Chatham Town 2-0 Leatherhead

Chatham Town picked up their third win in a row on Saturday and in doing so, made sure of retaining their Ryman league status, writes Neil Sanders.

They got off to a flying start when Darren Smith scored after just 30 seconds from the first the attack of the match.

For those present who were still taking their seats and missed the goal, it was another Smith long range effort, a looping 25 yard shot over Leatherhead keeper Paul Borg.

Julien Thompson was Leatherhead’s most dangerous attacker and he was responsible for both of their best first half attempts.

The second of these produced a superb reaction save from John Whitehouse which even the opposing forward complimented with a handshake.

Chatham’s James Holder saw his close range header saved and he then provided a well weighted pass for Tom Binks to run on to and force a decent stop from Borg.

The second goal came on the half hour mark. Shane Suter chased a through ball and got in front of the last defender, only to be met by Borg on the edge of the 18 yard box.

Both players ended up in a heap while Mark Brooks collected the rebound and picked his spot between defenders, desperately trying to cover the goal line.

Chances were more difficult to come by in the second half with Leatherhead sub Joe Sheerin coming closest.

His first was an attempted lob with Whitehouse off his line and the second, a first time shot from Leatherhead’s familiar short corner move, which had provided the only goal in the previous meeting between the two teams.

This time the Chats defence were ready and the shot was saved.Chatham’s last away trip is to Horsham YMCA next Saturday, with the final match of the season being at home to Molesey on the 28^th April.

Chatham Town : Whitehouse, Binks, King, Larkin, Goodger, Groombridge (Best 72), Smith, Brooks, Holder, Lyons, Suter (James 60). Subs: Govey, Phillips, Miles.