Chatham Town 0-1 Whyteleafe

As in the previous meeting between these two sides, Chatham Town had the better start with their best chance of the match coming as early as the 3rd minute, writes Neil Sanders.

A ricochet off a Whyteleafe defender put Craig Govey clear but his shot went agonisingly just wide of the far post.

Rob Denness and Jim Lyons were both denied by good saves from Whyteleafe keeper Danny Coote inside the first ten minutes.

Tom Binks then had the keeper scrambling backwards to tip over, as his cross cum shot was heading towards the top corner.

At the other end John Whitehouse was forced to tip a 20 yard shot from Richard Williams over the bar.

Denness and Steve Best had further good efforts deflected inches wide and over respectively and Govey went close again coming in late at the back post on the stoke of half time.

Once again this was a half where Chatham did everything right except score.

Nine minutes into the second half Whyteleafe scored what turned out to be the only goal of the game.

A good run on the left by Leon McDowall took him past two challenges and his pull back enabled Callum Maclean to find the net through a crowd of players.

Steve Best and Bradley King forced further saves from the busy Coote, but it just wasn't to be for Chatham.

In the end the visitors came closest to getting a second goal when Danny Arkwright blazed over the top from close range with seven minutes remaining.

At this moment Chatham must be wondering what they need to do to get a desperately needed win under their belts. It's certainly not through lack of effort.

On Saturday they entertain Cray Wanderers at Maidstone Road (3pm).

Chatham Town: Whitehouse, King (Walker 80), Binks, Goodger, Groombridge (Mortimore 85), Best, Lyons, Govey (Brooks 62), Shulz, Denness, Suter. Sub: Phillips.