Chatham Town Women host Real Bedford in a top-of-the-table clash at the Bauvill Stadium this Sunday –Keith Boanas’ side lead National League Division 1 South East after beating London Bees last weekend

Chatham Town Women are facing an immediate challenge to their newfound place at the top of the National League Division 1 South East table.

A 2-1 win at London Bees on Sunday took them top, taking over from a Real Bedford side whose match was postponed.

Real Bedford now head to Chatham this Sunday looking to reclaim their place at the top from Keith Boanas’ side in what’s sure to be a keenly fought contest at the Bauvill Stadium.

Boanas said: “It’s a nice feeling to be top and it sets us up nicely for a top-of-the-table clash this Sunday, which is massive.

“We drew 1-1 at their place earlier in the season and they have maintained their levels since.

“They have had massive investment but they only drew with London Bees a couple of weeks back and on that performance alone it shows that we are definitely in with a chance. We have to be if we are going to go for it - this is a game we have to win, simple as that.”

Last weekend’s game against the Bees got off to the best possible start when Lottie Sharp scored after just a minute.

Chances continued to come and go before Amelia Woodgate doubled the lead early in the second half.

The London side got a goal back from a late corner but it was Chatham who took the points to leave the manager delighted.

“We should have probably had four or five more,” he said.

“They scored from a corner in the last minute of the game, which just evaded everyone. I think everyone thought the game was done and didn’t focus but we never looked in danger of losing it.

“I was immensely proud of them, they answered every question, responded to everything we did in training and in the first game back after Christmas the levels were good, energy levels were good and lots of candidates for