Chatham Town host Folkestone Invicta at the Bauvill Stadium looking to clinch Isthmian Premier play-off place – Kevin Hake’s side sit second behind newly crowned champions Hornchurch

Chatham boss Kevin Hake saluted the efforts of newly crowned champions Hornchurch and is keen to taste a bit of that success himself this season.

Long-time leaders Hornchurch clinched the Isthmian Premier title on Saturday with an injury-time win over Chats. Hake’s men can seal their play-off place this weekend with a point at home to Folkestone.

Chats follow up their Kent derby with a Velocity Cup Final on Wednesday night when they face Hashtag United.

Hake said: “Saturday’s game was all about moments and on this occasion Hornchurch came out on top.

“It was a similar affair when we played them at the Bauvill and, on that occasion, we took our chances and won the game.

“Full credit to Hornchurch for winning the league as they have been the standout consistent team and that is what it takes.

“Seeing them celebrate brought back memories of similar scenes when we achieved a similar feat last season.

“Although we haven’t managed to win the league at our first attempt we still have so much to play for with a Cup Final next week and three league games as we continue our battle to get in the play-offs.

“That starts Saturday against Folkestone who are in a rich vein of form of late.

“We then play Hashtag in the League Cup Final and this is the reason you get involved in football.

“Challenging for trophies and promotion is not a right you get year-on-year, it is always earned. We have got ourselves into a great position and we will be embracing these moments as we know they are rare.”

Isthmian Premier Division top-seven ahead of the weekend

Chats have had their fair share of success in recent years with back-to-back promotions. Avoiding defeat on Saturday – or results going their way elsewhere – will ensure they finish in the