Chatham Town were hoping to bounce back from their narrow defeat against Gillingham on Friday night with a win against VCD Athletic at The Bauvill Stadium.

Chatham did grab the win in a very entertaining match by beating VCD 2-1 with Harry Harding supplying both goals for The Chats. But it wasn’t all plain sailing for Chatham as VCD matched them chance for chance all match and looked to grab an equaliser just before the final whistle.

However, Chatham held out and kept the lead giving them their first win on the new 4G pitch at The Bauvill Stadium.

VCD got the game underway for the first half but it was a very lethargic half. Both teams were able to create chances, but these chances weren’t the best. Fans had to wait until the 44th minute for a clear-cut chance which fell Chatham’s way. The chance fell to Harry Harding after a miscommunication at the back from VCD created a mistake which allowed Harding to steal the ball and fire it right into the top corner.

Chatham fans believed that they were going to go into the second half with the lead but straight from kick off VCD equalised. An incredible shot from outside the box managed to squeeze its way through the defence and into the back of the net!

HALF TIME: Chatham Town 1-1 VCD Athletic

Chatham the second half and almost got their second within the first 5 minutes! Matt Bodkin almost made it 2 for Chatham on the 50th minute with his curling effort, but it just went wide.

But just 4 minutes later, Chatham did get their second after another mistake from VCD. The keeper fumbled the ball which Harding went onto pick up and then coolly placed it into the net to grab his second and the second for Chatham.

However, VCD looked extremely dangerous and on the 61st minute they looked as if they were going to grab the equaliser. Some great play set up the perfect shot in the centre of the box, but the shot that came was horrendous and ended up flying over the crossbar!

Chatham didn’t take their foot of the gas as they continued to press for the third and they almost got it when a lovely ball in found Josh Beadle who chested it down for Harding, but Harding’s cross could only find the keeper.

The game then started to die out but VCD didn’t give up and almost grabbed a last minute equaliser with the last chance of the game, but Dan Ellis who had only come on just a couple of minutes before pulled off an exceptional save to give Chatham the win.

This win brought a great end to Chatham’s fantastic community day and gave a great insight into how they’re going to play next season.