Chatham's next two fixtures could not be much more tougher - but boss Kevin Horlock shouldn't have to worry about his side's work rate.

Ryman League Division 1 South Chats visit second-placed Dorking Wanderers on Saturday and follow up with a home game with third-spot Worthing, but their efforts in a 2-0 defeat at play-off chasing Herne Bay in midweek, when they played almost a whole half with 10 men, left Horlock delighted.

He said: "We can hold our heads up. It was close and you wouldn’t have been able to tell who were the team at the top and who were the ones towards the bottom. I can’t fault the effort from the lads.”

Joe Vines was the man sent off shortly after the restart on Tuesday for a mistimed challenge. His first booking was for a shirt pull that led to a penalty which Bay’s Danny Walder converted.

Dan Parkinson wrapped up the points in the last minute, as Chats pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

Horlock added: “It was disappointing to lose but it always going to be a difficult game and Joe Vines’ sending off made it harder. There wasn’t a lot in the game and it was one of few chances.

“We have got a few tough games coming up but the lads have shown already they can compete with the teams at the top.

"We will be looking to take the positives out of Tuesday’s game and go forward with the same work ethic and hopefully get the rub of the green.”