Leatherhead consolidated their fourth place position in Ryman Division One South with a comfortable 4-1 win at Three Bridges on Saturday.

Tanners grabbed an early lead but missed a hatful of chances to extend it before half time.

Three Bridges briefly threatened a come back at the start of the second half, before three quick goals – plus a saved penalty – sealed the points for the visitors.

Despite dominating possession for much of the match, Tanners almost conceded an opening goal after 13 minutes.

Gavin Gordon’s close range effort was well blocked by Leatherhead keeper Deren Ibrahim and Matt Canavan fired wide on the follow up.

Leatherhead always threatened when they pushed into Three Bridges’ half, and a Kev Terry breakaway on 16 minutes saw the ball fed through to Tom Parkinson, who shot just wide from the edge of the box.

Terry was again involved as Tanners opened the scoring after 19 minutes.

The nifty midfielder took the ball forward before offering a perfectly weighted pass for Darren Smith to run on to and strike home from 18 yards.

Mohamed Eisa had a chance to double the visitors’ lead four minutes later, finding a gap in the Three Bridges defence before striking a left foot shot against the post.

Tanners kept up the pressure but were unable to extend their lead before half-time.

Tom Bradbrook had a shot turned behind for a corner and Three Bridges keeper Martin Grant made two good saves from Terry and Ian Draycott.

Terry was on the receiving end of an untidy challenge from a Three Bridges defender just before half time and had to be replaced by James Richmond.

The hosts pushed up in the opening 10 minutes of the second half but they rarely threatened to break through the Tanners’ defence.

Bradbrook missed a chance to score after 54 minutes, heading over Smith’s cross from the right.

But it was Bradbrook who eventually got Leatherhead’s second goal after 70 minutes, heading home Richmond’s good delivery.

Tanners were awarded a penalty two minutes later, after Eisa was felled in the box by Dean Carden.

Smith struck the spot kick low to Grant’s right, but the Three Bridges keeper made an excellent save to keep the ball out.

It was not long, however, before the visitors added a third goal, after Draycott was fouled by the touchline - Jamie Coyle sent a long, looping free kick into the box for Bradbrook to nod home at the far post.

The Leatherhead striker had a chance for a hat-trick after 84 minutes as he bore down on the goal.

Bradbrook’s shot was half blocked by a defender but the ball fell kindly for Eisa to smash home Leatherhead’s fourth from 12 yards.

The hosts notched up a late consolation goal when Coyle sliced a clearance past Ibrahim for an unfortunate own goal.

But the win keeps Leatherhead firmly in contention in the top five as they prepare to welcome Guernsey to Fetcham Grove on Wednesday.

Leatherhead: Deren Ibrahim, Ryan Mahal, Dan Parkinson, Tom Parkinson, Jamie Coyle, Jerry Nnamani, Kev Terry (James Richmond 43, Elie Kayembe 77), Darren Smith, Tom Bradbrook, Ian Draycott (Zac Nightingale 81), Mohamed Eisa. 

Unused subs: Jordan Gough, Adam Hannachi.