Pitching In Isthmian Supporters Predictions 22-23: Leatherhead

We're asking fans from each of our clubs to answer a series of questions about the past, present and future- and to predict the final league table for 22-23. It’s Tanners time, courtesy of Ryan.

1. Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?
Definitely the game against Haringey away for me. Going 2-0 within 20 minutes and then levelling up by half time and a last minute winner from Jermaine Mcglashan was definitely a highlight. Running to the players at the side of the pitch was a special moment and definitely one that I’ll remember for a long time.
Also one that springs to mind is the Cray Wanderers game at home. Going 1-0 down around the 70th and two goals in the last ten. Admittedly when they scored at that point I had assumed we were getting relegated but when Worsfold shot across goal I think every Leatherhead fan had hope, considering Cray were in contention for relegation. Although those three points did help us getting level on points per game. But I think we all know how that ended up for us…

2. Moving on to your current squad- which players do you think will make a big impact during the 2022-23?

Dave Tarpey is definitely someone who will get us goals this season. Bagging two against Dorking is no easy feat and helped us to our first Advertiser trophy win. The type of player where if you put him in the box he will score but often he has dropped deeper to play passes to the wingers either side so I feel like he offers more than just goals.
Mitchal Gough-A defender who was my favourite player last season after joining with Luke Tuffs. Gough is the type of defender who is comfortable on the ball and can spray beautiful passes but then can also put in crunching tackles and leather a football clear into the River Mole if needed to. Missed out the start of pre season due to an injury but came back against Hungerford so here’s hoping he carries on where he left off last season.
(Ryan added a third player to this list, but we left him out because the club haven’t announced him yet and we don’t want to jump the gun!)

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

From watching pre season and considering this is the first time the club has been step 4 in 8 years I feel like we are really going to go for it this season and we’ll be at the top end of the table. I can see us between 1st and 5th but football is never easy to predict but I do feel we will do well and finish first or at least end up within the playoffs.

4. Which matches are you most looking forward to going to- and why?

Guernsey is a match I’m looking forward to. I’m actually delaying moving into my uni house next year to try and get to Guernsey away.
Basingstoke-One of the favourites for the title and is one of the closest to me at uni so I feel for convenience and a good match definitely one I’m going to look forward to.
Walton and Hersham-A team which have just been promoted but I feel will be up the top next season. Very popular on TikTok and Twitter so here’s to hoping we don’t lose again when we’re being streamed to hundreds of thousands of people on TikTok.

5. What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?
Folkestone Invicta-I really like the big stand behind one net and a huge terrace on the other. That combined with the exceptional food really puts it up there for me. Even though we got spanked 3-0 which led to the appointment of Luke Tuffs.

6. Who do you consider your biggest rivals- and why?

I feel any Leatherhead fans would say Dorking Wanderers but they’ve reached another level so we only play them once a year in the Advertiser trophy. In the South Central I’ll probably go for Merstham considering we both got relegated last season and there isn’t much distance between the two of us.

7. What advice would you give to any away supporter visiting you for the first time?

Definitely make use of the fan zones behind the stand. The bar can get rammed especially at half time and pre match so enjoying a drink without feeling like a tin of sardines is something lots of fans will probably look for.
The Running Horse is the most local pub. Take a right once you get out the ground and follow the path round and over the bridge then it’s just on your left.

8. Who is your favourite player of all time (for your club)- and why?

In my 6 years of being a Leatherhead fan there is only one player coming to mind. Travis Gregory joined us from a lower league, signing under Nikki Bull. Watching him develop into one of the best wingers in the league, with his skilful dribbling and even goal contributions, he is someone who I feel we’re yet to fully replace. He’s at Dover Athletic now in the National League South although I do believe he has been injured.

9. Who do you predict will finish in the top five this season?

Leatherhead, Merstham, Basingstoke Town, Hanworth Villa, Bedfont Sports

Thanks Ryan- right, who's next? If you'd like to represent your club, email Ian at townsendaround@gmail.com and he'll be in touch shortly.

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