Non-League and Academy football writer

Chatham Town are a non-League club who have done really well in recent seasons. The club from Kent, who play their home matches at the impressive Bauvill Stadium, have enjoyed successive promotions in recent seasons (they currently play at step three of the non-League system). Managed by Kevin Hake (Kevin is also the club’s chairman), Chatham Town are a club who have a proud history in non-League football, and it’s good to see them doing so well, once again this season. Currently in second place in The Isthmian League Premier Division, Chatham Town are six points behind league leaders Hornchurch. However, they are four points clear of third place Billericay Town, and they look like they have a really good chance of securing a play-off spot, if they can continue their good form during the remainder of the season. I have watched Chatham Town on three occasions this season, and the side who won their opening five league fixtures of this season, have impressed on all three occasions that I’ve seen them play. They play good football, but with a good variety to their play. However, with a really good and important balance of experience and youth to their squad, they have real quality in their team.

One of those quality players is their captain, Jack Evans. The former Gillingham midfielder is a very technical midfielder with real technique to his game. I saw Evans score an outstanding effort from distance for Chatham, in a league game against Carshalton Athletic earlier in the season, and I still haven’t seen a better goal than that one, this season in non-League. He brings real quality and experience to Kevin Hake’s side, as does vastly experienced forward and former Ghana international Chris Dickson. The 39 year old who joined Chatham Town during the current season from step four side Erith & Belvedere, has already scored nine league goals for Chatham Town, since joining. The former Charlton Athletic player looked very good, on the two occasions that I have seen him play for Chatham Town this season, and his stats show that he is now an important member of Chatham’s team. Chris Dickson is a skilful player, who is also a really good finisher. Chatham Town do score a lot of goals, and one of their key players is talented young winger Jamie Yila, who has scored ten of their 53 league goals this season. The 21 year old is another player who has really impressed in the Isthmian League Premier Division.

Kevin Hake has helped to build a really good side who are vying for promotion to the National League South, which would be a really impressive feat for the club. 40 year old forward Danny Kedwell (player-assistant coach) is another member of this Chatham Town squad who has had a great playing career in football, and although he doesn’t play every game for Chatham Town, his experience and leadership on the pitch must be invaluable for the other players in the squad, when he does play. Kevin Hake’s side impressively won 5-1 against Canvey Island at the weekend, to continue their recent fine form. Chatham Town will be looking to build on that fine form of late, when they host Hashtag United at The Bauvill Stadium, tomorrow evening. Always getting a good crowd at their home games, Kevin Hake and the club have really helped the club rise up the leagues in recent seasons, and they have definitely been one of the very best step three sides that I have seen this season. A real community club, I wish Chatham Town all the very best for the remainder of this season. And I hope to see them again at some point before the end of the season.