A 74th minute free kick from Lewes sub Michael Malcolm was all that separated the teams in a disappointing game at Fetcham Grove as Leatherhead lost 1-0. Neither goalkeeper had a serious save to make before Malcolm’s dead ball winner with Lewes custodian Rikki Banks, back at the Dripping Pan for a short loan spell, almost a spectator throughout the match.

Tanners went into the game without skipper Mark Simmons. A hip injury sustained in training this week could see the key midfielder sidelined for up to six weeks.

Lewes controlled the midfield from start to finish with a series of slow, patient build ups. Leatherhead, by contrast, tried to break down the visitors with ambitious long balls which, more often than not, were swept up by the Rooks defence.

Lewes created the best chances in the opening half, with Paul Booth heading just wide, before forcing a smart save from Leatherhead keeper Chico Ramos, while Tanners showed little in the way of any creativity.

Leatherhead’s best chance came in the 67th minute, when Liam Pestle sent a curling cross into the box from the right. Midfielder Vernon Francis rose above the Lewes defence to head just wide of the post.

The match turned on a moment of controversy in the 74th minute, when Leatherhead centre back Jamie Coyle out jumped Booth on the edge of the Tanners penalty area. The referee blew for a push on the Lewes forward and Malcolm curled the free kick into the top left hand corner.

Leatherhead boss Richard Brady was disappointed with his team’s performance.

“The boys have given all the effort they can, but we are back to refereeing decisions. I don’t think there was a foul. No one appealed for it, but he’s given a free kick and they’ve scored," he said.

“Lewes are obviously a strong outfit. We didn’t do enough to win the game and we missed Simmo a lot today”.

Despite the defeat, Leatherhead Chairman Peter Ashdown remained upbeat about the new regime at Fetcham Grove.

“Richard Brady and his assistant Jamie Coyle, have transformed the mood at the club since their appointment”, said Ashdown.

“They have installed a disciplined and creative approach to coaching, allowing the team to play with more freedom.

“The players have clearly responded in a positive manner and there is a buzz of expectation developing at the club.

“We have seen progress and the results are starting to follow. After the excitement of the FA Cup run we are now able to focus on our priority - the League - and with a number of home games between now and Christmas we are looking to move up the table."

Leatherhead: Ramos, Pestle, Hill (Thomas), Boulter, Coyle, Francis, Thompson (Macleod), Richmond, Terry, Hutchings, Andrews (Manners)