Chats 0 - 1 Worthing

A poor performance from both sides in a drab encounter that saw Worthing run out 1-0 winners on a boggy pitch which they adapted to sooner than Chatham (who would still be knocking balls down the middle the next day given the chance), and a match that must have left Donny Logan with plenty to think about.

Saturday saw a debut for new centre half Cedric Ngakam, formerly of Ebbsfleet and Welling (that's two different clubs, desperate 'fleet haven't changed their name again), who came in for the suspended Richard Avery. The Frenchman had a solid game at the back and seems a good addition to the squad. I hope he's versatile, because Payne and Avery have been pretty dependable if unspectacular so far this season and he may struggle to hold down a spot. That said, Payne is suspended next, and I think Cedric is only on loan at present, with Welling team mate Steffan Gaisie.

Ngakam's debut was one of few positives for a Chatham side who despite endeavour seemed tactically clueless at times. The ongoing absence through injury of Brad Potter is starting to become more and more of a thorn in the Chats midfield. Touted as a future Steve Best when he joined, he's looked strong and threatening when played in the middle of the park as opposed to at the back where he won't push out either Ray Powell or David Daryl Hall any time soon. The midfield lacked bite. Wilfort, a powerhouse of a midfielder much like Steve Best can only sop up so many stray balls whilst Solly and Lyons go missing as they did so often on Saturday. I've said it before and I'll say it again, but its got to be one or the other - they are essentially the same player, and they tend to hinder each other's game. Solly is in my opinion our player of the year so far. He in truth had a poor game on Saturday, from which I am sure he'll bounce back. We need a bit of talent on the right side of midfield, and Brad Potter can't return soon enough. A settled centre for Alex O'Brien would surely be Walker, Wilfort, Solly and Potter. Indeed, Byron Walker's return (how many now?) has been lauded by some as a stroke of genius. I love the guy. He's fast, he's tricksy, and he scares defenders. But not on a pitch like the one we have at the moment. The Sports Ground's surface doesn't lend itself to flair very much at the moment. The intricate passing game we've developed is null and void at home, and resorting to route one just doesn't suit Cassie and Gaisie.

I'm sure all of this is in OB's mind too. Of course, he has years of playing experience and tactical genius behind him. I'm just a dumb boy from Twydall. What would I know!

Tomorrow night sees a trip to Ryman Premier side Tonbridge Angels in the third round of the Championship Manager cup. Let's hope for a performance to match that which saw our defeat of Cray Wanderers last month, one of the most assured and confident displays I've seen this season.

Hopefully, Barnett has recovered from the illness that ruled him out on Saturday. Gaisie has yet to extend his loan spell, but if he has, Barnett's got a challenge on his hands. Perhaps if he can put a tackle in from time to time, he may be what we need in midfield. His presence and ball control alone suggest he's more than halfway competent in such a role.

This correspondent won't be at the Longmead, but I'll try to bring some sort of update along the way.

Up and at 'em Chatham!

Chatham line up vs Worthing (with ratings!); Ruddy (6), Powell (7), Ngakam (7), Payne (6), Probets (7), Walker (6), Lyons (6) Solly (5), Wilfort (7), Cass (6), Gaisie (7) - Subs, Ascheri for Walker (6), Scott for Cass (6)

MOTM - Cedric Ngakam

The ref: Buck of Istead Rise. It stops with him you know. Had a very good game.

Saddest Sight: Cass looking lost for most of the game wondering what he had to do to get a sniff at goal. We've got to get the man some crosses so he can do what we're paying him for! He even looked lost after the game heading for the dressing room alone, then standing waiting for his team mates.

Second saddest sight: The criminally obese Worthing supporter who seemed to not even be accepted by his own fans, desperate to start some sort of trouble. He didn't take well to a well intentioned shout of "Small Town in Sussex" (everyone knows that non-league banter is just that - banter), but he missed the point. This was met with a shout of "Small town in Kent!" then lots of random expletives, reminders that he supported Millwall (which must seem "hard" in Worthing but in North Kent is not a rarity and not that impressive given our sink estates and high streets) and people being declared C-bombs, before being warned by our Chairman. A shame really, because the Worthing support was the most impressive I've seen in a long time, a friendly bunch, well behaved and passionate for their team. And given this season's change in fortune and management team for them, I'd like to see them go up. They had an off day but still beat us - clearly the best team we've played this year.