Leatherhead boss Mick Sullivan rued a golden opportunity for his side to extend its lead at the top of the Ryman League Division One South on Tuesday.
The Tanners followed up Saturday’s 3-0 win over Faversham Town, with a thrilling 3-3 draw with struggling Ramsgate at Fetcham Grove that included an injury-time equaliser for the visitors.
It leaves second-place Met Police - who have a 100 per cent record - only two points behind Sullivan’s men with three games in hand.
But the Leatherhead chief insists there is no point dwelling on the disappointment as his side looks to bounce back.
“I’d say the supporters got excellent value for money, but we are gutted. It felt like a defeat,” he said.
“You can blame the strikers for not putting their chances away or you can blame the defenders for conceding three goals.
“But at the end of the day, it was one of those games that comes a long once in a while. We have to move on and learn from it. There is no point dissecting a game like that.
“It was a big opportunity to ensure we stayed top while we were in cup action, but it is gone and maybe it will be a good thing to be knocked off the top. We won’t be there to be shot at.”
Leatherhead’s Tommy Hutchings bagged a brace, but it took a Ramsgate own goal to give his side a 3-2 lead before the visitors equalised with the last kick of the game after the hosts had a fourth ruled out for offside.
The Tanners had Mark Simmons, Liam Pestle and Jack MacLeod missing with a mystery virus, but Sullivan insisted his men had enough in the locker to win.
“The goal being disallowed was frustrating because at 4-2 the game would have been over. I couldn’t understand it because there were players on the line,” he added.
“I was pleased with how the players who came in performed. I’m not sure having the others in would have made a difference. I was just pleased we didn’t lose anyone else.
Greg Andrews scored a double to add to Hutchings’ opener at the weekend and Tuesday’s draw extended Leatherhead’s eight-match unbeaten run ahead of Saturday’s FA Trophy visit of Enfield.
“It will be a tough game. Enfield are looking for promotion and are going well in Division One North. Hopefully, we can make home advantage count,” added Sullivan.
Leatherhead’s next three games: Oct 2 Enfield (FAT, h), 9 Horsham YMCA (a), 23 Chatham Town (a).
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