A superb goal from Brendan Cass was not enough to earn Chatham a point as they went down 2-1 at Merstham in Ryman League Division 1 South on Saturday.

The home side took the lead through a back-post header from debutant Leon Simpson.

However Cass powered in a header after a fine flowing team move to draw Chats level before the break.

The Moatsiders looked the more likely winners in the second half and Dean Ruddy needed to be on top form to deny Simpson and his strike partner Daniel Bennett.

However Ruddy was finally beaten 10 minutes from time when Bennett's low cross was tapped in by Simpson six yards out.