Leatherhead boss Richard Brady is a level-headed man and he lives by an old football adage – never get too high when you win, and never get too low when you lose.

Instead, he leaves the excitement to the fans, but he will also be leaving them biting their nails after a weekend 1-0 defeat at home to Lewes, and a 1-1 draw at East Thurrock United on Tuesday night left the Tanners just five places above the Ryman Premier League dropzone.

New signing Dean Pooley gave the Tanners an early lead in Essex, with only their third goal in four league outings, however, Sam Higgins grab a last-gasp equalier to steal a point.

Brady said: “As a manager, you look at games differently from those outside.

“If we win 4-0, everyone will think we’ve been excellent, and I am the best manager out there, but that’s not always the case.

“Conversely, if we lose 1-0, everyone will think we were not good and I am suddenly the worst manager out there.

“But as a manager, all I am looking for is a performance. I know that results will not always go your way however well or bad you play.

“That’s why you should never get too high when you win, or too when you lose.

“I leave that to the fans.”

Brady turns his attention to the FA Trophy this weekend with a second qualifying round trip to Whyteleafe of Ryman Division One South – and he is taking his ethos to Church Lane.

He said: “Everyone will say we’re favourites. But Whyteleafe are going well at the moment, and there is, in reality, very little between us.”

Brady is without Stacy Long and Jerry Nnanami (injured), while Adam Green, Bode Anidugbe and Becka Kah Dembele are cup-tied.

Leatherhead return to Whyteleafe on November 18 for the second round of the League Cup.