Chatham Town boss Kevin Hake jumped at the chance to bring a “serial winner” back to the club.

Billy Bennett returned to Chatham after captaining Sheppey United to a quartet of trophy triumphs last season.

The goalscoring midfielder went straight into Chats’ starting line-up last week as they beat Lancing at home.

Two early goals from Fabio Saraiva helped clinch the points for Chatham and move them back up to second in Isthmian South East as their 100% record at the Bauvill Stadium remained intact.

“The signing of Billy has given everyone a boost,” said manager Hake.

“When we found out he was available I had no hesitation in bringing him back to the club.

“He is a serial winner and he will add much-needed competition for places which any successful team needs.”

It was another midfielder who took centre stage last weekend, however, with Saraiva back in the starting line-up and making it count, scoring two early goals against Lancing in the 2-1 win.

Bennett had a hand in the fifth-minute opener, finding captain Jack Evans who in turn fed Saraiva with a crossfield ball and he cut in before firing home from the edge of the box.

His second came with 13 minutes on the clock, pouncing on a loose ball after a shot had been blocked.

Lowly Lancing got a goal back with an hour played and made it tough in the second half but Chatham ran out winners, making it nine wins from nine at home in the league.

“The lads were tremendous in the week and knuckled down and worked hard after last week’s defeat,” said Hake, whose side were beaten 3-1 at Cray Valley the week before.

“Two good training sessions and a solid performance, resulting in a win on Saturday, was nothing less than what they deserved.

“Saturday saw Fabs get a brace which I was really pleased about. Funnily enough Fabs and I spoke briefly before the game and we agreed he should be scoring more as his quality is not in question.

“It’s nice to spread the goals around as you can’t always rely on the same old faces.

“The win takes us back to second place and in the hunt for promotion which is incredible in our first season.”

Next up is a trip to Whitehawk this Saturday, a team sitting fourth in the table.

Hake is determined to improve their away form with just one win from seven league outings.

He said: “The lads will be up for this as we know we need to start matching our exemplary home form.

“A couple of good sessions and we will make sure the lads will be up for this one to keep the pressure on the leading pack.”