Leatherhead boss Richard Brady believes his side are in a better place to challenge for promotion this time round.

Tanners missed out on the Ryman Division One South play-offs last season by just one point, but Brady has witnessed a new spirit in his team that can make all the difference – patience.

And it was a case proven on Saturday when a solitary Tom Parkinson sealed a 1-0 win over Herne Bay at Fetcham Grove.

Brady said: “It was the same old adage. We had a lot of possession but did not score until the second half.

“But we’re a patient side now, and in the dressing room at half-time we were not overly concerned.

“Last season we lost too many games 1-0 when we’ve gone all out to win instead of settling for a point.

“Now, instead of going gun-ho, we’re happy to settle for a point, and more often than not, it’s us that win.”

He added: “Tom Bradbrook had a free-kick that hit both posts, but we still stayed patient and it paid off.”

Leatherhead, who lost 11 games 1-0 last term, are third in a breakaway quartet at the top of the table – with leaders Hastings United, Peacehaven & Telscombe and Walton Casuals eight points clear of their nearest rivals Guernsey in fifth.

And Brady’s side have a chance to strengthen their hold with a trip to bottom club Corinthian Casuals.

However, Brady remains cautious, saying: “There is no knowing what to expect in this league.

“Guernsey were 3-1 up at Eastbourne [second from bottom] on Tuesday night and drew 3-3.

“We’re confident, we’re in good spirits but if we go to Corinthian Casuals thinking we’ve won, that is when complacency comes in, that is when they out-fight us and that is when they score, and we’ve lost the game.

“My lads know what I expect, and as long as they give me the right attitude and desire in every game, I have no reason to be hurling tea-cups about in the dressing, and I have not done that so far this season.”

Brady is without Liam Pestle as the midfielder continues to battle back from a long-term knee injury.

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Winner: Tom Parkinson, right, bagged the only goal against Herne Bay last weekend