Chatham Town 1 Gillingham 0

Match 6/26/2434 - Friday, 24th July 2026 - Pre-Season Friendly

Chatham Town (1) 1 Giles 31
Gillingham (0) 0
Estimated Attendance: 1,200
Admission: £5
Mileage: 34/260

LOAN WATCH

A Friday evening at Chatham Town brought the opportunity to see Scott Wagstaff’s Gillingham youngsters and muse on what he might be able to send the way of Tonbridge Angels. Waggy is now in charge of the Under-18’s at Priestfield and the team was a mixture of first and second year scholars.

An entire team change for Gillingham on the hour brought a much younger set into the action and, consequently, the game lost a bit of its competitive edge of the opening hour.

Of the Gillingham lads starting, the obvious stand-out is Sully Booth and, one would hazard a guess, that he is not going to be loaned out anywhere this coming season and is destined for a season in and around the senior team, he really is an exciting talent.

I was interested to watch Damian Theodore, who had shown up well in last season’s Kent Senior Cup tie at Longmead. He had a sparkling run and shot early in the game but was largely kept quiet by a strong Chatham defence.

Logan Dobbs, who had a loan spell that didn’t quite work out for a number of reasons at Tonbridge last season, handled a physical duo in Jimmy Wild and Stanley Oldfield really quite well and, if he was to be loaned and we needed a central defender, would fit the bill with a bit better luck than last time. But, my inclination is that he is another that might feature with the senior team.

Chatham opened the scoring, and ultimately won the game, with a 35 yard shot from Alex Giles that deceived Gills goalkeeper Benji Spencer.

Among the last 30 minute entrances was Josh Stone, son of Craig, who many would remember taking part in the warm-ups at Tonbridge when he was probably around five years old. These days, he is a tall central defender who coped with a hefty centre forward competently.

An estimated crowd well clear of four figures only reinforces the depth of support for Gillingham in the Medway area and beyond. This was never dressed up as a Gillingham first team fixture, everybody knew what they were getting but still there was a massive turnout from the Gills fans. All they need is a whiff of better times to come and they will be packing out Priestfield.

A thought drifted towards the heavens at kick-off time in memory of Paul Rodgers, who died unexpectedly in April. I knew Paul from a young age when he would travel on the Gillingham Travel Club coach before becoming disenchanted with the Scally regime and throwing his support behind Chatham Town and Punjab United. Paul was a character shall we say, with his passion extending beyond football with Madness and the comic Viz. Rest easy Paul.

Chatham Town 1 Tonbridge Angels 1

Match 69/25/2411 - Tuesday, 24th March 2026 - Kent Senior Cup Semi-Final

Chatham Town (0) 1 Cooper 78
Tonbridge Angels (0) 1 Baker 55
Tonbridge Angels won on penalties 6-5
Attendance: 816
Admission: £8
Mileage: 34/4,211

A COUNTY CUP FINAL, REALLY?

This is a football blog, so let’s get that out of the way first! In a howling gale, at times driving rain, this was never going to be one for the purist and it certainly was not. It was scrappy, attritional and, for large parts one hoped that one skilful moment would settle it, thus avoiding the lottery of a penalty shootout.

As it happened the second half brought two great finishes, but one for each side, and the spot kick drama needed to unfold.

After four successful spot kicks and one saved by Angels’ goalkeeper Matt Rowley, the scene was set for Alfie Pavey to complete the contest but his effort was saved by Nathan Harvey and the drama continued beyond the first five designated takers when Kian Moyes levelled for the hosts. Three successful penalties, one for Bunmi Babajide when memories of his missed penalty at Chippenham swirled around the Angels’ faithful. Up stepped Tope Fadahunsi for the Chats, his shot was pushed upwards by Rowley, diving to his right and when the ball rebounded off the crossbar, he became engulfed by ecstatic team mates.

Tonbridge’s history is barely a history in the County Cup. They haven’t won it since 1975 and their last appearance in the Final, 13 years ago, is best forgotten as they lost 7-1 at Longmead to a Charlton Athletic Under-23 squad.

Back in October, Chatham knocked the Angels out of the FA Cup. It was a result that was richly deserved, but as good as the Chats were on the day, it was felt that the Angels had not done themselves justice and to progress to the Kent Senior Cup Final at their expense would be seen as a modicum of recompense.

Chatham are also firmly in the playoff-off chase, nobody is going to catch Jay Saunders’ Folkestone Invicta, but the jostling for the advantageous places perhaps dictated their team selection with a couple of notable absentees. Meanwhile, Alan Dunne made three changes but the starting XI looked as strong as possible.

The hosts started the brighter with Matty Macarthur, an ex-Angels loanee, to the fore, but once the Angels settled into the game they were the dominant side with wind-assisted corner after corner from Bailey Akehurst dropping underneath the crossbar, giving Harvey acute discomfort.

But, in truth, the only winner during the first period was the wind with my half-time thoughts being that the home side had been subdued to the point that the atmosphere barely resembled that of a semi-final.

Dunne brought life to the game at the start of the second period bringing Frankie Baker, Babajide and Kyle Smith into the game and the added pace of the front two brought a different dimension and pretty much an immediate dividend as a misplaced pass saw Baker run clear of a labouring defender to finish with aplomb as Harvey advanced.

Babajide’s pace and quick feet continued to harass the Chatham back line and, just three minutes after the goal, his effort was agonisingly deflected wide of the post.

Akehurst saw a couple of shots go narrowly over and substitute Sean Shields tested Harvey as the Angels took charge of the game, so it came as a surprise when a misplaced pass from Matt Warren landed at the feet of Simon Cooper, who took aim from 25 yards to find the bottom corner.

Buoyed by their equaliser, it was the Chats that made the late running and probably the Angels who were the more relieved to hear the final whistle, despite Rowley not being unduly tested.

And so to penalties, once again history doesn’t reflect well on Tonbridge, but Pavey apart they were immaculate.

Wednesday, 22nd April at Priestfield Stadium sees 1975 revisited with Maidstone United once again the opponents. Alan Dunne promised us memories, after 51 years it will be nice to have a new one.

Pictures: David Couldridge

Chatham Town 4 Burgess Hill Town 0

Match 39/25/2381 - Saturday, 6th December 2025 - Isthmian League Premier

Chatham Town (1) 4 Anokye-Brodi 43 Evans 56 Allen 89, 90+8 (pen)
Burgess Hill Town (0) 0
Attendance: 912
Admission: £10
Mileage: 34/2,355

Chatham Town 3 Bowers & Pitsea 1

Match 57/24/2296 - Saturday, 28th December 2024 - Isthmian League Premier

Chatham Town (3) 3 Ufuah 7 Liburd 27 Cooper 45+1
Bowers & Pitsea (0) 1 Teniola 70
Attendance: 2,011
Admission: £8 Concession
Mileage: 33/4,130

Chatham Town 0 Enfield Town 3

Match 113/23/2236 - Monday, 6th May 2024 - Isthmian Premier Play-off Final

Chatham Town (0) 0 Tanner 48 Wyllie 70 Taaffe 90+1
Enfield Town (0) 3
Attendance: 3,000
Admission: £6
Mileage: 32/7,790

Match Report

Chatham Town 3 Tonbridge Angels 1

Match 37/23/2160 - Tuesday, 3rd October 2023 - Kent Senior Cup 2R

Chatham Town (2) 3 Hobden 36 Yila 45 Nzala 76 (pen)
Tonbridge Angels (1) 1 Lyons-Foster 7
Attendance: 508
Admission: £8 Senior
Mileage: 32/1,930
Weather: 15degC., Autumn evening chill

Tonbridge Angels suffered further cup disappointment as they were dumped out of the Kent Senior Cup at Chatham Town.

Jay Saunders was able to field a strong starting XI including new signings Sonny Fish and Charlie Pegrum and for the opening 20 minutes the Tonbridge supporters in an attendance of 508 had reasons to be cheerful as they dominated the game and took a seventh minute lead through Kodi Lyons-Foster.

Unfortunately, those 20 minutes proved to be a false dawn as the visitors intensity dropped off and Chatham firstly got a foothold back in the game and then took a stranglehold on it.

The opening goal came after a quick free kick on the right was played short to Tariq Hinds who crossed low and hard into the box to be met by the onrushing Lyons-Foster who met the ball solidly to score from close range.

Fish, who was enjoying a positive competitive debut, struck a fine low shot that brought a good save at his near post from the Chats goalkeeper, Ben Bridle-Card and from the resultant corner, the goalkeeper was well placed again to save from Lyons-Foster.

Further efforts on goal from Jordan Higgs, Hinds and when Bridle-Card saved with his feet from Jordan Greenidge after being put through on goal by Pegrum, there was every reason for optimism.

But, as if a switch had been flicked, Chatham grew into the game and, after Jonny Henly had made his first save to deny Cameron Brodie, a 25 yard strike from Ollie Hobden found the top corner to equalise for the home side.

Chatham Town are enjoying their first season as an Isthmian Premier League side, presently sitting in second position, and once they had the equaliser their confidence quickly grew and they got their noses in front in first half added time after good work and a cross down the right hand side found Jamie Yila who converted from close range.

Jay Saunders made a half-time substitution bringing on Scott Wagstaff for Lewis Gard and Lyons-Foster had an early opportunity heading over the crossbar from a Jamie Fielding cross.

Ex-Angel Kristian Campbell struck a fierce shot just over the bar from 25 yards as Chatham continued to hold the game’s momentum.

Francis Mampolo was introduced on 56 minutes for Fielding and made a good impression. A Higgs cross on the hour was headed over by Greenidge and the Angels had several corners as they tried to wrest control from Chatham.

But, on 75 minutes, a foul in the box saw the referee point to the spot leaving Ashley Nzala to send Henly the wrong way, rolling the ball into the corner.

It left a mountain for the Angels to climb and despite several corners and strikes on goal saved by Bridle-Card from Mampolo, Chatham never really looked like surrendering their advantage.

Jay Saunders commented after the game: “First 15 minutes we were in control but today highlights where we’re at. We are a bit low and once we conceded we went into our shells.”

Chatham Town 5 Tunbridge Wells 1

Match 41/21/1906 - Saturday, 9th October 2021 - SCEFL Premier

Chatham Town (2) 5 Bradshaw 34,57,71 Evans 37 (pen) Pugh 80
Tunbridge Wells (0) 1 Gething 55
Attendance: 647

Admission: £5 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 34/2,299

A trip to the Bauvill with Chatham Town’s array of expensively-procured talent was always going to be a tough ask but from 2-0 down and a man light the mountain becomes insurmountable.

For the first 30 minutes, 11 against 11, Chatham could possibly have made the argument that they were the better side, but it wasn’t overwhelming and Tunbridge Wells were well and truly in the game. But, in the space of three minutes, a defensive error and a rush of blood left them 2-0 down and reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Ryan Cheek.

Sheppey, and possibly Glebe, will make their case as contenders but with the likes of Jack Evans and Dan Bradshaw, along with the older hands of Matt Bodkin and Ryan Hayes, all players that could and should be playing at a higher level you get the feeling that they should win the league at a canter.

Hayes had shown the threat in the opening 20 minutes forcing Aaron Lee Wharton (ALW) in a good, low save with the rebound hacked away and then setting up Bradshaw with a chance that he should have done better than pull wide.

But the Wells were not without their own chances with James Nurden having a shot blocked and Josh Froggatt striking the top of the bar.

But after 34 minutes the home side got their noses in front when Nurden failed to take the opportunity to clear and Hayes crossed, low and hard across the face of the goal for the arch poacher Bradshaw to touch home from close range.

Three minutes later the game changer came when Hayes curled a shot towards the top corner and beyond the clutches of ALW, Cheek was positioned on the post and successfully turned the ball away but with the use of his hand. The referee had no alternative but to show the red card and the punishment was doubled as Evans scored from the spot.

Chatham continued to dominate after the break with Evans starting to revel in the extra space afforded by the man advantage. A wonderful link with Charlie Dickens ended with the full back volleying the ball out of the ground before setting up Hayes with a great chance that he wasted.

Then out of nothing but a punt forward, Matt Gething was clear and with the Chats goalkeeper Andy Walker hesitating, the Wells striker finished well and the visitors were back in the game.

But those hopes lasted a mere two minutes when, after 57 minutes, Hayes crossed to the near post for Bradshaw to glance a header into the far corner.

The Wells goal was now under siege and the only surprise was that it took another 15 minutes for Chatham to score again, due to brave defending and some wasteful finishing. A cross from the right was met by the head of Bradshaw, ALW saved well but the ball broke to the striker who completed his hat-trick and his afternoon’s work, being immediately substituted.

Bodkin and Evans were now showcasing their skills, as the Tunbridge Wells defenders were frightened to put in tackles inside the box and eventually the ball fell to substitute Andy Pugh, whose close range shot could only be palmed into the net by ALW.

ALW singled handedly kept the scoreline at five making three saves in the final minutes.

Chatham are a club ready for Step 4. The stadium has improved beyond recognition in the last three years; they have the 3G surface generating revenue; they have a massive (in terms of Step 5) fan-base that enjoys the facilities in terms of bar usage and, most importantly, they have a squad that could sustain themselves at the higher level.

Chatham Town 4 Sheppey United 4

Match 58/20/1861 - Saturday, 29th May 2021 - Post-Lockdown Tournament

Chatham Town (1) 4 Evans 5,48,53 (pen) OG 48
Sheppey United (2) 4Leonard 11 Carnegie 26 Midson 54,69
Attendance: 687

Admission: £1
Programme: None
Mileage: 34/3,226

The sun was shining brightly, the Beach Bar was heaving and the beer was slipping down thirsty throats as fast as the beach waiters could serve them. A scene from coast this weekend, perhaps even a snapshot of the green listed Algarve, no this as Maidstone Road, the home of Chatham Football Club.

This Post-Lockdown Tournament has proved a great success so far with the games satisfying the desire to get back into football grounds and when club’s are as innovative as Chatham then the bar is going to do great business. Football and beer have always been easy bedfellows.

On any given Saturday, the visit of Sheppey United to Chatham would bring a decent attendance, but 687? That is quite incredible. But the tournament has brought the crowds back to football in their droves. The night previous Lordswood entertained Rochester United in front of 225, no disrespect to either club but the aforesaid any given Saturday (let along a Friday night), that match-up would have been hard pushed to attract a three figure crowd.

The other factor that the tournament has served up is goals and lots of them. Despite the 1-0 result at Lordswood, six goals a game is the average.

Chatham and Sheppey served up a classic goalfest with a 4-4 draw that the fans loved but the respective managers must have watched from behind their hands. There were some splendid goals that were only matched by woeful defending from both sides. These two clubs are the big hitters in the SCEFL in the coming season, on this evidence it is going to be a Gunfight at the OK Corral. But, come the season, I’m sure Scott Lindsay and Ernie Batten are not going to have their teams walking out to Robbie Williams’ Let Me Entertain You.

One player from each side strutted, or were allowed to, their stuff. For Chatham Jack Evans was simply majestic whilst Sheppey’s Jack Midson showed that his 37 years is not going to be any sort of barrier at Step 5.

The scoring was opened in the fifth minute when Ike Orji pulled the ball back from the right hand byeline for Evans to finish at the near post. Orji became the villain six minutes later when his error allowed Sheppey’s Danny Leonard to equalise.

The game continued to be end to end before the visitors took the lead after 26 minutes when some poor defending allowed Harrison Carnegie to finish into the bottom corner.

A foretaste of what was to come throughout the second period was initiated within the first couple of minutes when the Sheppey goalkeeper saved brilliantly from Evans’ header.

But a minute later the Chats were level with more than a hint of good fortune as Andy Pugh’s effort was parried by the keeper but the rebound struck a defender and trickled into the net.

Four minutes later the Chats were in front and one minute after that Sheppey were back level. A handball gave Evans the opportunity to convert from the spot before a Midson near post header made it 3-3, thus maintaining the tournament average.

On 63 minutes that average was improved as a Matt Bodkin cross was met at the near post by the head of Evans to complete his hat trick.

But there was still one more equaliser, coming in the 69th minutes, when more woeful defending allowed Midson to make it 4-4.

That we managed to get through the final 20 minutes without any addition to the scoreline is a mystery as both defences tried their best to allow the respective attacks further opportunities. All great fun, and fun that could have been enjoyed from a beach bar!

Chatham Town 2 Punjab United 1

Match 30/19/1753 - Tuesday, 1st October 2019 - SCEFL Premier

Chatham Town (2) 2 Geddes 4 Evans 32 (pen)
Punjab United (1) 1 Johnson-Cole 26
Attendance: 189

Admission: £5 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 32/2,164

My first trip of the season to Chatham’s Bauvill Stadium and also my first look at the transformation made whilst going to a 4G pitch and, you have to say it is pretty impressive.

The old turnstiles, a welcome nod to a bygone age, remain but once through, your eyes are immediately drawn to the bar area which has been completely revamped merging two rooms into one with large picture windows facing out to the pitch. Inside the bar is bright with screens dotted around so that lunchtime football can be watched while helping the club’s coffers with a few beers.

The old stand remains, but with rumours that it will be no more come next summer. The 4G surface has been pushed as far across from the main stand as possible leaving a very wide, newly laid tarmac walkaway. This has left the stand sitting rather a long way back but, as I was informed, the pitch has been lowered significantly so the sightlines haven’t been greatly diminished.

To finish the job, new perimeter fencing has been added.

On the pitch the Southern Counties East favourites will be under new management following the shock resignation of manager James Collins and on this form they will need to improve to justify their championship credentials as lowly Punjab United pushed them all the way and deserved something out of the game come the final whistle.

There was nothing to suggest that Chatham were going to be stretched in the early stages as they took a 4th minute lead when Pat Geddes headed home a corner. The visiting goalkeeper, Lee Kidman made good saves to deny Reece Butler, Geddes and Matt Bodkin. Paul Vines rounded the keeper, but a Punjab defender got back to retrieve the situation and Kidman saved well again to thwart Jack Evans.

So it was some surprise when Punjab levelled the score after 24 minutes when a free taken by William Johnson-Cole rebounded from the wall to the taker who drove a shot home into the bottom corner.

Chatham retook the lead with a 32nd minute penalty from Evans that Kidman couldn’t prevent despite getting both hands to the shot.

In the second half I saw my first-ever sin bin as Chatham’s Leon Smith sat out 10 minutes for a second yellow but returned in injury time to bolster the defence as Punjab mounted a grandstand finish that didn’t quite produce the goal that their performance deserved.

So the times they are a’changing at Maidstone Road but can the same progress on the field as they have off it?

Chatham Town 1 Tunbridge Wells 0

Match 100/17/1550 - Tuesday, 13th March 2018 - SCEFL

Chatham Town (0) 1 Zanone 70
Tunbridge Wells (0) 0
Attendance: 103

Entrance: £5 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 32/6,967

Postponements have been the order of the past month and so it was that the latest, Tonbridge’s long-awaited visit of the Billericay Circus with their evangelistic leader, Glenn Tamplin befell victim to a waterlogged pitch.

Never mind, any opportunity to watch Tunbridge Wells is worth taking. True, on the field they are as inconsistent as it is possible to be, unless you go back six months when they were consistently poor, but the people that support them are never anything less than good company for a couple of hours.

Chatham Town have also had a season that they will probably want to forget as soon as the last ball is kicked and were just a little nervously looking over their shoulders as Hollands & Blair have started to put the odd point on the board. A new influx of players including the much-travelled Stuart Zanone, Jason Goodchild and ex-Tunbridge Wells man Joe Nwoko have been brought in, as much for next season as this one would hope, to stave off any threat of relegation.

The first half was a pretty even affair without either team laying too much of a glove on the other. Zanone had the ball in the net after six minutes but was clearly offside and the Wells had a shot from Jack Harris comfortably saved by Ben Nourse whilst a better save was needed to deny Jared Trespaderne after 19 minutes. Sadly, it turned out that these would be the Wells only efforts on target all evening.

Trespaderne’s work ethic is to be admired, example a 60 yard back track in the second half, but he doesn’t appear to be an out-and-out striker in these formative years.

There was a bit of handbags after a poor tackle put Chatham’s Jack Matthews in the book but largely an uneventful first half drew slowly to its close.

Chatham were by far the better team in the second period and only an excellent performance from Cameron Hall between the Wells sticks, kept the score line blank until the 70th minute when the home side finally broke the deadlock.

The early warning signs for the second half were there as Chatham’s Russell Bedford flashed a shot across the face of goal.

Cameron Hall produced a brave save at the feet of Zanone as the introduction of substitutes Billy Brown and Taylor McDonagh gave the home side fresh impetus.

It was Brown’s run that set-up the opportunity for Zanone to bury his shot into the bottom corner to give the Chats the lead.

Hall made saves from Brown (twice) and Nwoko whilst Zanone shot over and Greg Skinner made a goal line clearance as the traffic became largely one-way.

Three important points for Chatham, of which they were more desperate than the Wells, and this was clearly evident in the second period.

Chatham Town 2 Lordswood 2

Match 92/17/1542 - Tuesday, 13th February 2018 - SCEFL Challenge Cup QF

Chatham Town (1) 2 Osibodu 19 Parker 72
Lordswood (0) 2 Webb 84 Mahon 90+2
After Extra Time. Lordswood won 4-1 on penalties
Attendance: 120

Entrance: £5 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 32/6,585

ElChavvico, the wonderfully self-deprecating title given to this local derby, turned into an ElClassico sting on those of us that had endured the freezing extra time at Erith Town a week ago. Chatham, two goals to the good going into the final 10 minutes, managed to self-destruct and then make a complete pig’s ear of the penalty shoot-out.

Lordswood had an early opportunity, a header from Jordan Wells, before Chatham took the lead after 19 minutes when a cross from Ralique Lawrence teed up a tap-in at the far post for Timi Osubodu.

Lawrence was proving a handful for the Lordswood defence and his fine effort was cleared from the line at the right hand post.

Lordswood hadn’t really offered too much before they had a goal from Jack Mahon disallowed, somewhat controversially, for offside. It wasn’t the first time in the match that the referee had had a moment and it certainly was not the last. His first decision, prior to kick-off, to allow the colour clashing shirts of red/black and orange/black to go ahead was as poor as any he made on the pitch.

The visitors had the ball in the net again after 11 minutes of the second half but, much to the annoyance of the Lords skipper, Gary Cook who talked himself into the book with some colourful language it was one more disallowed.

Chatham put some breathing space between them and their visitors after 72 minutes when Osubodu crossed for Freddie Parker to side-foot home from around 12 yards. As the feet were starting to get their now customary numbness, the goal was a welcome reiief from the prospect of extra time.

But, with seven minutes remaining, the Lords found a way back into the game when a header was only parried by Chats goalkeeper, Ryan Nicholls and, from the melee that ensued, the ball was bundled home by Bradley Webb.

As Chatham made a mess of time-wasting in the corner, the ball was launched downfield for Nicholls to rush from his goal on a fruitless chase as Mahon lobbed the ball over his head and into the unguarded net to frustrate both home supporters and neutrals alike.

To add to the frustration extra time was a non-event that really begs the question why not go straight to penalties? Whilst Lordswood were perfect from the spot, Ryan Chandler saved from Parker and Michael Hagan blasted his wide leaving George Blake to nail to tie.

Tunbridge Wells’ tie with Cray Valley was postponed and has been rearranged for next Tuesday, what price extra time?

Chatham Town 2 Sittingbourne 3

Match 86/16/1393 - Monday, 6th February 2017 - Ryman South

Chatham Town (0) 2 Gallacher 85,90+2
Sittingbourne (2) 3 Akhazzan 2, Wright 33, Richardson 60
Attendance: 162

Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 32/6,053

Match Report

Chatham Town now look a team desperately in need of snookers if they are to avoid relegation. Despite an unlikely comeback attempt in the last five minutes, defeat against neighbours Sittingbourne leaves them eight points adrift of Guernsey with perhaps their best hope being that the Channel Islanders decide not to continue in Ryman South next season.

The Chats need of points was a lot greater than that of their visitors but they got off to the worst possible start conceding within two minutes. A long throw was poorly cleared to the feet of the evergreen Hicham Akhazzan who struck low and hard into the centre of the goal.

About the only Chatham player to catch the eye in a dismal first half for the hosts was Ryan Flack who created a chance for Darren Marsden to drag wide and then sent in a rasping drive that narrowly cleared the crossbar.

Sittingbourne doubled their advantage in the 32 minute when a cross from the left was ineffectually slapped away by goalkeeper Alex Hyde to Stefan Wright who drove his shot into the bottom corner.

Chats manager, Paul Piggott made a double substitution at the break bringing on Kyron Lightfoot and Jordan Gallacher and, in fairness, the home side did improve after the break.

The third Sittingbourne goal on the hour probably best exemplifies why Chatham will be relegated this season. A corner from the right by Akhazzan was swung into the centre of the six yard box where Jono Richardson climbed the highest to head home. It was all too easy.

The game appeared to be drifting to its expected conclusion when Flack swung in a corner for Gallacher to steer his header into the far corner for a consolation goal.

Two minutes into time added, that consolation was added to when Chatham's skipper George Benner knocked down a cross for Gallacher to shoot home.

Unfortunately for Chatham, the sands of time quickly ran out and those same sands are winding down their time in Ryman South.

If Chatham have thoughts that they can go down to the Southern Counties East and return to the Ryman a year later stronger for the experience they have to look no further than Whitstable, who are not going to emerge from their first season or, slightly longer term, Erith and Belvedere who show no sign of promotion back after three seasons.

Chatham Town 0 Faversham Town 1

Match 78/16/1385 - Monday, 16th January 2017 - Ryman South

Chatham Town (0) 0
Faversham Town (0) 1 King 90
Attendance: 179

Entrance: Ticket from abandoned match
Programme: £2
Mileage: 32/5,515

Match Report

In terms of entertainment value, the 27 minutes played in a monsoon in mid-November easily outstripped the 90 of the re-arranged fixture. But just as I was settling for only my third goal-less draw of the season, Faversham's substitute David Blaikie with his first touches of the ball fed a sublime pass through to Liam King who slid the ball past Alex Hyde and into the bottom right hand corner for the visitor's 90th minute winner.

For many seasons, Chatham had a great deal of sympathy within Kent football for being the club that was continually placed in Ryman North and subsequently missing out on the lucrative derby matches enjoyed in the South. Sadly, if the club doesn't start to put together a winning run in the near future, they will have an awful lot of derbies in the Southern Counties East.

Chatham's salvation, they are five points from safety having played two more games than those immediately above them, might come in a fixture list that will bring three of the bottom five to Maidstone Road with visits to three more of the relegation-threatened teams.

Faversham have also had an indifferent season and it is unusual to see Ray Turner's team languishing below mid-table, but they have games in hand and a winning run could see them among the play-off contenders in April.

You would not bet on either scenario ending positively with the quality on display for the most part as both sides set about digging out a much-needed result.

Chatham started reasonably well with Kyron Lightfoot catching the eye but it was all pretty toothless in front of goal where the goals of departed Luke Medley are going to be hard to replace.

Faversham's first sniff at goal came from a Josh Stanford corner that found the head of Jamie Maxted but he steered it wide.

Chatham had a similar chance, with identical result after 28 minutes when a corner from Ryan Flack was headed over by Freeman Rogers.

Reaching the break goal-less was, sadly, a true reflection of the game.

Within a minute of the restart, Chatham's George Benner headed a free kick towards his own goal but was bailed out by a goal-line clearance.

Faversham had the better of the second period. Josh Stanford directed a shot at the goalkeeper and George Monger also brought saves from Alex Hyde.

As the feet slowly turned to ice the goal-less draw looked ever more likely until the timely introduction of Blaikie.

Faversham walked away with the points but there is plenty to play for both clubs between now and the end of April.

Chatham Town 1 Faversham Town 1

Match 55/16/1362 - Monday, 21st November 2016 - Ryman South

Chatham Town (1) 1 Rogers 8
Faversham Town (1) 1 Harvey 6
Match abandoned, waterlogged pitch, after 27 minutes
Attendance: 128

Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 40/4,336

Match Report

This was a Kent derby that may have only lasted 27 minutes but nobody could say it was a damp squib!

After 20 minutes of heavy rain the puddles around the centre circle were becoming very apparent although the ball continued to travel reasonably well across the surface. As the rain became harder, referee Stephen Brown approached both benches and allowed play to continue but within seconds the rain became the proverbial stair rods and a couple of minutes later he had little alternative but to call a halt. A few minutes wait ended with the announcement that the evening's entertainment had been brought to a close.

Chatham began the evening with Steve Binks caretaking after the dismissal of Darren Anslow following a humiliating 7-0 reverse at home to Hastings United on Saturday. This was a sense of deja vu for the Maidstone Road club who also lost the services of Tony Beckingham, who resigned following a 7-1 rout by this evening's opponents Faversham Town. It was speculated that the man that the Chats have struggled to replace, Kevin Watson, would be asked to once more take the helm, but by the end of the evening it was apparent that the next incumbent would be the ex-Hollands and Blair manager, Paul Piggott.

The rain was falling steadily as Mr Brown got the game underway and within six minutes, we were left wondering whether another mauling by Faversham was coming the Chats way.

Luke Harvey was sent through the centre of midfield, powering past some ineffectual challenges before shooting past Alex Hyde to open the scoring.

But, due credit to the home side who were on level terms within a couple of minutes. Having won a corner when Thomas Benham turned an effort around the post, the resultant place kick was powerfully headed home from six yards by Freeman Rogers.

A couple of half chances came Faversham's way before the referee called a halt. As my feet plunged into a puddle above my ankles on the way out, I knew the referee had made the right decision.

Chatham Town 5 Ramsgate 2

Match 37/16/1345 - Monday, 10th October 2016 - Ryman League South

Chatham Town (2) 5 Jackson 24,76 Medley 31,63 Youngs 81
Ramsgate (0) 2 Penney 46 McKenzie 53
Attendance: 149

Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2.00
Mileage: 40/3,215

Match Report

Six weeks ago I watched a very poor Chatham side outplayed by Walton Casuals and dumped out of the FA Cup. Their start to the season under the management of Tony Beckingham had brought just two wins in their opening 14 games in all competitions culminating with an humiliating 7-1 defeat at Faversham Town that brought Beckingham's resignation.

Darren Anslow was brought in to steady the ship and this victory was his first after four games in charge, two of which have been equally bad defeats in cup competitions.

What made this five goal romp against a Ramsgate side that has gone off the rails since an unbeaten August saw them riding high in the Ryman South table was the change in personnel at Chatham since that game against Walton Casuals. Only Liam Hickey and Luke Medley were in the starting line-up in August and in this one. What I didn't know at the time was this was largely because of traffic problems on the A2 that left several of Anslow's players stranded.

Chatham played some good football and Medley was a constant source of danger to the Ramsgate defence. The home side took the lead after 24 minutes when Josh Jackson finished from just inside the box having been put through with a lovely pass from Ross Morley.

The home side doubled their advantage on the half-hour with another defence splitting pass, this time from Josh Bray sent the much travelled Medley through for a cool finish having shrugged off the attentions of a couple of challenges.

Whatever the Ward brothers said at half-time had immediate effect as the Rams pulled a goal back after just 26 seconds. Luke Girt played in raiding full back Jack Penny who finished with shot into the bottom corner.

Eight minutes later and the other Ramsgate full back, Jake McKenzie, profited from a pass from Alfie Paxman to finish brilliantly.

But Anslow's side were not to be denied. Medley scored his second goal, converting a cross from Harvey Brand at the near post.

Chatham rounded off the scoring in the 76th and 81st minutes courtesy of free kicks in which Ramsgate goalkeeper Luke Watkins didn't cover himself in glory. The first, a powerful shot from Jackson went through his hands and the second, a Tom Youngs effort that he could only help in at his right hand upright.

A good night for Darren Anslow, a good night for Chatham, hopefully a corner turned.

Chatham Town 1 Walton Casuals 2

Match 19/16/1327 - Monday, 22nd August 2016 - FA Cup Preliminary Round Replay

Chatham Town (1) 1 Gundry 19
Walton Casuals (2) 2 Pinnock 6 Summers 32
Attendance: 152

Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £1
Mileage: 32/2,109


Match Report

Alongside a fellow Gillingham supporter and far more dedicated groundhopper than I, Jim Case, we have often begged the question of Chatham Town (and clubs like them), "why do they persist in playing Tuesday night fixtures in competition with Gillingham and senior non-league clubs." Chatham Town haven't exactly listened to us because we didn't directly pose the question, but they are experimenting this season with Monday night fixtures and, so far, the results in terms of attendance are encouraging. Their opening home league fixture against Tooting and Mitcham drew an attendance of 239; whilst Tooting are well supported, on last year's figures this would be a good 100 up. This FA Cup replay, obviously arranged at short notice with no time to advertise the fixture managed 152, about 25 more than might have been expected on a Tuesday?

The teams were re-assembled at Maidstone Road after a thrilling 3-3 draw on Saturday in front of a meagre 43 people. Nobody likes to go out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle and the £1,950 prize money is gold dust to clubs entering at this stage.

Chatham Town can have few complaints that their Surrey opponents took home the money and a place in the First Qualifying Round.

Walton Casuals opened brightly and scored with their first attack after five minutes. A ball over the top sent the left winger clear and when he laid the ball inside to Sol Pinnock, his 20 yard shot found the net off the far post.

The visitors could have put the tie to bed before the elapsing of 10 minutes. Malachi Hudson, broke clear before ex-Tunbridge Wells' Lee Radford made a saving clearance and this was followed by Chatham loan goalkeeper from Gillingham, Henry Newcombe, making a point blank save to deny Hudson.

Chatham equalised on 18 minutes when Ricky Gundry won a challenge the Walton centre half and found the net with an accurate lob of the advancing keeper for a good finish.

The goal took nothing out of Walton's stride and they were back in front just past the half-hour mark when Dan Summers ran on to a long ball, cut in from the left and fired a low shot into the far corner. The home side had to be thankful to their young goalkeeper for keeping the tie alive at the break. Newcombe made good saves to deny Pinnock and Gabriel Odunaike.

Whatever plans Tony Beckingham laid in the dressing rooms at half-time went out of the window within a minute of the restart with the sending-off of Aaron Ruhle. From the width of the pitch it was difficult to see how bad a challenge it was that brought a second yellow.

Chatham didn't make a bad fist of 10 versus 11, but you felt from the sidelines that Walton were basically controlling the situation. Pinnock missed a couple of chances and Newcombe made another very decent save late on. Mark Patterson, the Gillingham Youth Team coach, who was sat alongside me, would have been pleased with his 18-year-old goalkeeper's efforts on the night.

Chatham Town 1 Herne Bay 4

Match 52/15/1257 - Tuesday, 15th December 2015 - Kent Senior Cup 2R

Chatham Town (1) 1 Osei 45
Herne Bay (0) 4 Johnson 59, Parkinson 63, Williams 75,82
Attendance: 71

Entrance: £5 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 32/3,756

Match Report

For the first time this season, a postponement diverted me away from my original destination to a first alternative. Tonbridge's Ryman Premier encounter fell foul of a waterlogged pitch at Longmead, as had the previous night's Ryman Under 18's game that I was also planning on attending.

It is quite amazing how often, when games all around Kent have been called off, Chatham's Maidstone Road ground seems to survive the onslaught. A playing surface laid on clay was the reason given to me some time ago.

Back in August, at Longmead, I got an inkling that Herne Bay were a useful side, despite on the night being a bit overly physical. Their league position, third going into this Kent Senior Cup encounter, indicated I might have been a good judge and their performance on a horrible evening confirmed those thoughts.

It was a pleasure to see Lee Browning back on a football pitch after a couple of months out of the game without a club, although it took a while to recognise him with his new look, a very heavy beard. As he has done for many a year, he bossed a midfield looking the quality player on the pitch.

This is the first time I've seen Chatham since Kevin Horlock took charge and from this viewing he has a uphill job on his hands.

The night turned on a second half disaster for Chats' goalkeeper, Ryan Nicholls. The home side had gone into the break with a barely deserved 1-0 lead courtesy of a goal from Kwabena Osei. On the hour, Herne Bay were level when a header at the far post from a corner went through Nicholls' hands. Four minutes later, another fumble allowed Dan Parkinson to score and when a shot from outside of the box was only palmed into the path of Danny Williams with 15 minutes remaining the keeper's night of misery was complete.

A sweeping move and a fierce shot from Williams wrapped up the evening and progressed Herne Bay into the quarter-finals where they will have a home tie against Dartford.

Chatham Town 4 Tunbridge Wells 1

Match 05/15/1210 - Saturday, 18th July 2015 - Pre-Season Friendly

Chatham Town (2) 4 Jeffery 20, Humber 40, 51, Edwards 77
Tunbridge Wells (1) 1 Seenan 9
Attendance: Est. 127

Entrance: Senior £4
Programme: Free Team Sheet
Mileage: 32/238

For both clubs this coming season is going to be one of new beginnings. Chatham Town's exile in the Northern division of the Ryman League, a ludicrously long sojourn of five years, has ended and they can look forward to Kent derbies against Sittingbourne, Herne Bay and Whitstable rather than a trip through the Dartford Tunnel every other Saturday. On the flip side, the South always appears to be the stronger of the divisions so Kevin Watson will have needed to considerably strengthen his squad from the one that struggled in the North last term, but it should be easier to attract players now that the travelling element has been reduced.

For Tunbridge Wells, a new era under Keith Bird has begun and we can despatch the debacle of the process in which he was appointed to the Summertime Blues column for any who hasn't kept abreast of the sorry tale. Martin Larkin's squad hasn't been dismantled as was first feared and there have been returnees in the shape of Andy Irvine, Jason Barton and Hooley Cornell with the addition of new players, Luke Mathias and John Sinclair. The absence of team announcements led to difficulty working out who was who, usual fare for pre-season!

Kevin Watson would have finished the game much the happier of the two bosses. Outstanding was ex-Gillingham youth team player, George Humber, who scored a couple and made life very difficult for his opponents.

Keith Bird will be disappointed with a defensive display that saw all four goals conceded in a manner in which he would hope organisation on the training field will avoid once the league season is underway.

The Wells opened brightly and were well worth their ninth minute lead. A cross from the left to the far post found Chris Seenan whose header found it's way past the home goalkeeper. The Scotsman's record this pre-season is starting to look mightily impressive, five goals in three games.

Once Humber started weaving his magic, the Chats came back into the game and defensively the Wells rather fell apart. A corner from the right, allowed Jack Jeffery a free header to bring the scores level and five minutes before the break, a passing move across the face of goal ended with Humber, free on the left hand side of the six yard box, able to pick his spot.

Six minutes into the second half, Humber waltzed his way into the box past desperate challenges, to plant a low shot past the substitute goalkeeper and with 13 minutes remaining a Chatham substitute, Austin Edwards, tied the game up with a fourth goal.

No points have been won or lost, but for Mr Bird, there were probably more questions than answers to emerge from this game.

Chatham Town 0 Aveley 5

Match 54/14/1163 - Saturday 3rd January 2015 - Ryman North

Chatham Town (0) 0
Aveley (1) 5 Holland 16 Baker 53 Elliott 62, 75 Elbi 70
Att. 143

Entrance: £5
Programme: £2
Mileage: 32/3,872

Match Report

For the first time this winter weather decimated the non-league programme and I was left to search for a game.

As both the Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells games had disappeared from the fixture list before I got out of bed following my night shift, a first look at kentishfootball’s updated fixture list showed very little choice available, but an old favourite fall-back Chatham were still holding out hopes of getting their game on.

When the Game On message appeared on Twitter it was a pleasant surprise as the rain was still tumbling outside of my window. At the ground, I was informed by a local resident that the area sits on chalk, literally a spade’s depth below the surface which always gives the Maidstone Road ground a chance.

In fact, the pitch looked in pretty good shape all things considered and the groundsman can only be congratulated on his efforts, but a couple of hours later he must have wondered why he bothered.

Chatham were unbelievably poor and, once Aveley had ridden some early pressure from the hosts, and a 30 yard effort from Billy Holland nestled in the bottom corner after 16 minutes, they were always in control of the game. Unfortunately, my head was in my phone at the time, taking in a goal for Port Vale against Gillingham.

Chatham responded in sorts and created a couple of chances with Maidstone loanee, Richard Davies, rising above the mediocrity.

The second half was nothing less than a disaster for Chatham as Aveley picked them off almost at will. A poorly defended free kick allowed Junior Baker to head in from close range and five minutes later when a cross from the bye-line was converted with a tap in from Marcus Elliott the game was over.

A bizarre goal on 69 minutes, Chatham goalkeeper Tom Welham’s clearance rebounding off Petrit Elbi and into the net made it four and within five minutes a surging run from Paul Preston created another close range finish for Elliott to complete Aveley’s nap hand.

The most satisfying part of the afternoon was being able to throw a few bob into the collection bucket for Matt Solly who broke and dislocated his ankle at Thurrock the previous week and is unable to work until such times as he is mobile once more. Evidently, Kevin Watson, Chatham’s manager was so disappointed with his team’s performance he ordered that the team’s wages for the match was donated to the fund.

Chatham Town 0 Worthing 1

Match 37/14/1146 - Tuesday, 4th November 2014 - FA Trophy 1QR Replay

Chatham Town (0) 0
Worthing (0) 1 Bugiel 83
Att. 123

Entrance: £5 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 33/2,512

Match Report

Despite being rewarded for turning out on a rain-lashed night at Maidstone Road with a pretty lousy match to view, I still felt that the football gods had been with me on this occasion. An afternoon had been spent regularly checking the travelling time to Harrow Borough Football Club and the notorious M25 rush hour traffic. An initial journey time of 1 hour 35 minutes had risen closer to two-and-a-half hours when I decided that I might be left sitting in traffic as the game kicked off and decided that opting for the easier option of Chatham's Trophy replay against Worthing might be a wise move.

As I pulled into the car park at Chatham, my mobile phone dinged with a notification from Football Web Pages, match at Harrow postponed. What would have been a minimum of four hours travelling time had been avoided; as I donned a heavy coat and gloves for the first time this season, I was thanking my luck stars.

As illustrated at Tonbridge in the Ryman League Cup a month ago, Chatham, shorn this season of the extravagant talent of Alfie May and the goals of Ade Yussuf, have a lack of potency in the final third of the pitch and this cup exit further highlighted their weakness.

On a night when the heavens opened and the pitch became increasingly slippery , Chatham appeared to be unwilling to follow their visitors lead and take the pot shot from 20 yards plus when the opportunity arose. Worthing did this on several occasions and although these efforts failed to produce a goal, several of them required retrieving at the second attempt by the Chats keeper, Tom Welham.

On the night, Chatham’s front two, Austin Gacheru and Junior Kaffo laboured against some resolute Worthing defending. Gacheru, who took the bulk of the criticism from the faithful sat around me, curled a second half shot narrowly over the angle of bar and post whilst Kaffo, quite impressive at Tonbridge made very little impression.

The game was settled with eight minutes remaining, a relief to everybody I’m guessing that wanted to avoid extra time as the cold was beginning to bite at the extremities, with a far post header by Omar Bugiel, who drifted into position unchallenging following a corner. The goal was greeted by the half-dozen Worthing supporters behind the goal that had braved the weather and gave their team noisy support throughout.

I was glad to get back indoors to the warmth of a cup of tea within half-an-hour still thanking the heavens that I wasn’t stuck on that blessed motorway.