LEATHERHEAD Ladies lost 3-2 to Byfleet and slipped to fifth in the Division Three table.

Hit by injury and with limited availability, Leatherhead fielded a depleted squad and within just 11 seconds of the start of the match they lost Gill Sullivan to injury, too.

Byfleet capitalised – as Leatherhead reorganised – and went a goal up within 10 minutes.

Leatherhead responded well and pulled level within five minutes when Liz Carleton slotted beyond the keeper's reach. Byfleet struck again to go into the break 2-1 up though.

Leatherhead enjoyed good possession in the second half but were unable to make it pay.

Caught by a swift Byfleet break that was deftly converted, Leatherhead found themselves 3-1 down with 15 minutes to go.

Making a big effort, Leatherhead reduced the deficit to one with a fine strike from Sophie Dudgeon, but could not force an equaliser before the final whistle.

The second team lost 4-3 to top of Division Eight table Berrylands. Leatherhead remain comfortable in second place and need just one more point from the remaining three games to secure promotion, but are reliant on Berrylands slipping up to grab a chance of gaining the title.