Great Wakering Rovers 2 Chatham Town 0

Chatham's recent up and down form continued on their visit to Essex on Saturday, writes Neil Sanders.

 After last weeks excellent win against Wingate & Finchley, hopes were high of collecting another three points, but it wasn't to be.

The opening exchanges were fairly even, although Rovers Steve Butterworth looked the most likely to create an opening. 

However, it was Chat's who had the first clear chance after 24 minutes. A ball out of defence was flicked on by Rob Denness as he beat two defenders to the header. This left Glen Billenness with a clear run to the 18 yard box, but his shot was comfortably saved by keeper Ashley Harrison.

Matt Bourne then produced an excellent tackle to dispossess Rovers Neil Richmond as he was about to shoot for goal. Two minutes later Richmond brought a sharp save from Kevin Fewell at the near post.

Rovers took the lead just after the half hour mark. Butterworth came off the wing and collected the ball in the centre of the Chatham half. He procedeed to run on, evading three challenges, before calmly slotting home from just inside the box. 

Chatham went further behind just before half time. Joel Etienne-Clarke got the wrong side of Matt Bourne and was held back as he tried to shoot. A penalty was awarded which Butterworth duly converted.

Chats travelling support were hoping for a comeback similar the second half against Harlow eleven days ago, but it never really got going.

Butterworth continued to look the most creative player on show and had the two best chances of the half. He fired over the bar when well placed after a good run by Richmond, and then hit the post before Andy Larkin cleared Clarke's rebound effort off the line.

Chatham's best chance was an Andy Larkin header from a free kick which just missed the far post.

With two of their nearest rivals winning, Chatham have dropped just below the playoff places. Steve Binks will be hoping for a much improved performance when Chats entertain Premier Division Bedford Town, in the errea Cup quarter final on Tuesday night.

Chatham: Fewell, Boyle, D.Larkin, A.Larkin, Bourne (Momoh 68), Best, Lyons, Brooks, Billenness (Akhazzan 63), Denness, B.Walker (Botterill 84). Subs: Green, Mortimore.