Chatham Town manager-chairman Kevin Hake reacts to 6-3 Isthmian Premier home win against fellow promotion-chasing side Billericay Town

Manager-chairman Kevin Hake accepts Chatham’s Isthmian Premier home victory against Billericay felt bigger than most they have enjoyed this season.

Goal-friendly Chats won their top-three game against the third-placed visitors 6-3 as they recovered on Saturday, having trailed in the fifth minute.

Asked if the victory felt like a significant one for second-placed Chatham, Hake replied: “It does.

“We’ve got 10 (league) games to go now and they’re what we call the championship rounds for us - three points can feel like six. It doesn’t matter who you are playing, it’s always very hard.

“But to go and beat a rival to us who are in third place in the manner that we did, that was great.”

A fine free-kick from captain Jack Evans, alongside Kareem Isiaka’s first two goals of the afternoon and a header from Rowan Liburd, put Chats into a 4-2 half-time advantage after midfielder Adam Leathers had sent them behind.

Isiaka then completed his hat-trick and top scorer Jamie Yila also got among the goals with a Chats penalty before Gary McCann’s men grabbed a late consolation through on-loan debutant forward Sydney Ibie.

Report: Chatham 6-3 Billericay

Hake reflected: “We’re really pleased.

“I thought the boys performed really well today. They showed great character after going a goal down to get back into the game straight away.

“To hit four in the first half and two in the second, that was brilliant.”

Chatham’s six goals in front of another crowd of more than 2,000 fans at the Bauvill Stadium came after they had withdrawn experienced defender Simon Cooper (knee) from the starting line-up before kick-off, with Leathers then delivering the first blow.

“It was probably more of a precaution with Coops,” explained Hake, whose side were