Chatham Town take on Maidstone United this Saturday in their final pre-season game ahead of the 2026/27 season – fresh from their midweek match against EFL side Barnet

Chatham Town have one final pre-season game ahead - and it’s one the manager is relishing.

Maidstone United are the visitors to the Bauvill Stadium on Saturday, a final test for Kevin Hake’s men ahead of their Isthmian Premier Division season, which gets under way the following weekend.

Looking ahead to the visit of Craig Fagan’s National South side, Hake said: “We had a really good game against them last year, and over the last two or three years it's been a really nice time to play them as well.

“I know they're going to have a strong team, so it'll be a really good test, probably similar to the Dorking game the other night. It's a perfect set-up as the last one before the big one on the 8th.”

Chats beat Dorking 1-0 - another side playing in the National South.

Since then, Chatham have beaten a Gillingham XI and taken on a young team from Barnet.

“It was more the performance [that was pleasing],” Hake said, of the Dorking win.

“Results are always nice but it's the performance I'm looking at first, really.

“Similarly [against Gillingham last Friday], it's nice to come away with a victory, but it's more about the performance and getting more minutes into the legs.”

Chatham’s game against Barnet ended in a 1-1 draw. The Bees took the lead late in the first half but Hake’s men levelled in the final minute through Kian Moynes.

Hake has added a handful of new players over the summer and is pleased with the progress.

“I’m happy at the moment, but I'll know on the 8th if pre-season's been a good or a bad one!”

Asked if there could be more additions, he added: “I'd never say never, we're always on the lookout, but we're not rushing to bring anyone in.

“I’m happy with the squad and what we've brought in. I think the new lads have