Chairman and manager Kevin Hake says the promotion feeling was one he’ll forever remember after Chatham Town sealed a return to the Isthmian League.

Hake took charge of team affairs after manager Scott Lindsey accepted a coaching role at Swindon, just 10 days before the start of the season.

Chats have scored more than 100 goals on their way to claiming a promotion spot in the Southern Counties East Premier Division, guaranteeing a top-two finish after a 10-1 win over Erith & Belvedere on Saturday.

Hake, who opted to manage the side himself following Lindsey's departure, said: “Last Saturday added to the growing list of many memorable days that we experience at Chatham Town.

“It’s been a long road back to the Isthmian but we’ve done it.

“It was an unbelievable day and we did it in style. Coming off that pitch and receiving the reception we did is a memory I will take to the grave.

“It’s been a great season and one which the club has grown again on and off the field.”

Chatham dropped out of the Isthmian League in 2017 after several seasons of struggle. Since then, under Hake’s stewardship, the club have rebuilt on and off the pitch.

Chats have enjoyed big crowds at the Bauvill Stadium this season, breaking a league record when 1,876 watched them take on title rivals Sheppey United in January.

There were 836 in attendance as Chatham hit double figures last weekend. Dan Bradshaw and Jack Evans both scored hat-tricks.

Chats are now two points behind Sheppey in the race for the title with three games left to play.

Hake said: “People have written us off for the title but there are still three games left and we now find ourselves only two points behind.

“We can still finish on 100 points which any team would be happy with at the start of the season. We are focused on the task in hand as we look to finish the season in style.”

Chatham travel to third-bottom Rusthall this Saturday before a home game against fourth-placed Deal Town on Monday. They finish the season away to Erith Town on Saturday, April 23.