Young midfielder Joe Loft looks set to sign for Chatham Town after impressing in pre-season.

Loft has been playing local football for Strood-based side Fleet Leisure but Chats boss Kevin Watson thinks he’s ready to step up to Ryman League level.

Watson said: "He’s from the Gravesend area and somebody affiliated to the club recommended him. He’s been training with us and I’ve been impressed.

"He played against Grays on Tuesday night and he did well. He’s played himself into the picture.

"I’ll have a further chat with him but he’s done well. He works hard, he’s technically good and he’s quick but he may need to get a little bit stronger."

Chatham lost the Grays game 1-0 at Maidstone Road, although Watson was impressed by his side’s efforts against the Ryman League Premier Division visitors.

He said: "We did ourselves a lot of credit. They’re a big, strong team and they’ll do well this season but we stood up to them.

"It was pleasing because we still had a relatively young side out."

Chatham’s next friendly is away to Whitstable Town on Saturday.