It will be nice to go into a game as underdogs, says Chatham Town boss Kevin Watson

CHATHAM TOWN boss Kevin Watson takes his unbeaten side to Grays Athletic tomorrow sitting proudly at the top of the Ryman League Division One North table.



Chatham Town and Grays Athletic have both won their opening two league games of the season and Chats came from behind to end Peacehaven & Telscombe’s 100% record in the FA Cup Preliminary Round yesterday.

The Medway side defeated the Sussex County League outfit, thanks to goals from Lee Hales (penalty) and a screamer from former Dartford striker Jack Pallen in the 2-1 win at Maidstone Road.

Watson said: “It was a strange game – they were a good team and we knew they were going to be a good team and they proved it!

“We didn’t’ really start very well, though we still probably created the better of the chances in the first half.

“We had a chat at half-time. The players were a bit frustrated. I don’t know if they were nervous or not, but they’ve come out second half with an improved performance.

“Disappointed to concede the goal at the point we did. I couldn’t really see them scoring other than from a set-pie be honest, which they did.

“But then it was encouraging the way we came back.  We didn’t panic and got the penalty which Lee Hales did very well to keep his composure to score and then we get the dream winner – a great strike!”

Watson is looking forward to the top-of-the-table showdown against Grays Athletic tomorrow.

Watson watched Grays play last week and is all clued up about one of the bigger clubs in the division.

“It will be nice to go into a game where we’re the underdogs for probably the first time this season,” he said.

“So the pressure is off from that extent but we’ve got our own standards and expectations – they’re a good outfit, a good professional outfit but they’re not unbeatable by any stretch of the imagination.

“It’ll be interesting and I’m looking forward to it.

“They’ll be up there again at the end of the season I’m sure.  They looked very good when they came here last season and were possibly the best side we played against at home.

“But this year it’s different entirely as they’ve moved into a new home. East Thurrock (where Grays were based last season) was always a difficult place to go to. I’ve been to the new ground to have a look and it’s a nice place and players should enjoy and want to play there!

“At the stage we’re at every single game we play is a test, whether we go in as underdogs or favourites and expect to beat people.

“Certainly we’re at a testing stage of the season as games come thick and fast especially if you do win the Cup games.

“As I’ve said before, it’s difficult for players to maintain a level in so many games and that’s the challenge to them, which is why it’s good that we’re able to rotate things in the squad.

“We may again play a different side or formation at Grays as we’ve got the luxury of doing so and that it’s important that we keep it throughout the season and we use that.”

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

Grays Athletic  v  Chatham Town
Ryman League Division One North
Bank Holiday Monday 27^th August 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Rush Green Sports & Leisure Centre, Rush Green Road, Romford, Essex RM7 0LU