Tonight’s game was played on the 3G pitch at Faversham Town’s Aquatherm Stadium and saw the Under 23 teams of Chatham Town and Faversham Town, meet each other in the Southern Counties East Football League (Development League East).

Chatham Town U23 came into the fixture at the top of the league, having won 14 of their 18 games so far. George Wady (11 goals), Harry Beech (7 goals) and Freddie Martin (4 goals) have led the goal scoring charts this season, however the team’s defence conceding only 30 goals, have been a key element in the side’s success. Manager Lee Garlinge would have been hoping for a win to really put the title beyond doubt tonight.

Faversham Town U23’s sat just ten points behind Chatham Town U23’s, primarily behind their opponents, because their defence has leaked goals at over two a game. They have been well led by top scorers, Kieron Smith (12 goals), Taylor Angrabeit and Joe Theze (both 4 goals). Manager, Rhys Leader, would have been hoping his side could step into new territory by beating the league leaders tonight and setting out their own intent for a possible title challenge.

The game was not long without a goal. On 4 minutes Chatham Town’s Harry Beech shot home with the ball bobbling over the arm of Reece Beazleigh in the Faversham Town goal, to make it 1-0.

Faversham Town fought hard to get back into the game but in the 27th minute Chatham Town were two ahead. A neat passing move saw the ball fall to Michael Paton, who slotted it home with confidence.

At the break the sides went in with the visitors two goals to the good. Faversham Town’s players knew something different needed to happen in the second half to turn things around.

The first ten minutes after the break saw extensive Faversham Town apply much pressure, but without that elusive goal. Then in the 57th minute, Chatham Town’s George Waby found space inside the opposition area and finished clinically to make it 0-3.

The remainder of the half saw both sides create chances, however there were to be no further goals. At the full time whistle it was the dominant Chatham Town side, who preserved their lead at the top of the table.