Chatham Town take on Ramsgate at the Bauvill Stadium on Tuesday night in the Isthmian Premier Division

Chatham Town overcame a stern opening-day challenge and are now preparing to welcome last season’s promoted champions.

Kevin Hake’s Chatham started the season with a gritty goalless draw at St Albans City and now welcome Ramsgate to the Bauvill Stadium for a Tuesday night clash.

The Rams started their season at the higher level with a 3-2 home win over Whitehawk. The clinched promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division after storming to the South East Division title - winning it after amassing 109 points and scoring 127 goals.

Chatham were the 2022/23 South East champions and Hake is hoping his men can take another step up the football pyramid this season.

“Matches like this are what this league is all about,” Hake said. “Two ambitious sides going head to head early in the season.

“It’s always special to be back under the lights at the Bauvill and I’m expecting another competitive affair.

“Ramsgate come into the division as newly-promoted champions and we’ve had some real blockbuster games against them in the past.”