CHATHAM TOWN 4 DEAL TOWN 1

Chatham made it two wins out of two on Tuesday night to underline their rating as favourites to lift the SCEL Premier Division title this season.
But Hoops manager Derek Hares felt the scoreline was harsh on his side, saying: “To lose 4-1 wasn’t a true reflection of the game and I feel gutted for the boys. To concede two goals, including a penalty, just before half-time was a real blow but Chatham are a strong side and aren’t the title favourites for nothing.” 
Playing on Chatham’s new 3G pitch, the Hoops matched their hosts for most of the first half until falling behind on 44 minutes when Matt Bodkin fired home from the edge of the box. And then came the crucial moment in the game when Chatham were awarded an injury-time penalty which Jack Evans converted.
Harry Harding, last season’s Division One “Golden Boot” winner, made it 3-0 on the hour mark and although Connor Coyne pulled one back for the Hoops five minutes from time, the Chats had the final say in front of the 300-plus crowd when Evans scored again almost straight afterwards.
Deal: Tonkin, Hark, O’Brien, Bigginton, Smith (Barrett 70), Maughan, Pilcher, Murray, Coyne, Alexander (Cardwell 56), Penny (Walsh 63).
Att: 303