Charlton Athletic visit Chatham for Tilley's testimonial - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Chatham Town will be playing a testimonial match for Gary Tilley on Tuesday 24 October against a Charlton Athletic academy side, writes Stephen McCartney.

Admission prices have been reduced to £5 (adults), £3 (senior citizens) and £1 (children) with all proceeds going to the player.

Tilley unfortunately broke his leg for the third time within the last two seasons when playing in a pre-season friendly at Kent League side Thamesmead Town whilst making another comeback.

Former manager Steve Binks, now commercial manager at the Maidstone Road club, said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk today, : “Gary has played for Chatham for many years now, rising through the youth ranks to become a firm fans favourite.

“He was an instrumental player in the Kent League winning side and indeed helped the club establish themselves at a higher level on promotion to the Southern League.

“There will be guest appearances from many of the Kent League winning side, hopefully some other former Chatham Town players who have gone on to pastures new, providing permission can be obtained from their current clubs.

“Please do come along to support Gary and watch what hopefully will be an entertaining game

“We have also asked Charlton whether any existing first team players can come along to sign autographs, but this is still to be confirmed.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation to Gary should make cheques to Chatham Town Football Club.

Meanwhile, Chatham Town’s bad luck in the Ryman League continued on Saturday, losing
3-2 at Cray Wanderers, where they had two goals disallowed.

Once again the Chats were behind before they played their best football, although on this occasion they were unfortunate not to score first at Hayes Lane.

They had the ball in the net following a fifth minute Darren Smith corner, as former Herne Bay defender Rob Goodger powered home a header at the far post. But the goal was ruled out for a foul.



GOAL:  Luke Harvey sets up Rob Denness (number nine) to score for Chatham Town during their 3-2 defeat at Cray Wanderers on Saturday.
Photograph courtesy of Adrian Line - www.chathamtownfc.net

Ten minutes later Rob Denness found himself with a clear run on goal after winning the ball midway in the Cray half. This time the assistant’s flag halted the run for what looked to be a 50/50 challenge.

But Wanderers took the lead after 20 minutes when former Bromley defender Colin Luckett squeezed a shot in off the post through a crowded area.

Chatham created further opportunities when Denness and Brooks both going close, before going further behind in the 40th minute. Lewis Wood stole the ball on the edge of the 18 yard box and just managed to round John Whitehouse to tap home.

Chatham got back into the game before the break when Luke Harvey slotted home unmarked at the far post after Denness had thrown himself at a teasing cross from Jack Roberts.

Cray started the second half better, hitting the post through Mark Willy’s header, before making it 3-1 after 52 minutes.

Jamie Wood was first to the rebound after former Chatham man Leigh Bremner’s shot had hit the upright.

But for the last 25 minutes, Chatham laid seige to the home side’s goal and created several chances.

They made it 3-2 in the 71th minute when a break down the right by Harvey enabled Denness to finish at the back post.

They then had another goal disallowed as Denness beat the keeper to the ball to head home, but the flag was raised for offside, although it was not the scorer who was in an offside position.

Roberts and Denness both brought decent saves from Cray goalkeeper Steve Norwood in the closing minutes.

Chatham Town: Whitehouse, Binks (James 60), Davey, Goodger, Boyle (Boyle 75), Best (Lyons 66), Smith, Brooks, Harvey, Denness, Roberts. Subs: Douglas, Winter-Nolan.

Match report written by Neil Sanders.

Visit Chatham Town's website:  www.chathamtownfc.net