Manager Kevin Hake praised in-form Freddie Sears after Chatham’s derby win over Folkestone.

Sears scored twice in a 4-1 victory as Chats moved up to fourth place in the Isthmian Premier.

It’s seven goals in his past four league games for the ex-West Ham and Ipswich man, including three doubles.

His first at Maidstone Road on Saturday was an absolute beauty, a 20-yard strike into the top corner after Jack Evans won possession.

Sears also provided an assist for Rowan Liburd before adding his second following an Evans corner.

“Fred’s got that bit of class in him,” said boss Hake, after his side extended their unbeaten run to 11 games.

“It’s not only that, he set up the second goal as well and he’s had another great game.

“That’s what he has the ability to do and, like us, he’s on a good run and we’re on a good run.

“It goes hand in hand. I think that’s his 14th of the season, so it’s nice to see.

“Searsy had no right to do what he did but it’s a great strike.

“In a derby you take any goal but that’s good enough to win any game, that one.”

Report: Chatham 4-1 Folkestone

Sears, 35, has fitted in well at Chatham since his summer arrival, as have fellow Football League old boys, ex-Crystal Palace and Gills man Stuart O’Keefe and former Millwall defender Sid Nelson.

“They just get on with it,” said Hake.

“You wouldn’t know they’ve had the esteemed careers they have, and I think that’s what it’s about.

“We’re conscious of making sure that we don’t only sign a player, we sign a good person as well, and it’s a good dressing room there, so I’m really pleased with it.

“Freddie’s got the least ego out of anyone in that dressing room.”

Chatham wasted no time regaining the lead after Joe Turner’s equaliser before taking the game away from Folkestone in the second half.

Hake didn’t think Chats were at their best but they got the job done.

“It’s always nice to get three points and continue the winning run,” he said. “Overall, I’m really happy with that.

“Sometimes you get goals like Freddie’s first, and we’ve worked the second goal well.

“But if you look at the third and the fourth, they’re just balls dropping in the box and we just got there quicker.

“Sometimes you can win a game ugly like that, which I thought we did.

“I don’t think it was a particularly great game on the eye, we weren’t at our best and probably Folkestone weren’t either, but when you come off and you win 4-1 you’re pleased.

“We’ve just got to chalk it off and go again.”

Hake was sent from the touchline during the first half after clashing with Folkestone defender Gavin Hoyte.

“I don’t agree with the decision but it’s not even worth talking about,” he said.

“I’ll get sent off every week if it gets us three points.”