Chatham Town boss Kevin Hake has welcomed a home FA Cup draw after seeing off higher-league opposition in the second qualifying round.

Freddie Sears scored the only goal of the game as Chats overcame National South side Welling United at Park View Road last Saturday.

It was Chatham’s second away match in the competition, having beaten Westfield in the earlier round, and they’ll now face Slough Town in the third round qualifying which takes place on Saturday, September 28.

Slough beat Chichester City 2-1 in their second qualifying round replay on Tuesday night.

Boss Kevin Hake said: “We were facing tough opposition and knew we had to be at our best to progress through to the next round.

“We have had a tough time with injuries and it was necessary for players to step up and I’m pleased to say they did.

“A solitary goal from Searsy was enough as we defended resolutely throughout the game.

“It now gives us a home tie in the next round which is a welcome change from the away ties we normally get!

“It now means we are at home for the next three games.”

Sears’ winning goal last Saturday came on 23 minutes, converting from close range after Welling failed to clear their lines.

Chats keeper Brad House kept out a volley from Charlie Pegrum just before the break and saved well again to keep out Jack Burchell’s effort shortly after the turnaround.

Hake’s side had a couple of chances on the break through Sears, denied once by the keeper from a one-on-one chance and also by the woodwork.

One goal was enough, however, as Chats kept Welling at bay.

Ahead of their next match in the FA Cup, Canvey Island visit the Bauvill Stadium this Saturday for an Isthmian Premier Division fixture.

That’s followed by a home game against Cray Wanderers in the first round of the Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday night (September 24).

Hake added: “We will soon be getting some of the injured players some much needed game-time which should provide good competition for places.”

Chatham’s weekend squad included a handful of players from the club’s academy to bolster the numbers and a first start for Kasim Aidoo.

Ben Sangare, Jesse Rowe, Kaylam Burgess and Frankie Maciocia were all unused substitutes in the weekend cup fixture.

*Chatham Town youngsters also enjoyed a win in the FA Youth Cup - thrashing Erith & Belvedere 7-1 on Monday night with Sam Sene-Richardson among the goals, grabbing a hat-trick on the night during a break from first-team football.