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Whyteleafe bounced back from their disappointing performance to get an important win against local rivals Chipstead to give them a much needed three points. Matches between these local rivals often result in a win for the away side and 'Leafe were happy to continue this run.
The visitors started brightly and Chris O'Flaherty's second minute shot from 20 yards was saved by Martin Grant. Two minutes later the hosts went close. Danny Oakins conceded a disputed free kick 25 yards out from goal. Jason Thompson took the kick which was tipped round the post by Rob O'Hara. A minute later Stephane Gnamore went close for Leafe, his shot on the turn saved by Grant.
'Leafe generally had the better of the exchanges but had to wait until the 25th minute for another good chance, this time O'Flaherty's shot was saved after Gnamore had sent him clear.
Chipstead took the lead in the 31st minute. Thompson's corner was met by Lee Coburn who's firm header was well placed to beat O'Hara and hit the back of the net.
Ashley Reid had a good effort in the 36th minute, his 30 yard shot catching Chipstead by surprise but Grant was well placed to save. At the other end in the 41st minute, Danny Oakins headed away a Billy Chataway effort and Wayne Grizzle also went close his shot across the face of goal just missed a touch from two Chipstead attackers.
Whyteleafe started the second half brightly. Oakins was unlucky in the 55th minute when his header from an O'Flaherty corner was cleared off the line by Thompson. At the other end Grizzle sent Ray Freeman clear but his shot was well saved by O'Hara.
O'Flaherty, who had an outstanding match, frequently beating Chips right back Russell Bedford, saw his 61st minute shot go just over the bar after Gnamore found him on the edge of the box. Three minutes later Gnamore had a great effort of his own, shooting just inches over the bar.
'Leafe got the equaliser they deserved in the 66th minute. O'Flaherty yet again beat two defenders, took the ball into the box and played it to the far post where Alec Brown was on hand to tap into the net.
Former Church Road favourite Denva McKenzie had a chance for the hosts in the 68th minute but his shot was too high.
The visitors' dominance paid off in the 72nd minute when they scored the winner, and it was fitting that the scorer was man of the match O'Flaherty. A fine move saw Josh Smith make a good run down the right, play the ball inside to Brown, who touched it on to O'Flaherty, who confidently beat Bedford then shot past Grant into the net.
'Leafe may have had a penalty in the 80th minute when a challenge on Gnamore forced Leafe to substitute him, but the referee ignored Leafe's penalty claims. They held comfortably on for a valuable win.
Whyteleafe: O'Hara, Aldous, Gunner, Fleming, Oakins, Coleman (Smith 45), Stripp, Reid, Brown, O'Flaherty, Gnamore, (Batchelor 80).