Chatham Town take on Wingate & Finchley this Saturday in the Isthmian Premier Division as they look the end a run of defeats

lcawdell@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 10 January 2025

Chatham Town will be looking to get back on track this Saturday and the manager hopes their special home crowd will help.

Manager Kevin Hake hopes his team can snap out of their recent bad form when they take on Wingate & Finchley at the Bauvill Stadium.

Chatham Town chairman/manager Kevin Hake Picture: Ian Scammell

Hake: The fixture schedule is obscene

Tuesday night’s 1-0 loss at home to play-off chasing rivals Hashtag United followed successive 2-0 defeats and leaves the Chats sitting eighth in the Isthmian Premier Division table.

Hake said: “Saturday’s home game against Wingate & Finchley is a fantastic opportunity for us to get back on track.

“Recent results haven’t gone our way and there’s no denying that playing with ten men in consecutive games has made things challenging.

“We know we can’t dwell on what’s happened. The key for us now is to stay disciplined, focus on our strengths, and ensure we perform in a way that takes the game out of the officials’ hands.

“The squad is determined to put things right and get back to winning ways.”

Simon Cooper was red-carded after just 33 minutes on Tuesday while Miguell Scarlett was dismissed last weekend with just 19 minutes played after picking up two quickfire cautions.

Prior to the poor recent form, Hake’s men went on a 16-game unbeaten run, showing they are capable of putting points on the board fast.

Hake said: “We’ve shown time and time again that when we play with intensity and purpose, we are a match for anyone in this league.

“I have full confidence in the players, and this is the perfect opportunity to reset and show what we’re capable of.

“Our supporters, as always, will be crucial.”

Isthmian Premier Division table

The 1-0 home loss to Hashtag was watched by a crowd of 1,287 on a freezing cold Tuesday - backing up the club’s record breaking attendance of 3,006 on New Year’s Day against Dartford.

Hake loves the passion shown by those supporters and doesn’t want them to change.

In a message to those fans, he said: “I have seen again this week that our supporters receiving their share of bad press, particularly online.

“On behalf of the club, we don’t want you to change a thing.

“Our crowd is what makes our club what it is—it’s passionate, loyal, and full of heart.

“Alongside our incredible volunteers, you’ve helped this club achieve remarkable accolades, such as the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and being named the FA Community Club of the Year.

“These awards highlight how, through the power of sport, we’ve been able to do so much good on and off the pitch.

“The atmosphere at the Bauvill Stadium is special, and the energy from the crowd makes a massive difference to the team.

“So, to our fans, keep being you. Your passion is what fuels this club and we’ll be doing everything we can on Saturday to give you a performance to be proud of.”