Chatham Town manager Kevin Hake has been delighted with his team’s response to their early-season setback.

Last season’s Southern Counties East promoted side started their Isthmian South East campaign with a 1-0 defeat at East Grinstead, but bounced back with three successive wins.

• Queen's award is poignant for Chats

Cup football has dominated the start of the month, with a 6-0 win over Midhurst & Easebourne in the FA Cup and a 1-0 success at Barton Rovers in the FA Trophy on Tuesday.

A 67th-minute header from Simon Cooper won it for Chatham against Barton, who had been reduced to 10 men moments before the goal was scored.

All eyes will be on Chats again in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round this Saturday with their match at Isthmian South Central Walton & Hersham being shown live on the BBC red button, kick-off 12.45pm.

Manager Hake said: “We got a harsh lesson on the opening day of the league season against East Grinstead. We didn’t take our chances that day and got punished.

“However, credit has to go to the lads for responding well and going on a six-game winning run in all competitions.

“There is a subtle difference in the level. Players are fitter, stronger and teams are more tactically astute but we are acclimatising well and I’m pleased with the progress so far.

“We remain in four cup competitions so it’s a good opportunity to keep players fresh and give them necessary game time.’’

Chats, meanwhile, have brought in a new goalkeeper. Former Margate and Maidstone United stopper Ben Bridle-Card has been training with the club for over a week and he made his debut at Barton in midweek.

Chatham will host Stowmarket in the FA Trophy on September 24.