Our fourth cup contest of the year took us to Fetcham Grove

With the side full of enthusiasm and belief as a result of Saturdays win, and the almost bowling green surface that they were playing on Chessington produced a fine display to secure a two one win.

In the opening exchanges we settled quickly, and was denied the opening goal after just five minutes when a fine strike from Adam Cheadle was well saved by the home goalkeeper.

In an open game it was nice to see both sides playing a passing game and we proved more than a match for our higher ranked opponents, enjoying at least an even amount of possession and very often a slight territorial advantage. Our shape was a constant thorn in the host’s side, and the offensive play regularly caused them problems especially down the right where Alistair John was enjoying continued success against his full back.

It was fair to say even down the left we were dangerous, although the left sided players consisting of Holley, Ellis and Quintyne were just slightly more considered in their approach play. Midway through the half and the lead was ours. A quite breathtaking passing phase resulted in John pulling the ball back for Cole-Bolt to fire home.

Understandably Leatherhead upped their game at this stage, although we still looked the more accomplished and if anything could have increased our lead. However a lapse in concentration at a corner saw the equaliser. Poor marking, a lacklustre challenge and the post not being looked after as it should have been, contributing to the softness of the goal.

Our reaction to being pegged back was good, and we continued to be inventive in our play creating chances along the way and staying resilient at the back where Fisher and the back line of Holley, Leacock, Puckett and Heath performing well.

The second half was different. Leatherhead playing with far more urgency and tending to get the ball forward earlier and with a slightly more direct approach, started to dominate and were now the better side. That said we stayed strong at the back and were thankful on at least two occasions to Fisher whose reaction saves were the reason we stayed level.

An early change was necessary, with Matt Ellis who was carrying a slight knock being replaced by Chris Davidson who slotted in at the back, with Leacock taking over in midfield. Initially there was no change to the way things were going. Leatherhead pressing hard, Chessington defending well and relying on the occasional foray into our opponents half.

However during such moments we still posed a threat, and although at times we were guilty of giving the ball away a little cheap, we were when things came together capable of getting something.

With ten minutes to go and Leatherhead guilty themselves of perhaps feeling it was either a win for them in normal time, or half an hour extra time, we scored the winner. Zak Graham who had worked tirelessly all evening as the lone striker, intercepted a pass and immediately fed the ball to Leacock who had burst through from a central midfield area.

His run took him half the length of the pitch unchallenged before slotting confidently home. His reward was to be replaced before the restart by Reece Jackson, the purpose I assume to get fresh legs on the pitch to see the game through. As expected the kitchen sink et all was thrown at us, but we remained strong despite a few scares as the clock reached ninety minutes. Feeling that we were nearly there proved dangerous, as the referee who suddenly felt it appropriate to stop the watch for every throw in and break in play added time that was difficult to take.

During stoppage time Zak Graham pulled a hamstring and was replaced by Adam Chandler, who himself was called into defensive action almost immediately, clearing a dangerous attack with his first touch.

Finally the referee decided the allotted time had been reached, and a hard fought victory was ours and a quarter final tie away at Westfield our reward.