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Sport

Chatham Town head into the Easter weekend second on goal difference in Isthmian South East behind Monday's visitors Ramsgate

By: Luke Cawdell lcawdell@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 06 April 2023

Chatham Town’s last-gasp win on Saturday sets up a thrilling Easter weekend.

Captain Jack Evans’ injury-time penalty strike clinched three points for Chatham against fellow promotion hopefuls Whitehawk - a result that briefly sent them top of the Isthmian South East table.

Chatham Town's weekend hero Jack Evans Picture: Ian Scammell

Ramsgate reclaimed top spot on Tuesday after scoring an 89th-minute equaliser to earn a point at Chichester in their rearranged game which finished 2-2. A waterlogged pitch on Saturday meant the game was moved to midweek.

The two sides are neck and neck at the top of the table with 67 points each, separated only by goal difference, with four games remaining.

They meet at Chatham’s Bauvill Stadium on Easter Monday in a game that is all-ticket.

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“It promises to be an exciting end to the season,” said Chatham chairman/manager Kevin Hake.

“We have two games over this weekend which will play a big part in determining where we finish.

“Saturday saw a lot of new faces in the ground and I hope we see the crowds grow as the season approaches its end.”

A crowd of 1,480 watched Chatham’s game against Whitehawk, which ended with a 2-1 win for Hake’s men after a dramatic finish.

Hake said: “Saturday’s game was another tense affair as you’d expect at this stage of the season.

“The lads played well on the day against a Whitehawk team who were top of the form table. They set themselves up well and are difficult to break down and look to counter you on the break or from set-pieces.

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“We stuck to the game plan and it was nice to see it pay off, albeit a bit later than I would have liked.

“We will always give our all no matter what the scoreline is and that’s why I think we score so many late goals. Jack added another two to his goals tally for the season and it was pleasing to see Danny Kedwell get another 90 mins as he’s been magnificent since his return.”

Kevin Hake's Chatham have won three games on the spin in Isthmian South East Picture: Ian Scammell

Evans’ fine finish put Chatham infront on Saturday after 18 minutes, the goal coming from a corner that he had taken. Having played it short to Bodkin, the Chats skipper was then on hand to convert after swapping passes with Che Krabbendam.

Whitehawk levelled just before the break but Chats took all three points when Evans converted a last-gasp penalty winner.

There’s only one automatic promotion place up for grabs in Isthmian South East.

Leaders Ramsgate host fifth-placed Beckenham this Saturday while Chats are at Lancing, a team still needing a few more points to avoid being caught up in any relegation drama.

Then on Monday it’s a huge game at the Bauvill as the top two clash. It’s an all-ticket match at Chatham, with fans needing to purchase in advance online.

It’s a squad game for promotion-chasing Chatham as they head towards the finishing line.

Manager Kevin Hake has been pleased with the attitude of those in the thick of the action and those getting less minutes.

He said: “There is plenty of competition for places and we are injury free apart from Fabio (Saraiva) who will return in approximately 10 days after an ankle injury.

“Despite game time being limited for some players they are all showing a great attitude with the sole focus on achieving promotion for the team.”

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