In this entertaining Kent derby between third and first, Beckenham Town came out on top with two late second half goals to defeat Isthmian League Division One South East leaders Chatham Town at Eden Park Avenue on Tuesday night.

The game got off to an open start, but the home side created the better chances, Louie Theophanous firing over on the turn from the edge of the area.

As Becks continued to have the better of things, Theophanous went close again as he latched on to a long ball, but Ben Bridle Card made the save in the Chats goal.

Bridle Card made another save to deny Theophanous as the half went on, while at the other end Mudiaga Wanogho made a brave block to deny Billy Bennett as the visitors came more into things.

With captain Danny Waldren marshalling things from the back Beckenham continued to create the better chances, Steven Townsend crossing for Harvey Brand who shot over on the half volley.

Late on in the half Chatham were awarded a free kick after Freddie Cray fouled Jack Evans, but Reece Butler headed Evans’ cross wide from the resulting set piece. 

Chatham started the second half on top, but they failed to create any real chances before Beckenham then also had a good spell of pressure.

Robert Carter shot narrowly wide for the home side, but for a long spell the game was end to end without any chances on goal, developing a more physical edge as it progressed.

Then in the final ten minutes the game really came to life, Theophanous picked the ball up in midfield and ran clear to then drive the ball low from the edge of the area into the bottom left hand corner of the net for 1-0.

Chatham came back looking for an equaliser from there and were camped around the Becks area for a spell, they even had a good shout for a penalty for hand ball when a cross into the box hit Wanogho, but the referee waved the appeals away.

Then with Becks looking to run the clock down in the corner, Chatham were awarded a throw in by the flag, the ball was played back to Bridle Card by Butler, but it failed to reach the keeper and Jamarie Brisset raced into the area and latched on to the loose ball before slotting it home for 2-0 from close range deep into injury time.

The win sees Beckenham Town move up to second place in the table, one point behind Chatham Town who remain top.  

Beckenham: Niemczycki, Johnson, Brand, Cray, Wanogho, Carter, Godwin (Nyhus 85), Waldren, Townsend, Theophanous (Bloomfield 88), Brisset.

Subs Not Used: Curran, Girffin, Cox. 

Chatham: Bridle Card, Sitole (Thompson 69), Cooper, Robins, Butler, Evans, Taylor, Oloyede, Sanogo (Drury 77), Bodkin, Bennett (Domfriyie 66).

Subs Not Used : Beckwith, Peck.           

HT 0-0 FT 2-0

Goals: Theophanous 81, Brisset 90mins. 

ATT: 325