Report
Leyton Pennant won their first league match of the season with a gritty defensive performance, coupled with some excellent counter-attacking.
As Whyteleafe set out to play a long-ball game from the first whistle, Pennant were content to defend on the edge of their own area. Although the home side retained most of the possession, it was Pennant who took a surprise lead after 16 minutes on one of their breaks upfield.
Kevin Riley surged into the penalty area and, as he turned to shoot, he was clumsily brought down and Billy Read made no mistake from the spot.
The visitors gradually took the sting out of the Whyteleafe attacks and, by the second half, the game had become a more even affair. Paul Salmon, who was excellent in defence, had the best attempt when his bullet header flew inches over the Whyteleafe bar.
But with less than ten minutes to go, Pennant grabbed a second when the influential Billy Cove had a thunderbolt shot fumbled by the keeper and Joel Sapiro, the substitute, raced in to prod home with his first touch.