Chatham Town boss Kevin Hake was pleased with his side’s return to winning ways last Saturday but knows consistency is key for success.

While home form has been exemplary, a mixed bag away from the Bauvill Stadium has kept the Chats from going on a sustained winning run.

“It was nice to bounce back with a win on Saturday,” said Hake, after the 1-0 home win over East Grinstead.

“The lads showed a great reaction and were good value for the win and also keeping a clean sheet in the process.

“The race for promotion is really hotting up with anyone of eight teams in my opinion capable of challenging. We must look to go on a run now if we are to remain in the pack.”

Seidou Sanogo got the winner last weekend in front of another good crowd at the Maidstone Road stadium, watched on by close to 700 spectators.

It’s a busy period for Chats as they look to fight on all fronts.

They hosted Isthmian Premier side Carshalton Athletic on Tuesday in the quarter-finals of the Velocity Cup and eased into the semis, thrashing the higher-ranked visitors 5-0.

Carshalton had gone with a younger side to face Chats and they couldn't live with the home side. Captain Jack Evans bagged a hat-trick while Emmanuel Oloyede and Dan Bradshaw also got on the scoresheet.

Next up for Hake's side is a trip to bottom side Faversham Town in the league before returning home on Tuesday night to play Dover Athletic in the Kent Senior Cup.

Hake said: “The games are coming thick and fast with us now until end of January. I’m not complaining as it’s only as a result of winning that we face these midweek advanced-stage cup games.

“It was great to challenge ourselves against fellow promotion-chasers Carshalton who play the level above for a place in the semi-finals.

“I’m looking for all players involved to compete for places and show me that they are up for the task of challenging on all fronts.

“We don’t get any rest going up against Faversham away on Saturday.”

Sammy Moore’s Faversham may sit bottom of the Isthmian South East table but Hake knows better than to write any side off in the division. The Swale side have just added energetic midfielder Toby Ajala to their ranks as they look to avoid relegation.

Hake said: “They are a side with some quality players who are fighting for their lives so we will need to match that in order to compete.

“This level has proven time and time again that league position doesn’t mean a thing at this stage as things can change very quickly in the matter of weeks.”