Leatherhead hit the top of Ryman Division One South on Tuesday night, and striker Tom Bradbrook believes they have the guts to stay there.
Goals from Leroy Griffiths and debutant Josh Hill, and a Bradbrook brace – which takes his league tally to 16 – saw off fellow promotion chasers Walton Casuals at Stompond Lane.
It was a close-run thing, however, when, with Tanners 3-0 ahead, the floodlights failed. Within five minutes of the restart, the Tanners had been pegged back to 3-2.
However, Bradbrook benefited from a new Tanners mentality to seal the win, and all three points.
Bradbrook, who started out in non-League football with Dartford six years ago, said: “Last year we were not a great side, we were not strong enough and did not have the guts for the fight.
“This time round we have a much better squad, and much more strength in depth, which is probably why we did not fall apart at Walton when it went to 3-2.”
He added: “We have a good mixture of players. Leroy Griffiths is an old head full of experience, which rubs off on the younger players.
Happy: Leroy Griffiths enjoys his moment
“He is the first on the training pitch, and the last in the shower. He is a great player, and really represents what we are about this season.”
Whether Leatherhead push on to promotion could rely heavily on Bradbrook staying injury free – something that has not been the case for some time.
“I have always scored goals but for the past four years I have picked up an injury which has kept me out for up to eight weeks, and then I’ve had to get back up to speed.
“I have had a good start this year, and long may it continue, but in truth there is no pressure on me to get the goals.
“We have goals from all over the park, which is another example of how strong we are this time round.”
The insurance broker by trade has turned out for Sittingbourne, under current Tanners boss Richard Brady, and Margate.
But now he is settled at Fetcham Grove and loving the leaders tag.
“Leatherhead has always been a big club, we have always had teams coming to us upping their game to win,” Bradbrook said.
“But we prefer it that way, we normally play better against the stronger teams. We’re more switched on and up for the battle.”
Leatherhead go to Folkestone Invicta this weekend.
Clear: Walton Casuals keep the Tanners out
Close: Ian Draycott fires over for Leatherhead
Moving forward: Jordan Clough
Debutant: Josh Hill fires home.....
....and celebrates the moment
Concentration: Matt Smart
Boo-ya: Tanners have that celebration feeling
Taking aim: Tom Bradbrook has 16 goals to his name
More happy times: Tanners are celebrating again
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