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Hythe Town Match Reports - Season 2009/10
Below is the latest match report, for details on previous match reports see below

That was the amount of time that Scott Porter's Hythe Town side were still competing in this two game F.A. Cup tie. However, with the final ten minutes came risks, and with more players going forward and legs tiring, three goals in eight minutes gave the scoreline extra gloss for the Woking supporters. As the Hythe supporters clapped their side off the pitch, they knew that for 170 minutes anything had been possible! The game started in encouraging fashion for the visitors as Gary Clarke sent an early sighter just wide from twenty yards. However, wave after wave of pressure came forward from a Woking side showing a different attitude than on Saturday. With dangerous wing-play, and fierce shooting from the edge of the Hythe box, the hosts added endeavor and most importantly the willingness to put a foot into the tackle, to their efforts at Reachfields. To Hythe's credit they attempted to begin countless counter attacks passing out from the back to midfield, but no sooner had Hythe turned to move towards the Woking goal, a Woking player was there with the tackle. With that in mind the opening goal was inevitable, as Aiden Pursglove found himself in unfamiliar territory attempting to help his defence, bringing down Giuseppe Sole in the box for a penalty. Sole stepped up as he did on Saturday and succeeded in winning the mind games with Kieron Mann sending the Hythe keeper the opposite way of the first tie. 

Woking wanted to kill the game off, but to Hythe's credit they absorbed everything their opponents could throw at them with some backs to the walls defending. The impressive Sole whistled a shot just wide from twenty-five yards, before the same player's tricky dribbling set-up Craig Watkins for a fierce drive that Kieron Mann parried before catching the rebound. It was that man Sole again, shooting on sight with a swerving shot that Mann again palmed away, but Hythe were finally getting some joy on the counter-attack. Tom Adlington did well to find Pursglove down the right-hand flank, Pursglove pushing his marker back before sending in a low dangerous cross that just evaded Kieran Byrne. Sole caught Hythe in possession before entering the box and squaring to Sam-Yorke who managed to skew a certain goal wide. The much-improved Tom Hutchinson headed straight at Mann, and with plenty of hard work and a bit of well-earnt luck, Hythe had made it to the break.

But that hard work was cancelled out two minutes after the restart as a cross from Sam Sloma, was headed down by Fola Onibuje into the path of the impressive Sole who fired home first time into the bottom left-hand corner. Onibuje almost made it three moments later after being released down the right, however his shot across goal was just wide. Much like the first-half, Hythe were not put off by conceding a goal and slowly worked their way back into the game, climaxing with the goal that for twenty minutes changed the mood of the game completely. With Hythe keeping possession down the left, Lee Winfield was able to switch flanks to double up on Woking's full-back, allowing time for Winfield to deliver a fine cross. Cook timed his jump perfectly to head from the penalty spot up and over Ross Worner into the top-right corner of the goal. Porter's players were visibly lifted and suddenly they had time on the ball, options, and were spending time in and around the Woking area. To Woking's credit they didn't buckle - but Hythe went close with Pat Kingwell (playing at centre-back) collecting an Adam Hooper throw-in and instinctively finding his usual strike-partner Byrne just inside the box - Byrne turning and firing just over with a first time effort.

The final ten minutes would end in heartbreak for Hythe and their followers as the combination of gambling going forward, tired legs, and the fresh legs of exciting debutant striker Ola Sogbanmu led to three goals in eight minutes. Firstly a quick counter-attack ended with Sole's cross picking out Sogbanmu who impressively controlled and smashed home to make it three for Woking. Two minutes the same combination worked again with Sogbanmu heading home into the top corner. Seconds into injury time it was five as Sogbanmu laid off to allow Sloma to pick his spot. All three goals were on the counter-attack, and on each occasion precision shooting gave the unlucky Mann no chance. To play at centre-back, concede five goals, and secure Man of the Match seems odd, but Kingwell, almost playing as sweeper for Hythe, and as an extra midfielder as Hythe chased the game, was the best on show amongst Porter's gutsy players.  

FINAL SCORE - WOKING 5 - HYTHE TOWN 1 - MAN OF THE MATCH - PAT KINGWELL

Scott Porter's Hythe Town earned a much-deserved cup replay, after holding full-timers Woking from the Blue Square Conference South, to a 2-2 draw at a sun-drenched Reachfields. This F.A. Cup 2nd Qualifying round tie could have easily ended with a dramatic upset for the Reachfields outfit who matched their higher league opponents throughout, taking a 1-0 lead thanks to Pat Kingwell into half-time. Woking grabbed a second half equaliser, before a controversial penalty gave the visitors the lead. Justice was done, as a Roy Guiver goal delivered the replay for the Kent League hosts leaving us all looking forward to a Tuesday night in Woking!

Hythe settled into the big game atmosphere far quicker than their opponents, carving out the first chance of the game after only two minutes. After good possession from all in the Hythe midfield, Lee Winfield switched the play from right to left where the lurking Kieran Byrne fired a snap shot into the side-netting. An early example of the class of player Hythe were dealing with came just after ten minutes when Giuseppe Sole showed some lovely skill chesting down his own keeper's goal-kick into his path before unleashing a fierce drive towards the top-right hand corner - thankfully for Hythe, Man of the Match Kieron Mann was equal with an excellent full-stretch fingertip save. Given the quality of the opposition, Hythe's defence started their excellent afternoon safely dealing with two successive Woking corners. Hythe's forward line was causing the visitors back three all sorts of problems with Aiden Pursglove slipping the offside trap only to get the ball caught under his feet letting Woking off the hook. Kingwell, who looked comfortably at home against the full-time opposition, surged down the left before finding Dave Cook on the edge of the box, his half-volley looping over. Mann showed all afternoon why Scott Porter has handed the ex-Folkestone goalkeeper a contract, and he was quick off his line to clear from the feet of the towering Fola Onibuje midway through the first-half.  

Suddenly the Hythe supporters were in dreamland! Gavin Ransley directed his clearance in the direction of the lurking Kingwell, who slipped the Woking offside trap, brought the ball under control with a fine first touch, before calmly slotting the ball home under away keeper David Blackmore. For the next few minutes, Hythe made their visitors look like the underdogs, as Pursglove's fierce drive was spilt by Blackmore, who only just smothered the ball as Kingwell seemed certain to make it two goals for him and Hythe in as many minutes. That purple patch aside, Woking were growing into the game, and Cook had to clear a dangerous cross off his own line from Sam Sloma. Sloma was again the danger-man as his curling free-kick was cleared by a stooping Ransley header. Hythe were having to defend in numbers to keep the Woking forwards from getting shooting opportunities - however, this was something the home side managed successfully all afternoon, with Woking having to eventually use breakaway goals to break the deadlock. Hythe were still a danger on the counter-attack, and Kingwell found Byrne with a lovely cross-field pass, Byrne firing just over with a first-time strike. Hythe were grateful to hold onto their lead until half-time as Mark Ricketts volleyed a half-cleared corner just over.

Three minutes after the restart, Mann was at it again, clutching the ball from the air as Onibuje surprised everyone with an early shot from the right-hand flank - but other than that chance it was Hythe who again enjoyed the opening exchanges of the half. Kingwell held up play well on the right-hand flank before finding his strike-partner Pursglove just inside the box. Pursglove's first touch took him wide of goal however he swiveled and shot across goal and just wide. Just a minute later Kingwell won back possession before flicking Pursglove one on one, an early half-volley flashing just wide. Onibuje flicked a header just wide from a long throw-in, and as the Woking substitutes entered the fray the visitors started moving through the gears. One of those substitutes Delano Sam-Yorke produced a fine dribble down the left before setting up Sloma inside the box to fire just over at close-range. Right on the hour mark, Hythe lost centre-back Ransley to injury but that would have no real influence on the opening Woking goal. The warning signs came as the increasingly influential right wing-back Rikki Anane was sent clear of the Hythe offside trap by substitute Harry Arter, Anane flashing his shot across goal and just wide.

Mark Ricketts took advantage of a crowded goalmouth scramble to fire a fierce driven shot under the crossbar, however once again Mann was equal to the Woking shooting power. With twenty minutes remaining the match turned - a Winfield cross was flicked on by Kingwell and with Cook certain to score somehow Woking cleared their lines. Just a few seconds later Anane was rounding Mann to pass the ball into the empty net, with Arter the provider in identical fashion to the previous opportunity the two had created. Hythe were feeling hard done by going into the final ten minutes, as by now they trailed to a Sole penalty, after a dreadful decision had given the visitors a lifeline - Onibuje crashing to the deck inside the box, after both he and substitute Roy Guiver had clearly started pulling at each others shirts and body parts some thirty yards from goal. However, this Hythe side has character in abundance and minutes later Guiver somehow got a decisive touch on a Mann goal-kick which sent the ball through the hands of Blackmore and into the goal for the equaliser. A nervy final ten minutes saw Hythe almost clinch a dramatic winner as Cook, Kingwell, and Scott Punton all miscued some close-range opportunities as the game reached it's dramatic conclusion.     

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN 2 - WOKING 2 - MAN OF THE MATCH - KIERON MANN

Buster Smissen and Richard Sinden broke Hythe hearts as both strikers scored crucial goals against their former club. Kieran Byrne gave Hythe hope with ten minutes to go, however Sinden struck in injury time to seal the win in the second of four games scheduled in this tight and tense rivalry. The game started in chaotic fashion for the home side as during the warm-up goalkeeper Kieron Mann appeared to pick-up or make worse an existing injury. As a result and with usual substitute goalkeeper Tony Allen suspended, Reserves goalkeeper Jon Sparks was called back from the Reserves game at Faversham to come on for the first team as a second minute substitution. With that behind them, Hythe set about enjoying probably their best period of the game in the first twenty minutes, winning a string of corners and free-kicks. However, Faversham minds were focused and the closest Hythe went was from a Lee Winfield corner, headed just wide of the back-post by Gavin Ransley. 

The towering height of Lee Shearer is a factor that Faversham rightly take advantage of, and the first warning sign came as the centre-back headed across goal and just wide, after connecting at the back-post with a free-kick from Dan Larkin. As a scrappy half progressed, Hythe skipper Tom Adlington and former Hythe man Smissen got involved dragging one another to the ground fighting for the ball - a booking for both was the outcome. With half-time approaching Adam Hooper and Pat Kingwell produced some lovely one-touch football to set-up Gary Clarke to fire just wide from the edge of the box. Moments later Damian Abel received a throw-in and twisted and turned his way into the box before firing across goal and just wide. As the interval arrived, Faversham's game plan to stop Hythe playing appeared to be working, and the visitors first-half efforts had appeared to give them the upper-hand albeit only territorially.

Just one minute after the restart, Smissen was slipped in behind the Hythe defence - the chance snuffed out by a fantastic recovering tackle from Gavin Ransley which if mistimed would have led to an inevitable red card and penalty. Faversham were the more likely as Dane Luchford fired just wide as Hythe half-cleared following a goalmouth scramble. The forward play from Faversham was finally leaving space in behind for Hythe to exploit as a quick counter-attack almost led to a Hythe goal. Adam Hooper broke down the left-hand side before finding Kingwell and Byrne whose one-two move was taking them into the Faversham box, until Byrne was dragged down right on the edge of the eighteen yard box. Dave Cook has scored and gone close in another game with his close-range free-kicks, and it was no surprise that his latest effort whistled just wide of the top-right hand corner. The visitors were doubling, sometimes tripling up on Kingwell, a mostly effective tactic - however on this occasion the big man got his cross in and Cook should have done more with his header six yards out from goal.

As the hour mark approached a Ransley free-kick was nodded down by Kingwell into the path of a low-driven volley from Cook, an improved Rob French turning the effort around the base of his post. At the other end Smissen headed agonisingly wide from a dangerous Luchford cross, but the opening goal would arrive a minute later. Quick counter-attack football led to a ball forward that brought a brave header from Ransley, leaving him to land awkwardly as suddenly Smissen and Abel only had Roy Guiver to deal with. Guiver sent Abel wide, however a fierce driven shot that was actually brilliantly saved by Sparks fell to Smissen who simply swept home the rebound before a muted celebration. 

As per the week before both managers made their impact substitution with Aiden Pursglove and Richard Sinden entering the fray - one would prove the match-winner. Another fine cross from Larkin was headed just wide by Sinden, and yet another ex-Hythe man, this time Dale Skelton, spun onto a throw-in before flashing a shot across goal. The game was finally living up to expectations as Hythe even considered Cook up-front and Kingwell in midfield for a short period as they chased the equaliser. The goal would ironically come as Cook returned to his normal position, turning on a midfield clearance, but actually firing a fine measured cross-field pass right into the path of Byrne who on the shoulder of Jamie Sparks, burst into the box and fired across goal and inside the post of French's goal to draw Hythe level. As an edgy final ten minutes entered injury-time, Hythe finally succumbed to Shearer who after being nullified for dozens of corners, free-kicks, and long throw-ins across the two games, rose majestically to head a corner into the path of Sinden who from eight yards out headed home to win the game. Skipper Adlington was sent-off for a second bookable offence, as the home side were left to lick their wounds. If they come back from defeat as impressively as this Faversham side did, then we may just have an upset on our hands next week!   

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN 1 - FAVERSHAM TOWN 2 - MAN OF THE MATCH - GAVIN RANSLEY

Dave Cook hit the winner for Hythe, as Scott Porter takes his unbeaten side into the next round of the F.A. Cup. Pat Kingwell scored the opening goal for Hythe before a second-half strike for Faversham set-up a dramatic finale. With both sides aware of the goal threat opposing them, marking all over the pitch was tight from both sets of players, leading to both a tense game and atmosphere. However, Hythe won their individual battles which led to the visitors being restricted to three clear chances, with Hythe carving out the chances for their two goals, one disallowed goal, and a goal-line clearance amongst others. Faversham had the earliest sight of goal, with Hythe expecting a handball decision to go their way in a crowded penalty box following a corner. That moment of indecision was all ex-Hythe striker Damien Abel needed to pounce on the loose ball and drive a close-range shot into the grateful arms of newly contracted Kieron Mann. Just a few minutes passed before Hythe took the lead with Kingwell's eighth goal of the season. Lee Winfield coming off the flank to anticipate a loose ball in midfield before sending a pinpoint pass into the path of Kingwell, the striker timed his run perfectly to run onto the ball and smash home under Rob French. Just minutes later Hythe should have doubled their lead as French flapped at an Adlington free-kick, however Byrne snatched at his first-time shot, sending the ball over the unguarded goal.

Byrne went close to making amends for his miss as he spun off his man from an Adam Hooper throw-in, before firing his shot just wide from twenty yards. Byrne was involved again as Hythe broke quickly from a Faversham corner, the counter attack moving through both Hooper and Kingwell, whose dangerous cross evaded a close-range touch from players of both sides. Everyone is aware of Buster Smissens exploits in a Hythe shirt, and Hythe supporters were also aware that the fact their ex-player had been quiet for thirty minutes probably meant trouble. Right on cue, a classy back-heel from Abel sent Smissen clear but wide on goal, with only Mann to beat his low shot across goal hit the base of the post  - the ball landing at the feet of Dave Soutan who six yards from an empty goal could only scoop his reflex shot up and over to leave Hythe with a one goal lead at the interval.

Reachfields was celebrating only one minute into the second-half as Cook headed home an Adlington cross into the top-right hand corner - but those celebrations were quickly brought to an end as the linesman's flag was spotted raised for offside. Faversham were the better side after the restart, but with Hythe still dangerous on the break, the game would begin to get stretched. Abel ran at the Hythe goal before sending a swerving shot wide, but at the other end a French clearance cannoned off Kingwell spinning back into the thankful arms of the Faversham goalkeeper. An outstanding block from Gavin Ransley stopped a bullet shot from Smissen reaching the Hythe goal, a moment that epitomized the centre-backs man of the match performance. Hythe almost repeated their opening goal as Winfield sent Kingwell clear one on one with French with a delightful pass, French making an outstanding fingertip save from Kingwell, and then thanking Jamie Sparks for clearing Kingwell's rebound header off the line to keep his side in the game.

Ten minutes later Faversham got themselves back on level terms with a fine goal - Dane Luchford creating a chance from nothing with a cute flick, and turn, before putting on the afterburners to race into the Hythe box. Luchford's cross was perfect, and Tom Hickman's run from midfield was untracked as the Faversham captain smashed home at close-range. However the goal strangely seemed to relax Hythe, as possibly the thought of the game having to go to a replay appeared to refocus Porter's side. Almost from the restart Hythe should have scored as Mann's long clearance bounced into the path of a clear on goal Byrne, who skewed his first time shot wide with French stranded off his line. Aiden Pursglove returned from injury with a substitute appearance as Byrne dropped back into his usual left-wing position - Byrne would finally go on to contribute to a Hythe goal as he has done in almost every game this season. With eight minutes remaining Byrne sent in a near-post corner which Cook flicked to himself before hooking up and over a crowded six-yard box and into the top-right hand corner for the winner. In the closing stages Hythe simply ran the clock down to secure the £3000 prize-money and a place in the second qualifying round, the stage where Hythe dramatically dumped Dover Athletic out just a few years ago.  

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN 2 - FAVERSHAM TOWN 1 - MAN OF THE MATCH - GAVIN RANSLEY

Hythe held by Boro yet again.......

For the third season running Hythe were held to a draw on an away trip to bogey side Greenwich Borough. Encouragingly, Hythe could and should have won this game at a canter as for the first time this season a large amount of clear-cut chances were not converted by Scott Porter's in-form forward line. Our spirited and hard-working opponents fought back from two goals behind to earn a point, Kieran Byrne and Pat Kingwell were on the scoresheet yet again for Hythe. In a hard-fought game, Hythe created over three times the amount of chances their hosts did, but were made to pay for not securing the points in the opening period. Although Hythe made a strong start to the second half to race into a two goal lead, an impressive Boro side did not let their heads drop and fought their way back into the game to create a dramatic final five minutes where Hythe struck the woodwork but couldn't regain the lead and the three points.

The game began with some early sights of goal through strikes from Kingwell and Dave Cook, with Byrne going closest miscuing a lob after being sent clear on goal from a counter attack led by Gary Clarke. Byrne then turned provider slipping Kingwell into the box for an eventual poor shot across goal. Hythe won a free-kick on the edge of the box which Cook smashed towards the top-right corner of the goal, the ball whistling just wide and over after looking a certain goal. Danny Firkins is an exceptional young keeper, and this was proven for not the last time that afternoon as he turned over a bullet Cook header from six yards out, following excellent approach play from the Hythe midfield, and a final cross from skipper Tom Adlington. The visitors continued to create chances, with Kingwell beating his man, cutting into the box, and firing in a cross that was begging to be tapped-in, but evaded players of both sides some six yards out from goal. Cook played Kingwell into another good shooting position, the big-man not quite finding his shooting boots in the first-half, dragging the chance wide. 

With half-time approaching Firkins was at it again, with a fine full stretch save to turn Clarke's low twenty yard strike round the base of the post. Byrne was also struggling with his final shot, beating the last man with a fine piece of skill before skewing wide after good work from Kingwell. The final chance of the half for Hythe fell to Lee Winfield, Hythe's playmaker watched his six yard strike deflected over after Clarke and Kingwell produced more good work down the right. With all those missed chances behind them, the last thing Hythe needed was to go behind to the hosts first and only shot on target of the first half - something they almost did! Akeem Hanson launched a stunning cross-field pass from just inside the Hythe half to find Kyle Demetrius on the edge of the Hythe box. Demetrius only had one option, which he took brilliantly - chesting the ball down first time to take him inside Adlington and one on one with debutant keeper Shaun Alliston. Alliston, signed as cover for the suspended Kieran Mann, made an outstanding low save from the initial strike, and did brilliantly to gather in the rebound to ensure the score was level at the break.

At the interval Porter switched his midfield diamond into a standard 4-4-2, the outstanding Gary Clarke responding with another fine performance away from his normal central berth in the Hythe midfield. Clarke was involved in both of the goals that Hythe produced in a fine spell after the break, and fully deserved his man of the match award, due to this and his all round play throughout the ninety minutes. Town took eight minutes to make the breakthrough as Clark won possession on the right-hand flank before dropping in the perfect cross to the edge of the box - Kingwell chesting down and passing the ball into the bottom right corner for his seventh goal in five games. Gavin Ransley kept the Hythe lead intact with an excellent block from a Danny Hunt strike that appeared goalbound. Impressive referee Mr Dyson correctly waved away penalty shouts after a strike from Kennickson Jarrett-Elliott cannoned off Adlington's hands......who was two yards from the strike at the time! At the other end Hythe were pushing for the second, Byrne typically winning possession high up the pitch and feeding Kingwell who fired just wide. 

The second goal came for Hythe shortly after the hour mark as a result of excellent ball retention from Clarke and Cook. Cook was the man to bring the ball out of a tight situation down by the corner flag and provide a crossing opportunity for Adlington who found the head of the towering Byrne to nod home his eighth goal in five games. As the final ten minutes of the game came around, Greenwich were given a lifeline as a ball over the top of the Hythe defence found Hunt, who firstly won a block tackle with keeper Alliston who was attempting to smother the opportunity on the edge of the box - Hunt was back to his feet in a flash to pass into the empty net. Boro had their tails up and were shooting on sight, as four minutes later two deflected shots in a row ended up at the feet of captain Mark Sisson who smashed home into the bottom right-hand corner for the equaliser. Almost aggrieved at the thought of losing the three points Hythe went for the home side with renewed purpose and should have won the game. Two minutes after the second Boro goal, Kingwell chased back into midfield to regain possession before slipping the ball into the path of Byrne, the strikers thunderous strike was tipped onto the underside of the bar by the brilliant Firkins, who gratefully jumped to his feet to catch the rebound as Hythe charged in. Kingwell would have two further opportunities as he was played in behind a tired defence for another two one on one chances - agonisingly the first would get caught under his feet and the second produced yet another game-saving stop from Firkins.

Attention now turn to the visit of Faversham Town in the F.A. Cup for the first qualifying round, in a game worth £3000 to the winner. Ex-Hythe Assistant Manager Justin Luchford has a side that contains ex-Hythe players Dane Luchford, Damian Abel, Dale Skelton, Richard Sinden, and of course Buster Smissen. However, if the game needed any further edge, Scott Porter should also have a fully fit and available squad to pick from as Kieran Mann, Sam Marsh, Buster Beaney, Scott Punton, and Adam Hooper all return from suspension, and hopefully Aiden Pursglove from injury, in a game that will no doubt have the eyes of the Kent League watching. 

FINAL SCORE - GREENWICH BOROUGH 2 - HYTHE TOWN 2 - MAN OF THE MATCH - GARY CLARKE   

Another week, another hat-trick for a Hythe striker, as Pat Kingwell's second half hat-trick capped a stunning performance from the home side - who found no problem comfortably eliminating their Ryman League opposition from the F.A. Cup with a 4-0 win. Hythe could have had taken the lead as early as thirty seconds into the tie, as John Walker floated in a dangerous cross from the left and Dave Cook's point blank range header was tipped over the bar by Russell Tanner. Kieran Byrne, exceptional in the first half, robbed the visitors defence of possession not for the last time that afternoon, before attempting a one-two with Cook that saw the recovering defence scramble clear. It was Byrne that made the breakthrough for Hythe, chasing down his own uncleared corner and catching Lloyd Anthony in possession, before firing home between post and keeper with what is becoming a trademark half-volley strike!

Hythe were grateful to Cook just two minutes later, as an uncleared corner fell invitingly for Simon Catt to smash a swerving shot towards the top-left hand corner, however Cook was right on cue on the goal-line to head clear. That chance aside it was one way traffic during the first period - a Byrne free-kick hit Cook on the back only six yards out, when any other day the midfielder would have converted. Kingwell was firing warning signs of what was to come, drifting in off the flank past two men before stinging Tanners' palms with a good shot. However, it was clearly not going to be Cook's day as he headed an Adam Hooper cross just wide, after good work by Byrne down the flank.

Moving into the second half, the crowd were treated to some of the best football seen during Scott Porter's time as first-team boss. Six minutes after the restart the best goal of the afternoon arrived - Hooper nicely switching play from one side of the box to the other to find Kingwell, the striker doing the rest, dribbling past three men before a cheeky toe-poke through Tanner's legs into the net. Byrne tried his luck with a thirty yard free-kick that Tanner could only watch land on the roof of his net. Byrne was involved again just before the hour mark flicking the ball into his strike partners path - Kingwell was unplayable by this point, shrugging off the last man before firing confidently across goal into the bottom-left hand corner. The big man should have grabbed his hat-trick just two minutes later, pouncing on a poor back-pass but lobbing over and wide with just Tanner to beat.

Byrne continued with his efforts to get Cook on the scoresheet, dribbling across the edge of the box and passing for Cook to half-volley just over. Cook returned the favour shortly after with a header back across goal that Byrne sent just over at close range. Kingwell headed just over from a Gary Clarke cross, before Hooper sent him clear for his hat-trick with a perfectly weighted ball from the deep, Kingwell simply lifting the ball over the advancing Tanner to complete a stunning twenty-five minute hat-trick. Kieron Mann showed just how important he has become to this Hythe side as he made two smart saves in the final ten minutes to secure the clean-sheet. Firstly at full stretch from Jack Dixon's curling free-kick, and then at close range with a fine reflex save from substitute Mark Goodwin.

This was a fine performance from Porter's men as Kieron Mann and his defence secured a second successive clean-sheet. Porter's new signings have been in excellent form with Gary Clarke showing how versatile he can be with another composed performance, this time in a revamped role. Adam Hooper continues to provide goal assists from the flank, and Buster Beaney put in a fine ninety minute performance coming off the bench for his first start of the season. The strength in depth in this seasons squad allowed for this result to be achieved without the suspended Sam Marsh and Lee Winfield, and also the injured Aiden Pursglove and Mark Bond. But the headlines at the moment are being created by the goalscorers, with Dave Cook, Aiden Purseglove, Kieran Byrne, and Pat Kingwell contributing seventeen goals in just four games to give Hythe Town the perfect start to the season.  

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN 4 - EASTBOURNE TOWN 0 - MAN OF THE MATCH - PAT KINGWELL   

A twelve minute hat-trick made it six goals in three games for the bang in-form Kieran Byrne, as Hythe maintained their winning start to the season. Three goals in each half blew Fisher away, as the visitors had no answer to the hosts firepower. A brace from Dave Cook, and a strike from Pat Kingwell completed the goals for Hythe, who to be fair, on another day could have comfortably entered double figures. Hythe took the lead after only five minutes, when a deep free-kick from Gary Clarke was smartly converted at close range by Cook. The ball was in the net again only three minutes later, however referee Mr Fissenden made the unfortunate but correct decision that Adam Hooper's long-throw found the back of the net without a touch from another outfield player. Hythe were dominant as Lee Winfield released Byrne down the right, an excellent cross to the back-post just missed by the outstretched toe of Kingwell. Next Winfield's glancing header found Kingwell who turned provider laying off for Cook to fire a deflected shot just wide. 

Another disallowed goal followed for Hythe as Cook converted Winfield's corner but was guilty of pushing in the build-up. Moments later there was an element of role reversal as Cook was pushed inside the box running onto a good John Walker through-ball - the influential midfielder picked himself up before smashing home the resulting penalty to score his third goal in two games. With only thirty minutes on the clock Fisher were hanging on, Byrne bursting down the left, again finding strike-partner Kingwell with another fine cross, Kingwell's low drilled shot cleared off the line by Lloyd Boateng. The third goal would arrive well before half-time, with a fine individual effort from Kingwell, winning possession, bursting past his marker and finishing low and hard into the corner for his third goal in as many games. 

Hythe made the perfect start to the second half, as only a minute after the restart Byrne and Cook played a lovely one-two into the box, finishing with Cook crossing for Byrne to slot home at close range. Ten minutes passed before Byrne grabbed his second, Clarke winning back possession for Hythe and releasing Hooper down the right, a drop of the shoulder and an excellent cross meant that Byrne couldn't miss with a classic poachers tap-in. With still over a third of the game to play, Byrne secured his hat-trick, heading home from a good Winfield cross after the winger had regained the ball for the home side in another dangerous position. With a six goal lead, Hythe made their substitutions and played out a sensible final thirty minutes to secure the clean-sheet and a clean bill of health.      

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN 6 - FISHER 0 - MAN OF THE MATCH - KIERAN BYRNE   

A stunning thirty yard free-kick from Dave Cook sent Hythe into half-time with the lead. In a tough second-half, a very impressive Whitehawk side battled back to 1-1, Hythe bravely dug deep to win the game with seven minutes to spare, with Keiran Byrne's third goal in two games. Hythe started the tie strongly with Pat Kingwell playing Byrne in on goal as early as the sixth minute, the chance smothered by home keeper Ross Standen. Five minutes later and Kingwell was providing the assist again, playing strike partner Aiden Pursglove clear into the right-hand channel. Pursglove's eventual cross evaded goalkeeper and defender, but also Byrne's outstretched foot at the back-post. Hythe were lively, and forced a free-kick that Lee Winfield curled in to produce a fine save from Standen, both Cook  Kingwell going close on the rebound. Hythe got their deserved goal, as Whitehawk who were struggling with Hythe's movement, conceded another free-kick. There was only one outcome from the moment the ball left Cook's boot some thirty yards out, as the ball whistled past the wall and into the top-right hand corner. 

Hythe should have extended their lead a couple of minutes later as Pursglove laid off for Byrne in the area, Standen again producing a fine save. The half ended with clear chances for both sides, with Tom Adlington's throw helped onto Pursglove via Kingwell, Standen making the save of the half from Pursglove's tight angled shot. At the other end Josh Jones sneaked in unmarked at Hythe's back-post to shoot across goal but just wide. Moving into first-half injury time Kingwell went clear on goal on the counter after squeezing between the last two men of Whitehawk's defence, getting a difficult shot away which Standen again saved well. Hythe had created the chances, but the potential in their hosts was there for all to see as Hythe did well to defend the six or so corners that came from 'The Hawks' good wing play - Hythe's defence also had to be aware of danger-man Wes Tate who along with his fellow forwards were successfully caught offside five times in the first period.

The second half was a totally different game as the strengths just mentioned were complimented by the home side finding their passing game. However, although Whitehawk would dominate possession until the point they scored their equaliser, Hythe at no point panicked or buckled under the pressure, meaning only the one goal was scored. One minute after the restart the impressive Tate started and then ended a quick counter-attack move with a volley on the turn that flew just over. The same man would grab the equaliser with just over twenty minutes remaining, Tate finally getting the better of injured man of the match Sam Marsh to run onto a through-ball and calmly shoot low across Kieron Mann and in off the base of the post. 

The goal was actually what Hythe needed as their opponents relaxed slightly and Hythe's impressive stamina won them the game in a strong final fifteen minutes. Adam Hooper's throw-in into the path of John Walker allowed the full-back to stretch his legs before unleashing a fine shot from twenty-five yards that whistled just over. With seven minutes remaining Hythe grabbed their winner, and it was no surprise that it was one of Scott Porter's impressive new-look forward line that got the goal. Many were sad to see the departure of Golden Boot winner Buster Smissen during the close season, but at the moment, the decision by Porter to bring back Aiden Pursglove and Keiran Byrne to the club and move Pat Kingwell back-up front is looking an inspired piece of work. The three are dove-tailing wonderfully with each player offering goals, assists, width, and industry. On this occasion it was Byrne who grabbed the winner with a cute backwards header over Standen from a deep Walker free-kick. There was still time for Cook to attempt to better his first-half goal with an open-play drive from distance, that flew just wide - but Hythe had already booked their date with Eastbourne Town in the next round with a fine all round performance against tough opponents.            

FINAL SCORE - WHITEHAWK 1 - HYTHE TOWN 2 - MAN OF THE MATCH - SAM MARSH   

Seven goals, two penalties, yellow and red cards, you could say that the Kent League season is underway! In front of a second best of the day attendance of 146, Hythe faced traditionally tough opponents in Erith and Belvedere. The turnstiles were still clicking when Gavin Ransley allegedly fouled Harbinghi Grant in the box for an early penalty to the visitors. Huseyin Budak found that Kieron Mann was his equal with an excellent save from the eventual spot-kick. However, Hythe did not learn from this early warning sign as Louis Collins broke down the right before calmly crossing for Grant to convert on five minutes. Town showed their character to bounce back from behind within twenty minutes, with Hythe's forward play hinting that it could be an entertaining season for the Reachfields faithful. Kieran Byrne found Pat Kingwell on the edge of the box and not for the last time that afternoon Kingwell found his strike partner Aiden Pursglove with a lovely pass, Pursglove testing away keeper Matt Bromby with a low angled drive. The same combination worked again moments later with Byrne finding the feet of Kingwell again, this time Pursglove returning the pass with a one touch move that ended with Kingwell slotting home. Erith and Belvedere were struggling to contain the blossoming partnership of Kingwell and Pursglove, but they weren't having much fun with Scott Porter's wingers either as debutant Adam Hooper broke down the left before sending over a pin-point cross to opposite wing-man Byrne - the ex-Folkestone forward slamming the ball home with a first-time half-volley.

Hythe continued to push forward with Lee Winfield sending Byrne clear one on one to round the keeper, and cross to Pursglove, who with the goal at his mercy could only find the side netting, attempting to avoid contact with a covering defender on the goal-line. The goal of the afternoon came just after the half-hour mark with John Walker doing well to find the outstanding Kingwell who simply chested the ball into the path of Byrne to unleash another unstoppable half-volley, on this occasion from twenty-five yards. On this evidence Porter's resigning of local player Byrne from neighbours Folkestone Invicta is looking an inspired piece of transfer business. Suddenly, the visitors were thrown a life-line as Byrne was informed by referee Mr Beadle that he was guilty of pushing in the box - this time Aaron Burrett made no mistake from the penalty spot. It didn't take Hythe long to reinstate their two goal cushion, as two minutes after the restart Kingwell and Pursglove were at it again with a one-two down the right before Pursglove provided the centre for Kingwell to calmly pass the ball home. Erith and Belvedere settled down again, Danny Tipple testing Mann with a twenty yard free-kick that was held well by the home keeper.

Hythe made certain of the points with twenty-five minutes remaining, as Hooper switched the play from left to right on the counter attack to send Pursglove clear, to lob his former team-mate for an inevitable goal for the ex-E&B man. The excellent Louis Collins took the ball from the half-way line to the six yard box before producing another good save from Mann. Hythe were also guilty of allowing substitute Sam Prett a couple of golden opportunities on the break that were duly wasted before an unfortunate final fifteen minutes unfolded. Firstly an Erith and Belvedere man was booked for deliberate handball when he was in fact sportingly catching the ball to allow Hythe to take their throw-in, rather that wait for the ball-boy. Shortly after, the cleanest tackler on the pitch Lee Winfield was cautioned somewhat confusingly for persistent fouling, before receiving his marching orders moments later for a deliberate handball - a decision that would have been 50/50 (even if we had the luxury of action replays at our level of football), such was the speed the ball came at the player. It is difficult to know how a respect campaign can succeed with scenarios like these unfolding? Even if one gives the man in black the benefit of the doubt, he can do nothing about the offences that are listed as automatic yellow cards. Back to the football and Byrne was soon playing Kingwell one on one with the keeper, but on this occasion Bromby smothered the chance. The final chance of the afternoon fell again to Prett who headed wide in an unmarked position.

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN 5 - ERITH AND BELVEDERE 2 - MAN OF THE MATCH - PAT KINGWELL   

Scott Porter's men saved arguably their best to last as they completed their pre-season campaign with a seven goal blitz of visiting Westfield. As early as the second minute Adam Hooper was sent clear by Aiden Pursglove, only to dink his shot just wide. With ten minutes on the clock Mark Bond played the lively Hooper clear down the flank - the young winger taking his chance to make the left-wing position his own, with a pinpoint cross that Aiden Pursglove converted first time onto the roof of the net. Five minutes later the on-loan Folkestone Invicta goalkeeper Kieron Mann got down well to turn a decent shot round the base of his post. Hooper was everywhere at this point as he was sent clear again, this time by Lee Winfield, the final shot lobbed over the keeper but onto the roof of the net. 

As the half-hour mark passed Pat Kingwell brought the save of game out of the visiting keeper with a fine dribble and drive towards the top-left corner tipped around the post. Hythe would go on to secure a three goal cushion before the break, firstly through Bond heading home Lee Winfield's corner at the back-post. The improving Bond was involved in all of Hythe's first-half goals, next sending in a long-throw that Pursglove controlled before turning his man and using a cheeky drag-back to chip the keeper at close-range.

Two minutes after the restart Hythe made it four as Gavin Ransley headed home another Winfield corner. Gary Clarke was on hand to clear off the Hythe line just a minute later, and Mann did well to turn a curling shot from twenty yards round his post. With the hour mark fast approaching Kieran Byrne latched onto an uncleared Winfield corner, firing home a deflected shot off a Westfield defender. Hythe's next goal was a clean strike as Buster Beaney sent Byrne clear, who squared nicely to Marcus Hodges for a cool finish. Town ended the night with their simplest goal of the evening, as a Tony Allen drop-kick found Byrne who controlled on the edge of the box before losing two men to fire home.   

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN FC - 7 - WESTFIELD FC - 0

The returning Aiden Pursglove hit an excellent hat-trick to make himself the second Hythe striker to score five goals in five pre-season games. Rye United gave Scott Porter's squad probably the closest match to a typical Kent League fixture that they will have before the real thing starts this Saturday. Tough-tackling, fit, and willing to fight back from two goals down after half-time, this was a result that Hythe had to fight Rye for, which may end up being a good thing in the long-run. After a typically tight first thirty minutes, Pursglove stole a loose ball from the Rye United right-back before charging clear on goal and dinking a cute lob over the keeper at close-range. Two minutes later and the lead was double, with Mark Bond finding Pat Kingwell on the edge of the box, the ball laid off intelligently for Pursglove to fizz home from twenty-yards out through the hands of keeper Scott Price. On the stroke of half-time Rye survived penalty shouts from Kingwell and his team-mates to crucially keep the lead at the interval to only two goals.

Hythe came out following the restart looking for the goal that would kill the game - with Kingwell having a good shot saved and Dave Cook watching his rebound effort cleared off the line. Pursglove should have wrapped up his hat-trick even earlier than he did after being sent clear by Lee Winfield only to shoot just wide. Suddenly, within the space of two minutes Rye stunned the home side to draw level - Shaun Loft heading home one corner and converting another at close-range. Hythe stirred back into life as Winfield had a trademark free-kick tipped over the bar. Both Cook and substitute Adam Hooper missed good clear chances as Rye rode their luck before Pursglove secured the crucial third goal for both him and his side. Combining nicely with Kingwell down the right-hand flank, the promising strike duo took their move into the box where Pursglove just missed a tap-in from Kingwell's cross - Pursglove wasn't finished, retrieving the ball, before turning on the edge of the box to curl home his best finish of the afternoon into the top-right hand corner.    

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN FC - 3 - RYE UNITED FC - 2

Hythe Town manager Scott Porter would have been delighted to witness the strength of his second eleven, under the guidance of Reserves manager Dave Johncock on Thursday night. The options in Porter's squad were evident with Kieron Mann arriving from neighbours Folkestone to initially keep the No.1 jersey warm for the injured Danny Twyman. Young right-back Joe Bullard showing his potential with a good performance covering at left-back, whilst 1st team coach Martin Chandler looked fit and effective in midfield. In the forward positions Adam Hooper continues to look lively on the flanks, and Scott Punton made it five goals in as many games since pulling on a Hythe shirt. Hythe started brilliantly with Chandler firing home a trademark twenty five yard blast into the top-right hand corner. The home side were then denied a clear-cut penalty as Buster Beaney played Aiden Pursglove clear on goal only to be clearly chopped down from behind - Town will be more worried if they are not awarded such obvious spot-kicks once the season proper begins. 

Shortly after the half-hour mark Hythe doubled their lead when an uncleared Chandler corner found it's way to Stuart Taylor, the centre-back firing home from the edge of the box via a couple of deflected body parts in the Romney defence. Moving into the second period Punton fired home into the bottom-left hand corner with an impressive drive from the edge of the box. Chandler was then involved again with a picture perfect through ball that Pursglove made no mistake in firing home at close-range. A spate of substitutions only highlighted the strength and promise of our successful under 18's side that has merged with Dave Johncock's already settled reserves squad. Finally it was left to a New Romney defender to complete the scoring for Hythe with a lovely header over his own keeper and into the net! 

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN FC - 5 - NEW ROMNEY FC - 0

Following a freak knee injury, Hythe Town goalkeeper Danny Twyman will see a specialist who is expected to tell Scott Porter's new No.1 that he will be out of action for 4-5 weeks. Hythe officials and supporters feared the worse when just after the hour mark Tywman kicked the ground heavily, attempting a brave tackle on the edge of his own box. However, despite the stretcher and ambulance scenario that unfolded, the club await far better news than the first impression that was left on those in attendance. It was a shame that an entertaining encounter finished with such concerns, after the Rams fought back from a two goal deficit, only to end the game on the back-foot as Hythe finished strongly with an excellent winning goal.

Hythe took the lead after only five minutes as Kieran Byrne and Pat Kingwell combined to release Lee Winfield into the box where the Hythe playmaker was dragged down for an obvious penalty. Dave Cook saw his first effort saved before Byrne reacted brilliantly to fire home the rebound. Just before the twenty minute mark Hythe doubled their lead - Winfield sending his uncleared corner back into the box for Scott Punton to head home his fourth goal of an impressive pre-season. Almost instantly from the restart Ben Brown was heading home at the back-post after confusion following a clash of heads between Gavin Ransley and ex-Hythe striker Gary Mickelborough. Ramsgate were enjoying a purple patch as they struck the Hythe woodwork before Brown struck again with a vicious swerving shot from all of thirty yards. 

The second period was far more low-key as the half was split into two smaller 'halves' by the Danny Twyman injury. Hythe finished the stronger with substitutions involving a host of players pushing hard for inclusion in Scott Porters starting XI. Hythe's winning goal was the highlight of the evening, involving the entire midfield and forward line. The Hythe midfield keeping the ball well before a surge from deep by Byrne found Pat Kingwell on the edge of the box. Kingwell held up the play well before playing in Dave Cook who played a lovely one-two with Adam Hooper, firing home at close range to give Hythe the win. 

FINAL SCORE - RAMSGATE FC - 2 - HYTHE TOWN - 3

Hythe Town in no way disgraced themselves against a fit and in-form Sittingbourne side who completed their fourth victory in as many pre-season games. In a tight first half, chances were at a premium with the best chance for the visitors coming early in the first-half. Lee Winfield did well to direct a Danny Tywman goal-kick into the path of Pat Kingwell, who was returning to the forward line after sitting out Monday's visit to Lydd with a minor knock. The big man was soon bringing the ball under control and playing Aiden Pursglove clear on goal with a nice through-ball. With Purseglove rounding home keeper Deren Ibrahim to perfection, it was left to trialist right-back Femi Omogebhin to clear off the line and deny Hythe the lead. Omogebhin was to provide Sittingbourne's best chance of the half, playing Hicham Akhazzan in on goal, only to watch his team-mate half-volley wildly out of the stadium. Hythe's defensive record was possibly one of their shortcomings last season, so it was refreshing to see the visiting defense frustrate their hosts with six successful offside traps in the opening period.

The only goal of the afternoon came less than a minute after the restart with Ben Yiadom receiving Colin Richmond's low free-kick inside the box, the winger turning to fire home under Twyman at close range. Hythe would go on to play probably the best football of the afternoon in the final thirty minutes with midfield substitute Buster Beaney in particular, impressive both with his effortless passing and vocal organising of those around him. Twyman kept his side in the game on seventy minutes as Richmond forced the Hythe keeper into a low, full stretch, fingertip save round the post. Inevitably it was last seasons Golden Boot winner Dave Cook that came closest to rescuing a draw, producing a fine one on one save from Ibrahim after a cute passing move involving sub Marcus Hodges. Cook would go close again five minutes from time with a fine twenty yard volley flying just wide. 

FINAL SCORE - SITTINGBOURNE FC - 1 - HYTHE TOWN - 0

Free scoring Hythe will face tougher tests in the season ahead, starting with their visit to Sittingbourne this Saturday. However, in the meantime a second five goal haul in four days, and a cleansheet will do just fine for new boss Scott Porter. Hythe started in lively fashion with Kieran Byrne and Gavin Ransley having early sights on goal deflected to safety - the breakthrough would follow shortly after with the outstanding Lee Winfield curling home a twenty yard free-kick for the second successive game. Aiden Pursglove should have opened his account in his second period with the club on the half-hour mark as a good John Walker cross flashed across the Lydd goalmouth. Hythe established a two goal cushion just before half-time as good work from Dave Cook led to Scott Punton smashing home from outside the box, to make it three goals in two games since switching from Dover Reserves.

Shortly after the restart Hythe made it three with Cook heading home a typically dangerous Winfield corner. Adam Hooper joined the action to give Hythe good width down the left and fellow substitute Marcus Hodges offered good pace on the break. Pursglove opened his account with just over twenty minutes remaining, latching onto another Winfield assist, and forcing the ball home after initial shots from Pursglove and Hodges were both saved. Finally, Town rounded off their evening when a good cross from Hooper was headed home at the back-post by the versatile Byrne.

FINAL SCORE - LYDD TOWN 0 - HYTHE TOWN - 5

Scott Porter took his first look at his new signings and trialists ahead of his debut season as a Kent League manager. Following a typically even first forty-five minutes of the season, the new man in charge would have been delighted to see so many new faces involved in a second-half five goal haul. Hythe started in lively fashion with the returning Aiden Pursglove hitting the bar with a twenty yard strike. Pursglove's new strike partner and undisputed player of last season Pat Kingwell saw a lob fly just wide from thirty yards on the half-hour mark. Under 18's goalkeeper Tony Allen completed a first-half clean sheet with a fine save on the stroke of half-time. With six half-time substitutions in place it took Hythe just seven minutes of the second period to make the breakthrough, when ex-Dover reserve striker Scott Punton headed home a John Walker cross from the right. Walker was in on the act himself three minutes later, driving home an uncleared corner.

With twenty minutes remaining Ricky Freeman registered for the hosts with a shot off the inside of the Hythe woodwork. However, the best goal of the afternoon was only a few minutes away as ex-Lordswood man Buster Beaney hit a dipping shot over the stranded home keeper from all of forty yards! With ten minutes remaining the ever reliable Lee Winfield looped home a trademark free-kick from twenty-five yards. Hythe grabbed their fifth and final goal of the afternoon with an excellent move down the left, and a cross from a returning Marcus Hodges which was converted via the head of Punton for the second time that afternoon.

FINAL SCORE - HOLLANDS & BLAIR 1 - HYTHE TOWN - 5

 Hythe Town Match Reports - Season 2008/09

Below is the latest match report for Hythe Town FC
For details on previous match reports see below

Free of the intense pressure of this season's Kent League title chase, and with a fairly even first-half behind them - Hythe produced an excellent four goal second half performance to send their support home for the season with a smile on their face. Slade Green were the quicker of the sides out of the blocks with Juan Ramirez upended by Gavin Ransley after only four minutes, the skilful forward picking himself up to stroke home the inevitable penalty. Hythe should have been level just five minutes later as a Pat Kingwell flick and a Gary Mickelborough through ball sent Billy Somerville clear on goal, Jack Durrell making a fine low save from the youngster. Hythe had penalty shouts of their own turned down next, as Mickelborough lobbed Durrell and was clearly body-checked by the home keeper as the ball sailed towards goal, no penalty, and no goal as the Slade Green defence hooked clear of their goal-line. Hythe continued to push as Mickelborough and Kingwell stung Durrell's palms after a good free-kick from Lee Winfield. The visitors finally make the breakthrough when another Mickelborough lob hit the inside of each post and recovering defender Grant Cunningham and was adjudged at some stage to have crossed the line. Hythe were now on top and should have pushed home their advantage as a Skelton burst into the box found Kingwell, who in turn laid a smart ball off for Mickelborough to strike against the base of Durrell's post. The first half ended in a scrappy manner with bookings for both sides that were puzzling for all concerned in a game that could have refereed itself.

Into the second period and Ramirez remained the threat with a header across Paul Hyde's goal and just wide. Possibly the turning point, was the introduction of Ben Sly, the winger still recovering from hamstring problems instantly livened up Hythe's play. Sly should have scored almost immediately shooting just past the back-post after connecting with a raking cross from Winfield. Moments later Sly turned provider as a nice one-two with Mickelborough made space for Kingwell to shoot wide from just inside the box. With the hour mark approaching Hythe took the lead with their most attractive goal of the afternoon (or a long ball forward as some saw it?!) Kingwell dropping deep, won possession in the centre circle before charging forward into the Slade Green half, Mickelborough received the ball into feet from his strike partner, holding up the play before turning and returning the favour with a well timed pass to allow Kingwell to burst into the box and slide home inside the post. Mickelborough and Kingwell were at the heart of everything for Hythe as Mickelborough glanced a Sly cross just over. But it was Kingwell's good hold up play from a Guiver pass that allowed Skelton to shoot from inside the box, Durrell only able to parry as far as Winfield who smashed home at close range.

Hythe were in the mood to finally let off some steam after the events of recent weeks, as next Guiver volleyed against the crossbar from a Winfield corner. Kingwell was soon providing the assist again, shrugging off two challenges before finding substitute Smissen who doesn't miss from six yards. Slade Green's best spell actually came during injury time as Kris Hollidge swept home a cross at the end of a counter attack, and John Walker headed against his own crossbar as the home side sensed some late drama. However, Hythe simply turned to attack once more and scored their fifth and final goal of the afternoon to make the points secure. Winfield's free-kick protected in the box by both Smissen and Kingwell to allow Skelton to finally smash home the final goal of an entertaining afternoon.

FINAL SCORE - SLADE GREEN 2 HYTHE TOWN - 5

Hythe Town's title hopes have all but gone, following a frustrating final month of this Kent League season. This disappointing home draw will give Paul Fisk plenty of thought over the summer break as he considers why his side have failed to show up in the last two home games that effectively decided the outcome of this championship. All that aside, as is stands at the time of writing, just two VCD draws together with a Hythe win in the final three games of the season would still clinch a now unexpected title win as all eyes turn to VCD v Deal on Wednesday. Following Easter Monday's defeat to VCD, Paul Fisk rang the changes with Gavin Ransley and Liam Whiting returning from injury in place of Ben Sly and Mo Takaloo. Pat Kingwell's recent outstanding form led to the big man being awarded the captaincy and a return to Hythe's forward line, finally John Walker replaced the suspended Tom Adlington. It all started so well as the Reachfields outfit sprung out of the traps with Lee Winfield heading his own deflected free-kick back into the box to send Gary Mickelborough clear via a Kingwell flick. Mickelborough had only one option, to shoot first time on the volley, with away stopper Danny Harwood equal to his effort with a fine reflex save. 

Hythe forced four corners in the opening ten minutes, however it was the visitors that took a surprise lead with their first attack. Frank Bunani forcing home Jason Thompson's corner at the back-post. Only five minutes later Hythe were level as following an uncleared corner Roy Guiver's shot was hooked off the Holmesdale goal-line. Winfield made no mistake on the rebound with a smart overhead finish over Harwood, despite a clear foul knocking Hythe's playmaker to the ground as he prepared his shot. Hythe were playing well, seemingly shrugging off Holmesdale's surprise lead and looking like they were shaking off the defeat imposed by their title rivals five days prior. However, they seemed to lose all confidence when away keeper and captain Danny Harwood had to leave the field of play via a stretcher after a bad fall. With no substitute keeper on the bench, striker Thompson was left to cover between the sticks. Rather than encourage Hythe to secure the win, the home side tried to make things far too complicated, possibly due to Holmesdale inevitably dropping deeper to defend their inexperienced keeper. With so much on the line for Paul Fisk's men their nerves seemed to snowball as the rest of game panned out.

All that aside their were still chances for both sides to secure the three points. Hythe went close from two successive Winfield corners, Kingwell having an arrowed shot deflected over, and Craig Southen failing to test Thompson with a shot just wide at the back-post. For the visitors the experienced Steve White fed off a Joel Greaves flick to go one on one, Paul Hyde producing a fine low save at close range. Winfield provided the assist for Hythe again as his raking pass was met by a Roy Guiver volley across goal and just wide. Again, White was the threat on the break sending a twenty yard curler just wide. Much like the VCD game Hythe's best spell came just after the restart - Winfield sending Mickelborough clear on goal to round Thompson but shoot onto the roof of the net with the empty goal there for the taking. With the hour mark approaching an excellent corner from substitute Sly was glanced just wide by Guiver from six yards out.

More drama was to follow in the final third of the game as good hold-up play from Guiver allowed Mickelborough to lob just over at close range. Kingwell rounded stand-in keeper Thompson on the edge of the box, Thompson dragging down Kingwell and only receiving a caution due to a covering defender. From the resulting Winfield free-kick, two wicked deflections sent the ball just wide of the Holmesdale goal. Steve White was wasteful of an open goal after Ben Chick's initial shot was well saved by Hyde, and Greaves had the ball in the Hythe net only to realise that the offside flag had gone up during the build-up. Hythe tried one last roll of the dice with the introduction of Smissen, but it would have needed a fine individual effort from the always confident striker to shake off Hythe's nerves in front of goal, something that on this afternoon even he couldn't manage.      

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 1 - HOLMESDALE 1

Two errors gifted VCD the goals to take our title rivals above us and into the top spot with only two games to play of this dramatic Kent League season. Hythe must now win their remaining games this season and hope that VCD slip up by dropping points in any manner against Deal or Norton Sports. If Hythe can do the business against Holmesdale this Saturday, then the top two will go into a dramatic final day title decider - the rules for a Hythe title win simply being Hythe must gain more points at Slade Green than VCD gain at Norton Sports. The afternoon started well for Hythe with a Takaloo flick sending Mickelborough weaving into the VCD area and past two of the visiting defence - however a theme of the afternoon would be the VCD defence regrouping to stop any real shooting chance for Hythe's forward line. Disaster struck after seven minutes as Leroy Huggins didn't think twice about latching onto a poor Hythe header back towards Paul Hyde in goal, and sending a half-volley into the bottom left hand corner. The visitors had the perfect start, but it almost got worse for Hythe as Alfie Harris latched onto a cross to the back-post, only to volley wildly over from only six yards out. Hythe's best outlet was Mickelborough's pace, and the striker held play up well before finding Takaloo inside the box, his final half-volley running wide.

With the half-hour mark approaching the much-traveled Anthony Hogg sent a twenty-yard opportunist strike into the Hythe side-netting - and at the other end a Lee Winfield free-kick was glanced just wide by a back-pedaling VCD defender. With the start of the second half came Hythe's best period of the game, with Takaloo finding a lurking Skelton who lost the last VCD man only for his next touch to over-run into the grateful James Tedder's arms. Hythe's best chance of the game came seven minutes into the half as Ben Sly and Skelton played a nice 1-2 into the box, Skelton skewing agonisingly wide of the base of the VCD post with Tedder beaten. Hythe introduced Buster Smissen just after the hour mark, followed by the introduction of Gavin Ransley for Sly to eventually give Hythe a frontline of all four of their recognised strikers, Smissen, Takaloo, Kingwell, and Mickelborough. A controlled and assured defensive performance coupled with the danger of Huggins and Hegley on the counter attack left Hythe completely frustrated in the final third of the game. Effectively it was game over when Luke May and Winfield collided in the box as a result of a push on Winfield (football is a game of opinions!), and Huggins smashed home the resulting penalty to break Hythe hearts.    

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 0 - VCD ATHLETIC 2

An early strike from Gary Mickelborough was all it took for Hythe to secure the three points at Reachfields. Attention will now turn to the results of VCD and Holmesdale ahead of the six days that will most probably decide the fate of the Kent League title - as Hythe's closest rivals come to Reachfields in succession for the two biggest games of the season. Hythe scored the one and only goal of the afternoon after fifteen minutes when Dale Skelton won two excellent tackles and provided the perfect pass to Mickelborough, who left the Beckenham offside trap for dead before firing home under Michael Holder. Hythe should have doubled their lead just two minutes later when a poor clearance from Holder left his goal completely unguarded with the ball at Skelton's feet. What seemed a very harsh offside denied Takaloo and Mickelborough the chance of walking the ball into the empty net from Skelton's through-ball. 

Mickelborough was in the mood as he carried the ball from the half-way line past four Beckenham men before being robbed of a sensational goal by a tackle twelve yards from goal. Strike-partner Takaloo was also finding space, latching onto a pass from Lee Winfield, before turning and firing a deflected volley just wide. With half-time approaching the best chance of the game for Hythe to make it a two goal cushion arrived as Takaloo played an intelligent pass in behind the Beckenham defence to set Mickelborough clear on goal. This time the goal-scoring touch deserted the man in form as his half-volley from just inside the box landed on the roof of the net. There was still time for Roy Guiver to connect with a Winfield free-kick, Beckenham managing to clear off the line. The final chance of the half was Beckenham's best chance on goal as Danny Lawson rose unmarked at the back-post to redirect a corner back across goal and just wide.

Making his Kent League debut for Hythe was young Billy Sommerville, the ex-Ebsfleet apprentice had a decent game and started the second half brightly. First his clever ball sent Mickelborough clear down the right, the final cross cleared off the Beckenham line with an unmarked Takaloo lurking dangerously. Next it was a good cross directly from Somerville to Takaloo that the experienced striker wasted, twisting and turning at close-range before firing across goal and wide. A very low-key half developed with the home side keeping their visitors at arms length possession wise, with neither side really able to carve out any clear-cut chances. The exception being just ten minutes into the half when a quick free-kick for Beckenham was fired in by Abrahim Fusini and almost converted at close-range by Phil Donaldson if not for an outstanding last-ditch block from Pat Kingwell. The final chance for both sides came within a minute of each other and the end of the game. Winfield's close-range free-kick flew just wide, and directly from the resulting goal kick Fusini volleyed from distance onto the roof of Paul Hyde's net. It was to be a one goal afternoon, that thanks to a professional display went the way of the league leaders.   

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 1 - BECKENHAM TOWN 0

Hythe got back to winning ways on Tuesday night, defeating Tunbridge Wells with goals from Lee Winfield and Mo Takaloo. An impressive man of the match display from Craig Southen set the tone for a high tempo, non stop all-action performance from Hythe, who were in no mood to give away any further league points in the month of March. To their credit, Tunbridge Wells defended exceptionally well, soaked up the Hythe pressure and were a threat themselves on the counter-attack on a regular basis. However, for once, Hythe didn't lose a lead at Culverden, kicking down-hill in a second-half - a scenario that Hythe have seemed cursed with over the years when visiting the Wells.

After a strong start from the hosts, Hythe created the first real chance with Skelton slipping Takaloo into the box, the strikers early sighter just wide of goal. Skelton himself should have opened the scoring just a minute later, after a Hythe free-kick was only cleared as far as the outstanding Winfield who promptly found Skelton lurking unmarked at the back post, unfortunately the final shot was skewed wide on the bounce. Mickelborough and Takaloo exchanged assists and further shots on target as Hythe piled on the pressure, however Chris Arnold had yet to be called into action in the Wells goal. Takaloo continued to go closer for Hythe, Mickelborough sending his strike partner clear on goal, but again the finish was poor. With still only twenty minutes on the clock, Roy Guiver thumped a header against the post from a Skelton cross as Hythe's frustrations continued. 

Mickelborough turned and sent a shot just over from the edge of the box, and Southen himself got in a position for a couple of long range strikes as the pressure on the Wells defence just kept rising. With half-time approaching Mickelborough headed just wide from six yards out, which was followed by Hythe's best chance of the half. An Adlington long-throw was controlled by Takaloo and rolled along the six yard box to an unmarked Winfield, who incredibly chose to pass again to a crowded out Skelton when the opener appeared to be in the bag. Tunbridge Wells best chance of the half was the last chance of the half as Barry Gardner's free-kick was glanced just wide by Thomas Fuller.

Four minutes after the restart Hythe finally got the goal their pressure had deserved. Skelton's cross finding Winfield at the back-post who sent a cheeky close range lob over the head of Arnold and into the top-right hand corner. With the hour mark approaching Hythe pushed on for a vital second goal with Arnold frustrating Guiver with a fine save from the defender's headed connection from a Winfield free-kick. Danny Twyman's free-kick from the back was met by Dave Cook's header on the edge of the box, Winfield controlling and hitting a volley that Arnold was equal to again. However, from the resulting corner Hythe would get the second goal, as the Winfield-Guiver combination worked again to allow Takaloo to re-direct Guiver's header past Arnold at close-range. Wells were not finished though, and only four minutes later Matt Newman did a great job of getting his foot around what appeared to be a lost cause - crossing to the back-post where an unmarked George Fenwick converted a controlled strike. The final twenty-five minutes saw both sides huff and puff as Hythe looked to kill the game off with a third, and Wells searched for the equaliser. Some nervy moments aside, the defences of both sides came out on top and Hythe's title charge had been recharged.   

FINAL SCORE - TUNBRIDGE WELLS 1 - HYTHE TOWN - 2

Hythe received a blow to their title aspirations as a spirited Greenwich Borough rode their luck on their visit to Reachfields. Although Hythe were guilty of poor defending in the lead-up for both goals and were not at their fluent best, the home side still hit the woodwork on three occasions and forced the Greenwich Borough keeper into a succession of fine saves. Paul Fisk's men will look to get back on track at Tunbridge Wells on Tuesday night, a game now even more vital than before. Hythe could have been two up after just five minutes following a strong start. Lee Winfield played Ben Sly inside his man down the right-hand flank, and the wingers cross was almost bundled home by Dave Cook from only six yards, the midfielder crowded out at the last moment. It is not often a turning point in the game comes after only five minutes, but if Buster Smissen hadn't had his shot cleared off the line after racing clear with just the keeper to beat then it could have been a very different afternoon for the league leaders. Hythe continued their strong start as Mo Takaloo went close from just inside the box, Winfield again supplying the assist. Next it was Dale Skelton who benefited from Winfield's range of passing, cutting into the box from the left but driving his final shot straight at Danny Firkins.

Out of nowhere Greenwich took the lead as a quick counter-attack down the right and a crucial slip from Pat Kingwell left Hythe exposed at the back, Mark Sisson making no mistake from six yards out. With Hythe looking to regroup during the interval Greenwich struck before half-time with a vital second goal - the Hythe midfield guilty of letting Robert McCarry run to the edge of the Hythe box before firing a precise shot into the bottom-left corner that left the home support stunned. Desperate times call for desperate measures as Paul Fisk rang the changes at half-time with Gary Mickelborough and Jason Brazier replacing Skelton and Smissen and Hythe switching to a 4-3-3 formation. The switch of formation led to long spells of possession for the home side but chances were limited as Greenwich dug in to protect their lead. On the hour mark, Brazier sent Mickelborough clear who twisted and turned his was past recovering defenders but could only fire his shot straight at Firkins. Roy Guiver should have scored five minutes later heading an unmarked Winfield free-kick into the side-netting. 

In the closing stages Hythe could not believe their bad luck as Mark Bond saw two absolute bullet headers turned away by Firkins. Pat Kingwell made it four up-front as Hythe took the risks required to get the goals they needed but it would be Dave Cook who would go closest for Hythe. In the space of a minute Cook smashed an almighty strike against the crossbar, before being played clear on goal by Brazier only for his shot to be turned onto the post by Firkins. It was clearly not Hythe's day as Twyman, making his Hythe debut kept the score respectable with a breakaway chance for Danny Hunt. Cook would again go close to what would have been only a consolation as Firkins frustrated Hythe's top scorer in another one on one situation.  

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN 0 - GREENWICH BOROUGH - 2

Hythe are out of the League Cup at the semi-final stage after a dramatic fightback from Erith Town that matched Hythe's 1st leg performance to bring the score to 4-4 on aggregate. A tense extra-time for both sides saw Erith lead 5-4, before Hythe came centimetres away from a dramatic winner on away-goals - as in the last minute of extra-time Dave Cook watched his goal-bound header acrobatically cleared from beneath the crossbar. It had all started so well for Hythe who with the exception of one mistake for the Erith goal, were in complete control throughout the first-half. As early as five minutes Jack Bradshaw was turning a Gary Mickelborough shot round his post. Hythe were to go closer with their next chance as Cook latched onto a Mickelborough pass and unleashed a thunderous shot against the Erith crossbar from all of twenty-five yards. A good Dale Skelton dribble and cross was narrowly missed by Mickelborough, Sly, and Takaloo, before Erith took a shock lead on the night - Paul Hyde spilling a routine catch and Spriggs instantly smashing home the rebound. Hythe took a 4-2 aggregate lead into the half-time break as Takaloo latched onto a Lee Winfield free-kick at the second attempt for yet another fine poachers goal in a Hythe shirt.

A quick turnaround at half-time meant that many supporters didn't actually see the again impressive Dean Kearley smash home from the edge of the box after Hythe failed to clear their lines from a free-kick. Hythe appeared to still be in the bar with some of their supporters as they somehow managed to survive a succession of corners, free-kicks, and long throws from an Erith side previously not a threat at set-pieces. With Gavin Ransley and Sam Marsh still injured, and Roy Guiver cup-tied this appeared to be one game too far for the makeshift Hythe defence that has had to line up for the majority of the League Cup campaign. Ben Sly's cross came off the crossbar, before another blow for Hythe as Takaloo was injured and replaced by Darren Walmsley. Walmsley was involved immediately, playing a nice one-two with Skelton who fired his shot just over. Hyde was kept busy at the other end with a fine full-stretch save around the post from another well-worked Erith free-kick routine. Whilst for Hythe the pace of Walmsley and Skelton on the break appeared to be Hythe's best bet for the second away goal they required to kill the tie. 

The final ten minutes of the game were disastrous for Hythe as Tom Adlington received his marching orders for a second yellow card, meaning Hythe were onto their sixth choice centre-back with John Walker moving alongside a probably fairly bemused Pat Kingwell! Further bad news preceded this incident as key man Lee Winfield limped off from the action to be replaced by young Billy Sommerville. But the worst was to come with Hythe only one minute from putting the cup holders out, Hart headed home the goal for that meant there would be extra-time due to a 4-4 aggregate score. Yet still more drama would unfold as in injury time from the ninety minutes Erith saw their side also reduced to ten men, Walmsley hit the cross-bar, and Mickelbrough raced clear on goal, only for Bradshaw to again be equal to his final shot.

Extra time was a tense affair with Hythe dominating the first period, before Collins secured the crucial winner for Erith in the second period. That Cook chance was still to follow but Erith would end the night worthy winners after battling for everything when the tie had seemed a lost cause at so many stages across the two legs. Hythe will go away to lick their wounds but must remember in the coming weeks that even with a below par performance, injuries or a red-card to three key-men, and only eleven first-team players available....... they still managed to strike the woodwork on three occasions, and could have won the whole thing at the death if it wasn't for THAT goal-line clearance!  

FINAL SCORE - ERITH TOWN 4 - HYTHE TOWN - 1 (AET - 5-4 AGG)

Gary Mickelborough struck a well deserved brace that capped a very professional display from Paul Fisk's men to maintain their lead at the top of the Kent League Premier Division. The entire defence did themselves proud for the visitors as Erith and Belverdere struggled to force Paul Hyde into a meaningful save. With Lee Winfield pulling the strings in the centre of the park, Hythe were in complete control from start to finish in a calm and composed display. The visitors started in confident fashion with Winfield sending Mickelborough clear down the right to cross, Mo Takaloo going close with a volley on the turn. The combination of Winfield's passing and Mickelborough's pacey and precise running would cause problems for the Dere's all afternoon. Hythe secured the first goal as expected when a Paul Hyde goal-kick was met by a splendid first time lay off from Takaloo, Mickelborough racing clear to calmly slot his shot underneath goalkeeper William Webb. Winfield went close himself with a goal-bound volley deflected wide, and moments later Hythe would have the ball in the net again. Ben Sly headed down a crossfield pass from Mark Bond into the path of Takaloo who lashed home from just inside the area, unfortunately for Takaloo and Hythe the offside flag had been raised. 

The Hythe full-backs were getting forward on a regular basis as Captain Tom Adlington played a lovely 1-2 move with Sly before skewing his shot wide from the edge of the box. It was a credit to the Hythe defence, in particular Pat Kingwell and Roy Guiver that as the midway point in the half passed, Ross Cable got his one and only real sight of goal, Hyde saving low from his twenty yard strike. As half-time approached Mickelborough was to go close again with an ambitious overhead shot over Webb as he rushed off his line. Hythe had eased off a little approaching half-time, with more possession for the home side but little chances for either as the whistle went for the break. The interval did the trick for Hythe as they came out for the second half looking to kill the game off as quickly as possible. With very little surprise, Winfield began the half sending Mickelborough clear, with Webb beaten the final shot rolled agonisingly wide. Dave Cook got in on the action with a twenty yard drive turned round the post by Webb following good work from Takaloo and Mickelborough.

As the final third of the game approached Takaloo had a close-range header saved following a Kingwell freekick flicked on by Cook. Hythe were not to be denied any longer, as Mickelborough took advantage of indecision in the Erith and Belvedere defence to race clear and smash home a half-volley past Webb. With Hythe comfortable in defence and with plenty of possession Paul Fisk was in a position to rest key members of his side and give as much of his squad a run-out as possible. Billy Sommerville, Jason Brazier, and Craig Southen replacing Sly, Cook, and Mickelborough. In the closing stages Hythe tried in vain to add a third goal and on another day they could have done. Takaloo played Somerville clear on goal, however the youngster dragged his shot wide with the goal at his mercy. With just a couple of minutes to play, Hythe's last chance fell to Dale Skelton who hit a drive on the turn that Webb was able to comfortably deal with   

FINAL SCORE - ERITH AND BELVERDERE 0 - HYTHE TOWN - 2

Just three days separated Hythe Town and Erith Town's league game and the 1st leg of this League Cup semi-final. Hythe were frustrated on Saturday as they failed to gain a winner in a fruitless second period that didn't contain much football. The second half on Tuesday night was far more eventful for the hosts as Hythe came out following the interval 1-0 down to another outstanding Marcus Cassius strike. What followed was Hythe back to their best as Dave Cook smashed home off the underside of the bar, and Mo Takaloo produced a typical poachers finish to turn the game on it's head. The icing on the cake was a stunning Buster Smissen strike, his third in four games since returning from injury, that gave Hythe the advantage heading into the second leg. The game began in exactly the same way it had three days prior with two evenly matched teams suddenly divided by a Cassius strike from nowhere. Almost identical to his goal on Saturday, Cassius ran on to a midfield aerial ball to leave the Hythe offside trap for dead, firing home with his first touch with a rising finish into the top left hand corner of Paul Hyde's goal. Hythe's defence didn't do much wrong for either goal they conceded to the league's top goalscorer across the two games. With the quickest pace in the whole division by some distance, and the tremendous first time finishing at his disposal this appears to be a player that the Kent League will only enjoy for a few months longer.

Hythe looked to bounce straight back with Craig Southen opening up to curl a twenty yard strike that Jack Bradshaw had to tip round his post at full stretch. In an uncanny resemblance to Saturday's game Hythe almost scored from three consecutive corners as Smissen, and Mickelborough on two occasions went close to scoring with headers. Possibly the turning point of the game and the tie followed as Cassius latched onto to another long pass before lobbing Hyde, but also shooting wide of Hythe's goal. A Dale Skelton corner was scrambled clear by Erith as Smissen and Takaloo both went close to forcing the ball home. Takaloo went close again, receiving a cute ball from Walker within the box before turning and sending a volley into the grateful arms of Bradshaw. Unlike Saturday, the second half goals would flow for Hythe, as they hit Erith with a ten minute three goal blitz. Three minutes after the restart Hythe were level, a Skelton free-kick was punched half-clear by Bradshaw as far as Mickelborough to fire back into the mix, the ball finally broke to Cook to smash home off the underside of the bar from the edge of the box. A let-off for Hythe followed as a quick free-kick was played into the box by Adam Cottrell, and Dean Burns saw his shot come off the underside of the bar the right side of the line for Hythe. 

Hythe took the lead with Takaloo's sixth goal since moving to Reachfields with involvement again from Skelton and Cook. Skelton sent in another dangerous free-kick which Cook flicked on and Takaloo forced home with a back-header. At this point Hythe were rampant, John Walker chancing a first time pass when others may have chose to travel with the ball - the gamble by Walker paid off as it gave Smissen the chance to surprise the Erith defence, ghosting between the two centre-backs to fire home an instinctive first time shot into the top-right corner. The home side could have added to their tally further still as young substitute Billy Somerville stretched the Erith defence with his pace, possibly a little more experience leading to a goal or two for the ex-Ebsfleet apprentice. The visitors again had their keeper to thank as Bradshaw turned a twenty-five yard free-kick around the base of his post to keep Hythe's lead to two goals moving into the second leg.   

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN 3 - ERITH TOWN - 1

A hard fought game at Reachfields saw a rare stalemate occur for the Kent League leaders. The division's top scorer Marcus Cassius opened the scoring mid-way through the first half with his 28th goal of the season, before Lee Winfield curled home a free-kick before half-time to bring the hosts level. With potentially three Golden Boot winners on the pitch it was the defensive players on both sides that had to be on their game in a tight second period, which saw more injuries, cards, and tough tackles than shots on goal. Erith Town did impress to the extent that made this a point Hythe were pleased with, we should have an interesting two legs of semi-final action to follow in the next fortnight. Hythe suffered an early blow as the bang in form Ben Sly pulled up after only four minutes and had to be replaced by Liam Whiting on the left-flank. Despite that blow Hythe started the strongest as a swift counter-attack led by Buster Smissen and Gary Mickelborough led to Mo Takaloo going close with a six yard shot deflected just over. How Hythe didn't score from the following three successive corners will go down as one of the great mysteries. All supplied by Lee Winfield with deadly accuracy, Erith just could not clear their lines. First of all Dave Cook had a thumping six yard header turned over the post by Jack Bradshaw. Mickelborough was next to try his luck with a volley that was again saved, Pat Kingwell's follow up shot cleared off the line. Before finally Mickelborough sent another volley crashing in, this time narrowly over the bar. 

Hythe were made to pay as a midfield ball down the centre gave Cassius the chance to slip the Hythe offside trap and run clear on goal, lobbing Paul Hyde confidently to give the visitors a surprise lead. Just a minute later Hythe thought they were right back in it, when a Winfield cross was met by a Cook header that seemed to hover over the goal-line for an age before the outstanding visiting captain Dean Kearley managed to eliminate the danger (I believe there were some that went home thinking that Hythe actually did score!) Thankfully, Hythe didn't have to wait much longer for their equaliser, as Winfield totally wrong-footed Bradshaw to curl home a twenty five yard free-kick. Either side of half-time saw an unfortunate turn of events as Tom Adlington's late booked challenge just before the break was returned with interest via an elbow smash by Lee Morgan moments after the restart. Adlington having to be replaced by the returning John Walker.

As the football got back underway Takaloo flashed a shot across goal that could have easily been converted at the back-post by an outstretched Smissen. The same men went close again as both looked to get on the end of a lovely 1-2 move down the right involving Winfield and Walker. Chances in the second period were very much at a premium although Hythe would go closest in the final stages. Smissen provided a good cross for Whiting who headed back across goal and just wide. Before Smissen almost 'rolled back the months' chasing onto a thumping Cook header to run clear on goal, a chance that would normally have been converted into a classic Smissen winner was ended with a heavy first touch. The half ended as it had started with Cook reacting to an off the ball blow to the back of the head which actually saw the Hythe midfielder take an early bath, a double red-card would have been the correct decision.     

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN 1 - ERITH TOWN - 1

It was the sight that Hythe supporters have waited to see, Buster Smissen and Mo Takaloo scoring in the same game. However the circumstances were not ideal as Hythe squandered the early lead given to them by Takaloo, and watched Smissen score what turned out to be only a consolation goal. A Sevenoaks side full of purpose came from behind to lead at half-time, survived a missed Lee Winfield penalty-kick, before securing the points with a third goal. Hythe fought back to score that second goal through Smissen but it was too little too late for the league leaders. It had all started so well as Hythe flew out of the traps, hitting the woodwork with only three minutes on the clock. The in-form Ben Sly weaved his way past three of the Sevenoaks midfield, playing a lovely 1-2 with Takaloo before supplying the cross for Dave Cook to smash a volley off the outside of the post. At the other end Marcus Elliot was soon volleying just wide directly off a good Paul Hyde punch. Hythe were soon down the other end forcing a corner taken by Sly with Roy Guiver heading just wide. With ten minutes on the clock Hythe got the goal their start deserved, Takaloo forcing home after Guiver's initial effort from a Winfield free-kick was blocked.

The goal appeared to stir Sevenoaks into life, and they were helped on their way by a debatable penalty decision. Hyde allegedly fouling a Sevenoaks player with a mid-air collision after the keeper had comfortably punched the ball clear before any contact was made. Justice was done, as Duwayne Morris placed his spot-kick to Hyde's right, an excellent save keeping Hythe ahead. However, Hythe did not react to this warning, and soon their hosts had drawn level via an outstanding 25 yard free-kick from excellent new signing Matt Foreman. The second goal of the game appeared to have the same effect as the first, as Sevenoaks appeared to settle for what they had for a short period, but enough for Hythe to get back into the game. The chances flowed as the half hour mark passed with trademark headers, turns, and shots from Takaloo all seeing Hythe go close to retaking the lead. Dale Skelton chased down a lost cause, which allowed him to cut in along the by-line towards home stopper Jamie Williams, who was equal to Skelton's angled drive. 

The game swung back Sevenoaks way in the final ten minutes of the half. Williams produced an outstanding close-range header from the head of Jason Brazier, Hythe lost the influential Dave Cook to injury, and on the stroke of half-time Errison Ahwan send a wildly defected volley past a dumb-struck Hyde from twenty five yards -  to send the Oaks' in with a vital half-time lead. The second half was full of incident but just didn't go Hythe's way as Hythe did little with possession and Sevenoaks thrived on being able to hit Hythe with effective counter-attacks on a regular basis. The visitors wasted a lifeline on the 66th minute as Winfield saw his penalty comfortably saved by Williams, after Sly was literally dumped on the floor within the area. The game was effectively over with just over ten minutes to go as Marcus Elliott forced home Sevenoak's third goal from a corner that Hythe failed to clear. With the goal at his mercy, an embarrassing miss prior  from Steve Evans meant there was still a chance for Hythe. With two minutes on the clock Mickelborough miscued his shot, after Winfield had slipped the pacey striker past the Sevenoaks' offside tap. So when Buster Smissen capped another cameo appearance, heading home Hythe's consolation on the 90th minute, it would only be a personal achievement for Hythe's key man as he continues his rehabilitation from injury 

FINAL SCORE - SEVENOAKS TOWN 3 - HYTHE TOWN 2

The 'In for a Quid' scheme was declared a complete success as Hythe more than doubled the total attendance figure for Kent League games today with a fantastic 320 coming through the turnstiles. Interestingly, the attendance was only beaten by one game in the Ryman League Southern Division that Hythe are looking to win promotion into! The icing on the cake was of course events on the pitch with Hythe securing the points via Ben Sly and Buster Smissen strikes. With Holmesdale crashing to defeat at Norton Sports, Hythe moved clear at the top with a four point cushion. The afternoon began in frantic fashion with chances for both of these title rivals to take the lead within the first three minutes. Firstly, a miscued clearance from away stopper Mikel Czanner fell straight to Mo Takaloo on the edge of the eighteen yard box, with the empty goal at his mercy there was only one option. With Czanner sprinting back to his goal-line, Takaloo's spectacular first time mid-air volley appeared to be goalbound only for the back-post to make a vital intervention. Within a minute Wells were on the attack with Luke Coleman slipping an otherwise effective Hythe offside trap to force Paul Hyde into a fine low save, the veteran's foot sending the ball wide. 

With both sides playing a high line in the opening stages, Coleman and Takaloo regularly found themselves offside victims by some very slim margins. On one occasion however, Takaloo found himself clear down the left and with Dale Skelton in support. Skelton, in his return to the Hythe line-up provided the cross, and Jason Brazier fired a first time effort just over the bar at close range. Things were tight and tense, and when chances came it seemed to be for that very reason. Coleman fired a low hard free-kick just wide from the edge of the Hythe box, and Brazier went close again as Sly crossed, following a good cross-field ball from Pat Kingwell. A hard-fought first period ended with Takaloo heading a Lee Winfield corner just wide, all in all the defenders were the players most happy with their efforts at this stage in the afternoon.

The only change made by either manager at the interval was Paul Fisk electing to swop the flanks that Skelton and Sly occupied. The move allowed an in-form Sly to test the Wells defence cutting in from the left-flank onto his shooting foot. The second-half began in exactly the same way as the first as a Winfield free-kick found Kingwell at the back-post, the striker turned centre-back shooting across goal only for Czanner to smother the chance. Coleman returned the favour just a minute later, with a cute lob saved by the finger-tips of a back-pedaling Hyde. Hythe had the ball in the net on the 53rd minute as Sly smashed home into the top-left corner after being sent clear by a Brazier flick, only to realise the offside flag had gone up moments earlier. Hythe continued to press as Dave Cook headed a Winfield free-kick goal-bound, Czanner keeping things level with a fine save round the post.

With the hour mark passing Paul Fisk made two attacking substitutions, the crowd-pleasing Liam Whiting replacing Skelton, and Buster Smissen continuing his rehabilitation from knee surgery replacing Brazier. With Whiting and Sly playing down their natural flanks, and with two ex-Golden Boot winners up front, Hythe's intentions were clear. However, Tunbridge Wells were the next to go close to a winner as a cross from the left made it all the way to an unmarked Coleman at the back-post. An excellent block from the in-form Mark Bond took the sting off the shot and Hyde did the rest as Hythe kept themselves in the game. Whiting was soon involved in the action as Hythe broke straight down the other end, the left-winger attempting a lob to the back-post that came off the top of the Wells crossbar. With fifteen minutes remaining, Hythe finally made the breakthrough via a quick counter-attack, Takaloo received the ball wide on the left and Hythe found themselves in a three against two situation. Takaloo played the perfect ball to the edge of the eighteen yard box, Smissen and Sly sprung the Wells offside trap before Sly took over to confidentially pass the ball  into the bottom right-hand corner. Hythe had their rivals where they wanted them, as Wells pushed up the field looking for an equaliser, Hythe with their fresher players in attack simply became more dangerous. Five minutes passed before Hythe gained a two goal cushion, Takaloo pouncing on a loose pass in the visitors defence and playing the ball straight into the space the missing Wells right-back had vacated. Smissen timed his run to perfection, entering the box, before firing an unstoppable low drive into the bottom-left hand corner to secure the points for Hythe.       

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN 2 - TUNBRIDGE WELLS 0

Second half goals from Mo Takaloo, Jason Brazier, and Roy Guiver made sure that Hythe banked three points from their 'game in hand' over Holmesdale, and returned to the top of the Kent League. Inspired by a Man of the Match performance from Lee Winfield and the return of Golden Boot holder Buster Smissen from long-term injury, the home crowd were rewarded for their patience with an excellent second half display to secure the points. Hythe started the game in a fashion that led to them carving out more genuine chances in twenty minutes than they had all night at Deal the previous Tuesday. A disallowed goal came as early as the second minute as Guiver headed home a Ben Sly corner, only for the referee's whistle to be blown for pushing. Tom Adlington sent a rare shot just wide from twenty yards after good work from Lee Winfield, before Brazier clashed with keeper Dylan MacVicar after being sent clear on goal by Takaloo. Brazier, Takaloo, and Sly were causing all the problems for the visitors - and they combined again when a Brazier flick sent Sly clear down the right, the wingers cross hitting the crossbar with Takaloo willing the ball to the back post where the striker stood unmarked.

Hythe pushed on as the half progressed with Sly a constant threat giving Tarik Ozresberoglu a torrid afternoon which would lead to a yellow and red card, and the left-back being moved away from Sly's flank in between his encounters with the man in black. Hythe were handed a warning sign on the half-hour mark as Jason Long ghosted through an otherwise excellent Hythe offside trap (three other Slade Green men caught offside), only to ruin his one on one chance with a booking for deliberate handball as the midfielder realised Paul Hyde was going to be first to the ball. The half ended with Hythe hitting back again via Sly, as a cross from the right was met by a glancing Brazier header just wide.

With the Hythe support confident that their superior goal threat and fitness would eventually lead to three points, Paul Fisk was not prepared to wait to find out - the Hythe Manager making another of his excellent pro-active substitutions bringing on young winger Liam Whiting at half-time to stretch the play further still, and moving Lee Winfield into a central second half role that would earn the playmaker the Man of the Match award. Whiting was soon involved heading a Sly corner back across goal and just wide. Hythe would make the breakthrough just past the hour mark as a Lee Winfield free-kick was allowed to bounce into the six yard box, allowing Takaloo to execute a smart back-header to make it four goals in five appearances since his move from Margate. Two minutes later Takaloo was instrumental again, crossing from the right to Dave Cook who thumped his header against the crossbar, Brazier forcing the rebound over the line.

As the game progressed Takaloo and Winfield were becoming unplayable as Winfield found Takaloo in and around the visitors box on a regular basis. Takaloo controlling one pass on his chest before lashing a volley onto the roof of the net, then just a minute later Winfield was the assist again as Takaloo wasted his best chance of the game firing wide from near the penalty spot. The icing on the cake was supplied inevitably by Winfield as his low near-post corner was back-heeled into the net thanks to a nice bit of improvisation from Roy Guiver. Guiver is proving an inspired signing for Fisk, covering injuries both in defence and attack and returning three goals in as many starts. There would be more to cheer for the home support as Buster Smissen made an early return from his knee operation, promptly winding up the hapless Ozresberoglu with a piece of trickery that led to a wild red-card challenge for the left-back. This was an improved and well-drilled Martin Ford side, with Hythe having to show top work-rate and clinical finishing to secure the points.

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN 3 - SLADE GREEN 0

Hythe will look to bounce back to the top of the table this Saturday, when they face Slade Green at home in their game in hand over new league leaders Holmesdale. Defeat came in the midweek clash against local rivals Deal Town who ground out an impressive 1-0 over their neighbours, playing most of the game with ten men. A frustrating night was not made any easier by key men Dale Skelton, Gavin Ransley, and Gary Mickelborough being unavailable, injured, or suspended - however nobody was offering that as an excuse in the Hythe camp as congratulations were offered to our highly competitive hosts.

The game began at a frantic pace with the Deal putting the League leaders under immediate pressure from the first whistle. With a corner, two free-kicks in dangerous positions, and a caution for Jason Brazier all in the first five minutes it appeared a Deal goal would be on it's way sooner rather than later! That would be the case after just ten minutes as Deal Centre-back Adam Govey forced a corner over the Hythe goal-line at the near post. Hythe should have brought things level immediately when Mo Takaloo received the ball six yards from the Deal goal following a Tom Adlington long-throw - Lee Winfield failing to get a clean strike on goal from Takaloo's lay-off.

The games flashpoint came midway through the first half as a member of the Deal forward line needlessly pushed Adlington to the ground with a shove to the face, receiving the inevitable red card. With Deal reduced to ten men, Hythe experienced their best spell of the game leading up to half-time. However, with the score still at 1-0 at the break, the man disadvantage seemed to motivate Deal into producing a superhuman defensive display in hard-fought second half. Hythe should have struck back before half-time firstly from a Takaloo shot hooked off the line, following a good cross from Liam Whiting. Ben Sly was soon weaving his way between three of the Deal defensive line, only managing to fire his final close-range shot into the side-netting. Next it was Dave Cook who grazed the outside of the post with a fierce twenty yard drive directly off a Sly centre. Brazier sent a volley just over after Cook headed Whiting's cross back across goal. Finally, Sly ended the half with another impressive dribble and cross, that almost led to an own goal at the Deal near post.

Come the end of the season Hythe will hope that they will be able to erase the second half of this game completely from memory. Changes of formation, and personnel all just led to continued frustration for the visitors - on an evening that Hythe could have played all night without scoring! Most definitely a bad day at the office...... 

FINAL SCORE - DEAL TOWN 1 - HYTHE TOWN 0

Hythe bounced back from being behind by a goal at half-time with an outstanding second-half performance that saw Paul Fisk's side hit the net five times. Roy Guiver started the game up front but was soon showing his versatility dropping into defence for the injured Gavin Ransley, yet still scoring Hythe's first and final goals of the evening. In-between was an excellent brace for substitute Gary Mickelborough and Mo Takaloo's third goal in as many games. Hythe started the brighter of the two sides with Ben Sly providing a cross to the unmarked Guiver who saw his shot from the edge of the box turned round the post by Dan Eason. From the resulting Lee Winfield corner, Pat Kingwell glanced a near-post header right across the face of goal. Sly was involved again pulling back a free-kick across the edge of the box that Jason Brazier fired into the mix, Takaloo redirecting the shot just wide from close range. However, Hythe would regret those missed chances as Herne Bay would go on to provide by far the better football of the half and gaining a deserved half-time lead. With the young twin duo of James and Michael Turner impressing all with their close control and dribbling skills which on the night provided excellent support to key man Stuart King.

Michael Turner brought a good save out of Paul Hyde after slipping the Hythe offside trap, however Hythe were still a threat on the counter with Cook forcing an excellent save from Eason from another Sly assist. Herne Bay gained further encouragement when midway through the first-half Gavin Ransley picked up a knock, with Mickelborough entering the fray Roy Guiver slotted into the defensive line. Although there were no major errors, Hythe were unsettled at the back due to the reshuffle and the visitors ended the half well on top. James Turner weaved his way into the box producing a shot that Hyde could only parry, with Hythe struggling to clear their lines, King managed to bundle the ball over the line. Hythe took encouragement going into the break that they did manage to get the ball into the Herne Bay net once only to be foiled by an offside flag.

As impressive as Herne Bay were in the opening period, there was a feeling that most teams would not be able to provide the tempo they had in the first half for the whole ninety minutes. In the end Hythe's superior fitness and finishing prevailed, with most of the second half being played in the visitors half. First up it was the excellent Guiver who sent an unstoppable header past Eason from a Winfield free-kick. Soon after Mickelborough and Sly were combining to supply Takaloo with a close range chance that rose just over the bar. The second goal was to come from those same players with good pressure from Takaloo allowing Sly to burst clear down the right and cross a hanging centre to the back-post where Mickelborough headed home to give Hythe the lead. With twenty minutes remaining Takaloo made it three goals in as many games in a Hythe shirt, with a smart finish following good work again from Adlington and Sly, the final cross from Mickelborough.

In the final stages it was a case of how many for Hythe? Mickelborough capped a fine second half performance chasing down the Herne Bay defence to win possession and run clear on goal, firing home into the bottom-right hand corner. Mickelborough was soon in on goal again, beating the Bay offside trap but wasting the opportunity to secure his hat-trick shooting straight at Eason. A rare chance for Herne Bay came with five minutes left on the clock as Jamie Maxted headed just wide from a quick corner. Mickelborough was wasteful again as Guiver beat five men with an incredible run from the back before slipping in the pacey striker for an unfortunate miss. Hythe finally secured the fifth goal their play had deserved when Winfield fired a deflected corner back into the box, Guiver heading home for his second goal of an eventful night for the re-signed forward/centre-back.

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN 5 - HERNE BAY 1

There was no love lost on Valentines Day as Hythe ground out an excellent 1-0 win against an improved Croydon side. Mo Takaloo scored the winner with his second goal in as many games. Pat Kingwell and Gavin Ransley produced excellent performances at centre-back to secure Hythe a clean sheet and the three points. This Croydon side had much more of a 'Holmesdale' feel about it after recent changes in management between the two clubs. As a result Hythe came up against a side that was fitter, more organised, and with a stronger will to put in a ninety minute performance than in the previous clash between the two sides earlier this season. With the weather taking it's toll on the Reachfields pitch, and taking into account how the first half unfolded this had 1-0 written all over it. Thankfully for the Hythe faithful it was the league leaders that managed to hang onto the all important clean sheet, as well as converting the only clear chance of the first hour of this clash.

The opening stages saw both sides cancel each other out as an excellent defensive line from Hythe, and excellent pressure on the ball from the visitors led to a stalemate. Hythe were to carve out the opening chance with Ransley sending a volley over the crossbar as Croydon failed to clear a Dale Skelton free-kick. Either side of the half hour mark both teams went close from corner kicks - Kingwell flicking a Lee Winfield ball into the side netting at the near post, whilst at the other end Ryan Watts centre was glanced just wide by Tony Atkins. Next up, a debatable offside decision went in Croydon's favour, however Atkins was wasteful again, shooting wide as Kingwell just recovered. Hythe ended the first half with a Winfield free-kick clutched from danger by Tim Roberts.

Half-time saw the strength of Hythe's squad and motivation come to the fore, with whatever was said during the interval having the desired effect as Hythe came out for the second half by far the more lively side. Paul Fisk also made the telling decision to introduce Roy Guiver for Gary Mickelborough, the adaptable local man returning to the Hythe line-up on this occasion as a forward. Mickelborough's dribbling skills did not really get a chance on the tacky surface and conditions were far more suited to Guiver's excellent hold up play, that allowed Hythe to effect the game much higher up the pitch. Only three minutes into his latest debut Guiver was appealing for a penalty after turning in the box and appearing to be tripped. It wouldn't matter, as only another three minutes later Hythe got the vital first goal. Kingwell swept out from the back, before playing a good ball into Takaloo who guided his volley on the turn past the wrong-footed Roberts. 

Takaloo went looking for his second of the afternoon with a mazy run that ended with him being brought down just short of the penalty box. From the resulting free-kick Ben Sly delivered and Takaloo headed off the bar as Hythe piled on the pressure. Next up, it was Dave Cook in on goal after a quick counter-attack through Sly and Takaloo, Cook on the overlap firing across goal and just wide. Liam Whiting replaced Ben Sly for the final fifteen minutes, and Takaloo was soon benefiting from the youngster's crossing skills, going close with both a close range header and shot. As injury time loomed the score could have dramatically changed on two occasions, with Guiver flicking Whiting clear on goal only for the final shot to roll just wide. Then Hythe breathed a sigh of relief at the other end as Gareth Broome failed to capitalise, firing wide as Hythe failed to clear their lines. 

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN 1 - CROYDON ATHLETIC 0

A brace of fine goals, and a Man of the Match display from Jason Brazier was at the centre of an excellent Hythe performance that ensured a smooth passage into the League Cup Semi-Finals. Gary Mickelborough marked an outstanding first half display with a goal, and Mo Takaloo put the icing on the cake with a goal on debut to round off an outstanding afternoon for the visitors. Paul Fisk clearly identified that just one goal would make it a real uphill task for the hosts, and shuffled his pack to select a very attacking line-up. Jason Brazier and Dale Skelton reacted to positional changes by vying for the Man of the Match award, Mo Takaloo and Gary Mickelborough were unveiled as Hythe's new look strike partnership, delivering the goods with a goal a piece. Fisk would have been delighted as his side showed a marked improvement in defence, midfield, and attack which limited Slade Green to a performance that didn't match their first leg efforts.

Hythe started strongly with Brazier breaking up the play and unleashing Mickelborough's pace with immediate effect - with Ben Sly on the overlap everything opened up for Cook to receive the ball and test Daniel Burke with an early sighter. However Slade Green settled the better in the opening twenty minutes, forcing four corners that were all successfully dealt with by the Hythe defence. The home side continued to be kept at arms length by the excellent Gavin Ransley and Pat Kingwell, with Hythe going on to play their best football of the afternoon in the second half of the opening period. The warning signs were there as Dave Cook won possession in midfield before using the useful Sly to feed Mickelborough down the flank. The pacey forward was unplayable at this stage and raced away, before sending in a pinpoint cross to the back post where Takaloo and Cook accidentally clashed, as both players eagerness to head home got the better of them. Five minutes later Hythe were again winning possession high up the pitch with Sly playing Mickelborough in on goal, Burke producing a fine tip over the bar from the striker's looping half-volley. From the resulting corner Sly spotted Brazier on the edge of the box and both assist and first time shot were outstanding with Brazier driving his low strike into the bottom-left hand corner.

Hythe were pushing on with Cook going close again, heading wide from a Lee Winfield corner. The deserved second goal came ten minutes before the interval with Brazier yet again breaking up Slade Green's passing and sending Mickelborough clear on goal again, with Takaloo not too far behind. This time Mickelborough went for finesse over power with a gentle lob over the keeper to put Hythe well and truly in the driving seat. Hythe started the second half where they left off with Kingwell's raking cross met by the head of Cook, Burke again keeping the score down with a fine save. The game took a nasty turn shortly after with Aaron Jeffrey and Mickelborough receiving their marching orders for an off the ball incident. The game continued at a half-pace for long periods of the second half but Hythe would manage to regain their shooting boots to ensure the scoreline reflected their dominance.

Liam Whiting entered the fray with twenty minutes remaining and delivered a brief cameo of the style of wing-play that is fast gaining the youngster a real following amongst the Hythe support. Genuine wingers appear to be a dying breed these days, and Whiting's tenacity in the tackle followed by a determination to reach the by-line and cross is gaining rave reviews for the recently promoted Reserves team player. Almost immediately after his introduction he was doing just that, with Cook again going close with a header just wide. Suddenly two goals became four as Brazier busted a gut to get on the end of Winfield's return pass, before sending a cheeky finish into the bottom-left corner of the net. And the icing on the cake for Hythe was to follow shortly after with Whiting sending in a vicious cross that invited Takaloo to poke home a goal on debut. There was still time for Takaloo, Whiting, and lively youngster Luke Giles to miss chances to make the final score very flattering indeed, as Hythe comfortably progressed to the last four.           

FINAL SCORE - SLADE GREEN 0 - HYTHE TOWN 4 (AGG - 1-6)

Outstanding strikes from Dave Cook and Ben Sly gave Hythe the advantage in the first leg of this League Cup quarter final. Even after just a few weeks, it is clear that Martin Ford's return to the Kent League has already had a positive impact on Slade Green. The visitors delivered an excellent ninety minute performance and were probably worthy of their goal. Both teams started well in what was to become an entertaining game, Liam Whiting for Hythe and Juan Ramirez for the visitors were the most pacey and direct players on show and they both had their moments in the early stages. Whiting in particular delivered three outstanding crosses following excellent runs, the third having to be cleared off the line by the visiting defence - however Hythe were guilty of not offering the bodies in the box that those balls deserved. However the breakthrough would come for the home side, and from a reliable source - with the half hour mark approaching Dave Cook unleashed an unstoppable thirty-five yard drive into the bottom-right hand corner to give keeper Daniel Burite no chance. It was the midfielder's eighth goal in consecutive games and his eighteenth goal of the season in all competitions. 

From the restart, Hythe immediately regained possession and Cook almost repeated his feat, however on this occasion Burite was alert with a tip round the post. Four minutes later Ramirez was tumbling in the Hythe box under what seemed to be a fair tackle from Gavin Ransley - Hythe felt justice was done when Sam May blasted the resulting penalty over the crossbar. Whiting was soon down the other end again causing problems for the visitors with another surging run and cross that found Lee Winfield at the back post - however Hythe's playmaker watched as his goalbound effort was deflected wide. Winfield delivered the resulting corner and Jason Brazier should have converted, shooting wide from close range. The best chance of the game was missed just moments before half-time, with Hythe's Ben Sly winning a free-kick down by the corner flag. Winfield sent in the perfect cross and the unmarked Cook rose six yards out only to glance his header wide.

Slade Green started brightly following the restart with Ramirez weaving his way into the Hythe box before shooting across Paul Hyde's goal and just wide. Hythe were a little under pressure but a superb goal gave them a two goal cushion only five minutes after the restart. Jason Brazier received the ball into feet on the counter-attack and swiftly turned to slide the perfect pass in-between centre-back and left-back. Ben Sly timed his run to perfection, and with it all still to do, running across goal the young attacker smashed home an impressive shot into the roof of the net to again give Burite no chance. Shortly after Cook was at it again, beating two men before unleashing a shot from the edge of the box that this time Burite managed to hold onto.

Just after the hour mark Slade Green got the goal their performance deserved, Ramirez slotting home at the back post from a Charlie McCarthy cross that the Hythe defence should have dealt with. Ramirez almost brought the score level when he took advantage of a Ransley slip to create a two on one in Slade Green's favour. Firstly Pat Kingwell recovered well to tighten the angle before Hyde produced a fine stop to deny Ramirez his and his team's second of the evening. Both sides made their substitutions in the closing stages in an attempt to gain further advantage going into the second leg. Hythe were to be the stronger finishers, with Cook again testing Burite from the edge of the box with a vicious volley that the keeper could only parry. It was left to youngster Luke Giles to restore Hythe's two goal cushion, and although he did well to lift the rebound over the keeper, there was enough mud and covering defenders in the six yard box to ensure that Hythe would keep only their one goal advantage. All in all an excellent game for the neutral down at Reachfields.

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN 2 - SLADE GREEN 1

Dave Cook scored Hythe's consolation goal as they were defeated away from home by Erith Town. Despite hitting the woodwork twice and having a definite penalty not given - the real reason behind Hythe's defeat was there poor defending against the most in-form striker in the league. Marcus Cassius was the star of the show as he scored a hat-trick to take him to a tally of nineteen goals for the season. It had all started so well for Hythe when only a few minutes after kick-off a Pat Kingwell flick found Liam Whiting on the left, the youngster producing a fine cross that Jason Brazier couldn't convert at close range. The warning signs were there for Hythe when Cassius warmed the hands of Paul Hyde with a half-volley from the edge of the box. News had reached the Hythe bench that Erith were playing centre-back Dean Kearley in goal - the result was Lee Winfield being urged to shoot directly from a twenty-five yard free-kick which beat Kearley but struck the crossbar. 

Hythe were not at their fluent best but it was a shock when Erith took the lead just before the half hour. An unmarked Lee Coburn flicked a free-kick towards Cassius, who made no mistake lashing the ball home at close range. Hythe looked to bounce back with a Sam Marsh free-kick finding it's way through a crowded box and all the way to Whiting at the back post, Whiting watching his shot flash agonisingly across the face of goal and just wide. Looking back over the ninety minutes it could have been a different half-time team talk if things had been different in the closing moments of the half. With two minutes of the half remaining Brazier broke into the box and crossed to Kingwell who had his shooting chances cut out by a clear handball - it was a case of 'play on', and Hythe would have to work their way back into the game through open play. 

The second-half started brightly for Hythe with Whiting supplying Kingwell and the final twenty yard shot appearing goal-bound until deflected, Whiting was replaced by Ben Sly moments later. Winfield was again finding his range with a twenty-five yard shot whistling just over the bar, as Hythe continued to turn the screw with the arrival of the pacey Gary Mickelborough for Brazier. Suddenly, just like their opening goal the hosts had a goal out of nowhere - Marsh sweeping up for Hythe only to be surprised by the proximity of Dean Burns who struck the ball first time from twenty yards clean off the toe of Marsh and under Hyde for 2-0. Hythe thought they had a lifeline as Lee Morgan recklessly left his team-mates to do battle a man short with a crazy kick to the face of Mickelborough receiving a straight red card.

Mickelborough received treatment and was promptly involved again from the resulting free-kick with a nice volley hitting the woodwork for the second time that afternoon for Fisk's frustrated team. Bookings to several players on both sides was further evidence that a very tense game was unfolding for both sets of watching supporters. Next for Hythe was the introduction of Scott Bouvier and a switch to 3-4-3, as they attempted to salvage something from the afternoon. However, it appeared to be game over with twenty minutes to play as Cassius spun in behind a poor Hythe offside trap and smashed home to give his side an unexpected three goal cushion. Hythe continued to push for at least the one goal that their chances had deserved, as Bouvier beat three men and shot under Kearley only for another recovering block to frustrate the league leaders. Finally, the breakthrough came as the ever consistent Dave Cook headed home his 17th goal of the season from a John Walker cross. Inevitably for Hythe, they were punished for another defensive lapse as they allowed Erith to attack straight from kick-off, and the outstanding Cassius weaved his magic once again bursting into the Hythe box to complete his hat-trick with a smart finish - this time it really was game over for Hythe and the end of a very bad day at the office.    

FINAL SCORE - ERITH TOWN 4 - HYTHE TOWN 1

Dave Cook's 15th and 16th goals of the season took Paul Fisk's Hythe Town to their fifth consecutive victory. Goals from Gary Mickelborough and Lee Winfield capped an impressive win for the league leaders against a hard working Norton Sports side. With Dale Skelton serving a one match suspension and Pat Kingwell returning from his, Hythe reshuffled with Mickelborough switching to the right flank. It was that switch that led to the opening chances being created for the home side. Following good break up play from Dave Cook, a dribble and a shot from Mickelborough led to an excellent early save from Charlie Donohugh. Moments later the same Hythe man was in on goal again, this time after a good ball from Lee Winfield - with the first shot saved Cook went close on the rebound but only found the side-netting. Liam Whiting continued on the left-flank for Hythe, after being handed his first start by Paul Fisk the previous week at Beckenham. The youngster creating Hythe's next chance with a dangerous cross that only needed a touch from Jason Brazier or Mickelborough but somehow evaded both. It was all Hythe with Mickelborough weaving his way past three men and laying off to Kingwell - the final shot from the big man aimed for the bottom-right corner and only just the wrong side of the post.

Harry Goodger appeared to be the main outlet for the visitors, and the striker fired a free kick just wide from the edge of the box as Norton finally got into the game. Goodger went close again only a few minutes later with an opportunist snap-shot from inside Hythe's box producing a good save from Paul Hyde. Hythe appeared to be drifting towards half-time before a wake-up call got Fisk's men going again. Springing Hythe's usually reliable offside trap, Saber Trabelsi should have given his side the lead but ended up shooting wildly wide. Suddenly Hythe found another gear, with a disallowed goal not stopping them in their tracks. Tom Adlington crossed from the right with Cook helping the ball into the roof of the net off the top of his head. Only for the referee to come up with a yellow card for deliberate handball, a decision that mystified pretty much all in attendance. However Cook was not to be denied, firing home at close range after Brazier had gone close from a vicious Winfield cross.

Hythe continued where they left off after the restart as Winfield followed up his own deflected free-kick with a crashing goal-bound volley coming off a Norton Sports defender to safety. Suddenly the visitors had a lifeline, as Goodger curled in a lovely free-kick from twenty yards that deceived both Hyde and his wall. Hyde would have been much more happy about the excellent stop he made next from Norton Sports captain Tony Clark - a save that gave Hythe the platform to win the game. Five minutes later Kingwell did an excellent job of holding up the ball before switching the play with a sweeping pass from left to right. Brazier had to sacrifice himself with an excellent last ditch cross that kept the ball alive and sent the striker tumbling under the barrier and onto the concrete. Brazier's bravery was rewarded with an excellent finish by Cook - the midfielder controlling the cross in mid-air before turning and crashing a half-volley into the roof of the net. 

A semi-fit Buster Smissen showed that he can still be a threat and a lift to the crowd as he returned to action on the hour mark replacing Brazier. Last season's Golden Boot winner is still waiting on a knee operation, but can do little or any damage to what is simply a niggling injury that won't go away. Smissen chose to help out his team-mates due to a lack of striking options and was instantly involved in the third Hythe goal. Holding up the play well before allowing Cook to follow up and cross to find Mickelborough at the back-post, who simply passed the ball into the net. Hythe were now in the mood and eventually added to their tally to give the final score a bit of extra gloss. Winfield allowed time to pick his spot, although it was still an excellent driven shot from the edge of the box that gave Donohugh no chance.  

Final score - Hythe Town 4 - Norton Sports 1  

Hythe Town moved five points clear at the top of the Kent Premier League with an excellent three points away from home. With Pat Kingwell suspended, Scott Bouvier ill, and Buster Smissen still weeks from a return, Jason Brazier and Gary Mickelborough were paired up top for the visitors. The duo were outstanding, with Brazier in particular scoring two crucial goals and putting in a man of the match performance. With Ben Sly also away with family, Paul Fisk would have been delighted with the debut of young reserve winger Liam Whiting, who had a fine game down the left. Hythe created the first chance of the game with Lee Winfield putting Dale Skelton's corner back in the mix and Brazier hooking a volley just wide via a deflection. Winfield was soon helping out down the other end with a fine sliding tackle in his own box to put an end to a dangerous counter attack from the hosts. Michael Holder made an outstanding full stretch fingertip save from a Mickelborough half-volley as Dave Cook timed his through ball to perfection. It appeared that Hythe had won a penalty when the linesman flagged as Brazier was bundled to the ground in the box, however the man in charge waved play on and good work from Skelton, Winfield, and Mickelborough had come to nothing. As the half hour mark passed Tom Adlington made a fantastic saving tackle after Sam Marsh had lost his footing to ensure another Beck's counter attack came to nothing.

Hythe were now clearly pushing for the breakthrough before the break as a quick throw from Skelton found Mickelborough on the edge of the box. The lightning quick striker beat two men before watching his low hard shot deflected just wide. Whiting was enjoying his debut and on one useful run dropped his shoulder to lose his man on the edge of the box before supplying Dave Cook with a nice ball - the in-form midfield man driving his shot into the body of Holder. The deserved goal arrived three minutes before half-time as Brazier did a fantastic job of getting hold of a Paul Hyde goal-kick. What followed made for a lovely goal as Brazier kept himself between marker and ball before passing the ball into the bottom-left corner on the bounce. It was all Hythe and it would have been a two goal cushion for the league leaders if not for the woodwork. A nice switch of play from Skelton via a flicked header from Brazier found Whiting just inside the box - the youngster showed no nerves on his debut, smashing the ball against the crossbar with the outside of his boot, Beckenham just managing to clear their lines.

It was a vital half-time team talk for the opposing managers, one that Paul Fisk appeared to get spot on. Straight from the restart his side carried on where they left off and soon won a free-kick in a dangerous position. Winfield dropped in a perfect delivery to the back-post and Brazier simply had to force the ball over the line to give Hythe a two goal cushion within a minute of the restart. Hythe were looking to close out the game as Adlington slipped in Skelton one on one, the midfielder's final shot cleared off the line. A minute later Mickelborough was sent clear on goal from yet another clever flick from Brazier, only for a debatable offside to halt Hythe in their tracks. But the visitors were not to be denied a third goal, as early as the eighth minute after the restart, Cook rising to flick an impressive header into the top-left corner from a Skelton free-kick. It was the sixth goal in five consecutive games for the highly influential midfielder, and his 14th goal of the season. 

Cook was soon involved again, bursting onto a Mickelborough pass into the Beckenham box, before flashing a dangerous cross across goal for first Whiting and then Mickelborough to have shots cleared off the line. Hythe may have gone on to regret those missed chances as Adlington received his marching orders for a last man foul - with Hythe suddenly finding themselves on the back-foot. What followed was a fantastic defensive performance from Hythe with Beckenham enjoying increased possession, corners, and shots. Paul Hyde was outstanding making two crucial fingertip saves and showing all his experience to talk his defence though the final third of the game. Skelton dropped to full-back, and Mickelborough to midfield to both play a crucial role. Finally Brazier cemented his man of the match performance putting in a tireless effort as the lone striker to complement his brace of goals. Whiting enjoyed an impressive effort at goal that whistled just wide before Wise grabbed the consolation for Beckenham forcing an uncleared corner over the line in injury time. The ten men of Hythe, with players stepping up from the reserves, and players out of position received a deserved round of applause as they left the pitch - regardless of Beckenham's league position this fixture had looked like a huge banana skin at 2.55pm, a banana skin that was thankfully avoided with a gutsy team effort.    

Final score - Beckenham Town 1 - Hythe Town 3

Gary Mickelborough scored the fifth and final goal of the afternoon for Hythe to secure three points against Sporting Bengal. Scott Bouvier grabbed a brace, along with goals from joint top scorers Dave Cook and Pat Kingwell. Hythe could have been three goals to the good even quicker than the last time these two met at Reachfields. In the first two minutes of the game Kingwell saw his goalbound shot deflected to safety and Jason Brazier headed back across goal and just wide. Next up were Cook and Ransley who were both guilty of not converting a Sam Marsh cross at the back-post. Brazier was to go close again with a half volley from the edge of the box producing the first of many fine saves from Bengal keeper Sayful Ali, Ben Sly the provider of the chance following a mazy dribble. Hythe continued to be wasteful as Cook slipped Kingwell one on one, with the big man blazing wildly over. As the half hour mark approached, an excellent cross from Dale Skelton found the head of Sly, his looping header again bringing the best out of Ali with a full stretch fingertip save.

The breakthrough came only a few minutes later as Kingwell was inevitably dragged down in the box for a penalty. Cook waited for the dust to settle before firing home his second penalty in as many games, his third goal in successive games, and most impressively his twelfth goal in twenty-one games this season. After some bad luck in front of goal that hasn't reflected his overall contribution to games, Hythe fans had expected Scott Bouvier to fill his boots against the suspect Bengal defence - and that he did. Only a minute after the opening goal, the youngster latched onto a Ransley clearance down the left flank, pushed the last man back towards goal, and fired low and hard off the inside of the post from the edge of the box. Half-time was approaching at the wrong time for the home side as a raking pass from Sly picked out Skelton's run, the midfielder firing a low driven shot off the inside of the post....but this time rebounding away from goal. Hythe were determined to register another goal before the break - something they duly did as nice work from Bouvier and Skelton down the right resulted in Kingwell walking Skelton's cross into the back of the net (the Striker/Defender's twelfth goal in twenty-two games.) It should have been four for Hythe as the half ended with Ali frustrating Brazier again after being sent clear by Sly.

Skelton's deliveries had been a constant threat throughout the afternoon, and play restarted with one cross finding Bouvier who controlled and hit a nice volley, Ali again the man in the way. Brazier went close again with another half-volley dipping wide, and a close-range effort saved after a good combination with Sly. Next up it was Cook in on goal from an intelligent ball from John Walker, however the midfielder dragged his effort just wide. Paul Fisk introduced fresh legs in the search for more goals as Aaron O'Leary and Gary Mickelborough joined the fray - Bouvier's last involvement was to bury a Sly corner for his second of the afternoon, Brazier the other player to make way. Hythe however were struggling to find their shooting boots in the second half as Mickelborough produced another excellent save from Ali. The keeper then went on to make a full stretch save from an attempted Sly lob - with Skelton guilty of the miss of the afternoon on the rebound. Kingwell couldn't find his second goal as he controlled a Skelton cross before volleying onto the top of the bar. 

Moving into the final fifteen minutes Hythe introduced youngster Luke Giles from the reserves, who after a nervy start perked up Hythe moving forward. First the winger had a goal disallowed for apparent offside following a headed effort. However, with four minutes left on the clock Giles slipped in Mickelborough one on one with Ali, the substitute striker making no mistake firing home under the away stopper. Giles was involved again, coming off the wing to take over good hold-up play from Cook and Kingwell - the youngster unlucky not to get on the scoresheet as Ali saved his rising shot. Sly rounded off another afternoon where Bengal could have conceded double figures, with his shot on the rebound striking the woodwork for the third time that afternoon. 

Final Score - Hythe Town - 5 - Sporting Bengal - 0

It's been a tough couple of weeks for Paul Fisk and his squad - following poor performances at Holmesdale and worryingly at home to Faversham -  there has been a lot of reflection about what had gone wrong after such a strong start to the season. Supporters and management got the answers they wanted as they found themselves 1-0 down with thirty minutes to play at an ice-cold Croydon. A revamped Hythe side had already carved out enough chances to win the game, when Paul Hyde's first meaningful task of the afternoon was to attempt to save a penalty that gave the home side the lead. 

With three attacking substitutions and a belief that they could still win the game from the players on the pitch, Hythe piled on the pressure in the closing stages. Their reward was a Dave Cook penalty smashed into the top right hand corner, followed by a dramatic headed winner from the outstanding midfielder. There were some cagey moments early in the game as Hythe appeared nervous following their last two results - as well as Croydon finding themselves in a transitional period after several changes of management already this season. Scott Bouvier is one player who appears full of confidence at the moment, with his pace and skill already troubling defences in his few games since joining the club - a goal you feel will really set the youngster on his way. Bouvier created Hythe's first chance dropping his shoulder and beating his man down the right before placing his cross just behind an unmarked Jason Brazier. Moments later Bouvier was in on goal again, running onto a Craig Southen clearance - however Bouvier's ability to beat the Croydon offside trap was equaled all afternoon by the quick home keeper Tim Roberts.

Returning to the starting line-up in a forward position Brazier was involved in Hythe's best chances of the half. Firstly, intercepting a midfield pass before playing Bouvier clear on goal only for Roberts to quickly come off his line to smother again. Then with Bouvier returning the favour, Brazier watched his final shot come off the inside of the post. In the aftermath of Croydon clearing their lines the Referee's Assistant awarded a Hythe penalty for handball, only for the Referee to over-rule. The recalled striker would go as close again, as Bouvier hold-up play led to Lee Winfield playing a nice through ball, only for Brazier to see his lobbed effort saved at full stretch by Roberts' fingertips.

Hythe had ended the half looking far more confident and came out in the second half looking to secure the lead they deserved. A Dale Skelton shot was held low by Roberts following a nice combination with Southen. Skelton then produced a dangerous cross that was heading for Bouvier at the back-post only for a last minute deflection to take the ball away from the unlucky striker. Bouvier would continue to look Hythe's most likely, as he glanced a header the wrong side of the post following patient build up play by Hythe, and a quality centre from Winfield. As the hour mark approached Bouvier was fouled ten yards into the opposition half, with the referee playing advantage Bouvier was promptly tackled by one of three surrounding Croydon players. With play somehow not called back for a Hythe free-kick, the visitors were caught out by an instant ball over the top - Gavin Ransley tangling with Reggie Savage for a clear penalty, but somehow escaping without a card. Tony Atkins put away the home side's penalty at the second time of asking, following a Paul Hyde save (the first of the game by the visiting keeper). Hythe were disappointed at themselves for not helping out their keeper and not putting away their earlier chances. 

A huge thirty minutes followed for Hythe with Ben Sly, Gary Mickelborough, and Joe Neilson all introduced as attacking substitutions - Paul Fisk was not prepared to leave without the three points. However, with Croydon lifted by their lead Savage went close with a half-volley from the edge of the box. Bouvier's frustrating afternoon continued as he was sent clear on goal from a defensive clearance - aiming for the bottom-left corner his half-volley clipped off the outside of the post. Hythe were piling on the pressure, camping on the edge of Croydon's box with fierce shots from Sly and Bouvier deflected to safety. Roberts spilt a Skelton shot, and next Winfield weaved his way round three men before shooting across goal and just wide. Hythe's lifeline came on the 79th minute as Joe Neilson was tugged back in the box chasing down a John Walker cross - the Referee's Assistant this time gaining the trust of his Referee with a penalty awarded for Hythe.

A good four minutes later things died down enough for Dave Cook to step up and smash home a very impressive penalty into the top-right corner to bring Hythe  level. The only possible result now seemed to be a Hythe win - but was there enough time on the clock? Hythe were now using the pace of Mickelborough and Sly in and around the box to put pressure on the tired legs of the Croydon defence. Mickelborough flashing one cross dangerously across goal and also setting up Sly to cross to Cook - the midfielder sending out the warning signs with a header just wide. Two minutes into injury time Hythe scored their deserved winner - Sly tripped dribbling down the right, Winfield hitting a fantastic cross from the free-kick, and Cook rising to head home an excellent headed winner. Hythe are back on track with the final encounter of the season against Sporting Bengal next up at Reachfields

Final Score - Croydon 1 - Hythe Town - 2

For the first time since the 8th March Hythe Town were defeated at home in a Kent League encounter. In front of an impressive crowd of 174 it was clear that the ex-Hythe players, and ex-Hythe management now with Faversham Town, were extremely motivated and out for revenge for a 3-1 reverse at their place a month ago. Dave Cook opened the scoring  after only six minutes - however a four goal ten minute blitz either side of half-time completely took the game away from Hythe. The game started with mixed fortunes for away skipper Lee Shearer who went close to opening the scoring but was struggling to deal with new Hythe signing Scott Bouvier with his pace and drive. Ex-Hythe man Damien Abel supplied the delivery from a corner on the fifth minute with Shearer heading just over from six yards out. But within a minute Bouvier raced away from his man onto a deflected Ransley cross, rounding the keeper but sending the ball across the face of goal. Gary Mickelborough was in close attendance and did well to put the ball back in the mix, for Dave Cook to force the ball over the line and give Hythe an early lead.

Cook went close to doubling his and Hythe's tally with a speculative lob just wide from the edge of the box after good work from Mickelborough. The quality wasn't great but it was end to end stuff as Shearer was again wasteful in the air from another quality Abel corner. Bouvier was a good outlet in the opening stages for Hythe as he beat one man for skill before bursting into the Faversham box, although struggling to get his final shot away. Chances were limited with Faversham using a far more disciplined 4-5-1 than their usual 4-3-3 with Abel working hard to chase down lost causes, and Hythe struggling to get their game going in response. As the half hour mark approached Dale Skelton dropped a nice ball into right side of the visitor's box where Mickelborough was lurking, but again the shot was wasteful from a good position. Bouvier continued to be Hythe's bright spark as he again lost Shearer before crossing to Cook - the final shot scrambled away by hard-working Faversham.

Faversham were to begin to reap the benefits of their hard work as just before the break Abel chased down a lost cause before watching his hopeful driven cross spill off Paul Hyde for an unexpected equaliser. With the half-time whistle seconds away Hythe had a chance to regain their lead, but the tale of the half was wasted possession and chances as Mickelborough sent a half-volley wide from a Lee Winfield corner. It appeared to be more of the same after the restart, however the Faversham players responded to regrouping at half-time by finding a couple of extra gears that on the night didn't seem to exist for Hythe. With all due respect to Faversham, there were no tactical masterstrokes just good old fashioned hard work and desire - and they got everything they deserved with a five minute three goal blitz that shocked the home crowd. 

First Dane Luchford volleyed home an uncleared long throw, as Hythe were guilty of not being prepared for the set-piece and failing to clear their lines on two occasions. Luchford was instrumental again as he left the Hythe backline for dead before pinging a stunning shot of the base of the Hythe post, Sean Hetterley beating all in red to the rebound to give the away side a two goal cushion. Any glimmer of a Hythe comeback was gone with the final insult of their ex-striker Abel seemingly popping a Hetterley cross into the net with his arm. As the scorer looked up at the Hythe balconies - the cheeky smile as he tapped his chest said it all! It didn't matter, Hythe deserved to be another goal down after they allowed the cross run across goal and left a man they know all about unmarked at the back post. Joe Neilson and Jason Brazier were given chances to impress in the closing stages - but other than a missed one on one by Ben Sly the game turned into the inevitable training exercise with Faversham enjoying the final thirty minutes far more than their hosts. It was a disappointing and surprising performance from the home side who will now be out to prove they remain a title contender away to Croydon this Saturday..

Final Score - Hythe Town 1 - Faversham Town - 4

In their debut season in the Kent League Holmesdale experienced three defeats when coming up against Paul Fisk's side. In their second season they have played Hythe twice and achieved two wins, with the return fixture at Reachfields to come. Will the newcomers continue to surprise and match Hythe's three wins out of three from last term? Questions will need to be answered - can Holmesdale keep hold of such impressive players like Joel Greaves, Joel Hughes, and Anthony Morrison? Will Holmesdale will be able to replicate their impressive brand of football down at Reachfields? As things stand at the moment, and based on first hand experience Hythe would add Holmesdale to their list of definite title rivals alongside Erith and Belvedere and quite probably Mike Robbin's Tunbridge Wells outfit - although the ex-Hythe man has yet to come up against Paul Fisk this season.

Although Hythe failed to hit anywhere near their best form against their clearly motivated and in-form hosts, they ironically had enough clear-cut chances to have drawn or even won this top of the table clash. As early as the eighth minute Holmesdale were having to clear a certain goal off the line, Scott Bouvier prevented from scoring in his first league game as he attempted to turn in a spilt Gary Mickelborough shot. Moments later Hythe went close again as Pat Kingwell crossed to the back post where Danny Harwood saved Mickelborough's header. However the warning signs had been there on the break with the pace of strike duo Hughes and Greaves. When Hythe failed to clear their lines at the back post Steve White picked up the ball before impressively weaving his way into the box and firing low and hard into the bottom-left corner - an unsighted Paul Hyde given no chance. Ten minutes later the home side had their second of the afternoon as White picked up play in a similar position, this time hitting a driven shot that was unwittingly redirected into the net by Morrison. Although there was an element of luck to take the ball into the back of the Hythe net, they were being beaten at their own game. Anthony Morrison allowed to bomb on with little defensive duties on one flank and Steve White arriving late from deep positions on the other - a tactic Hythe have often used to their advantage themselves.

Everything seemed be going Holmesdale's way as captain Ray Tolfrey pulled back Bouvier to receive a yellow card - Hythe's latest signing only a few yards away from being clear on goal, a few seconds later and it would have been a different colour of card for the centre back. As the half hour mark approached, Hythe's supporters had their heads in their hands - Ben Sly and Dale Skelton combining well down the left, with Skelton curling an excellent twenty yard shot against the home side's crossbar. Craig Southen fired just wide at the end of another good move, however on the counter attack Morrison was clearly building up to delivering his side's third goal of the afternoon. With seven minutes of the half remaining the lightning quick left winger broke clear on goal as Holmesdale quickly switched play from right to left, with Hyde rushing out to narrow the angle Morrison kept his cool to round the keeper and slot home into the empty net.

Further evidence of Hythe's ability to create chances came on the stroke of half-time, Captain Gavin Ransley having a header tipped over the bar by Harwood from Hythe's ninth corner of the half. As play restarted John Walker replaced Craig Southen to allow Dale Skelton to move back into midfield, with Hythe pushing for that all important early goal back. Mickelborough was the first to go close, cutting in from the flank to fire a good shot across goal, the impressive Harwood tipping the ball round the base of the post. Only a minute later Bouvier superbly controlled a Hyde goal-kick before twisting to play Sly clear on goal - there wasn't a lot wrong with Sly's fierce early shot, and there also wasn't a lot wrong with Harwood's fantastic fingertip save onto the post. The longer the second half went on the more confident Holmesdale became in defending their three goal cushion - Hythe continuing to probe for a way back into the game. Aaron O'Leary and Joe Neilson were introduced to the final stages as Hythe tried everything to get back into the game. However the consolation goal was just that, as Ben Sly smashed home an uncleared O'Leary long throw to give Hythe some pride back.       

Final Score - Holmesdale 3 - Hythe Town - 1

Photos by Steve Toh

New signing Scott Bouvier injected some much needed enthusiasm to the proceedings after a defiant Sporting Bengal produced a spirited performance, to frustrate Hythe from adding to last weeks impressive tally of goals. In non-stop pouring hard rain the home side were determined to make up for the 10-1 thrashing they had received in the first leg of the this League Cup encounter. Trailing 2-0 at the interval they produced a spirited two goal comeback in two dramatic minutes before holding Hythe right up until the 85th minute. Only then, could Hythe find the goals their possession and chances deserved. Hythe looked far more likely to add to their tally following the introduction of Bouvier in the final third of the game - the striker signs from Ashford Town, where he scored an impressive 29 goals in the Kent League Division One last season. Following limited opportunities for the Ashford first team, Paul Fisk has moved to bring in the quick young striker to initially cover for Buster Smissen's knee injury.

Hythe carried on where they left off last week, with Pat Kingwell immediately making up for the previous games penalty miss with a fine opening goal after just two minutes - holding off several Bengal defenders before firing low and hard inside the post from just inside the box. Just a couple of minutes later Joe Neilson was sent clear on goal by Craig Southen, Sadique Ali making a fine low save with his foot to deny Hythe an immediate second. Hythe quickly regained possession, with Dale Skelton providing the cross for Kingwell to thump a header off the crossbar. On ten minutes Hythe had a penalty, after a Skelton cross was handled in the box - Ali was to again prevent an almost certain goal, making an outstanding low save from Dave Cook's forceful penalty. Hythe continued to run riot as Skelton produced another fine save from Ali, with Neilson scoring on the rebound only to turn round to see an offside flag. Shortly after Cook almost made up for his penalty miss with a glancing header just wide. 

As the half progressed Gary Mickelboough began to influence play down the right with a shot cleared off the line after a Skelton cross had been spilt - followed by a mazy run taking him past six Bengal players, with Neilson taking over and firing just over. Finally the second goal came for Hythe, as Craig Southen did well to break up the play and pass out to Kingwell, the striker controlling, turning, and playing Dale Skelton clear on goal with a nice through ball. The versatile midfielder who impressed yet again, this time covering the left-wing position, took full advantage cutting in from the flank before firing home from just inside the box. John Walker almost made it three for Hythe just before the break, playing a nice 1-2 with Mickelborough, but watching his final close range shot land safely in the keeper's hands.

Immediately following the restart, Sporting Bengal showed tremendous spirit to score two goals in as many minutes to haul themselves back into the game, if not the tie. Firstly Siam Uddin scored with a glancing header from Abidur Rahman's free-kick, before Hythe failed to clear another Bengal free-kick to allow Captain Nizamul Hoque to smash home from close range. Hythe were beginning to become frustrated as Mickelborough wasted a one on one chance after a Walker through ball had drawn Ali off his line. As the hour mark approached Paul Fisk made the decision to introduce his new signing to the proceedings, replacing Nielson with Bouvier. Hythe finally began to find their form again as Kingwell had a shot tipped round the post following a Skelton through ball. Skelton was soon involved again playing a nice 1-2 with Cook before Ali again made another brave save at the feet of Cook. Darren Walmsley entered the fray for the final twenty minutes replacing Mickelborough down Hythe's right flank - and was involved with ten minutes to go, meeting a Skelton corner with an excellent header that Ali had to be at full stretch to tip over the bar. 

Bouvier could have had a hat-trick in the final minutes of the game, springing the suspect Bengal offside trap on several occasions but failing to convert his chances. The highlight of the striker's cameo appearance was collecting a Skelton cross with a deft piece of skill before turning and crashing a volley off the inside of the post, the ball landing in the grateful arms of Ali. Finally, Hythe made the breakthrough as Darren Walmsley cut inside his man from the right flank to burst into the box and fire home for Hythe's third goal of the afternoon. There was still time either side of Bouvier's debut goal for Bond to have a header cleared off the line and for Walmsley to waste a glorious chance for a brace. With two minutes left on the clock Bouvier opened his account for Hythe, yet again breaking clear on goal and this time successfully rounding Ali to pass into the empty net.      

Final Score - Sporting Bengal 2 - Hythe Town - 4

A Pat Kingwell hat-trick was the highlight of an entertaining match for the Hythe faithful. With it being top versus bottom of the Kent League and best attack versus worst defence, there was always the possibility of an avalanche of goals. With the freedom of home advantage in a two leg tie, the Hythe attack most definitely enjoyed their afternoon to secure a double figure score. Hythe had the game won as early as the seventh minute as Kingwell smashed home the first of his goals after being sent clear by Craig Southen to make it a third goal for the home side in as many minutes. They had already secured the lead after five minutes as Captain Gavin Ransley volleyed home an excellent free-kick from Ben Sly. It was 2-0 a minute later, after excellent hold-up play by Kingwell allowed the big man to pullback a cross that Joe Neilson controlled with an excellent first touch before coolly slotting home his finish. A minute later it was Kingwell's goal and that was the queue for the exhibition stuff from Paul Fisk's men. As early as the second minute Hythe had a Gary Mickelborough dinked effort cleared off the line, as the home side made their intentions clear that they wanted this 180 minute cup-tie done and dusted within ten minutes!

Following that stunning start, Hythe were not prepared to rest on their laurels as play continued at a frantic pace - with shouts of 'get that ball back' following the rare occasions the visitors gained possession of the ball. Sly sent in another free-kick that Dave Cook glanced wide, before the in-form youngster smashed home a twenty yard free-kick to give Hythe their fourth goal. Moments later, Sly was on the case again, slipping in Mickelborough one on one before the striker turned winger shot just over. However, it wouldn't be too long a wait to get on the scoresheet as MIckelborough slammed home a loose ball into the bottom-left hand corner following hard work by Dale Skelton, Sly and Neilson. Kingwell had the beating of the Bengal defence, as he dribbled into the box before setting up Neilson to shoot just over at a tight angle. Hythe secured their 6-0 half-time lead a few minutes before the break, Craig Southen spreading the play nicely, to find Mickelborough, out on the flank and willing to deliver a pin-point cross for Kingwell to head home his second of the afternoon. Bengal were clearly glad for the half-time whistle but were thankful that things were not worse as Cook wasted a good position right on the midway whistle.

Paul Fisk chose to rest Dale Skelton for the second half, allowing a much needed run-out for regular left-back Mark Bond. Shortly after the restart it became apparent that Neilson was carrying a first-half knock, which allowed loyal club man, and normally assistant to the Reserves Manager Darren Walmsley a run out up-front. It didn't take Hythe long for carry on where they left off, as Mickelborough beat three men on his own before hitting a rising shot just over to spoil what would have been the goal of the afternoon. The ever-influential Cook finally got on the teamsheet, smashing home a penalty after watching his goalbound header saved on the line by a Bengal outfield player - the afternoons bizarre circumstances perhaps contributing to the fact that the offending player did not even receive a caution for his cameo piece of goalkeeping. New signing Aaron O'Leary entered the fray as the game restarted to end Cooks involvement for the day. Kingwell and Mickelborough continued to create chances for one another, as pace and skill from both troubled the visitors defence on a regular basis throughout the second period.

Moving into the last third of the game, Walmsley showed some nice skill to make room for a lovely through ball to send Mickelborough clear on goal, the visiting keeper Shamimuz Zaman for once thankful that that the final shot was straight at him. Almost twenty minutes had passed for Hythe, which remarkably felt like a barren spell on the afternoon, before the home side sprung back into life to notch up double figures. Firstly O'Leary arrowed a blast of a strike from thirty yards into the top-right corner - next came a delightful chipped shot from Sly, after Kingwell and Walmsley had worked a nice opening for the winger to burst onto and into the box. Finally, the icing on the cake for Hythe was a deserved hat-trick for Kingwell, running onto a O'Leary through ball before dribbling his way to the near post and simply passing home from close range to bring the score to 10-0! With all three substitutes used, it wasn't a major issue for Hythe that they played out the rest of the game with ten men to avoid Sly playing on with a knock.

There was still time for more goalmouth action as a bizarre penalty was awarded to the visitors, to allow Zamon Liton to fire home Bengal's one and only shot on target, from the spot. Hythe had a penalty of their own as Walmsley was chopped down from behind by Chris Bothon, who already booked, somehow managed to avoid a second yellow card when he was expecting a straight red! Kingwell missed the resulting penalty, firing into the hands of the diving Zaman. And that wrapped up a surreal yet entertaining afternoon at Reachfields......with a second leg still to come!

Final Score - Hythe Town 10 - Sporting Bengal 1

Photos by Steven Toh

Missing the spine of your team through injury or unavailability (Sam Marsh, Lee Winfield, Buster Smissen), plus having many of your squad returning from injury or seeking full match fitness - the last thing you need or want is a short trip to a local rival including five of your ex-players, and managed by your former assistant manager. However, that was the challenge that Paul Fisk and his stretched squad came up against on Tuesday night, and they passed that test with flying colours. Some different names than usual supplied Hythe with match winning performances, and several squad players (so far this season) stood up to be counted in difficult circumstances. It is always seems unfair to mention names when such a strong team performance is witnessed - however Tom Adlington at centre-back, Craig Southen in central midfield, and Pat Kingwell with Joe Neilson up-front all produced outstanding individual performances. The pick for Hythe though was Ben Sly, seemingly benefiting from a switch of flanks -  the ex-Folkestone man appears to be running into form and producing the football he showed on a months loan from Invicta last season. The winger's two goals and overall contribution on the night was the highlight of the evening for the Hythe supporters.

Hythe were the quickest out of the traps with three corners in the opening ten minutes, the highlight being the second set-piece which saw Pat Kingwell glance a Ben Sly centre off the top of the crossbar. Sly was the creater again moment later, as his cross found Craig Southen at the back-post, the midfielder missing a tap-in by a few inches. Sly was at the centre of everything, cutting in from the flank and beating two men he played Gary Mickelborough into the box. Hythe's current right winger delivering a good cross to the back-post where Kingwell again went close with a glancing header. But Sly was not to be denied, and on the 19th minute he fired an unstoppable free-kick into the top-right hand corner from all of 30 yards to give Hythe a deserved lead. The home side's best player was inevitably an ex-Hythe man - and it was Damien Able who seemed the most motivated, running at Dale Skelton before firing just wide from 20 yards. Impressive hold-up play from Kingwell led to Mickelborough bursting into the box yet again, in turn setting up Dave Cook who saw his impressive lob turned over the bar by ex-Hythe stopper Kevin Readings.

The visitors had made all of the running and scored a deserved second goal two minutes before the break. Sly clipping a nice pass down the left flank for Kingwell to run onto - the big man immediately cutting inside and leaving his marker for dust, firing low and hard into the bottom-left corner from 18 yards. However, on the stroke of half-time Faversham snatched back a goal via ex Hythe man Roy Guiver - the number nine firing home on the volley from an uncleared corner. Spurred on by that lifeline, Faversham enjoyed their best spell of the game following the restart. With Damien Able, and yet another ex-Hythe player Dane Luchford the bright sparks down the flanks for the home side, Hythe had to soak up the pressure in the opening stages of the second period. The visitors held firm and began to hit Faversham on the counter attack - firstly Gary Mickelborough testing Readings with a lob after being sent clear by Dave Cook. But Hythe were not to be denied their third vital goal, Sly starting and ending a fine move down the left with Kingwell the man to burst clear and centre for Sly to calmly pass his shot into the net from just inside the box. Darren Walmsley replaced Joe Neilson in the closing stages, and there were bookings for a couple of players for both sides - however with Mickelborough keeping the home side on the back-foot in the closing stages the points were safe, an impressive seven points from nine secured in a week of three games. A fantastic seven days for the club...................       

Final Score - Faversham Town 1 - Hythe Town 3

Coming off the back of a tough game on Wednesday night, this impressive Erith and Belvedere side caused Hythe problems in the first half. However, Hythe had enough encouragement in the first period to give them hope of rescuing their unbeaten league record. And that they did, Dave Cook capping off a second half performance from Hythe which got better the longer it went on - for the second game running delivering a unstoppable and skillful volley to make it seven goals this season for the popular midfielder. Erith and Belvedere were the quicker side out of the blocks with a varied and all action style that appeared much improved from their approach to last season. The visitors have always had access to some of the better players in the division - but now appear to have added the high-octane and high pressure approach to their game that all the successful sides in the Kent League need and have.

Although the visitors had the better of the opening exchanges, it was Hythe that had the first good chances. Cook supplying Ben Sly with an early one on one opportunity that Matt Bromby bravely saved at the wingers feet. Moments later Buster Smissen watched as his back-header drifted onto the roof of the net, with keeper Bromby stranded. Both teams appeared nervous and unforced errors were common, so a goal appeared to be around the corner. Inevitably, it was ex-Hythe forward Aiden Purseglove that secured the opener, chasing down a stunning slide pass from Joby Thorogood before rounding Paul Hyde and finishing into the empty net. The 'unforced error' was in the shape of Captain Gavin Ransley and the returning Will Dunlop colliding as they both attempted to deal with their ex team-mate's run. As a result, Dunlop already filling in for Sam Marsh, found himself injured and replaced by John Walker - Hythe reshuffling with Tom Adlington filling in with a fine performance at centre-back.

Despite the pressure they found themselves under, Hythe still managed to open the visitors up at will on the counter attack - something which may be the Dere's undoing as the season progresses. Firstly Smissen should have done better from a Gary Mickelbourough dribble and cross - before Mickelborough made a chance all for himself, beating two men before producing a stunning save from Bromby. The closest Hythe came was on the half-hour mark when referee K Stone disallowed what appeared a legitimate goal. Chasing onto a ball into the box from deep, Smissen jumped with both arms by his side and simply nodded the ball through the hands of Bromby at close-range into the net. Inevitably in this day and age, the goal was chalked off almost before it occurred. The away keeper overheard making a very honest comment on the reality of the effect of the autumn sun! Hythe continued to go close as Smissen failed to read a Kingwell pass that should have been buried, before Bromby made another brave save at the number nine's feet.

With half-time approaching, Paul Hyde in a rich vein of form, made an outstanding full-stretch fingertip save from the head of Nick Smith to keep Hythe in the game. Both goalkeepers continued to excel, as shortly after the restart Bromby made two fantastic saves from six yards out, first from Smissen and then Cook following a cross from Mickelborough. As the hour mark approached Pat Kingwell glanced a Lee Winfield cross just wide, before Joe Neilson entered the fray replacing Smissen. Mickelborough continued his impressive performance with a measured volley from twenty yards that on another day could have found its way in. Then it was Erith and Belvedere's turn to hit their opponents on the counter as Chris Hill and Jon Gallagher both wasted good opportunities. Finally, Hythe made the breakthrough as Dale Skelton delivered a deep free-kick - Cook expertly controlling the ball from twelve yards out before swiveling and driving home a volley into the bottom right corner, his second impressive finish in as many games. Paul Hyde kept Hythe in the game again with another stunning save, this time from Thorogood who weaved his way into a one on one situation only to see his shot equaled by the veteran keeper. New signing Aaron O'Leary made his debut replacing Mickelborough for the final ten minutes - a period of play where Hythe looked like they could steal the points. Firstly, a Walker cross was dummied by Neilson to allow Cook to hit a rising shot just over the bar. Finally, the away supporters had their hearts in their mouth as Neilson weaved his way in and out of the edge of the penalty box before tumbling and seeing his penalty appeal turned away. For either team to lose would have been an unfair end to an entertaining game for the neutral, between two in-form sides.  

Final Score - Hythe Town 1 - Erith and Belvedere 1

Photos by Steve Toh

Top of the league!!!!

For the first time this season Paul Fisk's Hythe hit the top spot of the Kent Premier League! Producing their finest and most fluent football of the season, they should have beaten this Herne Bay side by a greater margin. A combination of missed chances and the gifts of a penalty and an inevitable own goal forced over Hythe's goal line made things a lot tighter than they should have been in the final stages. But the reality was that the Hythe supporters and management were delighted with this impressive and flexible team performance from their players - which began with an opening goal from Gavin Ransley after 19 minutes. The Captain smashed home a ball inside the box that had been kept alive by Pat Kingwell following a Ben Sly corner. It was a deserved lead after Hythe had dominated the opening stages, with Ransley having already gone close with a header direct from a Sly corner that was tipped over the bar by Dan Eason. Lee Winfield, outstanding in a central midfield position was pulling all the strings as he combined with Pat Kingwell with a smart 1-2 before both players had a go at shooting from twenty yards, Kingwell's shot whistling just wide. Shortly after Dale Skelton, also impressive in his 'second' position at left-back, cut in from the flank before stinging Eason's hands with an angled drive. On the opposite side of Hythe's defence Tom Adlington returned to action and was soon involved with a good cross that Kingwell couldn't quite convert.

As the half hour mark approached a Skelton surge down the left allowed Ben Sly to take over from the flank and hit another decent shot Eason's way, the home stopper gathering the shot in at the second attempt. Hythe should have scored a second goal when Gary Mickelborough produced a stunning run from the edge of his own box that took him past three men - before his pass to play Buster Smissen in was overhit. Mickelborough was in on goal himself moments later running onto a smart flick from Kingwell, however the final shot was saved. Hythe were still well on top as they worked a succession of throw-ins down the line before Sly hit a smart cross that Dave Cook connected with, sending a shot rising just over the bar. Suddenly Bay were given a lifeline as Luke Harvey made sure that an almost certain own goal from Dale Skelton was forced over the line - the left-back misjudging a back header past Paul Hyde.

Hythe didn't allow an unexpected equaliser to effect them and before half-time Smissen and Cook somehow managed to miss when it seemed easier to score. Kingwell, impressive with his hold up play and dribbling skills ended an excellent half with a mazy run before firing just over. Hythe continued to create chances after the break as Adlington was allowed to come a long way without a challenge before producing a shot just wide. The warning signs for Hythe's second goal were there as Mickelborough ran clear onto another classy pass from Winfield before miscuing his shot. But Hythe were not to be stopped in their efforts to secure the points as Kingwell ran clear on goal from a poor back header, before lobbing Eason to give Hythe the lead for the second time on the night.