The last month has been a tough one for Whyteleafe FC with the team failing to win a single game and also exiting two cup competitions in the process.

The FA Trophy draw saw us up against divisional rivals Bognor Regis, who up until a few seasons ago were competing in the Conference South, so we knew it would be a tough tie. This was eventually proved to be the case but not until a replay had been necessary. A young and relatively inexperienced Leafe side travelled for the game, and did themselves much credit by gaining a 0-0 draw. Keeper O'Hara and defender Fleming had made some crucial stops to keep Leafe in the game, but there were chances at the other end and Leafe could have nicked it in the end. Alas it was not to be, so a home replay was necessary on the following Tuesday. Supporters, buoyed by Saturday's game had hope that we could win the replay and set up a tie against troubled rivals Croydon Athletic in the next round. A combative first half saw the Leafe trailing by only a single goal, but unfortunately defensive frailty, which has been a problem on a number of occasions this season, showed its head again and we slumped to a 6-1.defeat and an early exit from the competition.

The League Cup also started this month but a 2-0 home defeat to premier division Cray also meant it ended this month and unfortunately the league performances were not any better with defeats away to bottom of the table Horsham YMCA (2-1) and Sittingbourne (2-1), and a 3-2 home defeat to Eastbourne Town.

November sees home games against Sittingbourne on the 13th, Ramsgate on the 23rd and Whitehawk on the 27th, and I am sure we will have more to cheer.