Can anyone in the country match Chatham’s extraordinary home league record in 2022?

Going unbeaten in a calendar year is an achievement in itself, but to win every game? That’s surely something else.

A 2-1 Boxing Day success over Sevenoaks ensured Kevin Hake’s men ended the year with a perfect record.

That made it 19 successive league wins in 2022 on their own patch, nine en route to promotion from Southern Counties East and 10 in Isthmian South East.

“The victory means we remained undefeated in the league at the Bauvill in 2022, winning every game in the process,” said boss Hake.

“It’s a remarkable achievement and one all the players should be very proud of, as it’s not an easy feat by any means.

“The crowd has to play a big part in that as well, as the atmosphere every time we run out is electric and I know the players thrive on it.”

Billy Bennett’s early goal was cancelled out by Freddie Parker but captain Jack Evans’ penalty on the half-hour ensured Chats’ winning run went on.

“Monday’s game was a very pleasing performance on many levels,” said Hake.

“It was a real disciplined display, particularly second half, as we stuck to the game plan and it paid off.

“Sevenoaks are an unpredictable team and you need to be on your game to get a result against them.

“That’s victories home and away against them now, as well as a League Cup win, which is very pleasing as on their day they are a top side.”

Chatham’s total winning run in home league matches stands at 22, having last tasted defeat at the end of October 2021, when Glebe beat them 4-2.

That was their only home loss last season, with Chats winning 18 of their 19 matches to finish runners-up behind quadruple winners Sheppey.

Chatham’s form at Maidstone Road this season has helped them up to second place in their new league, three points behind leaders Ramsgate with a game in hand.

The sides meet in a top-of-the-table clash at Southwood on Monday (3pm) - a big game to start 2023.

“We now turn our attention to Ramsgate, who are in great form,” said Hake.

“They narrowly missed out on the play-offs last year and are seasoned at this level.

“We will need to be on top form if we are to get anything on the day as they are currently sitting top of the league.

“I’m sure there will be a great crowd there, so it will be a great way to start the new year.”

Chatham’s 2022 league record at Maidstone Road

Jan 3 Chats 2-0 Sheppey (SCEFL)

Jan 29 Chats 3-0 Erith Town

Feb 19 Chats 2-0 Rusthall

Feb 22 Chats 4-1 Tower Hamlets

Feb 26 Chats 2-0 Hollands & Blair

Mar 12 Chats 4-0 Crowborough

Mar 26 Chats 2-1 Fisher

Apr 9 Chats 10-1 Erith & Belvedere

Apr 18 Chats 7-0 Deal Town

Aug 16 Chats 2-0 Faversham (Isthmian SE)

Aug 27 Chats 2-1 Burgess Hill

Oct 8 Chats 1-0 Corinthian

Oct 18 Chats 3-0 VCD

Oct 22 Chats 2-1 Chichester

Oct 29 Chats 6-1 Hythe

Nov 12 Chats 1-0 Ashford

Nov 26 Chats 1-0 Littlehampton

Dec 10 Chats 2-1 Lancing

Dec 26 Chats 2-1 Sevenoaks