An explosive first half helped second-placed Chatham to a big Isthmian Premier home win against Canvey Island on Saturday.

Kevin Hake’s Chats were four goals to the good as strikers Ashley Nzala and Chris Dickson, alongside man-of-the-match defender Dean Beckwith, struck after a second-minute own goal had put them ahead - only for Jamie Salmon to pull one back for Canvey Island before the break.

Forward Kareem Isiaka then put the icing on the cake with the only effort after the restart during their 5-1 victory in front of a crowd of 1,634 at the Bauvill Stadium.

Chats remain six points behind leaders Hornchurch but have played one league fixture more.

Two-goal Tom Derry ensured Folkestone bounced back from their first loss of 2024 last Tuesday with a 3-3 draw with play-off chasing Carshalton.

By 37 minutes, Derry’s double, after midfielder Seidou Sanogo had opened the scoring, had Invicta 3-2 in front.

But forward Oluwabunmi Babajide got his second goal of the afternoon at Cheriton Road in the 79th minute to ensure the spoils were shared while home manager Andy Drury was dismissed in the final 10 minutes.

Margate’s wait for a first win under boss Mark Stimson goes on as they suffered a 4-2 loss at Lewes to drop into the Isthmian Premier relegation zone.

Trailing 2-0, talented young prospect Vinnie Bowman got them back into the contest but the hosts swiftly restored their two-goal lead and added a fourth after the restart to leave striker Steve Cawley’s 17th goal of the season on 62 minutes to be a mere consolation.

Experienced attacking midfielder Dominic Vose made his Gate debut at the Dripping Pan.

Cray Wanderers boosted their Isthmian Premier survival hopes with a 1-0 win against Wingate & Finchley.

Striker Gary Lockyer bagged the only goal at Bromley’s Hayes Lane in the sixth minute with an overhead kick.

Isthmian South East leaders Ramsgate were held to a goalless draw at home to play-off chasing Sheppey in front of a 1,127-strong crowd at Southwood, ending Ben Smith’s side’s 100 percent home league record.

New Ites signing Zach Dainkeh, formerly of Charlton, made his debut from the start.

Ramsgate are nine points clear of second-placed Cray Valley - who have three matches in hand - after they won 2-0 against Ashford.

Striker Adam Coombes’ penalty and an effort from winger Lyle Della-Verde inside 10 first-half minutes did the damage for Steve McKimm’s side.

Fourth-placed Sittingbourne earned an important 3-0 victory at fellow play-off chasing team Herne Bay.

Midfielder Bagasan Graham put the Brickies ahead in front of a crowd of 687 at Winch’s Field before forward Mitchell May, with a penalty, and substitute Stefan Illic added to their tally after the restart.

Bay defender Daniel Carrington was dismissed for a second bookable offence when giving away the Brickies’ penalty on a day to forget for Steve Lovell’s side.

Hythe held Sevenoaks to a goalless draw while Erith & Belvedere boosted their Isthmian South East survival prospects with a 1-0 triumph at home to third-bottom Phoenix Sports.

Young defender Ernie Cheesman found the target for them shortly before the half-hour mark.