Leatherhead manager Richard Brady has bemoaned the injury that will keep Mark Simmons out for the next month.

The Tanners captain missed last Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Lewes with a hip problem and is unlikely to be fit to return before Christmas.

“That is a big loss for us," said Brady.

"Simmo’s quite an integral part of the team and when he’s not there you definitely notice the difference."

Second-bottom Leatherhead, who beat Dorking 4-2 in the second round of the Surrey Senior Cup on Tuesday, are at home again on Saturday against AFC Hornchurch and Brady knows they need to start winning more regularly if they are to escape the drop zone.

"Unfortunately, in the position we lie in, we need to win but it is difficult when you come up against these teams who are organised and have good players," he said.

"Against Lewes, I would say a draw was probably a fair result but we’re in the results business and we lost the game.

"The boys are disappointed but that is due to where we are rather than the actual performance or effort.

“As much as a point would have been a fair result on Saturday we aren’t looking for points, we’re looking for a win against Hornchurch.

“They’re strong down the spine and I’m expecting another difficult game but we’re at home and it is up to us raise our game and get three points on the board.”

Despite the Lewes defeat, chairman Peter Ashdown remained upbeat about the new regime under Brady at Fetcham Grove.

“Richard 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."