Chatham Town boss Kevin Hake rates his 2023/24 Isthmian Premier squad as one of the best he has managed

Kevin Hake has hailed Chatham’s trophy-chasing squad as one of the best he has worked with.

Second-placed Chats made it four wins from five matches with a 6-3 victory against fellow Isthmian Premier play-off occupants Billericay last weekend.

Captain Jack Evans got them level with a fantastic free-kick on his 150th club appearance after they had fallen behind as early as the fifth minute before they found their stride in style.

While plenty has changed at the Medway outfit as they aim for a third straight promotion, Evans, fellow midfielder Jordy Robins and defender Reece Butler have remained throughout their rapid rise.

Hake said: “They’re the heartbeat of the club.

“We have got youth coming through, as well. What’s great about this dressing room is the ability to bring new players into it - and the fact they (the existing players) all embrace them.

“It’s a really good dressing room. It’s one of the best that I’ve worked with and it puts you right in difficult situations.

“Although we went 1-0 down on Saturday, I thought the lads responded fantastically.”

Chairman-boss Hake admits Chatham are set for an exciting end to the season.

They will host Isthmian South Central Ascot United in the Velocity Cup Semi-Final next month and have also progressed to the Kent Senior Cup Semi-Final after losing out in the Final last season.

“It will be nice to go one further in the Kent Senior Cup and, in the Velocity Cup, we went out in the Semi-Finals last year,” he noted.

“It’s certainly going to be a great end to the season. We have 10 league games to look forward to, two Semi-Finals - and, hopefully, a few Finals!”

While 30-year-old Evans netted Chats’ first against Billericay, forward Kareem Isiaka led the way with a hat-trick.