AS it’s pantomime season it seems appropriate that Chesham United should start worrying about who’s behind them.

A long unbeaten run took them clear at the top of the Southern Premier League table, but three losses in a row in all competitions squeezed the league and another defeat on Tuesday saw new leaders Hemel Hempstead inch four points clear.

That’s only half the problem.

Tuesday’s loss to Biggleswade also allowed the chasing pack to gain ground; they are now snapping at Chesham’s heels and Andy Leese suddenly finds himself fighting on two fronts.

He said: “We’ve got to be careful we don’t lose touch with Hemel. They’re banging in the goals and setting the pace at the moment, but we want to remain within striking distance.

“But I’ve said to the players that if we have performances like we did on Tuesday then we’ll have to start looking at the teams behind us.

“And after we’ve put ourselves in position, if we had to start chasing again now it would be an absolute travesty.”

Chesham looked set for a third win in a row as they led 2-1 at Biggleswade early in the second half, having won 4-1 at Frome on Saturday.

But Leese is dumfounded by what happened next.

Leese said: “We went to Frome and played like we can. There was nothing wrong with what we did on Saturday.

“But on Tuesday we simply weren’t good enough. We were really dreadful, absolutely awful.

“We were 2-1 up and then conceded goals that defied belief.

“Credit to Biggleswade, but they won’t have an easier night than they had against us.

“We can’t claim to be serious challengers if we put in performances like that. We all need to take responsibility.”

Chesham host Banbury tomorrow before playing St Albans and Arlesey on December 26 and 28.

The New Year also starts with a bang – January 1 pits them against Hemel in a 1pm ko.

Leese said: “It’s a local derby and a big game for lots of reasons, but when we run into each other on January 1 it won’t define the season.”