Outstanding keeper thwarts Leafe against play-off hopefuls

Ryman League Division One South

Whyteleafe 1

OPENER: Danny Oakins, wearing number nine, watches as Mark Hammond's free-kick gives Leafe the lead. Inset, the scorer (centre) is congratulated by Gareth Graham (right) and Ellis Conroy (left) Photos by Paul Martyniuk CCRPM100410A11 & 05

Godalming Town 2

The visitors continued their strong play-off claims with a narrow win at Whyteleafe, who themselves were often thwarted by Godalming's outstanding keeper in this match last Saturday.

A fierce Danny Oakins drive in the third minute was saved brilliantly by keeper Rodney Chiweshe, the follow-up headed wide by Jason Goodchild with the goal at his mercy.

Within a minute, Oakins met a Mark Hammond cross from the left with a diving header, the keeper somehow tipping the ball round his post for a corner.

After that early burst, the game became a war of attrition in midfield until Leafe took the lead on 37 minutes.

Gareth Graham was fouled, seemingly inside the Godalming penalty area, however a free-kick was awarded just outside.

Hammond stepped up and curled a perfect shot over the wall into the top corner of the net.

Leafe's lead lasted only two minutes. Town's winger Phil Williams was twice put through to face keeper Gavin Dilley and each time lobbed him, with the ball bouncing narrowly wide.

The visitors pressed further and on 39 minutes Arjan Tajbakhsh burst into the area to be tripped by defender Fred Fleming, conceding a penalty. Tajbakhsh took the spot-kick, firing low and wide of diving Dilley.

Godalming took the lead on 58 minutes when Williams met a cross from the left to fire home in a crowded box.

On the hour Chris O'Flaherty sent a trademark cross from the left just beyond Josh Smith's outstretched boot at the far post.

Two minutes later Daniel Platel, enjoying another rare start, found himself facing the advancing Chiweshe and was unfortunate when his deft chip hit the bar. Smith's follow-up was blocked by the outstanding Chiweshe.

Oakins then had two fine chances, firstly volleying an O'Flaherty cross inches over on 70 minutes and then firing wide.

The hosts felt they deserved a draw after an impressive display but Godalming further illustrated their improvement and look likely to be play-off participants.

Whyteleafe: Dilley, Hammond (Worley 70), Conroy (Aldous 50), Fleming, Coleman R, Graham (Watson 70), Smith, Goodchild, Oakins, Platel, O'Flaherty Unused subs: Holmes-Lewes.