Travelling Tanners

You don't win the title in July and friendlies are more about the team getting minutes on the pitch etc. but I cannot help but feel there will be a certain amount of disappointment with the result on Saturday.  Our peers extended their 1-0 halftime lead to 3-0 before we responded with our only goal.

 

A chance to put that right tonight with a trip to another old friend, Corinthian-Casuals.  Having finished last in out league, in the previous season, they now are set to play in the Combined Counties League Premier Division South.

 

Kick off at 7.45.  Good luck fellas!

Travelling Tanners

After Leatherhead we beat Hilltop last week 8-0 – I did not think we would get more games than grounds, for this one – we now head towards familiar territory of Merstham.

 

Our old friends have been shuffled over to the Isthmian League South East Division and will provide us with a good test.

 

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

Travelling Tanners

Hilltop must REALLY want to play this game as, by my reckoning, we have had four venues for this. First there was Beaconsfield, Slough Town (although I cannot find this tweet, now) and the Middlesex FA ground (all new for me) and then a last-minute change to Burnham (home also to Slough where we go on the opening game of the season #muggedoff).

 

Leatherhead will look to get back to winning ways after a hard fought draw, in the week…

 

Kick off at 3pm.  Good luck fellas!

Tanners 1 - 1 AFC Croydon Athletic

As we arrived at The Grove, Stormzy's Hide and Seek was playing so I took this to be a sign and searched for the grime star around the ground.  I gave up after looking in the wheelie bins and realised he had no come to see his side.  Onto the game then…  Full disclosure, I did not get a team sheet so I am flying blind a little bit here. 

 

The Dorking Wanderers game was never going to be a fair reflection of how the side is shaping up, but this game would be a good prediction of how we could fair against some of the better sides next year.  AFC Croydon Athletic; a well backed side, playing in claret and blue… practically Farnham in disguise.

 

What was clear form the outset was both sides have prioritised their defence for this game and so it wasn't the most electric affair.  We did look lively down our right-hand side (no 11) and a stocky midfielder (no 4) looked like he could hold his own in the centre.

 

After a first half goal was ruled out for offside, the game looked like a nailed on 0-0 draw until their striker shot from distance.  Our 'keeper might be a little bit disappointed with the goal as he got a hand to it but was perhaps a little slow to react and in it went.

 

Albeit a friendly, a 1-0 defeat would not be ideal to start rebuilding confidence so the equaliser must have been well received by the management team.  One of our strikers (again, sorry for the lack of details) beat several players by "stumbling with style" through their defence but had the presence of mind to slot in another striker who finished well.

 

Onto Saturday where we play Hilltop, not at their ground or the other one but another…

AFC Croydon Athletic are coming!

At least two former Leatherhead personnel arrive at the Grove tonight, with Jermaine McGlashan, as manager, and Olivia Boulton as physio.

 

Last year's Combined Counties Premier South Division Play-Off winners are well backed but I am not sure if any of their star-studded directors will be at the Grove tonight.

 

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!

Tanners 1 - 4 Dorking Wanderers

The Trophy heads back to Dorking again, after a comprehensive display from our visitors that left us chasing shadows for much of the game.

 

Like two years ago, we kicked off in away from the Edwards' Family stand but this time we avoided conceding before reaching the other end.  We even had time to stop and listen to ******* Marc ******* White give his ******* usual brand of ******* encouragement to his ******* players.

 

The goal did come soon after we settled into our spot behind the goal.  A simple pass released a player down the right-hand side of the box, who crossed in for an easy tap in.  Of to see Saka and Kane do that tonight… 0-1.

 

Our number 9 was played through on goal shortly after, but he stood on the ball so was forced to attempt a shot from about 15 yards out which just went past the far post.

 

As it turned out, a rare attempt at goal for Leatherhead and things got worse when a similar move produced the same result of a goal and the same celebration song from the travelling supporters.  0-2.

 

Second half, and Dorking controlled the game and people around me became more and more bombarded with tales of my recent holiday to Albania and the ceramic BBQ I had just bought.  There was little football to occupy the mind.  A well taken free lick made it 3-0 and I headed for the door.

 

I therefore missed Dorking's forth and our only goal of the game.  We followed up on a long range shot and got our reward.  The other talking point was the return of Chike Kandi, who could be a huge re-signing for us, albeit he looked a little off the pace yesterday.

 

Tuesday we welcome, Jermaine McGlashan and Wilfried Zaha to The Grove as Croydon Athletic play in our next friendly…

Dorking Wanderers are coming!

This year's Surrey Advertiser Trophy is played out at The Grove today, as our new manager puts out his new-look team against our newly relegated guests.

Two years ago we snatched a last minute winner but last year a late comeback was not enough to retain the trophy.

Kick off at 3pm. See you there!

Marlow 3 - 1 Tanners

No promotion for Leatherhead, as second-place Marlow proved to be too much for us in the second half.  A gutsy first half couldn't be replicated, and three quick goals finished us off.

 

There was something rather blasé about Marlow before the game.  They were far too relaxed in the bar for a game of this importance and Leatherhead came out and , seemingly, took advantage of it.  For the first time in three games, we were in control and putting them under pressure.  The poor-man's Ben White certainly didn't like it and tried some "housery" of headbutting Ibz then going down himself while holding his head.

 

Despite the pressure no goal came and we went into the break feeling optimistic of the next 45 minutes.  Little did we know disaster had just turned off the A404… due to a misunderstanding, my son was unaware today was the final and asked my wife to drive him there from Guildford (thus nullifying my environmentally friendly route of bicycle, two trains and a lift share).  I did not expect my wife to join him and as she looked excitedly into my eyes, I knew in the pit of my stomach we were about to lose.  After celebrating 20 years of marriage only 10 days before, I have had plenty of experiences of Southampton collapsing from far superior positions for the mere act of joining me on the sofa, so in person this effect could only be magnified.

 

Our hold on the game lasted barely ten minutes.  Their left-hand side was already a major problem and when they got a corner on the same side, they were well drilled and capitalised.  The next ten minutes was an absolute nightmare.  We had no response as they smelled blood and went to add to their lead.  A freekick.  Boom.  2-0.  Then the ref joined in, overlooking a foul on us in a dangerous position and letting Marlow tear down the other end to get a corner.  Boom. 3-0.

 

Hayden rang the changes, bringing on Trevan, and we tried to make a game of it.  On 87 minutes Trevan turned in a cross from close range, and had Ollie Cook's header not gone just wide it may have created some genuine concern but Marlow had more than enough left in the tank.

 

On the final whistle, their 'keeper opted to return some of the pleasantries he had received from some of our newer supporters.  Why he didn't opt to run to his supporters first, I do not know.  Perhaps they were too hard to find as of the 1,500 in attendance we had brought the lion's share… but the footballing gods care not for this and Marlow, finishing impressively in second place, win the final.

 

So, another season comes to an end and I have just realised it concludes the twentieth – twentieth! – season of The Lip! having started this back in preseason of 2003.  Onto next season then…

Travelling Tanners

This is it then; the whole shooting match.  Leatherhead travel, with two coaches, to Marlow tomorrow for the play-off final.

 

Plenty to think about with this game.  Not least the 6-0 aggregate scoreline they have over us… we are the third best away team in the league while Marlow are only the 6^th best home side.  Marlow are the highest scoring team in the league, while we have the joint best defending record.  The things you look up while trying to distract yourself the day before a final…

 

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

Tanners 1 - 1 Southall (3-2 on penalties)

Leatherhead progress to the final the hard way, winning on penalties in front of over 1,000 supporters last night.

 

The away encounter showed what a difficult side Southall could be to beat, but defeat came only when we were down to 10 men so there must have been belief we could win this semi-final.  It certainly looked like they had belief, as we took the game to Southall for the first 35 minutes.  Ibz and Trevan probably having the best of our chances.  Then Southall won a corner and it seemed they managed to keep the ball in our half for the remainder of the game.

 

Into the second half and Southall scored early.  Alpha could not have anticipated the quality of the pass that went over his head and into the path of a player down the left wing.  The Southall player advanced into the ball and appeared to cross the ball but, by all accounts, it took a deflection and found its way into the bottom corner.  Given the events of Saturday, the Southall fans took a vow of silence, and we didn't hear a peep from them.

 

Predictably, Southall attempted to go into timewasting mode.  Their 'keeper, who had previous in the away game, "accidently" kicked the ball into the corner while picking the ball up.  The ref spotted it and warned him.  Moments later, Southall kicked the ball away after a foul was awarded and issued a yellow card.  This refereeing limited their "housery".

 

We needed a response and got one.  Tyler Cox danced past two players and fired a curling shot into the far corner.  Mr Tyrannosaurus Rex arms couldn't reach it and into the corner it flew.  For the next ten minutes, momentum was well and truly with Leatherhead.  Dan Hector headed onto the post and a freekick for a back pass on the 6-yard line hit a defender onto the post and bounced down and was cleared.   A goal did not come in that period and soon both teams wound down for extra time.

 

Extra time was nervy for both sides and fruitless so onto penalties.  We missed our opener, but I have noticed the following penalty seems the hardest to score in these situations and Amadou saved.  The next two rounds of penalties were scored to make it 2-2.  Then we stepped up to make it 3-2 and Amadou again saved to mean all we had to do was score.  Jerry stepped up and approached the penalty like Paul Pogba; an age passed as he tiptoed up to the the ball, and it was saved.  A chance for Southall to equalise but Amadou was simply too impressive and made another save to set up a final, away at Marlow…

Southall are coming!

Over the three games Southall and Leatherhead have played this season, Leatherhead edge this 5-3 on aggregate but all of that counts for nothing tonight in this play-off semi-final.

 

A big crowd is expected, so it may be wise to buy tickets in advance.

 

Kick off at 7.45pm.  See you there!

Tanners 3 - 0 Hartley Wintney

Leatherhead secured their place in the top half of the play-offs in style as they ran out 3-0 winners against Hartley Wintney.  In front of a big crowd, Leatherhead turned a slow start into a comprehensive win that sets us up for the week ahead.

 

Perhaps our players sensed there was a queue outside as the game kicked off, that they decided to hold off on attacking until we were all in.  The signal to attack was made by Ollie Cook, who hit a long range piledriver that the 'keeper did well to keep out.  Ibz forced a good save from a header, too, moments later.

 

Then the opening goal.  A lose ball in the box was pounced upon by two players, but Sow beat Robinson to it and slotted it past the keeper.  1-0.

 

Diallo then won a penalty.  For about 10 seconds he mesmerised his defender with an array of stepovers, before bamboozling him enough to force a clumsy tackle.  Masikini's penalty found the side netting, leaving the 'keeper no chance even if he had guessed the right way.

 

Half time and the bar was lively and getting ready for the party.  So busy that I missed the Ibz goal to make it 3-0.

 

Onto the play-offs and there is doubt on who we will play as the Southall v Chipstead game was abandoned.  Hopefully confirmation will come soon….

Hartley Wintney are coming!

Barring a huge shift in goal difference, Leatherhead are fighting for third place today with a point being enough to keep Southall at bay.  Across the three other teams that will be in the mix, they have lost just one game across 18 games between them… but let's worry about that on Wednesday.

 

Our guests beat Guernsey in the week but had shipped seven goals in the two previous games against Marlow and Southall… but let's worry about that on Wednesday.

 

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

Hanworth Villa 2 - 1 Tanners

Not even updating my spreadsheet to reflect my first visit to Rectory Meadow - *sigh* ground three hundred and thirty t-t-t-two… *sobs* - could take away the disappointed of yesterday's results.  Marlow's trip to South Park was always going to be difficult and while Hanworth Villa are no pushovers to be eighth, there was hope we could seize the initiative and take second place.

 

Leatherhead never really looked likely to benefit for the draw being played out near Reigate.  Tyler Cox, for one, appeared to be in a very deep role that prevented him from embarking on some of the runs that have entertained us so much recently.  A tepid first half ended goalless.

 

Second half and the hosts started to enjoy their last home game of the season.  We helped facilitate this by failing to clear a ball in the box and allowing their striker to smash it into the roof of the net, from close range.  Things got worse moments later when a shot, from distance, through a crowded box found the back of the net.

 

Leatherhead did pull one back, on 75 minutes, from a Beanie penalty.  Ibz brought down crudely from behind by their number 3, who was booked for his troubles.  The ref reached for his pocket moments later when the same player aggressively prevented us from getting the ball back to the halfway line, but he realised that would mean a red card so put it away again.

 

Hanworth Villa forced the ref's hand on 90 minutes when a player did see a second yellow, just as nine minutes of stoppage time came up.  To add to the pressure, an injury meant that Hanworth Villa were left with nine men as they had used all of their substitutions.  Despite the two-man advantage, we could not get an equaliser and now need a Hanworth Villa to do us a favour, when they make the trip to Marlow on Saturday…

Travelling Tanners

Hold the phone.  I thought I had been to Hanworth Villa, but on checking I see the New Ground Klaxon sounds for the second time in three days.

 

Less than 48 hours ago, the Don't Panic Klaxon was sounding though as it looked like we were about to throw away 3 vital points.  We held on and go into this game against 8^th placed Hanworth Villa looking to keep the pressure on Marlow.

 

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

Badshot Lea 2 - 3 Tanners

This wasn't quite the message we wanted to send to Marlow, last night.  A loud "we're coming for you", suddenly disappeared to the mosquito-hum of "we're still here", irritatingly.

 

The first half went, pretty much, to script though.  Despite a slow start, which invited Badshot Lea to have a couple of good shots, we soon took advantage of tired legs and looked to blow the opposition away.

 

On 9 minutes, Ibz flicked on a corner and found Travis who did enough to get the ball over the line.  One goal in 9 minutes and we were on our way needed to get the 9-10 goals needed to make the goal difference with Marlow remotely interesting.

 

On 24 minutes, Tyler Cox (who had dazzled defenders down our left wing) made space for himself and curled his shot through the hands of the diving 'keeper to make it 2-0.  Three minutes later it was 3-0, when Beanie sent in a freekick and in it went.  Ibz tried to claim he got a touch but "snicko" was inconclusive.  A goal every 9 minutes… hold on…

 

Into half time where the Badshot Lea players were no doubt given talking to and, seemingly, a blood transfusion as they came out completely revitalised.  We appeared to humour them by letting them have their fun, possibly believing they were never going to score, until the ref awarded a soft penalty, and it was 3-1.

 

We did try to rally, and perhaps we could have settled if the ref had seen an obvious pull on Tyler Cox which would have awarded us a free kick and let us compose ourselves… but it wasn't and within one or two minutes they made it 3-2.  A cross from the left found an unmarked man and slotted it into an unguarded net.

 

This was worrying.  Another substitution to try and control the game, which worked but there was blood in the water and Badshot Lea were up for it.  They won a freekick about 40 yards out, sent on a unprepared sub, and then sent the ball too long and out for a goal kick which brought about the end of the game and a much needed three points.  Marlow are still very much in charge of their destiny, but have a tricky away game at South Park this Saturday…

Travelling Tanners

It had better be a good game of football, as I was all set for a night in with The Apprentice Final tonight.  The disappointment will be masked by the joyous sound of the New Ground Klaxon as we finally make a trip into Wrecclesham.

 

Our hosts will no doubt be feeling a little leggy.  They have nine games to play in April and have conceded 10 in the last three games.  Meanwhile Leatherhead, who have score eight in our last tree games, need to dust off the disappointment of the trip to Southall.

 

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

Southall 1 - 0 Tanners

The next time a manager wins Manager of the Month we should just send it straight back.  Thanks, but no thanks; as we lose against a side that offered little today.

The conditions were as bad as I thought.  Windy wind and a bouncy pitch.  That said, we took the game to the home side and it looked like we took the lead when a goal line clearance looked suspiciously over the line (at the time... less so when we looked on an iphone-filmed replay.

Ibz then forced a fingertip save, which went on to hit the pot.  Two great chances but no goal as we went into half time.

Second half and things soon started to go south.  Puma, who had just been booked, launched into a ridiculous challenge and fouled his man.  It could not have happened in a worse place on the pitch, being near the Southall dugout.  Out came the second yellow and we were down to 10.

The game was quite stale at this point, so we hoped for a draw (which with Marlow losing, was a bonus)... but this hope came to an end when Suthall broke down the left and crossed to allow an easy tap in.  Our players appeared to be upset that a foul off the ball went unnoticed.

The ref went on to frustrate us by doing things that only he knows why... like playing on after a bad challenge when there was no advantage and then suggesting our players wanted advantage (when they didn't) so not going back for a free kick or even giving a yellow card.

This frustration boiled over on the final whistle when a scuffle broke out.  The ref awarded a post match yellow to a Southall player.

Marlow would have been total limbs, as they came from 4-1 down to win 5-4.  No games for us for a couple of weeks to lck our wounds though...

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!