Boss Kevin Watson praised the battling qualities of his young side after Chatham won at Harlow on Tuesday night.

Harry Smith headed Chatham in front inside 30 seconds, with Kes Metitri netting the second-half winner as the visitors completed back-to-back wins in Ryman League Division 1 North.

With injuries mounting, Watson (pictured) handed a start to 16-year-old right-back Taylor McDonagh and brought on 18-year-old defender Ashley Sains, while goalscorer Smith is only 17.

Watson (pictured) said: "It must have been one of the youngest sides we’ve fielded for many years, with only two or three players over 25.

"It wasn’t a glamorous game or one of our better performances on the ball but we dug in and defended superbly, especially Brad Potter and Kes Metitri.

"I’m sure Harlow felt aggrieved not to get anything out of it but I have little sympathy because we’ve been in exactly the same situation ourselves a number of times this season and what goes around, comes around."

Matt Newman has made a quick recovery from a dislocated shoulder and could feature at home to Waltham Forest tomorrow (Saturday), while Garry Tilley is available after missing the midweek victory.

Watson added: "Waltham Forest go from one extreme to the other. They’ve had some bad results but they beat Needham Market 6-1 the other day, which is incredible."