Chatham Town host Hendon at the Bauvill Stadium in the Velocity Cup semi-final – Billericay Town await the winners in the final

Chatham Town boss Kevin Hake is eyeing up another cup final but knows they face a big hurdle tonight.

Hake’s men won the Velocity Cup final last season with a victory over Hashtag United and are on the verge of making another. Standing in their way tonight are Isthmian Premier Division league rivals Hendon.

The semi-final match takes place at the Bauvill Stadium (7.45pm) with Chats heading into the tie in good form.

It’s three straight wins for Chatham now in the league, continuing their run with an impressive 2-0 victory away to Whitehawk on Saturday.

John Ufuah got the opener in the first half and young forward Sam Sene Richardson came off the bench to seal the points late on.

“The lads were magnificent on Saturday,” said their manager.

“Whitehawk away is never an easy place to go and to come away with three points is great.

“We also kept a clean sheet against them, which is rare at their ground.

“It was good to see John Ufuah back on the scoresheet and Sam Sene Richardson get another.”

Cup opponents Hendon are fighting against relegation this season and Chats will be favourites to progress, but Hake is wary of the threat they pose. They last met in September, a game that finished 2-2.

Hendon have held both Hashtag and Cray Valley to draws already this month.

Looking ahead to their big cup game tonight, Hake said: “Tonight sees us continue our defence of our Isthmian League Cup trophy which is a competition we have excelled in over last three years, reaching at least the semi-final every year.

“It will be another tough test against Hendon, who have got some great results in recent weeks.

“We know the opponents for the winners will be (league leaders) Billericay, which will be a mouthwatering final for whoever makes