There is a buzz around the Belmont: the appointment of Peter Nott seems to have lifted everyone at the Club (except Kevin 'Wonder'-Fewell, who sadly, as decided to call it a day after his 218 appearances for The Oystermen. Cheers Kev: I'm sure you'd be welcome back any time). That buzz was transmitted into this game against Leatherhead. Whitstable's record against the visitors was not good: played 6, lost 4, conceding more than two and scoring less than one goal a game. But, the opposition stood out having been the victim of a rare Tom Parker goal last season, and Parker found himself back in the team due to GS's hamstring injury. Parker didn't last the course and was usually second best to Leatherhead's pacy and tricky right winger who caused havoc throughout the game. By the end of the 90, Gareth Cornhill ended up at left back, proving yet again, how versatile the local lad really is.

Cornhill came close to opening the scoring for Whitstable when a cross-cum-shot from the right wing was tipped onto the bar by the Tanners' keeper. But it was Ian Pulman's 11th league goal of the season that opened the Oysters' account. He dispossessed the Leatherhead keeper just outside the area and from the acutest of angles managed to squeeze the ball between the post and two advancing Leatherhead defenders.

After the goal, Whitstable actually looked in control for a good spell; but within ten or fifteen minutes, Leatherhead really started to play some football. It was as if they remembered what they were there to do. They found space, played wide, kept their shape in the midfield (and bossed it), and although Whitstable defended well, it felt as if it was only a matter of time before the equaliser would come. And Leatherhead duly obliged: a shot from around the penalty spot cannoned off the cross bar - and according to the assistant over the line: even from where I was standing (at the other end of the pitch), it did not look like a goal(!). The teams went in at half time all square.

Pullie's second goal was a shot from distance after he had been sent through (finally managing to evade the offside trap). His shot squeezed underneath the keeper, and was to an extend fortuitous. But, it was deserved for his hard working shift. Although Whitstable momentarily pressed for a third, Leatherhead then took control of the match. Whitstable defended well, but failed to keep possession: and whereas all the Leatherhead players seemed to know where to find each other when counterattacking, the players in red either were not in position, or passes were made without identifying their targets in advance. Whitstable fell into their common habit of just wanting rid of the ball - this despite some short spells earlier in the game of good possession football. I've never understood why the players feel they need to get rid of the ball as soon as they get it: they spend so much time wanting to play first team football, and when they're called, they just hoof the ball. What's that all about?

Anyway: Leatherhead scored a stunning second goal to share the points: it was one of those jaw-dropping moments that brought silence to the ground.

To be fair, I think Leatherhead deserved a share of the spoils; but this was actually a game where Whitstable could have won - and when was the last time we could say that after playing a consistently top four side?

Another solid performance from Blackman, I thought, who played some really neat one-twos with Pullie as well as holding up the ball to bring in players. The middle was pretty solid, but both Bodle and Sherman tended to lose their positional sense). Louis Smith was quietly confident at the back - a much better game than last week against Chatham. And Shaun Smith made another couple of good saves: I think he will be a fine replacement for Fewelly.

Well done Peter and the lads. I'm actually looking forward to watching us against Welling even if we get another 6-1 spanking (last time, we actually played really well, and the scoreline does not tell the whole story).


Lloydy gets the MoM shampoo

Quote of the day (from the physio whilst watching the last ten minutes): I think I'm going to have a heart attack!