Chatham’s Monday night experiment got off to a winning start – even if the team didn’t.

The club doubled the gate they would usually get for a midweek game as 240 people watched their first home game of the season, against Tooting & Mitcham.

An experiment to play Monday night midweek games, instead of Tuesdays, was designed to attract those people who might normally stay at home watching Champions League football during the winter months.

Chatham chairman Jeff Talbot said: “The first game at home we would expect it to be a little higher than normal but speaking to people on the gate they seem to all be saying what a good idea it is.

"I can’t take credit for it.It was the manager’s (Tony Beckingham’s) idea. The fans said they liked it and there is a chance we could stick with it.

“If we can just get an additional 10 or 20 people on the gate that would make a major difference. It could mean we get in an extra player.”

Chatham budget for 180 fans at the weekend and around 120 for a midweek game.

They do have plans for several more Monday games coming up but that will depend on whether they end up getting involved in cup replays. Cray Wanderers are currently scheduled to visit on Monday, August 29.

Chatham travel to Walton Casuals on Saturday in the preliminary round of the FA Cup.