Chatham manager Kevin Hake has praised his special group of players who have taken the first half of the Isthmian Premier season by storm.

Back-to-back promotions have seen Chats playing at their highest level and they’ve continued the forward momentum this term, heading into their Boxing Day clash at Kingstonian sitting second in the table.

Hake watched his side beat previously unbeaten leaders Hornchurch 2-0 on Saturday thanks to goals from Chris Dickson and Ashley Nzala - a result that he was confident his men could achieve.

Hake said: “Up until that point they were undefeated and the boys were great and put a worthy performance in that made us good value for the win.

“I’ve been saying to the lads for months now they must believe in themselves as on their day they can beat anyone.”

Chats lost to Hastings at home earlier this month and find themselves still five points behind the league leaders Hornchurch, who also have three games in hand.

Chasing them down will be a big challenge but Hake’s men won’t be giving up the fight.

He said: “During the season there are always ups and downs and the most important thing is we learn and adapt and always look to find a way of improving.

“This group of players are special and I have to give credit to all of the existing and new players for showing the willingness to learn and work with each other to achieve a common goal.

“We have a nice mix of youth and experience and I’m looking forward to facing the second half of the season with this squad.”

Chatham won through to the Velocity Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 win over Isthmian North side Basildon United on Tuesday night.

Jack Evans opened the scoring from the penalty spot with just over an hour gone and Sam Sene-Richardson cut the Basildon defence open with a pass that enabled Kareem Isiaka to double the lead.

Isiaka grabbed his second of the match with six minutes left before the visitors scored a late consolation.

Chatham’s Boxing Day opponents Kingstonian are third from bottom in the table but their three wins this season have all come at home.