Chatham Town endured a frustrating night against Leatherhead in their Isthmian Premier League matchup on Tuesday evening at the Bauvill Stadium.

The visitors carried out the perfect away game-plan. Scoring early on, then producing an outstanding defensive performance, especially from Goalkeeper Sonny Wheeler, to repel everything that the Chats threw at them.

Chats stuttering start to the season so far has not been helped by the fact that manager Kevin Hake has not been able to field a settled side for much of this season. He has had to deal with injuries to key members of the squad, and indifferent form some of those at his disposal throughout the campaign so far.

Only two changes were made following a first league draw of the season at home to Burgess Hill last Saturday, with Mark Chidi and jack Lyons making way for Harry Lodovica and Ollie Hobden.

Chats started the brighter of the two sides in the murky, drizzly conditions. First Ben Allen, then Bradley Stephenson, with a great stop low down onto the post, were denied by Wheeler in the visitor’s goal in the opening quarter of an hour.

Allen, a constant threat for the Chats early on, also went close with a long-range effort from outside the opponent’s area.

However, it was Leatherhead, with ex Chat Kofi Anokye-Boadi creating havoc on both flanks, who took the lead on 18 minutes.

It came from a mazy run and cross from the right wing from the aforementioned Anokye-Boadi. The ball across the by-line missed everyone, including Chats keeper Nathen Harvey, and was bundled home at the far post by forward Nathan Hogan.

Chats took their time to recover from this setback as the Tanners confidence grew following the goal. The visitors were especially getting a lot joy down the Chats left during this spell.

Not to be outdone by his opposite number, it was Chats keeper Harvey’s turn to come to the rescue of his team.

Firstly, James Dickson fired in a 25-yard free kick that Harvey did well to parry away, as the ball bounced awkwardly just in front of him. Soon after he produced a couple of superb point-blank reaction saves to deny both Harry Murphy and Deondre Date, after good work from Anokye-Boadi, this time from the left. Then finally he was equal to another effort from close-range by Hogan.

Chats quickly countered though. With Lodovica threading a fine through ball onto Allen, whose fierce shot from inside the area was well saved by Wheeler.

Allen then had another long-range effort that was palmed away for a corner by the excellent Wheeler. Soon after the same two were in action again, with the Leatherhead keeper denying Allen yet again with another great stop.

An exciting half drew to a close with Allen now turning provider. With a delightful ball forward to Lodovica, who had broken through the last line of defence with just Wheeler to beat, but again the Leatherhead custodian was on hand to rush out to just get to the ball first, and block the on-rushing Chats forward.

As with the first-half, Chatham started the second period on the front foot. Tolu Ladapo shot high and wide after creating some space down the right, whilst Kian Garlinge’s close range header lacked any power to trouble Wheeler.

On the hour mark, the home side came oh so close to the leveller. From a period on intense pressure, and several corners in quick succession, substitute Jack Lyons pin point set piece found the gangly Lodovica inside the six-yard box. But his point-blank header was palmed onto the post by Wheeler, with the follow up shot by Garlinge blocked away for another corner.

By now, with Chatham dominating possession, it had to be noted that the visitors were producing an outstanding defensive performance. Closing down quickly from all over the pitch, never giving the Chats any time on the ball in what was now turning into a frustrating evening for the home faithful.

It was going to take something special to break down the resilience of the visitors, and Lyons nearly did so. He took hold of the ball from deep and ran past a couple of tackles to let fly a deflected shot from the edge of the penalty box that flew agonisingly wide of the post.

Sub Kola Salami then created himself a chance late on, but his effort went harmlessly wide.

With the home side committing more men forward in search of a late equaliser, Leatherhead nearly doubled their advantage 5 minutes from time. Tanners forward Date broke free, but his powerful shot was deflected wide.

Ollie Hobden’s late run and strike from distance that blazed over the bar summed up a exasperating night for Chatham and their supporters, as the referee soon blew the final whistle, and Leatherhead celebrated what turned out to be a great disciplined rearguard performance. Especially in the second half.

Defeat leaves Chatham 10th in the table, still only three points behind Carshalton in 7th. They will however need to turn around their fortunes soon, or else it could end up a disappointed winter ahead for Hake’s men.

Up next for the Chats is a tricky away tie on Saturday at in-form AFC Whyteleafe, who have won five of their last six league games.

Chatham Town – Harvey, Evans, Robins (Adeyeye), Nelson(c) (Turner), Stephenson, Lodovica, Garlinge, Allen (Salami), Hobden, Giles, Ladopo (Lyons)

Sub Unused – Gibbs

Leatherhead – Wheeler, Price, Waters(c), Butler, Black, Murphy (Everitt), Dickson, Date, Hogan (Harris), Anokeye-Boadi (Barrington), Paget

Subs Unused – Kennett, Wilson

Attendance – 738

Referee – Mr. Butcher