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Chatham Town off and running with first win since promotion to Isthmian South East

Chatham are off the mark in Isthmian South East after delivering the perfect response to their opening-day defeat.

Chats, edged 1-0 at East Grinstead on Saturday, beat Faversham 2-0 at home on Tuesday night.

Chatham Town striker Dan Bradshaw. Picture: Chris Davey
Chatham Town striker Dan Bradshaw. Picture: Chris Davey

Classy finishes from Dan Bradshaw and Josh Ogunseye on 76 and 89 minutes respectively earned Chatham their first points since promotion from Southern Counties East.

“It was a good reaction after Saturday,” said assistant manager Danny Kedwell.

“We were a bit frustrated at East Grinstead, because we weren’t really at it, but we played well against Faversham and it’s good to get that first win.

“It takes time for things to settle down, we’ve got some new players and they have to gel with the old ones, but hopefully, we can kick on now.

“The boys could tell after the first game that teams are more organised at this level, they keep their shape better and are harder to break down.

“But we scored two very good goals, Joey Taylor’s played a great ball in for Bradshaw, it’s a great touch from Bradshaw and that’s what he does in the box - he’s lethal.

“Josh Ogunseye’s goal is a great bit of skill and an unbelievable finish, and that’s what he can do.

“We just want to crack on with what we’re doing. There’s going to be some tough games this year with the sides that are in there.

“You look at Ashford, Whitehawk are spending money, there’s Sevenoaks, Ramsgate, Sittingbourne have gone for it, Sheppey will be good.

“We’re looking forward to it, it’s the sort of league you want to be in.”

Former Gills striker Kedwell has registered as a player but the 39-year-old intends to concentrate on his coaching.

“I’m there for back-up really,” he said. “I’m more there to be assistant manager now and I’m enjoying that.

“I’m still learning and it’s good to get that experience.

“I’m still registered as a player but we’ve got a good squad this year, with good players, who can come on at any time and make a difference.”

Chatham visit Colliers Wood in the FA Cup preliminary round on Saturday, boosted by the return of summer signing Fabio Saraiva.

The former Maidstone and Woking midfielder is back off holiday and, while undoubtedly a big player, he’s not guaranteed to go straight back into the starting XI.

“It depends how he’s come back from holiday,” said Kedwell. “But he’s a fit boy, he doesn’t drink or anything like that. He’s a very good player to have around.

“It’ll be a tough game on Saturday. Anything can happen in the FA Cup, we have to be on it, as we were against Faversham.”

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