Chatham Town face Tonbridge Angels away in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup – Chats won on penalties to make it past Needham Market in the FA Trophy last weekend

Chatham Town face higher-league Kent opponents in their quest to create some modern history at the club.

It’s FA Cup fourth-qualifying weekend coming up and Chats are making the trip to face National South side Tonbridge Angels, with both sides eyeing a spot in the draw for the first round proper.

Chatham were regulars in the early rounds of the competition towards the back end of the 19th century, and once made it to the fifth round, but it’s almost a century since they were last in the first round proper.

Chairman and manager Kevin Hake has seen his side enjoy an impressive start to their Isthmian Premier Division campaign, and last weekend a penalty shootout win over Needham Market put them into the first round proper of the FA Trophy.

The FA Cup first round is now within grasp and chairman/manager Kevin Hake said: “We turn our attention to the FA Cup and what an incredible opportunity for the club.

“If we can get past Tonbridge Angels, it will be the first time in around 100 years that Chatham Town have reached the first round proper and that’s something that would mean a great deal to everyone connected with the club.”

Tonbridge are in good form themselves since appointing Alan Dunne as manager.

The ex-Millwall captain has guided his new team to wins in the FA Cup third qualifying round against Cray Valley (5-0), a 2-1 win over Dover in the league and a 4-1 victory over Sittingbourne in the Kent Senior Cup.

Hake knows the size of the task at hand but said: “Tonbridge are a very good side and we know how tough it will be, but there’s a real sense of excitement and belief in the camp.

“We’ll prepare properly, keep our focus, and give absolutely everything to try and make a bit of history for this football club:”

Goalk