VLeatherhead 2 - 1 Chipstead
(Hutchings, Agyei) - (Lawson)
Leatherhead secured their second League win of the season with a late winner from substitute Kwabena Agyei in this close encounter with Chipstead.
Manager Mick Sullivan made only one change to the side that had lost 1-0 at Godalming on Monday. Jon Coke was brought into the squad after being released from Kingstonian and made his debut at right back, with Dean Gunner switching to the left side of defence in place of Luke Adams.
Chipstead have not had the best of starts to the season and were still looking for an opening League win. But for long periods of this match the three points were up for grabs for either side, as the game evenly flowed from end to end.
Tommy Hutchings spearheaded Leatherhead’s attacks with precision and always looked threatening when approaching the Chipstead goal. The Tanners had a good chance to take an early lead after 13 minutes, when Hutchings laid off a ball to Hassan Nyang, whose sizzling 30 yard strike rebounded off a post before being cleared away.
Moments later Hutchings linked up with Kev Terry who attempted to place his shot into the top corner of the net, but saw his effort drift narrowly over the bar.
Chipstead had goalkeeper Martin Grant to thank for keeping them on level terms, as the Tanners continued to push forward in search of an opening goal. Terry ran into the box to latch onto a cross from Josh Smith on the right before seeing his goal-bound effort well saved by the diving keeper.
Chips took the lead in bizarre circumstances after 34 minutes. Ray Freeman instigated a Chipstead move down the left side and with the Tanners’ defenders all appealing that the ball had gone out of play for a goal kick, Daniel Lawson fired home from a tight angle. Following a brief consultation with his assistant, the referee confirmed that the goal should stand.
Leatherhead’s equaliser came after 41 minutes. Hutchings won the ball on the edge of the Chipstead box, brushed past two defenders and planted a screaming left foot shot low into the corner of the net.
The Tanners almost took the lead just before half time, but again Chips had their keeper to thank after he did well to hold onto another firm shot from Terry.
Leatherhead continued to press forward in the second half with Gabriel Emechete replacing Tony Cuff and Kwabena Agyei coming on for Dominic O’Shea.
Yet Chipstead often looked threatening on the break, with neat passing movements that took the ball from one end of play to the other before coming up against a resolute Tanners defence.
Leatherhead’s winner came after 84 minutes when the Chipstead keeper failed to deal with a difficult back pass. Agyei stole in to take the ball around Grant and the Tanners sub shot home from close range.
Manager Mick Sullivan will be pleased with the three points this afternoon, but must also be concerned that stronger sides than Chipstead will pose greater threats to Leatherhead this season.
Leatherhead: Craig Bradshaw, Jon Coke, Dean Gunner, Chris Boulter, Iain Hendry, Hassan Nyang, Kev Terry, Tony Cuff (Gabriel Emechete), Dominic O’Shea (Kwabena Agyei), Tommy Hutchings, Josh Smith