Leatherhead manager Mick Sullivan believes his side’s success in the Ryman Premier League season will come down to their ability to take their chances, writes Matt Maltby.

The Tanners begin their first campaign back in the top tier of the Ryman leagues for 28 years by travelling to Billericay Town on Saturday.

And they will do so with virtually the same squad that won them their place there in the Division One South play-off final in May.

They have held on to last season’s prolific scorers Greg Andrews and Tommy Hutchings, but the latter is ruled out for the first few weeks after breaking his leg while out running in the summer.

Only Vernon Francis, Gary Drewett and Danny Gainsford have been added and it is goals that Sullivan is targeting.

“All three of the players I signed should chip in with their fair share of goals,” he said.

“We will have to get our chances this season and take them or we run the risk of getting punished.

“I think with every higher division you go, the more you get punished by your mistakes when you make them.

“Defensively, I think we are as good as many in the division, so the key will be to obviously score enough goals and see how we get on.”

Their first home match of the new season at Fetcham Grove will be against Tooting and Mitcham on Tuesday night.

Players in: Gary Drewett (Dulwich), Vernon Francis (Dulwich) and Danny Gainsford (Burges Hill Town).

Players out: Jack Mcleod (Kingstonian), John Boswell.

Position last year: Fourth in Division One South. Won a dramatic play-off final by beating Dulwich Hamlet 4-3 in extra time.

We say: Bottom half. It could be a season of struggle for the Tanners but with a good manager and some good players, they should be OK.

Sullivan says: “For the first season in many years, my expectations are mediocre. If we can consolidate and learn our trade at this level then I’ll be happy with a mid-table finish.”