Chipstead 1-4 Chatham Town

Midfielder, Darren Smith became the first player for Chatham Town to score four goals in a game for seven years, during their 4-1 win at Chipstead on Bank Holiday Monday, writes Neil Sanders.

Despite the final scoreline, this game was fairly evenly contested for the first half hour with both sides creating chances.

Dominic Elmes hit the side netting as early as the third minute whilst at the other end Sam Groombridge blocked well from a Lee Sidwell shot.

John Whitehouse also did well at his near post to keep out a goalbound free kick from Craig Pitterson, before Chatham took the lead in the 36^th minute.

A neat flick on from Elmes found Smith running into the box and his finish gave Daryl Dennehy no chance.

Towards the end of the half Chatham were in the ascendancy and went close again through both Steve Best and Mark Brooks.

At the other end Chipstead’s attacks had by this time lost momentum and seemed to be heading down dead end tunnels.

Chats doubled their lead straight after the break when good work down the right created an opening and when the ball was immediately fired back across goal by the impressive Craig Govey, Smith was on hand to tuck away his second.

Chatham then seemed to take their foot off the pedal for a few minutes which allowed Chipstead to pull one back.

Their main threat came from set pieces and it was Anthony Wareing whose looping header from a free kick crept inside the post to make it 2-1 after 56 minutes.

The points were sealed in the 83^rd minute with a trade mark 25 yard free kick which gave Smith a deserved hatrick when it found the top corner.

The final goal came from a penalty with five minutes left on the clock. A good move down the right involving Brooks, Pat Bishenden, Matt Solly and Brad King resulted in the latter being brought down.

Smith duly converted from the spot to become the first Chats player to score four in a game since Steve Jones in 2000. A good confidence boost before the trip to Ringmer in the FA Cup next Saturday.

Chatham Town: Whitehouse, James (King 56), Govey, Larkin, Goodger, Best (Murison 86), Smith, Solly, Elmes (Bishenden 77), Brooks, Groombridge.
Subs: Boots, White.