Chatham Town are out to retain the Velocity Cup tonight.
Kevin Hake’s in-form side head to Essex to take on Billericay Town, a side chasing the title in the Isthmian Premier Division.
Chats are making a late bid for the play-offs in the same division, now up to eighth in the table, but take a break from their league challenge when they head to Aveley FC’s Parkside ground – the venue of last season’s success.
Hake said: “It seems a home from home this ground, as we have played here a lot in the last two years, both versus Aveley in the semi-final of this competition in 2022/23 and also Hashtag in the final last year.
“We have also played Hashtag both in the league and cup games there this season.
“Our games against Billericay are always entertaining ones, as we have had some great battles over the years.
“They are flying high this season and have mounted a great campaign to date and stand a real good chance of going up automatically.
“It does seem to change at the top very quickly, as it has been one of those seasons, but overall I think with the squad Gary (McCann) has assembled, it will be enough.
“After an indifferent season for us, we come into this game on good form and know we are more than a match for anyone on our day, but will certainly need to be at our best to retain this trophy.
“I would like thank the travelling Chats Fans in advance. I know midweek coming over that bridge is never easy at this time, so fair play to you for supporting us as only you know how.”
Last April, the Chats beat Hashtag United 2-1 to clinch the Velocity League Cup, winning it with a stoppage-time goal from Jamie Yila.
Jordy Robins’ goal had put Chatham in front at the break and although Luke May-Parrott levelled it up early in the second half, Yila scored in the 93rd minute to clinch the win.
Hake’s men are in scintillating form ahead of this year’s cup final. Making the play-offs is still a big ask but a nine-game unbeaten run has given them an outside chance.
They’ve won seven of those nine league games, including a 3-0 win over Carshalton Athletic last Saturday.
Yila’s goal late in the first half put Chats ahead and Freddie Sears added another shortly after the restart before John Ufuah sealed the win with their third goal at the Bauvill Stadium.
In between those league games was the Velocity Cup semi-final win over Hendon, thanks to two goals from Sam Sene Richardson.
Tickets cost £10 for adults tonight and £5 concessions, with under-5s admitted free.
Last Wednesday, Chatham’s women’s team beat Billericay Town Ladies 5-0 to win the Isthmian League Women’s Cup.
