by Craig Tucker

An injury-time cracker by Jack Pallen rescued a point for Ryman League Division 1 North pace-setters Chatham on Bank Holiday Monday.

It was super-sub Pallen’s second special strike in three days following his winner against Peacehaven in the FA Cup and a goal that keeps Chatham top of the fledgling table.

Title favourites Grays took a ninth-minute lead through Joe Sweeney and looked set to take the points before Pallen’s late effort from outside the box.

Chatham boss Kevin Watson (pictured) said: “Grays are a good side who will definitely be up there so it’s a good point for us, especially with the goal coming when it did.

“Jack’s got the confidence to go for goal and it was another good strike, although Saturday’s will take some beating. He’s been patient but is putting himself in the frame to start games.

“I would never think of him as just a substitute.”

Watson believes it would be naive to take any notice of the league table after three games.

The boss added: “You can’t judge anything at this stage, in a month’s time, the table could look completely different.

“Any team who is top is there to be shot at but our plan is just to take each game as it comes and stay in touch.”

Chatham face another fancied side when they take on Needham Market at Maidstone Road on Saturday and should be at full-strength.

Watson said: “We’re definitely the underdogs, which suits me fine. But we’re at home and, although it’s a bold statement, we’re good enough to beat anyone on our day.”

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