Chatham maintained their perfect home record on Saturday but know they need to increase their points tally on their travels.

Two away games over a four-day period gives Kevin Hake’s men ample opportunity to claim success on the road against two sides with their own promotion agenda in Isthmian South East.

Chatham were hoping to play away at Beckenham on Wednesday night but that match was postponed - for the second time - because of a waterlogged pitch. An early inspection at Eden Park Avenue deemed the pitch to be unplayable.

Hake's men now prepare for Saturday’s game at Cray Valley (1pm).

Heading into that match, sitting second in the table and two points off the top, Chats have won just one of their six league outings, in contrast to their home record of eight wins from eight.

It was form not lost on the manager, with Hake saying: “Our away form needs to improve. The performances have been good but we have not converted these into wins.

“We need to improve our away points tally if we are to sustain our goal of promotion.”

Hake was delighted with last Saturday’s 1-0 win against tricky opponents Littlehampton Town at the Bauvill Stadium, a side whose best results this season have come away from home.

They lost for just the second time on their travels in the league as Dan Bradshaw netted the only goal of the game, converting a ball in from Ike Orji with 77 minutes played.

Hake said: “I was very pleased with the win on Saturday against an in-form Littlehampton side.

“The lads stuck to their tasks and although I wouldn’t say it was a typical Chatham performance we found ourselves a way of winning against a team who make things hard for you.

“We had them scouted in a few games and they have a unique and effective way of playing that has seen them rise up the table and boast the best away record in the league.

“We knew it was going to be a challenge and we had our 100% home record on the line so it was pleasing to come away with the win. We now turn our attention to a difficult away game.”

Chats welcomed defender Dean Beckwith back into the side on Saturday but had to replace midfielder Callum Peck after just 32 minutes when he went off injured.