Chatham Town boss Kevin Hake was delighted with his team’s performance against higher-league opposition - even though they took a while to get going.

Chats didn’t have a weekend game but were well up for the Kent Senior Cup match with Tonbridge Angels, with Hake admitting losing the final last season against Margate still hurts.

Hake’s men came back from a goal down to beat the National South side 3-1.

“Tuesday’s game was a tough one,” admitted the manager.

“We weren’t in the game for the first 25 minutes and it was no surprise that they took the lead.

“After that we found our rhythm and we ended up coming in 2-1 up.

“We had a good word with them at half-time and they responded well. I thought we were good value second half.

“It’s nice for the lads to test themselves against higher opposition and I’m pleased we are through to next round.

“We went to the final last year of the Kent Cup and the defeat still leaves a bad taste in the mouth so hopefully it would be nice to go one better.”

Kodi Lyons-Foster had given Tonbridge the lead at the Bauvill Stadium but Ollie Hobden fired the ball home into the top corner from distance to level.

Just before the break Jamie Yila put Hake’s side infront. Chatham dominated after the turnaround with Ashley Nzala scoring from the penalty spot to seal their place in the next round.

Chatham are away this Saturday in the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy against Heybridge Swifts.

Their weekend opponents have enjoyed a good start to their Isthmian North season, with three wins from their first four games.

Hake said: “Like us, they have had a good start to the season.

“They narrowly lost out in the play-offs last year so we know it will be hard, especially away from home.”