A quiet pre-season schedule ended with Whyteleafe failing to win a game. After a 1- 1 draw with Maidstone, Leafe played out a fairly uneventful game against Leyton which resulted in a 0-0 draw. Next up was a friendly against this coming season's tenant, Warlingham. Manager English took the opportunity to try out a different system, but was surprised at the quality of the opposition, who exposed the Leafe weaknesses and walked away with a 2-0 win. Experiment over, lessons learnt and thankfully no points lost! We then travelled to Ashford Town, Middlesex and gained an impressive 1-1 draw although it perhaps could have been better as Ashford were reduced to ten men late in the first half. The following week we entertained Cray, and after playing well first half and leading 1-0, we ended up 3-1 losers. The scoreline flattered Cray somewhat as Leafe had played the better football, but differences in finishing proved the deciding factor. Whilst no wins were secured in pre-season much will have been learnt and hopefully the team will settle and push on. The only worry may come from the lack of goals, though if the Oakins/Watson partnership from last season clicks again we could well put those worries to bed.

By the time you read this the season will be properly underway. Ten of last season's squad have signed up again so there will be plenty of familiar faces on show to the Leafe fans, and hopefully much to cheer. September home fixtures are against Faversham on the 7th, Eastbourne Town on the 25th and local rivals Chipstead on the 28th, so why don't you pop down and support your local team. Visit www.theleafe.co.uk for more information.