Chatham Town 2-2 Tooting & Mitcham United

After a week of moist and blustery conditions it made a pleasant change to see a decent game played in bright sunshine, writes Neil Sanders.

However, it was always likely to be a tough encounter against one of last season play-off contenders and it looked even tougher when the visitors took advantage of a defensive lapse to take the lead after just 30 seconds.

Jon Henry-Hayden was the benefactor as he nodded the ball over the line from close range.

With Tooting & Mitcham having the lion’s share of possession it was no surprise when they increased their lead ten minutes later. Matt Kidson climbed highest to head home from a far post corner.

Chatham got themselves more organised and upped the tempo after 25 minutes to get into the game with Danny Larkin thumping a 30 yard effort just over the bar.

They pulled a goal back after 27 minutes when Craig Govey’s run into the box and excellent first time volley supplied a great finish to Matt Solly’s perfectly flighted pass.

After the break United’s Matt York clipped the bar with a free kick and John Whitehouse saved well at the feet of Paul Vines.

Former Dartford striker, Dominic Elmes went close with a first time shot but Chatham had to wait until the 83^rd minute for the equaliser.

Tyran James took advantage of a misjudgement and showed great composure to round Dave King and finish well into the roof of the net.

Tooting & Mitcham felt aggrieved when a penalty appeal was waved away in the closing minutes, but the referee was well positioned to make the call and play on.

Chatham should see this as a point gained against decent opposition, as well as a confidence boost for their upcoming visits to Chipstead in the league on Bank Holiday Monday and Ringmer in the FA Cup next Saturday.

Chatham Town: Whitehouse, James, Govey, Larkin, Goodger (Boots 76), Best, Smith, Solly, Elmes, Bishenden (Brooks 61), Murison (Groombridge 61).
Subs: King, White.