We entertained Shoreham FC to avenge the 3-0 defeat at their place on the season’s opening day. This was always going to be a challenging game, but we were in a buoyant mood after a win away at one of our closest rivals, Wick FC last weekend.

There was a healthy crowd of 107 so our two most recent home fixtures have had an
attendance of over 100; the days of 20 or 30 at Chipstead seem a distant memory.

As for the team, there was only one change from the previous week with Gavin Quintyne coming in for the suspended Nick Wilson.

We had the better of the opening exchanges and with a bit more composure and luck might have taken the lead. There were chances early on for Athan Smith-Joseph, Josh Owen and Jamie Byatt – but all to no avail. As for our visitors, they were left with two long-range headers which ended tamely in our keepers’ arms – Half-time 0-0.

The second half was very similar to the first with us pressing for the opening goal, the opposition keeper never looked comfortable under any cross. The game changed with 2 minutes to go when the referee awarded a penalty to Shoreham for a trip inside the penalty box, the resultant kick was brilliantly saved by Kane Charles however, he was not able to hold onto the ball and the penalty taker was able to find the net, so 1-0 to Shoreham. It looked like this was going to be a damaging defeat at home to one of our promotion rivals and then in the 96th minute (a bit like the lengthy injury time in the current World Cup), we were able to equalise through Athan Smith-Joseph.

In summary, this a good point which was a fair result, we remain top of the league and now play a cup game away at Dorking Wanderers ‘B’ team next Saturday before we return to league action with a home game against East Preston on Saturday 10th December.

We need your support now more than ever as we strive to continue our good form and remain top of the league. With no topflight football until Boxing Day, why not come on down to see us play at Leatherhead; you will be assured of a warm welcome