Chatham Town Women missed the chance to be top of the National League Division One South East table for Christmas as their bogey side – Actonians – denied them the win in a frustrating goal-less draw.

The Chats started the day in second knowing that if leaders Real Bedford dropped points, three points would take the Chats top with a win. But despite having the clearer chances, for the third time this season, Keith Boanas’ side drew a blank against the west Londoners and so, because the leaders also drew, end 2024 in second place in the table.

The Chats were missing strikers Jess King and Mille Raynor as well as Darcy Wells from the middle of the park, but over the course of the ninety minutes, the visitors didn’t really have a shot to test home keeper Simone Eliogon, whilst the home side had their own problems and were limited themselves in front of goal.

Amelia Woodgate fired when early on from a Ciara Hynes free-kick and Ellie Jeffkins was just too high with a drive shortly after. What proved to be the Chats best chance – and the best of the game – arrived just past the half hour when Jeffkins deep corner was headed against the outside of the frame of the goal by Oti Charles.

The Chats went close against shortly after as Charles did well to fee in Woodgate down the left. The young strikers first effort was well blocked by keeper Hannah Iguchi but Woodgate reacted quickest for the rebound which was prodded against the right post.

There then followed a 32-minute delay after referee Butcher went down with an injured thigh which meant senior assistant Peters took on the whistle as a new assistant was sought from the crowd. Fortunately, the referees observer (Mr Baker) was able to locate a local referee who was available and just over half an hour after play was suspended, it resumed with Mr Peters in the middle and Mr Kennard on the line.

The second period became a tight defensive battle with messers Grace Coombs, Ellie Perkins and Lacey Hargest outstanding for the home side at the back with Mara Bramwell and Jas Williamson equally as impressive for the visitors.

Such was the tightness of the Chats defence that there was just eighteen minutes left when Amina Hanif had the visitors only shot on target which she hit straight at keeper Simone Eligon.

The Chats battled and probed but just couldn’t find a way through – Perkins crashed a header a yard wide with Iguchi motionless whilst Charles should really have done better with a late shot that sailed over the bar.

Honours even in a game that won’t live too long in the memory, but with the top of the table so tight, just how important might this point become the season’s end.

CHATHAM TOWN WOMEN – Eligon, Maslak, Auguste, Hynes, Coombs, Perkins, Charles, Jeffkins (Hargest), Sharp (Maddy Woodgate), Amelia Woodgate (Laverick), Jones
Subs – Herbert-Smith, Holmes
ACTONIANS – Iguchi, Bramwell, Clements, Brereton (Colley), Dredge, Williamson, Turner, Todd-Warmoth, Beaufort (Redhead-Long), Hanif, Lalani (Lgbauboa)
REFEREE – Mr Butcher replaced by Mr Kennard

Images courtesy of Allen Hollands