Chatham Town’s growing away support is a big boost says the manager – amid a run of games on the road.

While crowds at Chatham have rocketed in recent seasons, there’s been an increase in those watching Kevin Hake’s men on their travels too.

The diehards in the crowd at Three Bridges on Tuesday night were treated to a 4-2 win in the Velocity Cup Cup Third Round - a much needed response after their weekend home loss to Cray Valley in the FA Trophy First Round.

Hake said: “The boys’ resilience shone through on Tuesday night beating a very good Three Bridges side [a team who sit top of Isthmian South East].

“We achieved something we couldn’t do last season claiming the win against them.

“The performance pleased me as we needed to be at our best.

“They are a formidable side and have improved a lot after making a great start to the season.

“We had to shuffle the pack to keep things fresh and the lads who’ve come in have done well.

“After the defeat at the hands of Cray Valley I was looking for a reaction and the boys responded well.

“One thing that helps us on the road is our growing away support. The fans turn out come rain or shine in all weathers.

“The support midweek away at Three Bridges on a cold, wet day was unreal and the fans didn’t stop singing all game.

“It’s great to see fans planning their away days out and travel to new places as we make our debut season at this level.”

Kareem Isiaka scored his first goal for Chatham Town in the cup win at Three Bridges.

The match didn’t start well for Chats, however, as they fell behind after just two minutes but Dean Beckwith levelled with 15 on the clock.

Ben Allen put Chats infront only for Three Bridges to hit back moments later. With less than half an hour gone the tie was level at 2-2 and that’s how it stayed until the break.

Two second half goals won it for Chats. Assistant player-manager Kedwell scored with a header on 65 minutes to make it 3-2 before recent addition Isiaka sealed the win.

That win was a welcome boost after their 2-0 FA Trophy First Round defeat at home to Cray Valley.

Reece Butler headed against the crossbar in the opening half for Chats in that game and with an hour gone the visitors took the lead.

With Chatham looking to get back into the tie late on, their keeper Ben Bridle-Card was sent off after an altercation and Matt Bodkin went in goal. Cray got a second goal before full-time to go through to the next round.

There’s been a couple of departures from Chatham in recent days with Che Krabbendam leaving, having helped the club to the title last season, while summer recruit Cameron Brodie has also departed, joining Phoenix Sports.

Chatham, who are now third in the Isthmian Premier Division, return to league action on Saturday when they head to mid-table Canvey Island before returning to Essex on Tuesday night to play away at fellow high-flyers Billericay Town.

Hake said: “We set high standards for ourselves at the club and we go into every game wanting to win.

“We now turn our attentions to a Canvey Island and we know a testing encounter awaits us on Saturday.

“It’s the second of three away games in a row.

“We know Canvey are a dangerous side who got into the play-offs last season and at their ground it’s going to be tough. However,these are the games you want to be involved is a a manager or player.

“There is not a team we fear in this division and on our day we can more than compete with anyone.”