Pitching In Isthmian Supporters Predictions 26-27: Leatherhead

We asked supporters of our Pitching In Isthmian League clubs to preview the new season, reflect on the old and predict the final outcome. Their predicted 1-22 will be worked into a final table which you will see just before the big kick off. 

Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?

One of my early highlights of last season was an away day in Fareham where we found ourselves 1-1 very late into the game before a goal from Anas Igozouln in the 93rd minute won it at the death.  That sent the travelling Tanners into a frenzy and showed our winning mentality even as early as November. 

Another highlight was Littlehampton away. A win would secure us the title with four games to spare. The game was 0-0 at the break but up stepped Jacob Breckon in the second half to score a brace and win the prize. The celebrations post game were incredible- with dodgy haircuts being given, alcohol flying all over the place and pure delirium for the travelling Tanners who made up a 705 attendance on the day. 

We also had an impressive FA Trophy run which saw us get to the fourth round of the competition, beating Ramsgate, Canvey Island and Hampton and Richmond Borough along the way (all teams playing at a higher level at the time) which showed we are capable of taking the game to and beating teams higher in the pyramid which shows the belief and winning mentality the side had throughout the season. We eventually lost in the fourth round to step 2 Horsham, despite being 2-0 up at half time, although it was a valiant effort from the Tanners and certainly one to be proud of in front of an impressive 1,619 with credit to the travelling Lardy Army who made the journey down. 

However, of course, the main highlight of last year was lifting the trophy at our last home game of the season versus Met Police. The visitors looked to dampen the mood going into the 90th minute a goal up but the ever reliable Jordan Gallagher netted a goal in the 93rd minute to equalise in front of a bumper 879 crowd. Then we were able to celebrate the success and all the hard work of the season as we were presented the league title which was a brilliant watch and something few Tanners fans have seen in their lifetimes.

And what was the worst moment?

For me, it’s pretty simple to say our worst moment. The Binfield game. This was a game played in mid January. We went into the game confident looking at the league positions. Of course, you can’t take anything for granted at the level but it was fair to say that we expected to win. And that showed at half time when goals from Breckon, Hogan and Igozouln gave the Tanners a three goal lead at the break. However, I’m not sure what the Binfield manager said during half time but it worked. Binfield came out a different side and managed to score 5 goals which saw the side go 5-3 up in the game. George Hedley got a goal late on but it was nothing more than a consolation at that point and we ended up losing the game 5-4 and throwing away a 3-0 lead. Extremely frustrating for the Tanners who had a strong defensive record and rarely let in more than a goal. But full credit to Binfield for turning it around on the day and I wish them the very best for their South Central campaign this season. 

Which member of your squad was your Player of the Season - and why?

My player of the season was our right back, Louie Paget. Louie was consistent throughout the whole season and contributed a lot to our wall at the back which kept 21 clean sheets from 42 games in the league- and he also kept many wingers quiet with his strong one on one defending and hard hitting tackles. Louie was also very effective going forward with a pinpoint whipped cross on demand which is a striker’s dream and created many goals.

Moving on to your current squad - which players do you think will make a big impact during the 26/27 campaign?

I might be biased as his player sponsor for the season but winger Kofi Anokye-Boadi has looked very exciting during pre season. Kofi spent last season at Chatham so he will know the level well which is important to have in the squad. He has tidy footwork and is very direct which will give defenders a hard time. He has also contributed to a handful of goals already in pre season with assists from his mazy runs. 

Another player is a returning player for the Tanners, midfielder Mark Waters. Mark is what you could call a champagne footballer. He makes the game look so easy at times, the way he can glide across the pitch. His passing range is very impressive, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a 4 yard sidewards pass or a 30-yard diagonal, Mark will put it on a plate for you. He can take control of a game on his own and dictate the play from the middle. He was a part of Farnham’s league winning success before joining the Tanners last year and doing the same again so he clearly has a habit of winning, hopefully that will carry into the new challenge.

A final player that I think will have a big impact on our season is another returning player, defender Cameron Black. Cameron is a presence in the backline. 

Cameron gets it when it comes to representing the Tanners. He will always put one hundred percent into every minute that he is wearing the shirt. Whether it’s a crunching tackle or winning an aerial duel, there is no holding back from Cam. He also has a very helpful habit of putting the ball in the net with six goals in the league contributing to our success. 

Realistically, how do you think you’ll do this season?

I think this season will be about finding our feet at the level again after our absence during our stint at step 4. It is a positive that we will no longer have a target on our back- which it felt we had at step 4 with sides often seeing us as their “cup final”.  I believe we have a side which will be competitive in the division but I think there’s some seriously strong sides in the top half of the division which won’t make it easy for us. I would place us around the 11th mark. In my opinion, that would be a successful season returning to the level and good foundations to build on. 

If you could choose a song for your side to run our to, what would it be- and why?

I think this question answers itself based on our league title win from last year (not sure if I’ve mentioned it yet). It would have to be the boring answer ‘We are the champions’ by Queen.

From all the opposition players you watched last season, which one would you love to see in your side- and why?

I would choose defender Jack Lee of AFC Portchester to add to our backline. We first played against Jack when he was playing for Moneyfields in the 2024/2025 season before he made the move to AFC Portchester at the beginning of last season so he has become a familiar face for the Tanners. Jack is a very vocal centre half; he commands and defends his box well with any crosses coming in headed or hoofed towards and even well past the halfway line. He knows how to put in a strong tackle and Jack is most certainly a no-nonsense traditional centre half and would be a welcome addition to our squad. 

What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?

My favourite Isthmian away ground is Princes Park of Dartford FC. I first visited the ground in September of 2024 when he faced them in a FA Cup second round qualifying game which we unfortunately fell to a 2-0 loss. However, away from the result, the ground was very impressive. We travelled down on a fan coach and enjoyed the clubhouse bar which was very spacious and welcoming as an away fan. There is lots of available seating with good viewing as well as a large number of standing areas to view the match. The pitch was also an absolute carpet at the time of the game which made for an overall good away day experience. 

If you travelled away, which ground served the best food?

I didn’t eat at many of the ground last season so I have had to consult with fellow Tanner Lew for this question for some credible opinions. He has come to the conclusion that Fareham Town had the best burger on offer last season with a special shout out to AFC Portchester who were a close second with an impressive double cheeseburger. 

Please predict your top five:

Eastbourne Borough (C)

Chatham Town (POW)

Welling 

Aveley

Dartford

Now, over to the rest of you! If you are reading this and you’d like to represent your club, please email Ian on [email protected] and he will get back to you as quickly as possible.

By the way, if you’ve sent through your responses from a Step Four club and haven’t seen them yet, never fear! We’re going to focus mainly on our top flight this week and hold some of the North/South Central/South East responses over until next week, as most of our sides at that level don’t start their League programme for another week.