BY ROD ELLIS
LEATHERHEAD 2-1 MAIDSTONE UNITED
Leatherhead produced another impressive display as they overcame a Maidstone United side composed of first-team players and trialists, in a pre-season friendly on Leatherhead Youth’s 3G pitch at River Lane on Saturday.
Tanners matched their National League South opponents in all departments and edged a closely fought contest 2-1, with well-taken goals from Kenny Beaney and Louie Collins.
The visitors produced the more decisive attacks in the opening 20 minutes, forcing some good saves from Leatherhead keeper Serine Sanneh.
But Beaney snatched the lead for the hosts with a well-executed finish on 25 minutes. The Stones defence failed to close down the Tanners skipper after he received the ball on their eighteen yard line. The Leatherheadmidfielder turned and drilled a low left-foot shot into the bottom corner of the net, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
Maidstone made several changes to their line-up at half-time and levelled the scores on 49 minutes. A quick break through the middle was finished off by a forward with a close range tap in.
Tanners continued to play patiently, moving the ball up and down the pitch, as they sought ways to unlock the Stones’ defence.
Leatherhead’s patience was duly rewarded with a second goal after 71 minutes. The visitors failed to clear their lines, allowing Collins to stab the ball through a crowded penalty area and into the roof of the net.
Further substitutions followed for both sides in the closing minutes, but Leatherhead comfortably held out for a fully deserved win.
Tanners continue their pre-season build up with a matchat Three Bridges on Tuesday before welcoming Isthmian Premier visitors Lewes to Fetcham Grove next Saturday.