly everything seemed like hard work.

This continued into half time and sensing a delay on the M25 I popped to the facilities on 82 minutes.  I re-emerged by the bar on 85 minutes, as Rod was no doubt sharpening his pencil for another tirade, as Ollie Cook pivoted in the area to strike a ball in the top right hand corner. 2-1.

By the time I had reached the corner flag it was 3-1.  Leatherhead won the ball back from a last ditch Uxbridge attack, then feeding in Trevan who made no mistake on the break.  3-1. 

A great win, in the end, and onto tonight...

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead hit the A3-less road to Uxbridge today in this league fixture.

Uxbridge are doing a "pay what you think it's worth" promotion today. Question is, can you pay after the game…

Kick off at 3pm. See you there!

Tanners 0 - 1 Chertsey

I had a nightmare with the preview for this.  I got the opposition wrong about who knocked us out of the league cup.  I mixed up the weeks and thought it was only this and one other fixture being played.  I wish I had got the date wrong, as then I would have been spared this disappointing defeat.

Chertsey came and did a real number on us last night.  They forced our usual penetrating attack to mild flirting and at no real point did we even ask our guests out for a coffee.

After a very nervous start we did have some good spells; notably around the 20 minute mark for about 20 minutes and the opening 15.  In that time we had a good chance, with Dan Hector running on to a loose ball on the penalty spot, but another player got in his way and they both left it to bounce harmlessly away.

In the last 15 minutes, we had the moments of controversy that could have swung the game our way.  A powerful shot was blocked and saw the ball bounce high in the box.  One of our players attacked the ball but no real attempt to win it as a defender was rushing in with a high boot.  

Contact was made with our player but the defender let out the loudest shout and went down holding his foot.  The ref and seen and heard enough and out came the yellow card for our player for daring to be kicked in the head.

We hoped that might rally us into action but the ball went down the other end and they scored.  A long ball was met by both their attacker and a defender.  We got there first, the ball struck their player (perhaps even off an arm) and bounced kindly for him to run on and score into the bottom corner.

Chertsey then managed the game well.  Using their bodies to shield the ball and then falling down to win free kick after free kick.  Frustration grew and a scuffle broke out after we fouled badly.  Despite multiple players being involved, the officials only saw fault with one of our defenders with an additional yellow card being shown.

Not the night I had hoped for and on we go to Uxbridge on Saturday...

Chertsey are coming!

So, the cold wet fish that is the FA Codding Trophy slapped us around the face with defeat at Westfield.  Sadly, a chance to host Hungerford slips by.

But tonight we have bigger fish to fry as we host Chertsey in the league, in what could be the biggest game of the season so far.  Our guests didn't knock us out of the League Cup, that was Chipstead,  but with RPV slipping it up it could be a chance to build a buffer.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there and tight lines, everyone!

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead rush Headlong into the third qualifying round and chance to get into the first round proper of the FA Sodding Trophy, where better non-league teams enter.

Hopefully our Hitman, Travis continues his scoring form in this competition.

I'm not going. Not due my petty boycott, but because I'm partying near Skegness. It's a hard life.

Kick off at 3pm. Find your own sodding way there. Good luck fellas!

SCM 0 - 1 Tanners

Leatherhead win on the road after playing some pretty football, scoring an ugly goal and after surviving some late scares you could say the game was pretty ugly.

Overall, we outplayed our hosts being confident on the ball and being a tad unlucky not to score more.  With the ball at our feet, we looked unplayable as a drop of a shoulder sent their defenders for a hotdog, then back for mustard and then back again for a napkin... or maybe even toilet roll.

Our goal was as brilliant as it was fortunate.  A sublime pass picked out Travis who had made a well timed run, to see him completely clear on goal.  The ball got slightly stuck at his feet and that bought enough time for their defender to come sliding in and make a clean tackle... but the ball shot straight into the back of the net.

The second half didn't have quite the same intensity but still continued to play confident passing football.  As the game entered the final 10 minutes (which was remarkably late due to the tardy ref) it became both the most comfortable and precarious 1-0 lead I have seen for a while.  

We would have a spell of attacking possession and then in a flash we would desperately defend a goal mouth scramble only to launch another attack by confidently passing it out from the back.

So Leatherhead go top but this may not be the case at the weekend as we are in FA Crappy Trophy duty while RVP play in the league...

Travelling Tanners

Off we travel to see Sutton Common Rovers, knowing a win will send us top over Raynes Park Vale.  

Our hosts sit just three points behind us, albeit having played one more game, in fifth place.  Chuck in a plastic pitch and it isn't going to be easy.  They now play at Whyteleafe... I wonder if SCR's supporters will sit in the stand, refuse to change ends and moan constantly...

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

Tanners 5 - 0 Thatcham

Leatherhead put in the kind of performance that not even Rod could pour cold water on it in one of his official match reports, as we score four second half goals to take all three points.

Not for the first time this season, we started the strongest side butt his time we made it count.  We should have perhaps had a penalty on 7 minutes when a defender slid through Robinson but the ref gave a corner.

Since I announced we never score from corners, we have scored two in three games; you're welcome.  Beanie's powerful-swinging cross beat (the first man!) the 'keeper and found Cook's head and gave their defence no chance.

Only 1-0 at half time and you could be worried that one slip could see us drawing again,but those  nerves were eased after just 66 seconds.  A hopeful ball into the box looked like a routine catch until a defender got involved, ignoring the shout, and headed it over their 'keeper.  The bouncing ball was gratefully headed home by Robinson.

Four minutes later, we score a third after a Hector run down the left allowed him to cut it back to Lawson who dispatched it into the top corner.

Soon we were playing 1970's Brazil-style passing football and after about 40 passes an Hector hit the post.  

The ref, having helped out Thatcham by not giving a penalty in the first half, tried to help them again by only taking back their wall about 6 yards.  It mattered not, as Lawson bent the ball around the wall to sneak it in via the near post.  Unlucky ref.

Just as the game is about to end, we scored a fifth.  This came from  a new policy of trying to score a goal from further out than 2 yards.  We were shooting more and, while the River Mole has a couple of extra balls in it, it made us feel a lot more of a constant threat.  Kanali Barton led the breakaway down the middle, with options on either side, but the defenders backed off  too much and his shot found the side netting.

Comprehensive then and on we go to Wednesday, where a win against SCM could see us go top...

Thatcham are coming

A long awaited return to league action after a few weeks away due to FA competitions. Hurray.

Thatcham sit in the bottom half of the table having won half their league games.

Kick off at 3pm. See you there!

Tanners 0 - 1 Chipstead

The league cup won't be sitting on Hayden's mantlepiece this summer, as we fell short against Chispstead on Tuesday night.

It could have been different had we taken our chances in the opening 20 to 30 minutes where the ball rarely left the Chisptead half.  As the half came to a close the game became more even and we hoped for a revival in the second half.

That revival didn't come and on about 60 minutes I tweeted that penalties looked on and moments later Chipstead scored.  The goal came from a corner after we had just pulled off an amazing save.  We failed to deal with the cross and our keeper was well beaten.

"I'm a bloody genius!", I thought as this was pretty much exactly what happened on Saturday and we went on to win 3-1... but I turned out to be a frustrated genius as we failed to score, largely down to some heroics of a double save to keep us out.

Seven minutes of extra time did not bring the equalising goal, so the league and the Surrey Senior Cup remain the focus for the year...

Chipstead are coming!

Velocity 2nd Round action tonight, as we play Chipstead tonight.  I am sure Hayden would love to get stuck back into the league, but this cup gives us an opportunity to have another run.

It won't be easy though.  Chipstead lie in 7th place and joint second in terms of scoring.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!

Southall 1 - 3 Tanners

Tanners secured their place in the draw for the Third Qualifying round in the FA Sodding trophy after a second half performance that proved too much for the 10 men of Southall.

Leatherhead looked the brighter side in the opening ten minutes with two clear chances squandered in quick succession.  Soon after our hosts missed an fre header and the game swung in their favour.

Penalties looked a certainty when, on 40 minutes, a Southall player went in hard with studs shown and was shown a red.

I was expecting a repeat of the attritional first half in the second but Southall slotted home  a fine  strike to make it 0-1.

This gave Leatherhead a greater sense of urgency as we pressed for the equaliser.  It looked like we had it when the ball fell to one of our players with only two players on the line to beat but somehow one of them managed to block the powerful shot.

Our equaliser came from a penalty.  A Southall player pulled back one of our players as he was about to shoot and the ref pointed to the spot.  The pressure didn't show as Gus Sow chipped the spot kick in off the bar.

Then Leatherhead went on to win comfortably with a short corner routine providing Splatt with a clear strike on goal on about the penalty spot.  Then Robinson turned provider to Hector who finished clinically from a tight angle.

The frustration showed for the hosts as their manager was sent off when he threw his pen onto the pitch.  Perhaps a harsh decision from the ref,as the manager was probably just showing his players how to lose their marker...

Onto to the third qualifying round and the inevitable disappointment of playing Wingate & Finchley (or similar) away...

Travelling Tanners

I should really appreciate this competition more, especially when there is £2,250 up for grabs, but for some reason I can't get excited about it.  However, the New Ground Klaxon is sounding and it provides a chance to get to Southall ahead of the April league fixture.  So I'm in.

Today we travel to Southall (well, Burnham) for the second qualifying round fixture in the FA Sodding Trophy.  Our hosts sit 15th in the league while we have enjoyed a better start to the season and are 2nd.

Kick off at 3pm.  Directions can be found here.  See you - still can't believe I am saying this - there!

Ascot United 0 - 1 Tanners

Leatherhead go top thanks to an early goal scored by the in-form Trevan Robinson.

As early as two minutes we opened the scoring; Trevan took the ball while clear on goal, nicely dribbled past the keeper and slotted the ball into the open net.  No further goals came, despite a free flowing performance, but it was enough to take home all three points.

Due to the FA Cup exit,a glaring hole now appears in our fixture list... which will now be filled by taking my son to Uni... how did that happen so fast!?

Travelling Tanners

After the resounding Trophy win - a scoreline so big I couldn't make up a report given I wasn't there - tonight we travel to Ascot United for this league fixture.

For many the New Ground Klaxon will sound, although not for me as I went there for the hell of it in 2019.  If a new ground wasn't incentive enough, a win sends us top!

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

Travelling Tanners

A glorious day to travel to the Kent countryside, for today's FA Trophy game.  A full coach is making the trip, but I am not on account it is the FA Sodding Trophy.

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

Horsham 2 - 1 Tanners

No FA Cup upset for Leatherhead, despite going toe for toe with our Isthmian Premier hosts over two games.

Leatherhead, again, started brightly and had the first chance to score.  Trevan was put through for a one on one with the 'keeper but put his effort wide.  

Horsham hadn't got a troubling shot on target for 100 minutes of football but when they did, of course, in it went.  It came from a run that appeared to be going nowhere until the player placed a seemingly underhit shot perfectly into the bottom corner.

Watching games at Horsham in the first half, like other grounds where the bar is behind one goal, means sharing it with some local fans.  One supporter bellowed out instructions with the belief he was player manager, captain and; judging by the speed he ran to the bar when we equalised; fitness coach.

Our equaliser was spectacular.  On 30 minutes Dan Hector, who was well marshalled all game, felt he was clipped in the box and went down but the ref refused to see a penalty.  Trevan picked up the loose ball, beat a couple of players and unleashed a curling shot that gave their 'keeper no chance.  1-1.

The second half saw Leatherhead fade away as the game went on.  For the first 15 minutes, the travelling fans could enjoy their 'keeper kicking the ball out for a throw-in for nearly every attempt.  Soon, the boot was on the other foot as tired Leatherhead legs made a string of mistakes as the pressure grew.

The winner came from a run down the middle on 82 minutes.  The shot was again well placed but at a speed that led many supporters to question why a save could not be made.

With 7 minutes of extra time we thought we had conjured up an equaliser, when a freekick was headed back across goal but the attempt to chest it down was too strong and it bounced harmlessly towards goal.

Not to be but on to the Trophy where we play Herne Bay...

Travelling Tanners

A big task lies ahead tonight in this FA Cup replay.  After a close game we go to Horsham, where their artificial pitch only adds to their home advantage.  

That said, one of my favourite performances of our last Isthmian Premiership season was at their place where we held  on with 10 men to win, 1-0.

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

Tanners 0 - 0 Horsham

Leatherhead played out a credible 0-0 draw against their Isthmian Premier opponents and probably had the better chances, albeit the resulting shots were largely scuffed or snatched.

For the first five minute, Horsham looked by far the better team but that all changed and for the next five it was Leatherhead who were very much on top.  It was as if the visitors had not done their homework and rocked up thinking it would be easy.  They clearly looked rattled as they tried to survive the onslaught.

Survive it they did and apart from another period of pressure from Leatherhead towards the end, the game was fairly even.

The ref, perhaps over familiar with the players from the higher division, appeared to favour our guests.  Their 'keeper could get a freekick by taking a small tumble and we were booked twice while their players merely got a talking to.

Two penalty shouts being waved away in quick succession were the icing on a frustrating cake.

Off to the replay then where I expect our hosts to have swotted up a bit better...

Horsham are coming!

Today we welcome our old friends, Horsham, to The Grove for this FA Cup fixture.  Our guests will swagger in with all of the confidence of an Isthmian Premier League side but we have our own spring in our step after being unbeaten so far.

Leatherhead have added two players to their ranks, ready for today.  Let's hope they are ready to slot into the side today.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

Tanners 0 - 0 Westfield

Of the three teams with perfect starts, only Leatherhead came out with a point as the others both lost.  It is not as if we are pulling away by a point and we are promptly joined by two others.

My closest involvement with football was having a drink in the pub that they filmed Ted Lasso.  A show that sounded considerably more entertaining than the game at The Grove.

Both teams struggled to get a grip on the game, and it was played out for a scoreless draw.

Time to prepare for the FA Cup game on Saturday then...

Westfield are coming!

It is my wife's birthday, so I won't be at today's game.  Ironically, I am likely to end up in a Westfield shopping centre near Kensington while their namesakes play out today's league game.

Leatherhead are only one of three teams that have made a perfect start in the league, with two wins.  Westfield have a draw to their name.

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas.

South Park 1 - 2 Tanners

All in all, a very satisfactory three games for Leatherhead.  It wasn't the kind of trilogy that has the impact of discovering Darth Vader is your father, but an FA Cup win and three points will do nicely.

Again Leatherhead started the game looking brighter and again South Park sat back and tried to soak up the pressure.  Their hard work was undone when a defender pulled a Leatherhead player's shirt, right under the nose of the referee, and a penalty was given.

Sow stepped up and didn't make a pig's ear of it, 1-0.

Just before half time, Saraiva curled in an exquisite freekick to make it 2-0 and a repeat of the halftime scoreline on Tuesday night.

South Park did pull one back in the second half to put us on edge, but we held on to make it six points from six.

Westfield on Monday then...

Travelling Tanners

The last part of the South Park trilogy is played out today, as we face them again in the league. 

So far, we are up 3-2 on aggregate after our win in the replay.  Hopefully we can show the same clinical edge that saw us go into the first half 2-0 up on Tuesday.

Kick off at 3pm.  Directions can be found on the link I posted just a week ago.  Good luck fellas!

Tanners 2 - 1 South Park

Leatherhead's FA Cup dream lives on as we beat South Park last night.  Two first half goals were enough to set up a seemingly comfortable win, until the last three minutes of stoppage time.

Much like the first game, Leatherhead came out brightly but this time were more clinical.  On just 8 minutes, Man of the Match, Dan Hector broke down the left and cut his pass back into the path of Omarr Lawson who fired it in off the 'keeper.

Leatherhead continued to dominate when they repeated the trick again, albeit from a closer angle and via the head of a defender for an own goal.

The second half, with Leatherhead 2-0 to the good, it was understandable that we did not overcommit.  We made few attempts at goal, but while South Park appeared to lack the edge to do anything about it we were happy to dictate the game at arms length.  This all changed in stoppage time, when they scored.  A break down the left and the ball was shifted to the centre, where it was slotted into the bottom right corner.

Then, with three of the five minutes to go, they had a throw-in deep in our territory and up went their 'keeper.  The long throw was followed by two corners where I could taste extra-time and penalties, but we held on and set up a match with our old friends, Horsham.

South Park are coming!

FA Cup replay action tonight and South Park come to the Grove looking to move on in the competition to face Horsham at home.

The last time this happened and we had a replay against South Park, it didn't end well and we were on the wrong end of a 3-1 beating.  Hopefully that can be avoided tonight.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!

South Park 1 - 1 Tanners

Plenty of pressure did not prevent an early FA Cup scare with South Park scoring first and holding on to the last few minutes.

The first half was largely all Leatherhead and seemed that way into the second half until the hosts scored with a free header.

A triple change created the desired effect and we pounced with just about enough time to equalise and nearly win it.

We take them back to ours on Tuesday, but who will be singing "can we play you thrice a week?" come next Saturday...?

Travelling Tanners

A Tarpeyless Leatherhead travel to South Park for the FA Cup today.  It isn't a happy hunting ground for us and the last time we played them in the cup, we were soundly beaten 3-1.  A lot to do then.

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

Tanners 2 - 1 Southall

Leatherhead notch up an opening-day win with a late push after it looked like we were going to pass sideways to a draw.

The first 45 minutes lacked any kind of incident of note.  I think we missed a chance to open the scoring in the last minute, but by then I was already sat down in the bar with a cup of tea.

The second half saw us come out with purpose but the intensity and pressure only really troubled our hosts for the last 30 minutes.

Our goal came from a freekick.  A ball to the far post was headed back across goal for it to be volleyed in off the bar.  For a worrying second it looked like it might bounce on the line and spin out but when the roof of the net bulged we could celebrate.

Southall had rarely troubled us until we troubled ourselves.  Overpassing at the back saw a stray pass fall to one of their players and they passed it into the net.

Leatherhead pressed on.  Tarpey missed a golden chance by hitting a shot too close to the 'keeper that forced a fine save. 

The draw looked increasingly likely until we won a penalty.  I've seen them not given, but a clumsy shoulder barge was deemed to be a foul and up stepped Beany.  2-1.

We got there in the end and so off we go to the FA Cup next week...

Southall are coming

After an altogether successful pre-season, the season kicks off today with the visit of Southall today.

Like last season we open with a home game.  Hopefully we can avoid the same disappointment.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

Beckenham 2 - 2 Tanners

Leatherhead weathered an early storm, in every sense of the word, to come away with a hard fought draw.

Maybe it was down to a combination of the heavy rain and longer grass, that Hayden adopted a more direct approach.  While we have the pace to chase and pressure, the physical defenders soon became accustomed to this and our early chances made way for home advantage.

Beckenham got their opener from a low cross from the right for a tap in on the left.  We thought we had repeated the trick moments later but our player scuffed his chance.  In the resulting melee, a home defender cleared for a corner for safety and set up to defend.  The ref ignored this and gave a goal kick.

Our equaliser was turned in by a defender for an own goal.  Our shot was potentially sneaking in but a defender made sure of it by mucking up his clearance.

Second half and I could bask in the splendour of a new ground that offers a train track in the background.  Wonderful.

Leatherhead reverted back to a slicker style of football and applied pressure only to be caught on the counter and concede pretty much a carbon copy of the first.

We continued to press and got our reward from a freekick earned from the pressure we were applying.  Beany took it from just outside the penalty area on the left and bent it in off of the far post.  An added dynamic was that the 'keeper works for the goal scorer and they will be sharing a van on Monday morning.

Tarpey nearly won it when he volleyed a cross off of the bar with such power the post is probably still shaking.

That's it though.  The friendlies are over and now we turn to the season ahead with an opener against Southall at the Grove on Saturday...

Travelling Tanners

Providing the Beckenham pitch survives Storm Antoni, today is our last friendly before the season starts.

Our guests ply their trade at the same level but in the Isthmian One South East League.  Leatherhead look to make it six wins in a row before we start our campaign.

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

Tanners 3 - 1 Dartford

Leatheread made it five in a row, with a stunning 3-1 win against our Step 2 guests last night.

Charlie Sherringham played a big part in opening the scoring, by heading across goal to set up a close range header.

From then on Leatherhead responded and responded well with three spectacular goals.   I just hope we haven't used them all up in pre-season!

Masikini, Lawson and a last minute Tarpey goal made for a fine 3-1 win.  Off to Beckenham on Saturday for the last friendly...

Dartford are coming

National League South opposition come to the Grove tonight and bring ex-Tanner Charlie Sherringham with them.

Our pre-season form has been rather good... disconcertingly good... and this is one of our last two games before the season starts.

Kick off at 7.45.  Good luck fellas. 

Tanners 1 -0 Brentford

Another fine pre-season win chalked up thanks to a piece of magic in the first half.

Brentford brought a youthful side and the experience of Leatherhead's players dictated much of the first half, with our hosts being bullied off of the ball.

Tarpey had the first attempt of goal, being played through but hitting straight at the 'keeper.  Then Tyler Cox found the ball out wide on the left, before he shimmied past two players, then beating another, before firing into the top corner.

Second half and our hosts were not quite so easy to pressure but we were rarely threatened.  Tarpey continued to look lively but failed to score.

We then won a penalty which was well saved after some mind games from their 'keeper.

Overall, an entertaining game played in front of a respectable crowd.  Dartford tomorrow then...