Chatham Town v Bognor Regis Town

[cityboy]

Bognor start their Isthmian Premier League campaign with a trip to "The Chats" on Saturday.
The Sports Ground, Bauvill Stadium Maidstone Road, Chatham ME46LR has bad memories for the Rocks when last time we went there a draw was the result that cost us the league, and consequently promotion.
Since the the ground has undertaken major groundworks and a 4g pitch and now has a capacity of 5000, with 500 seats. Hopefully a change to the stadium will bring a change to our luck!!

Chatham were formed in 1882 as Chatham United when Rochester Invicta and The Royal Engineers Band Football Team merged. In 1947 they merged again with Shorts F.C. and the name was changed to Chatham Town.

In recent years they dropped down the leagues till in the 2021/22 season they were promoted back into the Isthmian leagues as Runners up of Southern Counties Premier League. In 2022/23 season they won the South East Isthmian League to come back up to the Premier Division

No games played last season between the 2 clubs

[cityboy]

Not sure what other peoples thoughts are, but I am hoping for a win to start our campaign, maybe a 2-1 or 3-1 scoreline.
As usual open to be shot down!!

[cityboy]

Just a reminder we have a just a few seats left on the coach should anyone fancy it see away day travel or contact Ken Wood

[liam]

It's going to be a tough start to the new season but if we can get any points I will be happy. We have two quick-fire home matches after that and I think Robbie will really have to shuffle the players around to keep everyone 100% in a long season. Jasper Mather is key and a returning Dan Smith and now having Jammeh, De St Croix and Pattenden we have the creativity to hurt teams. But I am hoping that Chatham don't do what they did before and frustrate us. I remember that match vividly and what a frustrating day that was. Time to change that and play there without fear because we can be good on our day - a point would be a good start. Relieves the pressure then on upcoming fixtures in a busy August/September.

UP THE ROCKS

[seasiderock123]

Hoping for a win to start the season. Wont be easy as they seem to have spent a lot of money. Would happily take a scrappy 1.0 win or at least a share of the points

[Goldy]

Think Liam had said a key word there,Fear. And rightly so we have to let this attack minded squad play with no fear and unlock the chains so to speak.
Probably the most exciting forward thinking midfield/forward line I’ve seen since the success of promotion in 2015/16

[cityboy]

Not there today but good luck to the rocks and safe travels to all the fans

[Irish Rock]

Impressive attendance - 1553.

[Goldy]

After bit of a lacklustre first half we huffed and puffed second half,without really making their keeper making a save.
The 3 subs for us,were game changers and wouldn’t surprise to see them all start on Tuesday.
Can’t fault the efforts of the lads,it was there. Just probably the kinda away game we didn’t want first going against a side that’s almost unbeaten at home for a calender year.

[mbnimo]

As i slurred (arriving at 12 was prob not the smartest plan) at you on the way out that performance didnt worry me at all, a lot of positives against a good side. First half wasnt great but in the second we have dominated the ball and territory, Dan Smith made such a difference. Burgess looked superb and while im sure he wont thank me for saying it was great to see Calvin playing full back again in the second half, even if it was on the left! Think Burgess/smith have to start tuesday if fit.

[stevebone]

Here's a report and reaction from Carl - with pics from Tommy, Lyn and Trevor - www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/tough-league-but-we-will-be-okay-blake-upbeat-despite-bognor-regis-town-losing-at-chatham-4253545
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