Though there is no real rivalry as such between our clubs, there are those in the Surrey’s suburban environs that still bear a grudge against the Hamlet for their relegation to the Kent League (now the Southern Counties East League) back in 2012. Seemingly doomed the ‘Leafe had battled back to draw level with Burgess Hill in the battle for the final relegation slot only to be sent down on the last day of the season as Dulwich, with the title still a remote, if mathematically unrealistic prospect, succumbed to the Hillians.

Perhaps though that black day was a blessing in disguise for the Leafe who regrouped, rebuilt and battled their way back to the Isthmian League as Champions two years later, the club’s first senior silverware for more four decades. Investment arrived too in the shape of a new 3G surface which allowed the club to broaden its income stream, put itself on a firm, competitive footing and move away from others’ perception of the club as a worthy village club towards one that would compete regularly for the trophies. The momentum carried through into last season with Whyteleafe taking the last spot in the playoffs, setting up a semifinal away to Folkestone Invicta. Though the Kent side had finished 17 points ahead of their opponents in the regular season, this counted for naught in a dingdong semi that certainly rose to the occasion. Level at the end of normal time after Roscoe DSane’s second half goal had neutralised Ian Draycott’s opener for Invicta just before the break. The tie was decided in a couple of minutes of madness as ‘Leafe skipper endured a nightmare ninety seconds first turning a Jordan Wright shot into his own net to give Invicta a 2-1 lead. Given the chance to redeem himself after a soft penalty was awarded for a shove on Jason Henry, his nerve seemed to snap as he ballooned the spot kick over the crossbar.

Whyteleafe returned to action early taking on Tonbridge Angels in the first of their friendlies at Church Road on 7th July. HOwever the football was overshadowed that night as, with the score 2-0 to the Angels, 23 year old Junior Dian, on trial with the Kent club collapsed. Dian was attended to by physios from both teams and paramedics, but passed away at St George's Hospital in Tooting later that evening. The match was abandoned following the incident.

It was a sombre mood that hung over Church Road when Whyteleafe hosted KIngstonian at the ground just four days later. A minute’s silence was respectfully observed and a collection taken for the family of the young player. The game itself, though played at full throttle in blistering heat, failed to produce any goals. Not so the club’s next two outings with local rivals Warlingham hammered 6-0 before the result was reversed with last season’s beaten Conference South semifinalists running out easy 6-0 winners at Church Road.

John Fowler’s Whyteleafe squad can boast impressive CVs with many of their number having plied their trade for the Isthmian League’s strongest teams. The likes of Roscoe DSane, Sam Clayton and Jason Thomson possess strong pedigrees and their experience sits nicely alongside young talent such as Ryan Fowler, son of the boss! There’s also a good smattering of former Hamlet talent in the ranks including goalkeeper Sheikh Ceesay, Louis Hollingsworth and Tom Pratt.

This afternoon’s game kicks off at 3.00 pm at Church Road, Whyteleafe, Surrey, CR3 0AR. For those of you travelling by train the nearest station is Whyteleafe (as opposed to Whyteleafe South!).

Details of admission prices are available here