Chatham Town’s proud home record came to an end last weekend as they got a reminder of the ruthless level they’re at.

Last Saturday’s 5-1 loss to Cray Wanderers was the club’s first home league defeat in almost two years - a run stretching back to October 2021 - and also ends a club record 12-game winning streak in the league, home and away.

Chats boss Kevin Hake said: “We warned the lads at the start of the season that we are now playing at a level where if you make mistakes you get punished.

“In previous seasons the same performance would have seen a different result.

“Players at this level are that little bit quicker and sharper and if you are not on top of your game then teams capitalise on it.

“Quite simply, it wasn’t our day and when you give up two goals to penalties it’s very difficult to come back from that.

“We will always be a team that goes for it when we are a few goals down and that can mean you either get back in the game or you concede more goals.

“Sadly that was the case on Saturday but on other occasions we get back in the game.”

Frankie Raymond put Cray infront from the penalty spot after 14 minutes and Cameron Thompson added a second before the break. Shortly after the restart Raymond notched his second spot-kick to leave Chats with it all to do.

Nyren Clunis made it four before Chatham substitute Jack Munns - a summer signing from Hornchurch - pulled one back with seven minutes of normal time remaining, only for Archy Taylor to made it 5-1.

Despite the loss, Chatham head into this weekend remaining top of the pile, thanks to their winning start to the Isthmian Premier campaign, where they had picked up five wins from five.

They were at Folkestone on Tuesday night in the Kent Senior Cup first round and return to league action this Saturday, away to Potters Bar Town.

Hake added: “There weren’t many positives but it was good to see Reece Butler back from injury and also see Jack Munns open his account for the club.

“We have got to dust ourselves down now and look to put things right.

“The cup game couldn’t have come at a better time and now we draw our attention back to league action on Saturday.”

A 5-0 midweek win at Folkestone will have helped restore confidence.

Chats announced the signing of forward Eddie Allsopp from Sheppey United on the eve of the fixture and he was among the goals.

Tommie Fagg put Chatham ahead at the break, Allsopp made it 2-0, Ashley Nzala scored twice to put the tie beyond doubt and Ben Allen made it five.