Ian Hazel has vowed to give youth a chance at Leatherhead as he seeks the right formula for a Ryman Division One South promotion assault next season.

With the Tanners safely lodged in mid-table, their manager has revealed he plans to use the remaining games as a launchpad for future success.

And he admitted it was a new experience.

Hazel said: "I have never been in this scenario before, either as a player or man-ager.

"It is February and we have nothing to play for.

"So I will be using this time to look at some of the young players. If I can blood some of the youngsters now, it will stand us in good stead for next year."

One of the first concerns will be to sort out the defensive frailties that cost Leatherhead again in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Chipstead.

Despite leading through a Billy Marshall goal, the Tanners were unable to hold on to the lead against their fellow mid-table opposition.

And Hazel agreed it was an issue that needed addressing.

He added: "We definitely need to learn to defend better.

"We need to be more resolute, more physical and improve individually and collectively.

"When Chipstead went direct in the second half, we didn't cope and we need to sort that."

Despite there be no spectre of relegation, Hazel is determined not to simply let the season drift to a conclusion.

And the Tanners supremo insisted that message had reached his players.

Hazel added: "I do not want to see players simply playing out the season.

"I want us to finish as high as we can, although, if I am honest, I think we will probably end in the position we are in now.

"It has been a difficult time, but it has been a case of one step backwards in order to take two steps forward."