Isthmian League Cup, third round

Whyteleafe 1

Godalming Town 2

WHYTELEAFE'S clash with basement boys Ashford Town on Saturday is important to the club on more than one level, says manager Stuart Massey, writes Sam Munnery.

Massey reckons victory in the Ryman League Division One South game is vital for his side as they strive to haul them well into mid-table.

But having not played a home league game for almost two months because of the cold weather, Leafe are starting to feel the pinch.

"Ashford is a must-win game for us," he said. "But the important thing is we get a game on Saturday, because from a financial point of view we are at death's door."

Massey admitted he had not expected the Isthmian League Cup tie on Monday against Godalming to go ahead and, as a result, could only field a weakened team.

Two players – Kieran McCann and Chris Head – made their debuts.

But the boss said he was "very pleased" with the performance against a side 11 places above Leafe in the same division.

"We were a bit short of a few players as a few lads had committed to work," he said.

"But considering the team we had out we did really well. They had the pick of their first 11 and they are a very strong team, I don't want to take anything away from them. In the end, we could have got something out of the game."

In an even first half, Whyteleafe created the better chances but failed to take them and were punished midway through when keeper Rob O'Hara's mis-hit clearance was returned over his head from 35 yards by the Godalming striker.

Leafe conceded a penalty on the stroke of half-time, but the spot-kick was blasted over. "It was justice done," said Massey, who felt the penalty was a "soft" award.

The hosts benefited from a similarly generous decision in the second half and Leon McDowell showed no mercy.

Godalming's winner was mired in controversy. Dan Aldous, one of Leafe's three centre-backs, was being sick on the pitch, but the referee refused to stop play, allowing the visitors to counter via the vacant right-hand channel and score.

"I wasn't very happy – the lad was in a bad way," said Massey. "What disappointed me was that the ref wouldn't discuss it with anybody."

Along with bringing in Head from Chipstead and McCann from Croydon Athletic, Massey hopes to sign ex-Leafe midfielder Chris O'Flaherty after his release from Walton & Hersham.

Striker Danny Dean has returned to Canada without making an appearance after Ottawa offered a contract.