Kevin Hake expressed his pride as Chatham suffered a dramatic FA Cup extra-time defeat at Buxton on Saturday.
A sensational long-range effort by captain Connor Kirby was a fitting end to a dramatic first-round game, which finished 2-1 to the National League North Bucks, that had seen neither side give an inch.
Chatham Town manager Kevin Hake – expressed his pride at his side’s performance as they suffered a dramatic 2-1 extra-time defeat at Buxton in the FA Cup first round on Saturday. Picture: Ian Scammell
Forward Tope Fadahunsi had put promotion-chasing Isthmian Premier Chatham ahead with his own fine goal.
But Buxton equalised through midfielder Tate Campbell to ensure the crowd of 1,652 were given another 30 minutes – and Kirby produced a moment of magic as he fired past goalkeeper Henry Molyneux to get the match’s all-important third goal.
“I’m really proud of my boys and the way they have conducted themselves,” said Chatham manager and chairman Hake, whose team had already seen off Marlow (4-0), Ashford (3-0), Deal (3-1) and Tonbridge (3-1) in the club’s best-ever FA Cup run in 97 years.
“They have gone toe-to-toe with a top side. If you’re going to go out, go out to a worldie like that.
“All credit to the lad – he has hit a blinder there. But we’re getting applauded off the pitch by both sets of fans.
Report: Buxton 2-1 Chatham (after extra time)
“That tells you something about the magnitude of our performance.”
Buxton boss John McGrath also was complimentary of Chatham after a tie which had seen two full-time teams face off.
The Irish one-time Aston Villa midfielder said: “They were excellent.
“When the draw first came out, we did our due diligence. We had them watched live, and we had them watched on VEO and Huddle (highlights) and all that kind of business. I was really impressed with them.
“They were a really young side, as well, with some really talented players. I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game.
“I’m glad we were at home because a home tie suits us, obviously, with this sort of crowd – but it’s amazing that probably 300 or 400 fans have travelled all this way and they were really vocal.
“I spoke with a few of them. They wished us well and, obviously, the gaffer (Hake) has got them playing in a really unique style.
“They’re similar to us. They try to get the ball down and they play. The goalkeeper (Molyneux) is really good with his feet, the full-backs were good, and that’s why I knew it was going to be a hard game.
“All my best wishes go to them.”
Third-placed Chats return to league matters at surprise strugglers Billericay, beaten 2-1 at Folkestone at the weekend, on Tuesday.
Former Chatham captain Jack Evans – could face his old club as Chats return to Isthmian Premier action at Billericay on Tuesday. Picture: Max English (@max_ePhotos)
The game could see ex-Chatham captain Jack Evans face his former club, having left this summer to move to the Essex outfit after making close to 200 appearances and scoring 100 goals while he led the Medway side.
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