Chatham Town chairman-manager Kevin Hake on his nine-men's 1-0 victory at Burgess Hill and a big Isthmian South East clash against Whitehawk

Boss Kevin Hake admits he has never been involved in a game quite like Chatham’s action-packed 1-0 victory at Burgess Hill.

The title-chasing Isthmian South East side were reduced to 10 men midway through the first half on Saturday when defender Dean Beckwith was sent off for handball - only for keeper Nathan Harvey to catch out opposite number Will Huffer 14 minutes from time with a big punt upfield from a goal kick.

Minutes later, however, Harvey was sent off for an off-the-ball incident, with player-assistant Danny Kedwell taking over in goal for nine-man Chatham in front of a crowd of 847.

Chats somehow held on and there was even time for home substitute Hayden Skerry to be dismissed.

Hake said: “I’ve never been involved in a game quite like that!

“It had it all and [it] was great to perform in front of a large crowd away from home. The less said about the referee the better but, needless to say, we will be appealing both red cards.

“The lads showed great character to play with 10 men for 75 minutes and the last 15 down to nine men.

“We wouldn’t have won that game earlier in the season, as we weren’t as together as we are now.

"Players were putting their bodies on the line for the team and were showing a resilience.

“We defended 14 corners in the first half alone brilliantly and, during the whole game, we reduced them to only drawing on two saves - one by Nathan and the other by Keds!

“Nathan’s goal was a great one and [one] you don’t see many of in your life, so it was great to witness.

“The goal celebration will live long in the memory with everyone involved and we are buzzing to be in the league position we are.”

There’s a top-three encounter for Chats this Saturday at home to Whitehawk, with three of their last