Leatherhead FC 0-1 Moneyfields FC: Match Report
Isthmian League South Central Division – February 24, 2026
Fetcham Grove – Attendance: 350
Leatherhead FC suffered a narrow defeat at home to promotion rivals Moneyfields FC in a tightly contested top-of-the-table clash. A late goal proved decisive as the Tanners were unable to find a breakthrough despite several promising opportunities, ultimately falling to a 1-0 loss that saw the visitors claim all three points.
Team News and Lineup
Manager Ian Selley made changes to the side that had previously performed well, with striker Breckon returning to the starting XI after time on the bench. Butler also made a welcome return to the squad as a substitute. The Tanners lined up as follows:
• Wheeler (GK)
• Hedley
• Waters
• Black
• Kennett
• Fitzgerald (C)
• Gallagher
• Bancroft
• Breckon
• Hogan
• Paget
Subs: Butler, Tauta-Caballero, Massango, Sapsford, Coles
The match kicked off under the floodlights at Fetcham Grove, with Leatherhead eager to maintain their strong home form against a Moneyfields side also vying for the top spots in the Isthmian League South Central.
First Half: A Cagey Opening Period
The game started brightly for the hosts, who created the first clear chance just three minutes in. Kennett picked up possession and laid the ball off to Breckon, whose shot was well saved by Moneyfields goalkeeper Osei-Owusu. A minute later, Black flicked on a free-kick from the right, finding Bancroft, but the forward was flagged offside.
Leatherhead continued to probe, with Breckon picking up an early yellow card in the 8th minute for a light challenge on Moneyfields’ Cain. In the 11th minute, Bancroft drove down the right flank and delivered a tempting cross, which was deflected behind by Jeffes for a corner.
The half was punctuated by several breaks in play, including one in the 18th minute after a Moneyfields player went down, and another in the 28th. Leatherhead had further opportunities: Gallagher sent a cross behind in the 23rd, while Kennett was fouled by Gates in the 20th, earning a free-kick. In the 35th, Payce was booked for chopping down Kennett, giving the Tanners another set-piece chance from 25 yards out.
As the half drew to a close, Breckon flicked the ball on to Bancroft, whose powerful strike whistled just past the far post in the 45th minute. Two minutes of added time were played, but neither side could break the deadlock. At the interval, it remained 0-0 in what the Tanners described as a “cagey affair.”
Second Half: Late Heartbreak for the Tanners
The second period resumed with Leatherhead on the front foot. In the 50th minute, captain Fitzgerald battled with Moneyfields’ Franklyn down the right before crossing, but Osei-Owusu claimed comfortably. Black produced a vital interception in the 54th to deny a Moneyfields cross, earning a goal kick.
Leatherhead came close again in the 56th when Kennett’s deep cross was spilled by Osei-Owusu, but Breckon fired wide from the rebound. Wheeler was called into action in the 61st, making a strong save to deny a long-range effort from the visitors.
A break in play occurred in the 63rd as Black required treatment. Two minutes later, Selley made his first substitution, replacing Gallagher with Tauta-Caballero in the 65th.
The game’s turning point came in the 73rd minute when Moneyfields took the lead. A quick counter-attack caused confusion in the Leatherhead defense, and the ball broke kindly for Alfie Bridgman, who dinked it over Wheeler to make it 0-1.
Leatherhead responded with urgency. Paget was booked in the 78th for a late challenge on Cooper. In the 84th, Waters met a corner with a diving header, but it was well held by Osei-Owusu.
Selley’s second change came in the 88th, with Bancroft making way for Butler. As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Breckon came agonizingly close, smashing a close-range effort against the woodwork in the 90th minute. Six minutes of added time were signaled, during which Franklyn was booked for the visitors.
Despite the late pressure, Leatherhead couldn’t find an equalizer. The full-time whistle blew with the score at 0-1, sending Moneyfields home with a crucial victory.
Post-Match Reaction
In his post-match interview, manager Ian Selley reflected on the defeat, noting the fine margins in such a competitive fixture. The Tanners now look ahead to their next challenge, hoping to bounce back in the race for promotion.
This result leaves Leatherhead reflecting on what might have been in a match where they created chances but lacked the clinical edge. Credit to the 350 fans in attendance for their unwavering support throughout.
#UpTheTanners 💚
