VSURREY COUNTY INTERMEDIATE CUP QUARTER FINAL
Barnes Albion 0 - 2
Leatherhead Sunday
H-T: 0-1
Leatherhead extended their unbeaten run to 26 games, having won their last
10 games, and progressed to the county cup semi final with a hard fought
victory on a reasonable pitch in East Sheen, against the best side they have
met this season.
The cornerstone of Leatherhead's recent fine run has been their defence,
that has not conceded a goal for over 11 hours.
Barnes began the game strongly and had Leatherhead under pressure for the
opening 20 minutes albeit with tactics that were dependent on a long ball
being played into their quick strikers. Joe Tamschick, Kev Hope and Ollie
Fenwick were magnificent in defence, particularly winning most aerial
challenges. The loss of Mike Barbato to injury after just 10 minutes
disrupted the visitors temporarily, but Nik Ireland proved an able deputy
putting in an excellent performance, full of energy. Whilst Barnes looked
lively, they rarely troubled Ned Humphreys in goal who collected his eighth
consecutive clean sheet, with another assured display. Against the run of
play Steve John put Leatherhead ahead after 35 minutes, collecting a fine
through ball, turning his defender before striking home with his left foot
from 20 yards, claiming his 24th goal of the season. The goal lifted
Leatherhead's confidence, and they finished the first half strongly, winning
most 50/50 balls and their share of second phase ball, that had been lacking
during the early part of the game. The Tanners midfield trio of Gary Syrett,
Tom Ashdown and Man of the Match Andy Davidson were now dominating
proceedings and showing great energy and committment in their tackling.
Leatherhead carried on in the second half the way they finished the first
half, the better side winning most tackles. John should have made it 2-0
after 55 minutes, beating the offside trap to be thwarted by the Barnes
keeper who made two further block saves from Davidson and Booth. Steve Legg
and the speed man Russell Workman provided fresh legs with 30 minutes
remaining. Legg probing the Barnes defence with a series of crosses, and
Workmam putting unwanted pressure on the Barnes defence with excellent
running and tenacious tackling. It was Workman who made it 2-0 after 78
minutes linking well with John before calmly slipping the ball past the
advancing Barnes keeper, for his 11th goal of the campaign. A third should
have followed a poorly defended corner, and finally Barnes rallied in the
last 5 minutes coming close from a corner, but the Leatherhead defence, now
bolsted by Legg were magnificent throughout.
Leatherhead meet Whitehorse Wanderers in the Intermediate Cup Semi Final on
Sunday 14 March 2010 at 10.30am kick off at Fetcham Grove.
Peter Ashdown