By no means we'll be underestimating our FA Cup opponents, insists Chatham Town boss Kevin Watson

CHATHAM TOWN manager Kevin Watson says he is all clued up about their FA Cup opponents from Sussex.


Chatham Town climbed to the summit of the Ryman League Division One North table following their 3-1 win over Ilford last night, which followed their 4-0 home win over Waltham Abbey at the weekend.

They welcome Peacehaven & Telscombe to the Maidstone Road Sports Ground in the Preliminary Round on Saturday.

Their opponents have a 100% record in the top flight of the Sussex County League top-flight, which is one level below Chatham.

With a record like that, assistant manager Keith Levett went to watch Peacehaven & Telscombe on Tuesday night and has reported back to his manager ahead of Saturday’s game.

And with £1,750 in prize money up for grabs for the winner – and a big crowd at Hastings awaiting the winner in the next round – Watson knows the importance of doing his homework.

He said: “Keith’s done a report on them so we’re trying to get out as much as possible and watch games.

“Peacehaven are a very strong at their level – it’s probably quite similar to Herne Bay last year in terms of they’ll do quite well and they’re probably going to get promoted out of their own league.

“Very organised, very professional set-up so by no means we’ll be underestimating our opponents on Saturday.”

If Saturday’s FA Cup tie ends in a draw then their trip to Grays Athletic on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm) will be postponed and the replay will take place next Wednesday.

Watson, 31, who lives in Brentwood, Essex, ventured out on Tuesday night to watch Grays Athletic’s 4-1 home win over his home-town club.

Grays Athletic have moved closer to their origins and now play at the Rush Green Sports & Leisure Centre, Rush Green Road in Romford.

Watson is looking forward to the top-of-the-table clash on Monday afternoon.

He said: “We know what Grays are about. They’re a good side. I went to watch Grays on Tuesday. It will be nice to play them at that stadium. I think it will suit us.  It’s a nice pitch and we look forward to the challenge.

“They’ll be up there again at the end of the season, so it’s always a good test for us.”

Visit Chatham Town’s website: www.chathamtownfc.net   

Chatham Town  v Peacehaven & Telscombe
The FA Cup with Budweiser Preliminary Round
Saturday 25^th August 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Maidstone Road Sports Ground, Bournville Avenue, Chatham, Kent ME4 6LR