Kevin Horlock emerged from his first 90 minutes in charge at Chatham highly delighted after earning a Ryman League Division 1 South point at South Park on Wednesday night.

Horlock, whose arrival in the Maidstone Road hot-seat was delayed by his commitments with Northern Ireland under-17s and a trip to Israel, said: “It was good to get started, having met the players on Tuesday.

“Going to a top-five side was a tough start but the boys were full of confidence and
their work-rate was unbelievable.

“They were probably looking to impress the new manager, but there is no pressure on them, it’s early days and everyone will get their chance while I assess the squad.

“We played too deep in the first half but put that right at half-time, and we created a couple of half chances that might have nicked a result.

“I am aiming high, looking to develop a winning mentality, and who knows where that can take you."

Horlock will look to build on the result when they travel to Ryman League Division 1 North Thurrock, managed by former Gills boss Mark Stimson, in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy on Saturday.

He said: “We are certainly not going there to make up the numbers. We’ll be looking to perform as well as we did on Wednesday.

“I am relishing it and I’m sure the lads will be too.”