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Chatham ended an emotional week with three points in Southern Counties East on Saturday.
Manager Scott Lindsey’s wife, Hayley, lost her battle with cancer on Thursday but he was back in the dugout against Crowborough.
“It was really emotional,” said Chatham chairman Kevin Hake. “A lot of Hayley’s family came to the game which was great to see, we had a minute’s silence and the players wore black armbands.
“It’s a really difficult period for Scott and his family. It’s been great how the club have shown great unity and bonding in coming together at this time.
“The response from other clubs on social media and from messages sent to the club has also been overwhelming.
“It was quite fitting that we put in one of our best performances on Saturday as well, by playing football the way Scott wants us to play.
“It was tough for the players, they’ve not had their manager there for a couple of weeks but he was adamant that he wanted to come to the game.
“It was great to see him and his girls there at the club, and we’ll all be here to support them moving forward.”
Captain Paul Vines put Chatham ahead before second-half goals from Jack Evans and substitute Jon Pilbeam wrapped up a 3-0 win.
Evans, who worked with Lindsey previously at Tamworth, paid tribute in his goal celebration.
Other clubs around the league also held a minute’s silence, including Hollands & Blair.
“Football pales into insignificance after what’s happened,” said Blair boss Simon Halsey.
“We felt it was a fitting thing to do and the thoughts of everyone at Hollands & Blair are with Scott and his family.”
