This match took place at Leatherhead's Fetcham Grove ground, although the Leatherhead Under 18's usual base is a mile away at River Lane. Despite the new surroundings, Leatherhead adapted well, but Ash United Under 18's had their chances in the first 20 minutes of the game.

In the 36th minute Leatherhead took the lead and, at 1-0 to the hosts, the score remained that at half-time.

Just 4 minutes into the second half and a rash challenge led to a Leatherhead penalty being awarded, which was duly converted. The Ash United lads dusted themselves down and within a minute Sam Cummins had Ash back in contention - 2-1 to Leatherhead and still with 35 minutes of the game left.

But no come-back was on the cards when, following another rash challenge with 72 minutes played, Leatherhead were awarded their second penalty, which, like the first, was duly converted. 3-1 to Leatherhead.

The lads didn't give up and played good football in spells until the 87th minute when Leatherhead scored their fourth goal and, at 4-1, the contest, with only 3 minutes remaining on the clock, was over.

A disappointing result, but given that it was only the second match of the new season for our Under 18's - and that we were clearly the underdogs, as Leatherhead U18's play in a higher league - perhaps not so surprising. Who knows, on another day and with more match time under their belt the Under 18's might have come away with a result, but on this day it was not to be.