Chatham’s first game of 2014 is against a side manager Kevin Watson believes are destined for promotion in the near future.

Needham Market head to Maidstone Road on Saturday sitting seventh in Ryman League Division 1 North and targeting a third play-off campaign in four seasons.

Watson said: “They’re always strong, they’re a good team and do things the right way.

“In the coming seasons, whether it’s this one or next, I’m sure they’ll get promoted at some stage. They’ve been there or thereabouts most seasons.

“But like I always say, we just need to focus on ourselves. We need to stop conceding in the last few minutes and score a few more, so we need to improve in all aspects, really.”

Chatham go into the game 18th, six points above the relegation zone and looking to bounce back from three consecutive defeats.

Striker Austin Gacheru returns after serving a suspension but two players have left Maidstone Road this week.

Fellow forward Alfie May is now a Bromley player, while midfielder Luke May has left the Chats to join Southern Counties East side Greenwich Borough.