Chatham Town take on Dover Athletic tonight in the Isthmian Premier Division after weekend draw away to Bognor Regis Town

lcawdell@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 18 March 2025

Chatham Town don’t have time to dwell on their weekend disappointment as a big Kent derby awaits them tonight.

A four-game winning streak came to an end on Saturday when Chats were held to a 1-1 draw at home to lowly Bognor Regis Town - a game which also saw them pick up a couple of injuries.

Freddie Sears scored for Chatham Town on Saturday in a draw at Bognor Regis Town Picture: Ian Scammell

Young forward Sam Sene-Richardson was stretchered off after just 15 minutes with an ankle injury while Reece Butler picked up a knock midway through the second half.

Chatham take to the road with a trip to Dover Athletic tonight.

“We weren’t at our best on Saturday against Bognor,” admitted Chats boss Kevin Hake.

“We knew it would be a battle and although we created a lot of chances we couldn’t do enough to get the three points.

“It was a disappointing afternoon all round with us losing Sam and Reece due to injury.

“Sam looks to be the more serious with ankle ligaments where Reece was an impact.”

Freddie Sears had given Chatham the lead on Saturday in front of another big crowd but the majority of the 1,608 fans at the Bauvill Stadium left frustrated after Town equalised early in the second half and the match ended 1-1.

Isthmian Premier Division table

Chatham head into tonight’s game sitting 12th in the table and facing a Dover side currently occupying the last of the play-off places. Eleven points separate the sides.

They were supposed to face each other last month but that weekend game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Crabble.

Hake said: “Dover away is a fixture I looked out for when the game was announced at start of season.

“Unfortunately the original game was called off and we have to go midweek, which may affect numbers who travel, however, it’s one for the supporters to enjoy where we go to a proper non-league stadium.

“They have stabilised themselves at this level and have had a real go at getting back up at the first attempt.

“Their form of late has been indifferent but they will be looking to keep their title charge going and it’s up to us to perform well and take the game to them.”

Dover won last time out at home against Bowers & Pitsea but had taken just a point from their previous six before that on their own turf.