Chatham No 5 Richard Avery scores against Whitstable Picture: Barry Duffied

Chatham capitalised on a poor first-half performance by Whitstable to leave The Belmont with all three points on Saturday.

The Oystermen didn't manage a single shot at goal in the opening period of the Ryman League Division 1 South game, whereas Chatham hit the crossbar and had a goal ruled out for offside before Richard Avery headed them in front from an 18th-minute corner.

Brendon Cass then made it 2-0 10 minutes later with a diving header and Whitstable were fortunate to go in at the break only trailing by two goals.

The home side were much improved after the break but could only pull one goal back when Stuart Vahid converted a 68th-minute penalty after he had been hauled down in the area.

Whitstable's unhappy afternoon was made complete when substitute Dan Wisker received a straight red card for foul and abusive language.