Report by Andrew Finch

Goals at the end of each half consigned Molesey to their sixth defeat in seven games against in-form Whyteleafe.

2015 has arguably been the most successful calendar year in Molesey’s history, but as the year draws to a close their form has taken a turn for the worse that has seen them sink from second to ninth in the Ryman League Division One South in the space of three weeks.

The Moles have undoubtedly deserved more than three points from their past half dozen games, but at Church Road they fell short of the high standards they’ve set themselves over the past 18 months, and could have no complaints about the defeat against a hungry and well-organised Whyteleafe side.

Molesey fans of a certain age will have fond memories of trips to Whyteleafe, having gained promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division at Church Road back in 1993, but their head-to-head record since then has been poor, and that never looked like changing on a mild December afternoon.

Leafe started brighter and Roscoe D’Sane drew a decent save from Liam Allen in the opening minutes, and Allen pulled off a double stop from Sam Clayton and Jason Henry shortly afterwards.

With the front two slightly off colour Molesey’s best chance of a goal appeared to be through Ollie Robinson at set pieces, and his header drew an instinctive save from Bailey Vose before putting another header wide.

Reis Stanislaus looked to be clean through but Vose got a crucial hand to James McShane’s through ball, forcing him wide before being crowded out, but it was the home side creating the better openings, with the impressive Daryl Coleman firing just wide.

One of the cornerstones of Molesey’s recent success has been the outstanding form of Robinson, but his ill-advised free kick across goal on the stroke of half-time gave the ball straight to D’Sane, who set up Henry to slot beyond Allen and give his side the lead.

Robinson almost atoned for his error early in the second half with two efforts across goal in quick succession, but the Moles rarely threatened again.

Allen’s handling was excellent, and he cut out several dangerous crosses before diving bravely at the feet of Henry.

Leafe were fortunate to keep eleven men on the pitch when Jahmal King kicked out at Staforde Palmer after the two had scuffled by the touchline, with the ref, who otherwise had a very good game, opting to give both men yellow cards.

Joe Pratley-Jones’ swerving drive was spilled by Vose, who did well to recover and keep out Ross Chalke’s follow up, but the killer goal arrived just as the four minutes stoppage time was being readied on the electronic board.

As has been the case too often in recent weeks the goal was preventable, as Rob Sheridan, in an admirable attempt to drive the Moles forward in search of an equaliser, over-ran the ball in midfield, and he was picked off by the excellent Vernon Francis, who played in substitute Jamie Byatt.
Byatt’s only contribution in his fifteen minute cameo had been to possibly have more offside decisions given against him than touches of the ball, but with the hobbling Pratley-Jones attempting to catch him out again he timed his run correctly this time to burst clear and finish confidently beyond Allen to secure the home side a well-deserved three points.