Back home?

Wednesday 2 May 2018, 1 Yorkshire Regiment 2 3 RSME 1 - Army Major Units Cup Final, Aldershot Military Stadium

It felt ,like going home, back sat in a crowd of 400 plus soldiers, listening to their conversations, wondering what was in their days sacks - I have not re-enlisted but I was in Aldershot to see the cup final.

The football was not as good as I had expected but the fitness and on field discipline was there for all to see. The army also made us welcome, sit where you want in this massive stand, free admission, free programme and even a free teams sheets.

It was good to be home!

After kick off it was just a short drive into West London and:

Hayes and Yaeding United 0 Cambridge City 1 - SkyEx Community Stadium, Southern League, Central, Platy off.

The old stand at Aldershot was both large and different but here in Hayes it was all shiny new. But not actually finished. The club bar was like a small cupboard! But did like that sitting in the car park was the old stand.

On the pitch, Hayes probably had most of the ball but it was Cambridge who took the lead and then after that they defended brilliantly with both their central defenders winning everything in the air. So it will be local East Anglian club playing the higher division .

All about the 'Beast'

Sunday 3 December 2017, Wycombe Wanderers 3 Leatherhead 1- FA Cup Round 2, Adams Park

Often we go on about fans of big clubs not caring about the FA Cup, but it seems not all lower league fans are that keen on shelving out cash to see another game, very few Wycombe fans at the game and those who did turn up were out sung by the brilliant Leatherhead fans.

Football wise Leatherhead took an early lead from a disputed penalty but after the the ref struggles to control the game, too many needless yellow cards, not that he was helped by the antics of one of the Leatherhead forwards, who was very quick to go to ground.

Wycombe got back on terms with a great free kick but they knew they were fortunate to go in at the break on level terms.

Second half and fitness told as Wycombe got on top and then took the lead after a fantastic bit of skill from the 'Beast' - Adebayo Akinfenwa - the game got easier for the home team after the Leatherhead player-manager got a second yellow and an early bath.

The game ended with a fantastic final goal from the 'Beast' - it turned out to be his day!

A 'Panenka' and a Great Dane!

Wednesday 8 November 2017, Leatherhead 1 Folkestone Invicta 2 - Isthmian Premier, Fetcham Grove

Took me 3 attempts but I eventually got to see a game at Leatherhead and as they may move next season, I am glad I got to see a game at Fetcham Grove,

A ground full of character and the club may be low in the league but on a high after their recent  FA Cup exploits. A club of course famous for giant killing hoping again to experience the magic of the cup.

Folkestone are higher in the league and maybe expected to take advantage of the tired legs of the Leatherhead team, but the 'Tanners' had a new loan player in their side and he would have a cracking first half on his debut.

Liam Nash is on loan from Gillingham, and he certainly  was the centre of attention in the first half, gaining a penalty and then showing he does not lack confidence, he then took the spot kick and scored with a 'Panenka'.

The home side were the better team in the first half but could not maintain the lead and Folkestone got back on terms just before the break.

The second half saw Leatherhead with plenty of possession but no cutting edge and Folkestone got the winner, it was also great to spot for the second time this season, the football kit wearing, Folkestone supporting Great Dane!

Surrey double - Under the runway and Moatside

Monday 2 January 2017

Horley Town 4 Raynes Park Vale 0

Combined Counties Premier, 11.30am

New Defence

My first taste of Combined Counties football and thought both the skill and fitness was not at the same level as the Eastern Counties league, officiating was also poor – but I may have chosen the wrong game!

First half was very one sided as the home team went two up as Raynes Park Vale were very poor, but a few changes of formation (and attitude) at half time saw a closer second half – it took 20 minutes for the home side to get back on top and then they got two further goals.

‘New Defence’ is a smart newish ground with a seated stand attached to the changing rooms and bar. The bar is upstairs and game can be watched from there. Small covered terrace behind one goal and a more shed like cover behind the other goal.

Ground is  just  5 minutes from Gatwick Airport.

Merstham 0 Leatherhead 0

Ryman League Premier, 3pm

Moatside

Attendance; 278

Home team had the better chances but Leatherhead good on the break, both teams had young players with plenty of skill but too many wanted an extra touch or try one trick to many. Good officiating kept the game flowing but neither keeper had many saves to make. Good to ex Ipswich player , Jimmy Bullard on the touchline.

Ground is neat and has plenty of character with views out over the Surrey hills , must lose some money having the clubhouse outside the ground.