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Whyteleafe scored a narrow victory to reverse their recent slump in form thanks to a 17th minute goal from Denva McKenzie.
On a surprisingly dry pitch given the torrential rain just 24 hours earlier it was the home side who started the brightest with Ronnie Green wide on the right supplying a low cross in the 10th minute met by a fierce Steve MacNamara, his shot blocked by a defender. McKenzie's goal came after Paul Scott chased a long ball into the area, to be met by a defender and keeper Bradshaw who collided leaving the Leafe forward to fire home.
The hosts pressed on with Green and MacNamara providing a succession of crosses into the box, the best by Green finding an un-marked Andy Martin, excelling in his new midfield role, who headed just over the bar. Just before the break forward Dwain Williams almost equalised, his fine shot on the turn brilliantly turned around his post by alert keeper Rob Tolfrey. Shortly after, a Walton corner was met by Michael Cayford whose firm header was cleared off the line in a crowded penalty area.
After the break 'Leafe looked to extend their lead, a Martin free-kick pushed over the bar and a McKenzie header cleared off the line in the 50th minute. On the hour Scott latched on to a McKenzie through ball to bear down on the Walton goal but his well hit shot hit the outside of the post. With 20 minutes left it was Martin who hit a firm drive from twenty five yards that again went just the wrong side of the upright.
The lack of a second goal gave rise to a tense finale with the Casuals having plenty of possession, but failing to turn it into goalscoring opportunities, the Leafe defence superbly marshaled by experienced captain Ali Reeve holding firm to take a much needed victory. Whyteleafe now face two further home games in seven days against Burgess Hill and Cray Wanderers and will be heartened by their return to winning ways.
Whyteleafe: Tolfrey, Hudson, MacNamara, Reeve, Harney, Goodchild, Green, Martin, McKenzie, Scott, Patterson-Bohner. Subs not used: Dilley, King, Kempster, Murray-Price.