Tanners 0 - 1 RPV

Raynes Park Vale brought at least three ex-Tanners with them yesterday.  Tom Richards, Cameron Black (who I thought would be more fondly remembered until I heard "F Off back to Dorking" shouted at him and Dan Hector.  Annoyingly it was one of these players that ruined our day, with a goal.

A reasonably large crowd turned up and they were not rewarded with the type of play that has been on show over the past few weeks.  The first half showed some promise but the second half was very agricultural. 

Then the goal.  On 78 minutes, Dan Hector picked up the ball just to the right of goal, made a run to the centre and sent a low shot across the face of goal and into the bottom corner.  In the dying minutes we had a clear header that went wide which would have snatched an unlikely draw.

Onto Tuesday then, when Guernsey make the long trip for a midweek game.

Raynes Park Vale are coming

Another big game comes to The Grove tomorrow in the shape of Raynes Park Vale.  

They finished in the most painful place of sixth last year, and find themselves there again now… We also did the double over them…  They will no doubt come here tomorrow, looking for revenge.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

Chipstead 1 - 2 Tanners

Leatherhead made a significant number of changes last night but still left enough quality within the team to secure a hard-fought win.

The starting lineup clearly indicated an attacking formation, with three or even four players up front. Date was back from his bench-warming duties, while Lukas played a slightly deeper role.

Seb opened the scoring, unchallenged as he leaped high to meet the ball and steer it back toward the far post. We mistakenly thought this would signal the floodgates opening, leading us to score another three or four goals, but Chipstead dug in.

They more than dug in when they equalised. Our new goalkeeper did well to stop the first shot but could only parry it back into the path of the striker, who finished clinically with a low shot. Were penalties looming…?

Thankfully not, as we were awarded a free kick in a dangerous area. Rhys took a low shot that took a slight deflection, finding the nearside post and going in. 2-1.

The second half, with more changes, became harder to watch. The highlight was seeing a couple of ex-Tanners on display for the hosts. Aaron Lamont played in central defense, demanding the ball short from the goalkeeper in an attempt to play it out from the back, only to constantly run into trouble. He'd fit right in at Southampton. Melford Simpson also came on and continues to prove he is not the kind of player who comes back to haunt you with goals.

On to Saturday, then, and the visit of Raynes Park Vale…

Travelling Tanners

It's not the FA Cup, but is a competition we should rightly take seriously as we travel to Chipstead tonight.

Our hosts sit in 17th place in the combined counties. It sounds like we are going to make some changes, but hopefully not too many to fall into the trap of underestimating our opponents.

Kick off at 7.45. See you there!

Travelling Tanners

I can't make this game as I'm going off for the weekend to celebrate my 50th - 50th! - birthday. My reward for reaching this milestone is my doctor telling me that I should by a blood pressure monitor and another supporter informing of the number of his friends who got serious health issues at this age. Happy ruddy birthday!

Enough about me and time to focus on the job at hand. Travelling to Ascot to try and notch up our fourth win in a row. Lukas hit a dry spell by not scoring on Tuesday, but hopefully we have enough to get a win and really start pressuring the playoff places.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas!

Tanners 4 - 0 Ashford Town

No Date night for Leatherhead, as Deondre returned to Tonbridge to sit on the bench while we went on to notch up four goals (or more) for the third game in a row.

Leatherhead opened the scoring on just night minutes, when Kelvin Manuel Massango fired in a low shot on goal.  A defender stuck out an instinctive leg to block it, but only served to put a thick enough deflection on it to score an own goal.

Ashford Town were not to be phased by this as they put some pressure on to score and had to relatively good chances blasted over until we got our second.  We got the ball on the left of the six yard box and our player avoided the tackle of a couple of players but not the 'keeper who missed the ball and took him out.  The ref thought about it for a long time but pointed to the spot.

Not for the first time this season, the opposing 'keeper then developed an injury that required the physio to pretend to do something. The delay was long enough to make Kavanagh take the ball off of Lukas and blast it down the middle with the 'keeper healed enough to dive.  2-0.

The second half and Leatherhead continued as they had finished off, playing fast flowing and attacking football.  Ceesay made it 3-0 when he received the ball from Lukas on the left and deftly chipped a diving 'keeper.

Sonny went on to make two crucial saves before we made it 4-0.  A salvo of shots were blocked until Karczewski found a way through the stubborn defence.

All in all, an entertaining evening and so we travel to Ascot on Saturday…

Ashford Town are coming!

Luke Tuffs – once of this parish – returns to the Grove tonight with his Ashford Town side.  Let's hope tonight isn't an after the Lord Mayor's Show performance.  Following our stunning win on Saturday, it may be we go into this game a little too cocky and hasn't Lukas scored too many times…?

Our visitors sit in the relegation zone with just seven points.  A feeling still fresh in our minds.

Kick off at 7.45.  See you there!

Tanners 4-1 Farnham

Leatherhead put out a display that was perhaps a little bit more than "one of them things" to end Farnham's impressive 58 unbeaten run in the league.

 

I couldn't make this game as I had to drive my wife to a medical appointment, so as I eased into Holland Park Reserves vs Smallfield I feared the worst for Leatherhead against a side that is top of the league.  My fears were misplaced as we opened the scoring on 38 minutes through Franzen -Jones (the website indicated he had scored twice in the same minute, but this was quickly amended).

 

Lukas was on hand to make it 2-0 before Farnham responded to make it a nervy 2-1… but nerves were calmed just a minute later as Lukas notched up an impressive hattrick and five from the last two games.

 

A great piece of improvisation saw a ball flicked on to allow Kane Fitzgerald to run through on goal.  He was soon brought under pressure from a 'keeper on the edge of his area and a covering defender, but he managed to wrong foot both and roll the ball into an empty net.   4-1 and then the majority of the 600 plus crowd could really enjoy the afternoon.

 

Onto Tuesday and the visit of Ashford Town.  Weather permitting.

Farnham are coming!

Hopefully this morning's rain has not spoiled our day, as we host Farnham today.

Farnham are on a roll. Since their change of ownership, they have won trophies and maintained huge winning streaks… and so unbeaten-in-the-league Farnham come to the Grove today.

Kick off at 3pm (but look out for announcements). Good luck fellas.

Tanners 6 - 1 Rayners Lane

Leatherhead achieved the result they had been hinting at, scoring six goals against a side that were pulled apart for much of the game. It nearly didn't go that way, as Leatherhead almost "Leatherheaded" themselves early in the match.

In the opening five minutes, Leatherhead displayed their attacking intent and put the hosts under early pressure. It seemed the pressure had paid off when one of our players was pulled to the ground in the box. Crucially, the assistant referee flagged for it, but the referee was not interested, allowing Rayners Lane to break away and score. It was 0-1, and it looked like another repeat of the Moneyfields match.

The referee did redeem himself (a little) when their 'keeper tried the old trick of sitting on the floor and claiming to be injured while not coming into contact with any players. The referee saw through this obvious attempt at time-wasting and ordered him to his feet, and up he jumped—healed but without the yellow card he deserved.

That was not the only miracle on display, as we went on to score more than once in a single game. The equalizer came when a cross from the left was met by a diving Laing at the far post in the 32nd minute. Franzen-Jones then put us in front when he was presented with the ball in the middle of the goal, while the goalkeeper seemed to be defending the corner flag. It was 2-1.

Alex Pearce has made an immediate impact to the team, constantly organizing and leading by example. This was the case when he popped up at the far post to meet a low ball from a corner and put it past the goalkeeper. He hit it with his knee, but this is the kind of fortune that has evaded us so far this season.

In the second half, any thoughts that we would be content to hold onto our 3-1 lead were quickly dispelled as we continued to launch full-out attacks on our weary guests. In the 55th minute, Date hit a powerful shot that took a deflection and beat the 'keeper. Rayners Lane lost the ball almost immediately from the restart, allowing Franzen-Jones to attack down the left and fire into the far corner just a minute later. Then, in the 75th minute, a cry of "SHOOT" finally resulted in a goal as Date picked his spot, and the goalkeeper could only watch and admire the placement.

A healthy win, just in time as we prepare to host league leaders, Farnham, on Saturday…

Rayners Lane are coming!

A chance to see our new friends in action and hope some of the attacking football we saw on Saturday will be on show again today.

Our hosts are sitting comfortably in 11th place, while we sit two points from safety…

Kick off at 7.45. See you there!

Harrow Borough 2 - 2 Tanners

A record breaking day (I could be wrong) for Tanners as a former Premier League player (19 appearances for Reading 2012-13) played for us for the first time.

Alex Pearce provided the leadership and experience we have been lacking but once again "we was robbed" in the dying minutes.

Another first for this season sees us in the relegation places. We were all expecting a battle not to stay in the division instead of one to stay in it.  Farnham won't be complacent though as they know we have 2 games in hand and breathing down their necks, just 20 points behind.

This was a highly entertaining game and those who chose to sit at home, while listening to basic commentary, would have regretted it if we had deservedly taken all 3 points. Alfie Huckle stuck a foot out and deflected the ball into the net from a free kick on 21 minutes. Harrow responded quickly and we went into half time all square.

We took the lead with a stunning free kick from Tom Kavanagh QC. The free kick had been won by our new striker who looked lively when he was subbed on in the 2nd half. We desperately need him to repeat his goal scoring form at Lancing last season. We should have put the game to bed after that but 2 one on one chances were spurned.

The referee added on 6 minutes and Harrow used to 4th one to win a penalty when one of our defenders was suckered into a foul. Grown men who have won FA Cup medals, and about a hundred men who haven't, were left to drive back down the A40 in tears.

Travelling Tanners

A harrowing prospect for Leatherhead, as they travel to the second best team in the league with little, by way of form, in the tank.

Two new signings do bolster the ranks though. A defender with full international caps for Ireland and nine appearances for Southampton (where was he at Moneyfields), and a striker who scored 28 goals last season.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas!

It’s off!

My post was the kiss of death. No game tonight, so we focus on the trip to second place Harrow Borough on Saturday.

South Park are coming!

Now that the futility of the Trophy has come to an end, we can get back to the serious business of the league and the visit of South Park.

We play another side below us (although, we are running out of options in that department) as only goals scored keeps us above them.

Kick off at 7.45 (I hope, there's been no mention of pitch inspections). See you there!

Hastings United are coming!

The 37th annual Queen Convention takes me away from this game, so I couldn't go even if I wanted to… which I don't.

Hastings United come to the Grove for the Trophy.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas.

Moneyfields 2 - 1 Tanners

Another last-minute goal brings another disappointing result on a night that was disappointing from start to finish.

 

Arriving at the ground and I was a little deflated.  I understand Moneyfields have had a lot of trouble in even getting the ground ready, so I am sympathetic, but the provision for supporters was somewhat lacking.  Hot food constituted of a lukewarm budget sausage roll (£3!), a bar that resembled a doctor's waiting room and space behind the far goal was limited to just a few feet.  A ground with a trainline running by it is a wonderful thing and that did lift my spirits.

 

Not for long though, as we conceded a penalty in the opening couple of minutes.  Handball in the box (apparently) and they stepped up to make it 1-0.

 

Leatherhead brushed themselves off and started pressing for an equaliser and it came on the half hour.  A high and hopeful ball was chased by Date and the defender failed to make any contact with it, allowing him to run on uncontested.  He calmly slotted it past the isolated 'keeper to make us think we could go on and win the game.  Oh, how wrong we were.

 

In the second half, the game became shrouded in ham acting, poor officiate and controversy.  Moneyfields had deployed the dark arts throughout the game; going down screaming with broken limbs only to dust themselves off later so we knew what we were in for.  

It started when badly Karczewski was fouled when running in on goal and he gave them a taste of their own medicine.  Their number 6 did not like this and stood over our player to remonstrate and somehow the writhing player made contact and down he went clutching his leg.  A ref should look at this and laugh but over he went to the assistant who claimed he saw something, and a straight red was offered.

 

This actually ignited Leatherhead into an attacking force and we played some of our best football but, as with Saturday, we were prone to the counter attack.  Sonny had saved us on three or four occasions until the last minute of regular time when a long ball was met by a player who lobbed him to get the hosts their first win and doubling their tally for the season so far.

 

Onto Saturday then and the arrival of Hastings in the crappy Trophy.

Travelling Tanners

I hope the good people of Moneyfields do not go away as happy with tonight's result as they did last night.  Tonight we make one of our longer trips, down to the South Coast, for this league fixture.

 

Our hosts sit in the relegation zone, with three draws to their name.  We sit just one point above them…

 

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

Tanners 0 - 1 Hayes & Yeading

Three (well, certainly two) points dropped, with a last-minute goal reversing the scoreline we had enjoyed a few weeks ago at their place.

 

In the first half I was not sure what was more interesting, the football or the number 53 Ewhurst to Guildford timetable, as both sides cancelled each other out.  We probably came out on top as their goalkeeper started to take about a minute for each goal kick.  We also hit the cross bar when our player beat chased a long ball, beat the 'keeper to it and was face with an open goal.  It was on his wrong foot so he took a couple of touches to steady himself and as the defenders retreated he fired it onto the cross bar.

 

The second half, we were a lot more positive and pressed for a winner.  Hayes & Yeading are considerably taller so most of our crosses and corners were easily dealt with.  We struck the cross bar again from a header at close range.

 

The more and more we applied pressure, cracks started to appear in the form of a Hayes & Yeading breakaway and it was a constant reminder that they could score… and so they did in the 89^th minute following another swift counter attack.

 

Disappointing and so we travel to Moneyfields on Tuesday.  One of our longest trips moved to a midweek fixture as a result of our progress in the Trophy…

Hayes & Yeading are coming!

A much needed break in the rain allows for a much needed home game, with the arrival of Hayes & Yeading.

We met each other in the FA Sodding Trophy and came away 1-0 winners.

Kick off at 3pm. See you there!

Sevenoaks 1 - 2 Tanners

Leatherhead secured a 2-1 victory against Sevenoaks Town at the Bourne Stadium, notching up a FA-competition-away double.

After falling behind to an early goal, Leatherhead equalised just before halftime with a penalty from Deondre Date following a handball on the line that also saw the hosts reduced to ten men.

In the second half, George Hedley scored the winning goal with a header in the 56th minute. Although Leatherhead had a goal disallowed shortly after, they maintained pressure but missed several chances to extend their lead.  Sevenoaks had a late opportunity to make it 2-2 but failed to convert.

Onto Saturday when we return to league action against Hayes & Yeading United at home – at home! – on Saturday…

Travelling Tanners

FA Trophy today, so it can only mean we're away. Away to a side we've already played. Sevenoaks again then, and they'll no doubt be looking for revenge after our win in a proper FA competition.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas.

South Park are coming

Velocity Cup action tonight as we have a home draw ( FA competitions, please take note) against South Park.

South Park sit just below us in the table, with three points to their name.

Kick off at 7.45. Good luck fellas!

Dartford 2 - 0 Tanners

Looking at the league results yesterday, there is no shame in going out of the FA Cup in the second qualifying round, as many of our cohorts were in action. Dartford was always going to be a tough challenge where we needed to avoid conceding a goal, take our chances, and get a bit of luck; sadly, none of those things happened.

 

Leatherhead started the game well and did not look out of place against their Isthmian Premier opposition. Perhaps this caught our hosts off guard, as we carved out a couple of good chances—one going just wide from the right and another attack down the left where our player was brought down in the box. It was a clear penalty, but the referee opted to make up rules such as "inviting a tackle" to avoid making a tough decision in the opening minutes.

 

Dartford then scored with their first attack. A shot bounced through the box, seemingly straight at Wheeler, but caught him off guard, and he could only parry the ball down into the path of their No. 7, who made no mistake from four yards.

 

Leatherhead fizzed another shot just wide and blasted one well over before Dartford sealed the half and the game. A simple attack down the right-hand side and a shot across the goal found the side netting, making it 2-0. Suddenly, it looked like our chances had vanished as quickly as the two to three hundred supporters who had been watching Dartford in the league so far this seaon.

 

They had two clear chances and scored two goals. We had the same opportunities, with a penalty waved away, yet had nothing to show for it. That is the difference we need to address. When we were gifted a clear shot on goal and could only fire the ball directly at the 'keeper, the gristly burger I was attempting to eat started to become harder to swallow.

 

The Leatherhead supporters shouted for a penalty, but the ball had invited the defender to handle it—probably.

 

Tired legs saw out the remaining time, having to play midweek away at Guernsey, with not much time to recover before we play in the Velocity Cup before heading back to Sevenoaks for the FA Sodding Trophy.

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead travel to Dartford today, in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

My last visit there could have gone better. We were doing well until Joe Sheerin got sent off and then the bouncers wouldn't let us drink in the bar after the game. I hope our players and their hospitality behave better.

Kick off at 3pm. See you there!

Travelling Tanners

Guernsey. On a Wednesday.

Kick off at 7.45. Good luck fellas!

Hayes & Yeading 0 - 1 Tanners

Leatherhead secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Hayes & Yeading United in the FA Sodding Trophy, advancing to the Second Qualifying Round at the Skyex Community Stadium. 

The match was largely uneventful until Deondre Date's decisive goal in the 67th minute, which came after a well-timed pass from Matt Everitt. 

Hayes & Yeading had opportunities to take the lead earlier in the match, notably a smart save by Leatherhead's goalkeeper Sonny Wheeler.

Our reward?  Another away tie at Sevenoaks.

Travelling Tanners

It's the FA Sodding Trophy today and an away trip to Hayes & Yeading. It's also a halfhearted New Ground Klaxon as we face them in the league in a couple of months.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas!

Tanners 1 - 0 Dulwich Hamlet

Oh FA Cup, how can I stay mad at you?  After Monday'sdraw had handed us another Isthmian Premier side and our fourth away tie over two FA competitions, I was a bit down on the competition but last night's performance rekindled that excitement (in the FA Cup that is, not the FA sodding Trophy; that can die in the sea).

 

Often you only get one chance to beat higher-placed oppositions, and on the 84^th minute of the first game it could have been the best opportunity we had but Leatherhead came out believing that they could go one step further.  The opening 10 minutes had our Isthmian Premier guests pinned in their half as we pressed for and opening goal and won a series of corners.  One opening exchange saw us have four shots on goal that couldn't find a way through the crowded area.

 

The game then went through passages of play where Dulwich started to dominate, then into a stalemate and then with us back on top; all without either side really carving out any clear chance.

 

The game ebbed and flowed until we got to the 84^thminute, again, and Leatherhead shot from distance into a crowded area.  As the video shows, the player leans into the shot and flicks out his elbow as the ball made contact; it was harsh and a referee who didn't want to have to wave away angry players at the full time whistle would have not given it but he obviously saw enough movement to point to the spot.

 

The Dulwich 'keeper now excelled himself at tomfoolery as rather than prepare to save the penalty decided to leave his area, take his gloves off, attempt to put his gloves back on, take them off again when he saw the referee talking to another player, put them back on again when instructed, start walking back into the area, leave the area to have chat and a cuddle with a Dulwich player, walk back in to the area and finally walk past his goal and take a drink from his bottle.  Cheating of the highest order and the referee agreed with me as he issued a yellow card.

 

Perhaps if the 'keeper had spent more time thinking about saving the penalty he would have made a better job of it, as he dived the wrong way and we went 1-0 up.  Now we needed to survive the remaining time, which included an additional six minutes.

 

Naturally Dulwich stepped up the pressure (and their 'keeper did not find the need to take his gloves off) and while they did carve out a close-range chance, which they blasted over, Leatherhead looked comfortable and saw out the time to send us through to the away (where else?) tie against Dartford.

 

Onto Saturday and the FA crapping Trophy…

Dulwich Hamlet are coming

Leatherhead and Dulwich will both feel a mixture of relief and disappointment at having this replay. Dulwich would have probably hoped to have this done and dusted against a side a league below them but faced a 2-1 score line in the 84th minute.

The winner will have the away trip to high-flying Dartford to look forward to!

Kick off at 7.45. See you there!

Dulwich Hamlet 2 - 2 Tanners

The Tanners have forced a, perhaps unlikely replay, in the FA Cup against their Isthmian Premier rivals, Dulwich Hamlet, following an exciting 2-2 draw at Champion Hill Stadium.

Dulwich Hamlet controlled much of the first half, but their dominance was undermined by missed opportunities, including penalty miss that was sent well wide, leaving them with only a single goal lead at the break.

In the second half, the Tanners found their rhythm. Seb Karczewski scored twice, propelling the visitors into an unexpected lead and putting them on the brink of a notable cup upset.

However, Dulwich Hamlet equalised late in the game with a superb strike from Anthony Jeffrey, setting up a replay at Fetcham Grove on Tuesday…

Travelling Tanners

FA Cup day arrives with a trip to our old friends, Dulwich Hamlet. Our hosts finished fourth from bottom last year so made their way back to the Ryman Premier, and now enter the cup in the first qualifying round.

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas.

Westfield 3 - 1 Tanners

For the second game in a row, Leatherhead start slowly and get bullied in a game that ends in disappointment.  Westfield came into this game with an average of three goals scored and were well on their way to maintaining this after just five minutes when, yet again, we hesitate in defence and allow a shot from six yards.

 

Any envy I had about those in attendance drifted away on the stroke of half time, when the ref awarded a dubious penalty and we went into the break 2-0 down.  Better than 3-0, I suppose.

 

The ref was keen to even things up and awarded an equally surprising penalty to us; Fitzgerald stepping up to put it away to make it 2-1 with 12 minutes to go.  Any hope of gasping an unlikely point drifted away when the hosts grabbed a stoppage time goal.

 

Onto Dulwich then…

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead aim to bounce back from their disappointing defeat with a win against Westfield today. No doubt there'll be an extra incentive for the home side to win, with the return of their ex- manager.

Westfield are unbeaten so far this season with an opening draw against Rayners Lane and a 4-3 win over Uxbridge. Including the FA Cup, they've scored 9 goals this season… and they're a bogey team… gulp…

Kick off at 12.30. Good luck fellas!

Tanners 2 - 3 Hartley Wintney

I had a strange premonition while queuing for my chips, that this was not going to be a great game and despite a late rally the vinegar didn't lie.

The first half was a complete shambles and we were bossed around for almost all of it.  It did look like we had managed to score against the run of play when we pumped the ball to the far post where our player held off the defender and keeper to turn the ball across goal for it to be headed in from close range.  The ref saw something and blew for a foul.

Then it all went south, fast.  A free kick was sent in and a free header made it 1-0.  Soon after we save a shot but were not alive to the rebound and it was deftly curled into the top left hand corner.  2-0.  

Finally a long ball looked to be well marshalled by our defender until he was barged off of the ball.  The ref had been quick to protect the visitors players for such a challenge, but let this one go and it was fired in from range.

Half time and the best entertainment came in the form of Escape to the Country.  The couple appeared to have bucked the usual trend and chosen one of their first houses they'd seen.  If Property One could hold off the challenge of The Mystery House, could we come back from 3-0 down...?

We certainly looked more positive and just on the hour we pulled one back.  A powerful header from a corner flew past the 'keeper who was getting dog's abuse for not commanding his area better from his own defenders.

Then on 82 minutes a low cross was tapped in to make it 2-3 and interesting.  Seven minutes of additional time was added and hopes were raised.

The equaliser could have come from two headers.  One was denied by brave defending and the other scuffed wide.  

Disappointing.  Probably more disappointing than being drawn away to Dulwich Hamlet in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup which is played next week...

Hartley Wintney are coming!

Storm Lilian has made her presence felt this morning with some heavy rain.  I hope not enough to spoil our return to the Grove for the first time this season.

Our guests got off to the perfect start in the league, beating Guernsey, but lost to Larkhall Athletic in the FA Cup.

Kick off at 3pm.  See you there!

Sevenoaks Town 0 - 2 Tanners

Perhaps the weight of expectation of playing with gold number proved too much for our hosts, as Leatherhead make it safely through to the next round.  It took 10 minues or so to settle but once we did, we restricted Sevenoaks Town to just a couple of chances while building up a comfortable lead.

 

I came into this game thinking I would be happy with a draw and the opening 10 minutes did little to persuade me otherwise but soon after the game was made safe with two quick fires goals. 

 

Date opened the scoring on 18 minutes when he bounced on a cross fired low into the box for a simple tap in.  We were perhaps a little fortunate here as the ref, who failed to count out ten yards properly also failed to see an obvious handball in the build up.

 

Just two minutes later we doubled our lead when Haigh stormed into the right side of the box.  Despite being pulled back by his arm by the defender (ref missed it) he managed to fire a powerful shot into the top left corner.  2-0.

 

Sevenoaks hit the bar twice in quick succession in the second half, but that was really all I saw from them.  We thought we had won a penalty but our player was booked for diving.  Overall, the half showed how we could control the game and hold onto a 2-0 lead.

 

Onto Monday and the draw then…

Travelling Tanners

The dream of an FA Cup run starts today with a trip to Sevenoaks. For some the New Ground Klaxon will be sounding, but I remember going there for a hastily arranged friendly a few years back.

Our hosts play at the same level in the Isthmian South East League and got a win on their opening fixture, against Burgess Hill.

Kick off at 3pm. See you there!

Southall 1 - 1 Tanners

Tanners walk away from Southall with a credible draw with Leatherhead and Southall having their share of missed opportunities.  Leatherhead dominated in the first half with Southall showing a strong resurgence in the second.

 

On 30 minutes, Leatherhead's Deondre Date finishes off a swift breakaway move with a precise close-range shot to put Tanners ahead.  Dreams of the perfect start to the season faded when Southall capitalised on a powerful run by their striker to score the equalizer from close range.

 

Southall had several chances to secure the win in the dying minutes but failed to convert.  Relief and onto the FA Cup… 

Travelling Tanners

Leatherhead make their way to Burnham for a tricky start to the season.

Our hosts finished only three points behind us last season and were our opening opponents in the playoffs. Too early for a six pointer?

Kick off at 3pm. Good luck fellas.

Tanners 4 - 1 Crystal Palace

Leatherhead put on an entertaining display to run out 4-1 against our "Premier League" opponents.  For a while, the visiting manager must have been quite satisfied with the lesson his young players were learning while playing against more experienced players but surely the scoreline must have taken a lot away from any warm glow he was feeling.

 

I don't recall our hosts threatening much while we showed a lot of pace and creativity down the wings.  15 minutes in and we took the lead.  A cross was headed into the path of Huckle who was composed enough to allow the ball to bounce and find his spot.  How often would a shot have found the midriff of the 'keeper in the past..?  Despite some good chances (notably where we should have received a penalty for obvious shirt pulling in the box), the half finished 1-0.

 

We were told that Crystal Palace had left most of their best players on the bench for the first half so expected a very different second half… which we got but not from Palace.  Leatherhead went on to score three more.

 

Our second goal came from a low cross on the left and Date tried a deft flick to beat the 'keeper; the ball struck a defender to ensure the deflected shot well and truly beat the 'keeper.  Shortly afterwards a penalty was finally awarded for a foul in the box.  It looked harsh but given the gaff in the first half we took it and put it away calmly.  The fourth goal came from a corner where Palace failed to clear properly and the ball fell to Hedley who volleyed it into the top corner.

 

Palace did pull one back towards the end but the damage was well and truly done.  Not a night for a Leatherhead fan with dual affiliation to chose to where his Palace shirt…

 

Onto Saturday for our first league game and a trip to Southall (Burnham)…

Crystal Palace are coming!

I have been a bit tardy with updates over the summer, due to work commitments and a rather excellent trip to the Olympics, but I am back in time for the final friendly of the season.  It has been a mixed bag in terms of results and tonight is probably more about the occasion than the final score as we welcome Crystal Palace to the Grove tonight.

 

The Palace official site has their next game as being Nantes away, but no doubt a talented bunch of U21s or something will be on show.  We have a new signing upfront to give a run out to, also.

 

Kick off 7.45.  See you there!

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...