Leatherhead went down 1-0 at home to Lewes on Saturday to drop within four points of the Ryman Premier League dropzone.

Sam Cole’s 58th minute header gave Lewes the points in a game of few chances.

Tanners boss Richard Brady made some changes to the side that overcame Canvey Island in Wednesday night’s FA Trophy replay.

New signing Dean Pooley started in midfield, while playmaker Stacy Long returned after a short injury lay-off, and on-loan defender Adam Green returned at left back after a one-match suspension.

Leatherhead were the stronger side in the first half and produced some piercing attacks as they tested the Lewes defence - Kiernan Hughes-Mason forced a fine early save from Rooks keeper Rikki Banks.

The hosts came within a whisker of taking the lead after 16 minutes when Tanners striker Carl Rook latched onto a delivery into the box.

His firmly struck shot hit the underside of the crossbar and then came back off the post.

Wimbledon Times:

Back: Stacy Long returned from injury but could not prevent defeat               SP88456

Kevin Terry launched another Leatherhead attack just before half-time but the move finished with a weak shot easily gathered up by Banks.

The Lewes keeper made another fine save to keep out Hughes-Mason’s powerful shot after 47 minutes.

The visitors took full advantage of Leatherhead’s wayward finishing, and took the lead when Cole headed home Sam Crabb’s cross to the near post.

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Lewes almost nabbed a second goal after 65 minutes when Ollie Rowe diverted Crabb’s wayward effort just wide of the post.

Monsoon-like conditions made play increasingly difficult for both sets of players in the closing stages of the match, but Leatherhead failed to produce any sign of a late rally as the visitors held out for the three points.

Tanners now face a run of four away matches and will look to put their Fetcham Grove woes to one side as they travel to East Thurrock United for a League match on Tuesday.

Leatherhead: Louis Wells, Ryan Mahal (Ryan Dolby 72), Adam Green, Richard Avery, Joe Bruce, Dean Pooley, Kiernan Hughes-Mason, Matt Smart, Carl Rook (Paul Semakula 60), Stacy Long (Vas Karagiannis 54), Kevin Terry.

Wimbledon Times:

Stay there: Adam Green keeps away from three Lewes players              SP88456