Boss Kevin Hake was proud of his Chatham side after their FA Trophy penalty shoot-out defeat on Saturday.

Chats lost the second-round tie at National League South Slough 4-2 on spot-kicks after a 1-1 draw in normal time.

Midfielder Jordy Mongoy put them ahead in the first period and, although Chats lost forward Jamie Yila to a red card shortly before the hour, it was 10 men apiece on 78 minutes when ex-Herne Bay defender Lexus Beeden was given his marching orders.

But Slough found an injury-time equaliser before they won on penalties.

Hake reflected: “I couldn’t be prouder of my squad.

“They more than matched Slough on the day and gave it everything. From the outset, they rose to the challenge and stuck to the game-plan against tough opposition.

“The turning point came with a controversial sending-off. It was a tough blow - but the team spirit the lads showed shone through as we continued to fight.

“The game found balance again when the referee sent one of Slough’s players off, levelling the playing field. We were into injury time when Slough managed to equalise, setting the stage for a tense penalty shoot-out.”

It was the second time Isthmian Premier Chats had lost to Slough this term. They were knocked out of the FA Cup in September after seeing off hosts Welling - also of National League South - 1-0 in the FA Cup second qualifying round.

Hake said: “This is the third time this season we have faced opposition from the level above and more than held our own.

"This is important as they are where we want to be and all these experiences help to build the foundations for us progressing. The squad now is strong and we are nearly at full strength with only Kian Garlinge, Valckx Fernandes and Sid Nelson out with injuries.

“We can now look to the bench and have an impact and it has only been the last few weeks when we have been able to do that.”

Hake also praised the Chats’ faithful who made the 140-mile round trip to be a part of the 547-strong crowd.

“A special mention must go to our incredible supporters,” he said.

“From start to finish, their voices never waned and their passion fuelled our team through every challenging moment.”

Yila misses the home league game with Whitehawk on Saturday as he starts a suspension.

Chats drew 1-1 with Isthmian Premier high-fliers Wingate & Finchley on Tuesday, Rowan Liburd scoring their equaliser after 72 minutes.