Further frustration at Reachfields.....

Visitors Corinthian took home the three points from Reachfields as Hythe Town's disappointing run continued. A first half close range effort from Raymond Mfon was enough to separate the two sides on the afternoon. Hythe had started in confident enough fashion with lively running from Craig Thompson and Steve Ward a feature of Hythe's play, Dave Cook and Pat Kingwell also both went close early on, attempting to convert successive free-kicks from Kieran Byrne. It was Byrne himself that really opened up the Corinthian backline for the first time, but the final shot from twenty yards was not enough to trouble visiting keeper Martyn Young. Hythe penalty shouts were waved away as Ward appeared to have his heels clipped chasing down a clearance from Kieron Mann. The hosts also hit the woodwork in the opening stages when Martin Chandler struck a volley from twenty yards that Young managed to hang onto at the second time of asking, the ball initially slipping from his grasp onto the underside of the crossbar. 

Those opening glimpses of goal would prove to be Hythe's best period of the game as Corinthian struck via Mfon - the goalscorer allowed to latch onto a loose ball within the Hythe box as the home defence failed to deal with a dangerous long-throw. Within two minutes it appeared that the scores were level again, however as a combination of Cook and Mark Bond forced Lee Winfield's free-kick over the line, the linesman's flag was raised for offside. A quick counter attack led by Sam Discorn should have led to Corinthian's second, but the striker's cross was behind both players arriving in the box, with the Hythe defence struggling to cover. Discorn flicked a header just wide at one end, before Chandler and Thopmson combined to almost get Ward in on goal, who simply ran out of pitch just as a close range goal appeared certain. Ward was involved again just after the restart after some nice trickery from Byrne took him into the box before sending in a dangerous cross, Ward heading just over from six yards. A poor second-half performance was made even worse for manager Scott Porter as he lost left-back Mark Bond to a serious injury, and Gary Clarke for a red card offence.

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 0 - CORINTHIAN  - 1  

Faversham surge ahead.....

Hythe Town lost vital ground in the race for the Kent League Premier Division Championship as Faversham claimed the three points at Salter's Lane. Tom Hickman opened the scoring for the hosts, before Martin Chandler equalised with a freak goal from distance. A scrappy second half saw ex-Hythe striker Richard Sinden scramble home the winner. Ex-Hythe man Buster Smissen got things started with an early headed chance that Kieron Mann collected comfortably, Hythe were soon down the other end with Craig Thompson forcing a corner, Dave Cook and Pat Kingwell both having half-chances inside the Faversham box. Smissen went close again flashing a shot just wide as the Hythe defence failed to deal with a clearance into the strikers path - and the end to end start to the game continued as Rob French's miscued clearance cannoned off Lee Shearer, falling kindly into the goalkeepers arms as opposed to the lurking Steve Ward. Dane Luchford and Kieran Byrne both flashed dangerous balls across the respective six yard boxes as an early goal appeared inevitable.

That goal came via the home side's captain as Hickman smashed low into the corner from twenty yards as Hythe failed to clear a Faversham long-throw. A similar chance would fall to Byrne, but the Hythe man's volley from distance flashed just wide of the post. Byrne was soon involved again as a nice one-two with Thompson set-up Cook, whose shot again just fell the wrong side of the woodwork. Suddenly Hythe were thrown a lifeline which a strong end to the first half probably warranted - Chandler's cross from the wing was too close to French, but dangerous enough to force the keeper into the mistake of catching the ball behind the goal-line. Another ex-Hythe man entered the fray as Sinden replaced the injured Luchford - a change that would have a major influence on the final score. Smissen's best moment also forced the best save of the game from Mann, wriggling into the box from the flank and flashing a fierce shot across goal that the Hythe goalkeeper did well to turn around the post with a full stretch save. 

Hythe survived going behind before the interval, as the impressive Jean-Paul Collier's corner was headed goalbound by Shearer, Mark Bond controversially heading away off the goal-line as Shearer's header crashed off the underside of the Hythe crossbar. Hythe finished the first half strongly with a quick counter-attack led by Byrne, finished by Mike Yianni slipping Ward in on goal, an excellent saving tackle from the recovering Ashley Brown took both sides into the interval all square. A very uneventful second half would follow, as Faversham secured and then comfortably protected a winning lead. Good build-up play down the right led to Dale Skelton's deflected pass finding Sinden lurking in the box for a typical poacher's goal at the second time of asking - Mann doing his best to keep the opening shot out. Hythe almost grabbed a point in the closing stages - Thompson's attempted volley almost catching French off his line, before Cook hit the post running clear on goal from Kingwell's through ball.

FINAL SCORE - FAVERSHAM TOWN - 2 - HYTHE TOWN  - 1 

Hythe come from behind as Thompson and Ward strike.....

Hythe came from behind to eliminate memories of a slow start with a goal either side of half-time. This was followed by an excellent end to a game that saw new signing Steven Ward score is first goal for the first team on debut. Craig Thompson scored the equaliser for Hythe, before becoming the reason that visiting captain Dean Kearley turned into his own net. The longer the game went on, the stronger Scott Porter's side got, with Ward scoring an excellent goal to give Hythe the two goal cushion their play deserved. A strong start to the game for the visitors was mainly down to the strength and pace of winger Kevin George, who after ten minutes slipped Adam Marsh into the box for a tight angled shot that Kieron Mann dealt with comfortably enough. Hythe were spending too long in and around their own box which led to the opening goal of the afternoon - Martin Chandler bringing Lee Morgan down in the box as he lined up a shot for a probable goal as Hythe failed to clear their lines. Morgan took the resulting penalty and slotted home off the inside of the base of Mann's post. Only a few minutes later Mann would keep Hythe right in the game with a fine save from Marsh who had escaped the Hythe offside trap.

As the half-hour mark passed, Hythe began to stir into life, a good counter-attack led by Mike Yianni ended with Byrne forcing a good low save from Tim Roberts - Hythe kept the ball in play and Yianni's speculative effort deflected just wide. Moments later a Chandler corner was met by a good header from Mark Bond, that the visitors needed to clear off the line. Again Hythe kept the pressure on with John Walker's stunning forty yard effort tipped over the bar by Roberts. Just before half-time Hythe pressure led to a deserved equaliser, Gary Clarke's uncleared free-kick forced over the line at close range by Craig Thompson for his second goal in four appearances. A much improved Hythe side came out with a strong start to the second-half, with the quality of their performance increasing as the afternoon progressed. With Roberts stranded off his line Yianni's cross was headed onto the roof of the net by Thompson, and Clarke's free-kick was headed just wide by Bond. Clarke continued to cause problems with his set-pieces as another uncleared corner fell to Kingwell whose shot cleared off the line. Just a few minutes before the second Hythe goal Mann made a fine save from Lee Coburn which would prove crucial to the outcome of the result. Hythe would take the lead from Thompson creating a goal that epitomized his man of the match performance, chasing down and catching Kearley in possession before beating the Erith captain to the ball as it spilt free. Thompson's cross was aimed at arriving Hythe players at the back-post, but deflected off Kearley's leg before it could get that far, wrong-footing Roberts to give Hythe their second goal. 

Thompson was involved again sending strike-partner Jon Driscoll clear on goal, although on this occasion Roberts was equal to Driscoll's shot. Next came an eventful first-team debut for new signing Steven Ward, who within one minute was presented with a gift of a chance following a poor clearance by Roberts. Ward's eagerness to score combined with the tacky surface led to a slip, and the chance was gone as quickly as it arrived. Ward then turned provider slipping Byrne into the box, who fired his shot against the outside of the post. Moments later Byrne returned the favour with a fine dribble and cross that was heading for Ward, only for a last ditch tackle to block a certain goal. Moving into the final ten minutes Mann continued to frustrate Coburn with a low save after the Erith striker found himself in the path of a kind deflection. Ward continued to impress in the closing stages, as following good work from Clarke the substitute striker completed a nice move by sending Thompson clear on goal, Roberts again denying a certain goal. That third goal would finally come as the excellent Clarke lost two men with a fine piece of skill, before finding Ward with the perfect through-ball. Ward shrugged off his marker before rounding Roberts to smash home the third goal that both he and Hythe deserved.

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 3 - ERITH TOWN  - 1 -  MAN OF THE MATCH - CRAIG THOMPSON

Bengal hit for six.....

Kieran Byrne enjoyed an excellent afternoon scoring one goal and setting up three as Hythe ran out as comfortable winners over Sporting Bengal. A first goal in a Hythe shirt for Gary Clarke and Jon Driscoll, Mike Yianni's fourth and fifth goals from the last three games, and a Dave Cook penalty completed the rout for the home side. The early exchanges only provided a couple of clear cut chances, firstly Cook sent a shot just over from twenty yards after Craig Thompson charged down a Bengal clearance, then following good work from Clarke Jason Hartless did well to turn Byrne's shot round the post. At the other end Keiron Mann produced a good save as a Bengal free-kick was headed goalbound by Jon Donoghue. 

Suddenly Hythe had the game won, with three goals in less than fifteen minutes - a great run and a fierce low cross from Byrne allowed Driscoll to convert at close range for the opener. Driscoll went close to a second with a volley just wide following a looping Clarke cross but the second Hythe goal would arrive shortly. A good move involving Clarke and player-coach Martin Chandler ended with Yianni being fouled inside the box as he chased down a Thompson through-ball - captain Cook smashing home the resulting penalty emphatically. Two minutes later it was three, as Hythe won a corner after a clever chip from Thompson was tipped over the bar - Byrne's corner was perfect as Clarke connected with a bullet header from ten yards. With half-time approaching Driscoll, Byrne, and Cook all sent efforts just wide or over - before Luise Adjei gave the visitors a glimmer of hope with a fine twenty-five yard effort flying in just inside Mann's post.

A slow start to the second half ended with domination from the home side - with the hour mark approaching Donoghue tested Mann from twelve yards in what would be Bengal's last meaningful effort on goal. Byrne sent his shot just wide after Clarke and Yianni carved out a chance, and Thompson hit an outstanding strike from forty yards that left Hartless stranded but pinged off the crossbar to safety. Hartless did better to save well from Driscoll, and a good move involving the excellent Cook and Clarke allowed Yianni to shoot just wide from twenty-five yards. 

Three deserved goals in eight minutes put the gloss on the scoreline for Scott Porter's side, beginning with a fine Thompson through ball sending Byrne clear on goal to touch home under the keeper from ten yards. Next came a contender for goal of the season as Pat Kingwell finally did what he has been promising to do for weeks, start a goal-scoring move from deep inside his own half. Kingwell begun by winning a tackle by his own goal-line before dribbling out with a couple of cool dummies and sending a ball forward to substitute Bradley King. The young striker rose brilliantly to send a glancing header into the path of Yianni who beat the final defender with ease and sent a cool finish rolling into the net. Yianni completed the scoring for Hythe with the easiest chance of the afternoon, Byrne chasing down a lost cause and crossing to leave the Bengal keeper stranded and allowing Yianni to pass into the empty net. Finally Yianni was guilty of missing the chance to complete a seven minute hat-trick, Hartless saving Yianni's shot after being sent clear again by the outstanding Byrne.

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 6 - SPORTING BENGAL  - 1 -  MAN OF THE MATCH - KIERAN BYRNE

Three goals in two games from Yianni.....

Mike Yianni's second and third goals in four days gave Hythe the three points against a spirited and skilful Corinthian side. Yianni struck as early as the first minute of the game as Hythe dominated the first-half. The hosts played some good football when in possession and struck a shock equaliser before half-time. Midway through a more even second-half Yianni struck again to secure the three points for the visitors. That first minute goal came via an excellent pass from Martin Chandler to pick out the in-form Kieran Byrne, Byrne's cross flashed across the box and arrived at the feet of Yianni who hit a fine first time shot with the outside of his boot that landed in the bottom-right hand corner. Two minutes later John Walker sent the lively Jon Driscoll almost clear on goal, the forward's heels were clipped and from the resulting free-kick taken by Gary Clarke, Dave Cook rose unmarked and flashed a shot just wide. With still only five minutes on the clock, Yianni combined with Driscoll whose cross was headed just wide by Byrne. A Clarke ball met by a Craig Thompson lay-off led to Driscoll sending a rising shot just over as it seemed Hythe would score everytime they went forward. Cook would go close again heading just wide from yet another excellent Gary Clarke delivery. 

As the half hour mark approached the hosts not only found their feet with some much needed possession, but also struck a surprise equaliser - Charlie Sweetman slotting home an uncleared cross from just inside the box. Hythe continued forward unfazed by the scoreline, Yianni sending a vicious cross to the near post that Thompson turned and hit six yards from goal only to be denied by Charles Thornes in the Corinthian goal. The latest Clarke free-kick was met by a John Ralph volley just wide, before an unmarked Yianni headed wide from six yards out following a Walker cross. With half-time approaching a lovely ball from Chandler was almost volleyed in by Driscoll, and straight down the other end Ray Mion miscued a good chance to volley home after slipping the Hythe offside trap. Incredibly, the scoreline would stay level even after close range blasts from Driscoll and Cook were beaten away by Thornes on two identical occasions, separated by a Thompson header just over from Pat Kingwell's cross.

The second half began in a similar vein as Yianni attempted to return the favour from his first minute goal, flashing a ball across to Byrne to volley just wide at the back-post. Sam Dixon's shot deflected into the path of Jamie Taylor, whose effort stung the palms of Kieron Mann. But with the home side growing in confidence, finally Hythe's quality got them the breakthrough - Yianni dribbling off the flank and into the box, before claiming the ball back from a miscued shot by Cook to smash home inside the base of the post. Thompson went close to a second goal in as many games, firing just wide from a Byrne corner - and substitute Bradley King set-up Byrne for a final chance to extend the lead. Hythe had secured the points and even survived a very strange decision from the referee's assistant, who saw a foul on Kingwell actually as a foul by Kingwell on the last man - Kingwell only received a booking and Hythe survived an unjust injury-time free-kick.

FINAL SCORE - CORINTHIAN - 2 - HYTHE TOWN  - 1 -  MAN OF THE MATCH - MARTIN CHANDLER

Hythe bow out of League Cup with improved performance.....

An outstanding strike from Michael Jenner left Hythe with a mountain to climb in the second leg of their League Cup quarter final. Hythe were actually enjoying the best of the possession and had made a very determined start in their quest to peg back Bay's two goal advantage. However Jenner's individual effort meant that the visitors needed three goals on the night to force extra-time. A good strike from Mike Yianni meant that Hythe had just over half the game to complete the original task of scoring two more goals without reply - however, the longer the game went without a Hythe second, the more confident this strong looking Herne Bay side looked. 

The first chance of the evening was created by young new signing Bradley King, who dropped deep to claim possession before releasing Mike Yianni down the right-hand side - Yianni found John Walker on the overlap who delivered a cross that King failed to connect with after working hard in an attempt to finish the move he started. Dan Eason had a nervy start in the Herne Bay goal, racing off his line on several occasions only to spill the ball on the edge of the box, King supplied Yianni with one chase to the ball that Eason just about got away with, as his defence hooked the loose ball away. Minutes later the same scenario unfolded with Kieran Byrne sending Gary Clarke clear on this occasion. King was looking to mark his debut with a goal, and shooting on sight he sent a looping shot just over the Herne Bay crossbar. Seemingly against the run of play, the Turner twins created a pocket of pressure around the Hythe area, and from an uncleared corner Michael Jenner collected possession and curled an excellent shot into the top-right hand corner. Hythe were not fazed, as they continued to play some good football duly receiving their award - Yianni fending off challenges from Steve Hanson and Neil Perkins before sending a slightly deflected shot looping up and over Eason from the edge of the box. Just before half-time Michael Turner hit a rising shot just over after a good move down the right. 

Ten minutes into the second-half Hythe almost got within one goal of their opponents for the first time in the tie. A Yianni led counter-attack saw the forward slip his marker, enter the Herne Bay half and appear to send King clear on goal - Perkins knew this and also knew he wasn't technically the last man as he clipped the young forwards ankles and received the expected yellow card. The resulting Clarke free-kick fell to King whose mis-hit shot got caught in the wind, Eason having to eventually tip the ball over the bar. As the half continued Hythe continued to enjoy good possession, but the Bay defence was growing in confidence as the finishing line drew closer. Another dangerous free-kick from Clarke was flicked goalbound by John Ralph, however Eason was equal with a good save. Hythe were pushing men forward and were almost caught on the counter-attack as Luke Harvey drew a good save from Kieron Mann from a one on one. Thankfully for Hythe, they didn't concede an undeserved second goal as Sam Baker volleyed wide from a late corner.

FINAL SCORE - HERNE BAY - 1 - HYTHE TOWN  - 1 (AGG 3-1) - MAN OF THE MATCH - KIERAN BYRNE

Three new signings as Hythe return to form.....

Two assists from Gary Clarke against his former club led to the goals that secured the points for a much changed Hythe side. Hythe had taken the lead after a goal on debut from Craig Thompson, signed from neighbours Folkestone Invicta. Thompson formed a new strike partnership with his fellow ex-Folkestone team-mate John Driscoll. In the closing stages young striker Bradley King also made his debut as a substitute, as Scott Porter rang the changes in his forward line allowing Pat Kingwell to pick up his excellent partnership with man of the match and goalscorer John Ralph. The home side got off to the brighter start as on ten minutes Carl Cornell was slipped into the Hythe box running across goal, Kieron Mann beating away the angled shot. Shortly after Mike Lord fired a speculative shot just over, before Tom Davey's excellent free-kick whistled pass the base of Mann's post. The visitors found their feet and carved out their first good chance after twenty minutes as Kingwell picked out Clarke's run down the right hand side, the midfielder clipping in a lovely cross that Dave Cook volleyed just wide following a deflection. Following the resulting uncleared corner Yianni fired a low shot into the side-netting but it would be some good defending and goalkeeping that would send Hythe in for the interval as the happier team. 

An outstanding block from Tom Adlington kept out Jon Pilbeam's close range effort following good work from Cornell, and Mann equaled Adlington's efforts with a fine save from Pilbeam's second attempt. With two minutes remaining before half-time Cook was adjudged to have pushed Cornell in the box and a penalty to the home side was awarded. Lord stepped up and fired a decent effort towards the top-right hand corner which Mann did brilliantly to claw away - and perhaps we had the turning point in the game. Within ten minutes of the restart a revitalised Kieran Byrne made progress down the left wing before sending in the perfect cross for Thompson to mark his debut with a goal, with a nice flicked header into the top-right hand corner. Clarke's outstanding set-pieces wrapped up the points for Hythe, just one minute later a dangerous free-kick from the midfielder was met by a looping header from Davey that sailed over Michal Czanner and into his own net - Clarke would act provider again twenty minutes later. First of all though Hythe began to really enjoy their football, Adlington finding Yianni who supplied the cross that allowed Thompson to tee up his strike-partner Driscoll to have a goalbound shot deflected just wide. Driscoll went close again holding up Mann's clearance before turning into the box and firing just over. 

Hythe almost got carried away throwing men forward as Lord had another good shot saved by Mann after a fine counter-attack, but Hythe were close to the third goal that would kill the game. Clarke sent in another outstanding free-kick and this time it was the excellent Ralph who sent a lovely looping header into the net from around the penalty spot. Wells were rattled, and Kingwell almost volleyed a Czanner free-kick straight back into the keepers goal, Driscoll going close as he chased down the home keeper in possession. The only negative point for Porter was the returning Dave Cook picking up an unfortunate pair of yellow cards to receive his marching orders ten minutes from time. With improvements at both ends of the pitch, Porter may now have renewed optimism looking ahead to the difficult challenge this Wednesday night. As his side look to claw back a two goal deficit in the second leg of their league cup quarter final against Herne Bay.

FINAL SCORE - TUNBRIDGE WELLS - 0 - HYTHE TOWN  - 3 - MAN OF THE MATCH - JOHN RALPH

Visitors take home two goal advantage in League Cup.....

As football finally returned to Reachfields, Herne Bay secured a two goal advantage in the League Cup quarter final first leg. An even first-half was followed by an impressive attacking display from the visitors in the second period of play, with two goals secured in the final thirty minutes. The early stages of the game saw both sides adjust to being involved in a competitive match again, with several late challenges and a booking for Bay's Simon Moore. The home side were at the least enjoying an even share of possession, Gary Clarke flashing a free-kick just wide from twenty yards, the best of the early chances. At the other end Robert Lawrence was causing problems, flanked by the Turner twins - Lawrence weaving into the box and firing a rising shot just over, before shooting straight at Mann after the young forward line had created another good opening.

Hythe could have taken the lead half-way through the first half, as Mike Yianni evaded two challenges in the deep before turning and sliding a lovely through ball into the path of Pat Kingwell. Kingwell, returning to the forward line after an outstanding spell at the back found himself one on one but wide - the final low angled drive was beaten away well by Dan Eason. It wasn't long until Bay were creating another good chance themsleves, Daniel Lawrence firing a dangerous cross into the Hythe six-yard box that Hythe did well to scramble away. A similar chance fell to Hythe after a lovely back-heel from Kingwell allowed Kieran Byrne to surge into the box and fire in a dangerous cross that was again scrambled clear. Half-time arrived shortly after Robert Lawrence had wasted another good chance created by the Turners. Hythe suffered the blow of returning centre-back Gavin Ransley re-injuring himself and making way for Greg Smith, also Hythe Manager Scott Porter chose to replace Lee Winfield at half-time - Buster Beaney entering the fray in central midfield and Matt Bower dropping into the defensive line to cover Ransley's injury. 

A scrappy start to the second-half finally made way to an open final thirty minutes with the visitors enjoying their best spell of the game. Beaney sent in a nice through ball that Kingwell collected in the box, beating one man to go clear on goal before a recovering defender smothered the shot. Within seconds Robert Lawrence was clear though on the Hythe goal before an outstanding tackle from John Walker robbed the striker of his chance to score, a tackle that had to be perfect as any foul would have led to a red card and penalty. A quick counter-attack led by James Turner ended with his brother Michael flashing a cross in front of the Hythe goal that Captain Tom Adlington did well to steer over and not into his own goal. Wayward finishing allowed Hythe to get away with some poor offside traps as several chances were wasted by Lawrence and Turner - but the opening goal was approaching. James Turner escaped the Hythe defence cutting into the box from the right and made no mistake to shoot across goal and into the bottom-left hand corner of Kieron Mann's goal. Hythe looked to bounce straight back with Byrne firing a volley straight at Eason after latching onto a Kingwell flick, and Bower sending a speculative drive just wide from twenty yards. With two minutes remaining a quick short-corner routine led to David Crofts heading home at the back-post to leave Herne Bay as the favourites to progress to the semi-finals.

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 0 - HERNE BAY  - 2 - MAN OF THE MATCH - GARY CLARKE

Hythe crash out of Trophy to local rivals.....

Hythe failed to breakdown a young but resolute Faversham side and therefore leave the Kent Senior Trophy at the second round stage. Current league leaders Faversham will now have the advantage of a home tie right up to and including the semi-final stage, and will no doubt be most peoples favourites to go on to lift the trophy. Things couldn't have got off to a worse start for the home side when confusion between Kieron Mann and Sam Marsh led to a routine back-header from Marsh ending up in his own net. The game could have panned out in a very different manner if not for a narrow offside decision on ten minutes. Dave Cook glanced Gary Clarke's cross into the path of Kieran Byrne, who from fifteen yards out smashed an unstoppable first-time volley into the top-right hand corner, only to spot the raised offside flag. Minutes later, Yianni was in on goal, lifting a Tom Adlington through-ball over two successive defenders before being confronted by the brave Rob French in Faversham's goal who did enough to put Yianni off for his final shot.

With the half-hour mark approaching, Yianni snatched a loose ball and made the space for Adlington to cross, Cook heading just wide at the back-post. Hythe were getting some joy down the left-side of Faversham as a nice one-two between Yianni and Cook sent Yianni flying into the box to pullback for Byrne to shoot just wide. Next it was Byrne taking the initiative taking on two men to enter into the Faversham area, the forwards cross was only half-cleared to Cook who saw his low hard shot beaten away by the impressive French. French would frustrate the home side again just moments after the restart, with a full stretch fingertip save from another impressive Byrne volley. Justin Luchford seemed confident enough to replace French with third choice keeper Joe Dart, and in response Scott Porter introduced Aiden Pursglove for Adlington, switching to an attacking 3-4-3 formation.

Dart was soon involved, clinging onto a fierce Cook strike after Pat Kingwell impressively carried the ball from box to box, Dart did well again saving at the feet of Byrne after Pursglove sent Byrne clear on goal. There was clearly going to be a goal at one end or another as Hythe threw men forward and took risks at the back, Byrne missing a more difficult one on one chance, and Craig Preston missing the chance to cap an impressive display with a goal, firing straight at Mann after being sent clear by Sinden. Hythe were straight down the other end from Mann's clearance with Yianni foiled twice in a row at close range by Dart. The game was incredibly stretched as Dave Botterill fired a volley into the side netting, before the killer goal arrived for the visitors. 

With fifteen minutes remaining a Sinden led counter-attack ended with Jack Tanner being found unmarked just inside the corner of the eighteen yard box, Tanner unleashing an unstoppable shot across Mann and into the top-left hand corner. Hythe tried their best to make a breakthrough, but in front of goal things are really not going well for the Reachfields outfit as the game ended with yet another excellent save from a full-stretch Dart, clawing Gary Clarke's curling free-kick away from what seemed a certain goal.

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 0 - FAVERSHAM TOWN - 2 - MAN OF THE MATCH - PAT KINGWELL

Yet another clean sheet for Scott Porter's Hythe Town side, but a further ninety minutes without a goal at the other end. In a week Hythe have gone from being back in control of their own destiny, to again several points off the pace. Hythe got off to a strong start with Dave Cook heading a Gary Clarke free-kick just over the crossbar, Clarke was the provider again after ten minutes with a cross from the right that Mike Yianni met with a looping volley, again just over. The best chance of the half would arrive just two minutes later as Clarke again made progress down the flank before beating two men along the byline, Clarke's pullback was met by two fierce shots from Kieran Byrne that were both blocked to safety. 

Midway through the half a John Walker cross was headed back across goal by Cook to find Ian Batten who could only screw his shot wide. The visitors were more of a threat on the break than previous opponents Deal, playing two forwards and looking pacey on the counter-attack when the opportunities arose. Jon Pilbeam's cross from the right at the end of one quick move found Nick Graham, who forced Kieron Mann into an excellent save at the back-post. Hythe were soon back down the other end and after forcing the sixth of thirteen eventual corners in the game, Clarke's cross was met by a looping header from Byrne that deflected just wide.

The best chance of the game was created by the home side as they stormed into action in the second-half. Batten and Yianni combined with a nice move down the right, before Yianni took the ball into the box and pulled back for Batten who should have done better than blazing over the bar from six yards out. As more of Porter's players committed themselves to making the breakthrough, Hythe were suddenly caught high up the pitch with Mann making an excellent save from Pilbeam after both had risen for a dangerous cross. With the game beginning to stretch and both sides finding more and more space down the flanks Hythe went close again. Lee Winfield's corner was sent back across goal by Kingwell, and Byrne was yet again frustrated by a close-range block.

As the hour mark passed, Aiden Pursglove continued his comeback from injury replacing Batten. Further Winfield corners were successfully defended, and a Winfield free-kick from twenty yard was tipped around the base of the post by Mickele Czanner in the Tunbridge Wells goal. By now Kingwell was joining Hythe's attacks on a regular basis, and young Adam Boxer was introduced as Hythe went to three at the back in the search for the winner. With the game stretched there was one outstanding chance for both sides to grab the decisive goal. Graham's quick break down the right led to a cross that picked out the unmarked Mike Lord who swiveled before wastefully shooting wide. Moving into injury-time Kingwell charged down the right before slipping Pursglove into the box, the forwards cross found Clarke who watched his goalbound effort deflect just wide, it was to be Hythe's final chance of the game.

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 0 - TUNBRIDGE WELLS - 0 - MAN OF THE MATCH - JOHN WALKER

An outstanding defensive display from local rivals Deal Town led to a frustrating stalemate for all involved at Hythe on Tuesday night. When floodlight failure delayed kick off by thirty minutes it was clear it was going to be one of those nights! The home side spent long periods camped in the opposition half but excellent organisation and some stunning saves from Paul Rogers in the Deal goal led to just one point being gained for Scott Porter's side. Congratulations must go to Kieron Mann, Tom Adlington, John Walker, Pat Kingwell, John Ralph, and now Sam Marsh - all have contributed to Hythe's run of four clean sheets that are giving their side a real fighting chance in a title race that is still bound to have plenty more twists and turns......once Hythe have finally played their games in hand!

The game started in a very physical manner with Scott Holden lucky to stay on the pitch after a sixth minute challenge on Mike Yianni, a booking was deemed sufficient for a high and late tackle from the Deal forward. After ten minutes Kieran Byrne hit a vicious looping shot from all of twenty-five yards that Rogers did brilliantly to tip over the bar at full stretch. The midway point of the half arrived with very little goalmouth action to note. Ian Batten, who had a useful game down the right flank combined well with Byrne to set-up a chance for a Dave Cook strike inside the Deal box, not for the first time that evening, a Hythe forward was tackled by two or sometimes three Deal players. 

The always useful Danny Smith sent in a curling cross that almost dropped in at Kieron Mann's back-post, but Hythe were about to miss the opportunity to take a first-half lead. Pouncing on a poor pass across the back, Byrne ran one on one with Rogers, who raced off his line and got a hand on Byrne's curling shot that was heading for the back of the net. Hythe caught Deal in possession again and led by Batten, the Hythe forward line suddenly outnumbered the Deal defence, Batten's final shot deflected wide. Ex-Hythe striker Mo Takaloo went close with a double header from Smith's corner but Mann was equal to his efforts and Hythe were soon down the other end on another quick attack. The best move of the game, with over fifteen or so passes from the Hythe midfield led to Batten being released down the right - Batten's cross was aimed for Cook but yet again the tackles flew in, from the resulting loose ball Yianni hit a first time volley into the grateful arms of Rogers.

Shortly after the restart, an excellent run from Byrne won a free-kick on the edge of the box - Yianni's superb free-kick was again equaled by Rogers tipping over the bar again. Yianni went close again, following good work by Gary Clarke to take him past two men before a lovely through ball sent Yianni clear but wide with his early lob going over. With less than twenty minutes remaining Byrne sent Cook one on one with Rogers - a stumble from Cook and the chance was gone. Surprisingly, Hythe were awarded a free-kick which Cook picked himself up to thump against the base of Rogers post. Hythe were pushing with Cook sent one on one by Winfield, Rogers quick off his line to clear the danger and then Cook again with a volley just wide. The introduction of Aiden Pursglove making his return from injury gave Hythe extra pace in the final third and moving into injury-time Rogers kept his best save until last. Clarke slipped into the box down the left and shooting across goal, only for an almost certain winner to be palmed into the air.....and into the path of a Deal defender to clear the danger.    

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

Mike Yianni made it six goals in seven games since re-signing from neighbours Folkestone Invicta, as Scott Porter's Hythe Town side made it three wins and three clean sheets in a row. Nine goals have flown in during those three games, yet it is Hythe's new found defensive steel which has been the most pleasing aspect of their performances. Next up, it is a home derby match with Deal this Tuesday night - another win is vital to ensure all the good work of the last three weeks isn't undone. Hythe got off to a dream start, winning a corner that Lee Winfield dispatched to the back-post, Pat Kingwell doing the rest with a stooping header to notch his tenth goal of the season. Home dangerman Elstrom Die almost created a goal out of nowhere with an overhead hooked shot that thumped against Keiron Mann's post. Kieran Byrne appeared to have won a definite penalty having his boot clipped running across the penalty box, although the referee disagreed with an incorrect caution for simulation. Hythe were looking likely for a second as Dave Cook took over from a Yianni dribble to fire a low hard shot that was turned around the post by Adam Lisney. The second goal arrived for Hythe, as pressure high up the pitch led to Cook winning possession and flicking the ball to Byrne, Byrne's first-time pass split the Fisher centre-backs and Yianni did the rest smashing home a half-volley into the top-right hand corner.

Only a minute after Hythe's second goal it was almost three, Ian Batten twisting and tuning down the right before delivering the perfect cross, Lisney doing brilliantly to tip Cook's bullet header over the bar at close-range. As the half-hour mark passed Yianni was denied what would have become an eventual hat-trick, smashing home after latching onto a loose pass, but adjudged offside in the build-up. Patient build-up from Hythe led to Tom Adlngton finding Cook's run into the box, Hythe's current top-scorer unable to toe-poke his shot the right side of the upright. More dangerous play from Yianni led to George Savage hooking the forwards cross off the goal-line with Byrne and Cook lurking, from the resulting corner Kingwell sent his shot just over as the home side failed to clear their lines. Hythe's midfield was running like a well-oiled machine, and after another high quality build-up Adlington and Batten played a lovely one-two that sent Adlington into the box. the captain was bundled off the ball but the ball fell invitingly to Cook, who lurking twenty yards from goal sent his eleventh goal of the season looping into the net. The half ended with more of the same for an impressive Hythe side as Adlington's cross found Yianni at the back-post, who fired his shot across goal but just wide.

Ten minutes after the restart a good move involving Kingwell and Gary Clarke supplied Cook with another shooting opportunity, Lisney palming Cook's shot onto the base of the post with Clarke firing the rebound over. A lovely through-ball off the outside of Yianni's boot sent Byrne clear on goal but at a very tight angle, Byrne's shot was low and on target but Lisney was equal with another good save. With twenty minutes remaining Scott Porter introduced new signing from Whistable, Greg Smith, it wouldn't be long until Smith would make a positive contribution to his new side. Slotting in on the right of midfield Smith played Yianni into the box, Yianni did the rest with an unstoppable driven shot, low across goal and into the bottom left-hand corner. Ahead of Tuesday's vital clash with Deal, Clarke and Cook were replaced by Adam Boxer and Martin Chandler. In the closing stages, Rafael Akala flashed a header across goal but wide leaving Hythe to enjoy another clean sheet and three more points as their league campaign finally begins to build some momentum.

FINAL SCORE - FISHER - 0 - HYTHE TOWN - 4 - MAN OF THE MATCH - MIKE YIANNI

Dave Cook struck for Hythe during an impressive first-half performance away to Beckenham. It was a case of role reversal in the second half as Beckenham realised their physical approach was getting them nowhere, changing style to play some very good football that the Hythe defence did an excellent job of dealing with. In the end, it was the clean sheet that won the game for the visitors. Hythe had their game-plan altered as early as the third minute, as Ian Batten was on the receiving end of a studs up challenge from Danny Lawson, that incredibly went unpunished other than a free-kick. Matt Bower replaced Batten in the Hythe midfield, who would later be replaced by Martin Chandler, both doing an excellent covering job on the day. Despite the early setback Hythe started well with John Ralph heading against the base of the Beckenham post from a Lee Winfield corner, the same combination worked again three minutes later, on this occasion Ralph heading just over. John Walker picked out Mike Yianni who beat his man before sending a curling shot just over the bar, as Hythe cranked up the pressure down the flanks via Kieran Byrne and Gary Clarke.

Hythe won a third corner of the half that was only half cleared by the Beckenham defence, Bower sending a rising drive just over from the edge of the box. Midway through the half Gary Gorman amazingly remained on the pitch following two incidents that occurred within five minutes of each other. Firstly, the striker was booked after one poor challenge too many, before five minutes later taking out Keiron Mann in the Hythe goal with a very late challenge that sent the keeper flying in the air well after he had comfortably gathered in the ball. The decision not to book the player for the second time simply led to it being open season on the Hythe keeper, unsurprisingly Mann was completely taken out a second time less than ten minutes later. To rub salt in the wounds, on this occasion the challenge was deemed a caution for Charlie Hearn, who funnily enough wasn't already in the book.........

To Hythe's credit they didn't react or become involved with what was going on and continued to play excellent football. Clarke sent in a good cross from the left that was met six yards from goal by a Dave Cook header, tipped brilliantly over the bar by Nick Blue. A Cook lay-off found the in-form Walker who beat his man before firing in a scorcher of a shot from twenty-five yards that was again tipped over by Blue. On the stroke of half-time Hythe gained a deserved lead, Yianni taking a clever quick free-kick from the edge of the box which surprised both keeper Blue, and the whole Beckenham defence who were nowhere near Cook as he buried the spilt rebound for his tenth goal of the season. 

Beckenham started the second-half strongly as George Belchamber's free-kick deflected just over the bar, Durannd Jemmott and Jamal York both started as they intended to carry on with some excellent wing-play that began to put pressure on the Hythe back-line. York's rising shot from the flank was turned up and over the bar by Mann, and Hythe were living off scraps at the other end of the pitch with Byrne's shot stinging the palms of Blue at the end of a rare counter-attack. Outstanding defending, hard-work and commitment got the visitors into a winning position moving into the final twenty minutes, but there was a scare as Danny Gorman headed just over from a corner that the home side were very surprised to be given. With fifteen minutes remaining Hythe appeared to have the points in the bag as Yianni was dumped inside the box after beating two men in succession, however the man in black had other ideas somehow spotting a foul from the dribbling Yianni. At the other end Mann refused to be beaten with an outstanding double save, first onto the base of his post with his feet from Anthony Weir's low drive, and then at full stretch clawing away Gary Gorman's curling shot as the net seemed certain to bulge. It was the boost that Hythe needed as they seemed certain to hold onto their clean sheet, which coupled with their excellent play in the first-half, sent those from Hythe home with smiles on their faces.

FINAL SCORE - BECKENHAM TOWN - 0 - HYTHE TOWN - 1 - MAN OF THE MATCH - JOHN RALPH

Scott Porter took advantage of the 'friendly' visit of Canterbury City to Reachfields, making four changes from the impressive win over Holmesdale. Kieran Byrne and Mike Yianni were on the scoresheet for Hythe, who came up against old team-mates Paul Hyde, Craig Southen, and the goalscoring Liam Whiting. Buster Beaney, Matt Bower, Graham Porter, and Ian Batten came in to cover rested and unavailable players. Hythe played some decent football and on another night could have scored a hatful as both sides enjoyed a run-out following recent postponements due to the bad weather.

Yianni opened the scoring on ten minutes, heading home Byrne's inswinging corner at the near post. It only took four minutes for Canterbury to hit back as Whiting caught Bower in possession to run clear on goal and pass home into the bottom-left hand corner. Another four minutes passed before yet another goal as excellent build-up play involving all of the Hythe midfield, led to a lovely through-ball from Lee Winfield picking out John Walker on the edge of the box. Walker's cross from the right was perfect for Byrne to stoop and head home to regain the lead for the home side. Ex-Hythe goalkeeper Hyde was quick off his line to claim the ball as a lovely one-two involving Yianni sent Batten clear on goal, and moments later Porter should have headed home at the back-post from another Byrne corner. With half-time approaching there were successive one on one chances for Dave Cook who mis-controlled when sent clear, and Walker who robbed the last man of possession but saw his low shot blocked by Hyde.

Moving into the second-half Canterbury struck an equaliser after a debatable offside decision offered a clear run on goal. Hythe looked to strike back as Yianni and Cook produced a nice move to send Cook clear on goal with the eventual shot hooked off the line. The final half-hour saw substitute Adam Boxer almost score with his first touch for the second game running, however this time the youngster could not control his shot after a Byrne flick sent him clear. In the final stages, Sam Marsh, returning from injury sent a nice through-ball into the path of Byrne, with Boxer unable to convert Byrne's scuffed shot at the back-post. Finally, Cook watched as his strong header was turned round the post by Hyde, following a good cross from Beaney.

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 2 - CANTERBURY CITY - 2  

Mike Yianni's fourth goal in five games rounded off a fine performance from Hythe Town, that went some way to make up for last weeks shock home defeat against Norton Sports. As promised, Manager Scott Porter rung the changes and reaped the benefits. Club captain Tom Adlington, Dave Cook, and Kieran Byrne all returned to the starting line-up. John Ralph made his debut in defence alongside Pat Kingwell, in a new-look centre-back partnership that secured a long awaited first clean sheet in over two months. Midfielder Ian Batten also made his debut as a second-half substitute, as did seventeen year old Adam Boxer who produced the highlight of the afternoon, scoring with his first ever touch as a first-team player. Kieran Byrne and Dave Cook were the other goalscorers, with Lee Winfield picking up the man of the match award.

After fifteen minutes Hythe should have taken the lead, Yianni finding John Walker out on the flank who fired in a perfect cross that flashed across the Holmesdale six yard box, only just evading a decisive touch from Cook. Moments later a lively looking Yianni pushed the visiting defence back with a surging run, the ball broke to Byrne who fired a twenty yard shot just over the bar. A Byrne corner was met by a header from Ralph that had to be hooked off the line, before Hythe took a deserved lead. As Holmesdale failed to clear a long throw-in from Adlington, an attempted clearance was charged down by Byrne and ended up in the back of the net from six yards out. As the half progressed, Hythe were in complete charge, as Kingwell's aerial ability and Ralph's pace snuffed out any Holmesdale attacks, and with the assistance of Gary Clarke, Winfield's ability to start attacks from deep kept Hythe well in control. 

Byrne went close again as he got behind the Holmesdale defence several times only to be stopped in his tracks by some tight offside decisions, and with the clearest one on one, simply getting the ball stuck under his feet at the crucial moment. With half-time approaching Clarke played a lovely through-ball that sent Walker clear on goal, the impressive Chris Arnold quick off his line to keep his side in the game going into the break. Two key injuries in the Hythe back-line, and probably a heated half-time for Holmesdale saw the visitors enjoy their best period of the game. Disrupted by injuries to full-backs Adlington and Bond, Hythe held on as several good chances came and went for the team chasing the equaliser. Martin Deborah's shot deflected dangerously before being parried by Mann and hooked clear by Kingwell. Jason Thopmson met a curling free-kick at the back-post but could only head into the side-netting, before moments later the same player watched his low driven shot turned round the post by Kieron Mann. Hythe had stuck together as a team, and rode out a sticky spell with their clean sheet still intact - probably the most rewarding fifteen minutes of the game for Porter.

Moving into the final third of the game it was a question of if and when the home side would score again to secure the points, as Holmesdale possibly sensed their chance to get back into the game had passed. Byrne showed some impressive strength to hold up play on his own, before firing another long-range effort just over the bar. Clarke sent Yianni one on one with Arnold, but Arnold was equal to Yianni's confident early strike, tipping over a fierce dipping shot from the edge of the box. Probably Hythe's best passing football of the afternoon led to a Clarke through-ball being flicked into the path of Cook, who was booked for his challenge on the keeper, despite almost slipping the ball under Arnold with the end of his toe. Cook's free-kick deflected over, an unmarked Yianni headed wide and moments later shot straight at Arnold, before Arnold again foiled Byrne saving a close-range header - it appeared that Hythe have to settle for a 1-0. 

However three outstanding goals in five minutes put the gloss on the victory that the home sides efforts had deserved. Firstly a Byrne corner was intelligently played back into the six yard box by debutant Ralph, Cook doing the rest with his ninth goal of an ever-improving season. Next up was a lovely moment for local lad Adam Boxer who after being on the pitch for just one minute, raced away from the Holmesdale defence onto a outstanding ball from Clarke, before driving the perfect angled shot under the advancing Arnold to score with his very first touch for the first team. One more minute passed before Yianni was sent clear on goal by Beaney, with a three goal cushion Yianni only had one thing on his mind as he dribbled around Arnold to walk the ball into the net and bring back memories of his previous spell in a Hythe shirt. There was still time in injury-time for Byrne to miss a tap-in as Clarke's cross was whipped across the six yard box.           

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 4 -HOLMESDALE - 0 - MAN OF THE MATCH - LEE WINFIELD  

A second half equaliser from a Lee Winfield spot-kick seemed to be setting up Hythe Town for the platform to push on to victory. However, Norton completed an impressive performance with a winning goal to leave Hythe well off the pace in the title race. Hythe started the game strongly, winning three successive corners within the first three minutes, although each was successfully defended by the visitors. The first third of the game would be crucial, as Norton's strongest period in the game and probably Hythe's weakest. A quick counter attack from Norton was only half dealt with by the Hythe defence before Ashley Baverstock was slipped into the box down the left, Kieron Mann equal to Baverstock's angled drive with a fine block. The warning signs had been coming for Hythe as countless free-kicks and throw-ins were conceded in dangerous areas of the pitch, with the home side inevitably conceding from an arrowed free-kick, Ryan Rook firing into the top-right hand corner from twenty yards.

Either side of half-time Hythe enjoyed a better spell as Mike Yianni stirred into life with some dangerous play mainly down the left-hand side of Norton. Pushing his marker back Yianni cut in from the flank to play Pat Kingwell in on goal, only for an excellent recovering block to arrive just as Kingwell fired in a shot on target. Moments later Yianni was involved again, playing John Walker in on the overlap to fire a dangerous cross across the face of the Norton goal, with only a touch required to force the equaliser. Walker went close himself, heading onto the roof of the next from six yards out after a vicious Mark Bond cross deflected into the air off a Norton defender. With two minutes of the first-half remaining Reachfields roared, only to see a certain goal hooked clear off the line. Yianni again with the assist, this time a cross to the back-post where Kingwell headed back across goal, beating goalkeeper Chris Smith, but not the last man of the Norton Sports defence.

Two minutes after the restart a Lee Winfield free-kick was headed just over the crossbar by Kingwell as Hythe cranked up the pressure. The breakthrough came just seven minutes into the second-half as a nice pass from Buster Beaney found Gary Clarke turning to shoot on the edge of the six-yard box. An outstretched arm pushed Clarke to the floor, and Winfield stepped up to stroke home the inevitable penalty. Hythe appeared to ease off the moment they equalised and were duly punished as Norton retook the lead within ten minutes. Scott Appleton's cross from the right finding the unmarked Tony Clark who from just inside the eighteen yard box glanced a lovely header that clipped off the inside of Kieron Mann's post and into the back of the net.

With just over twenty minutes remaining Scott Porter introduced the returning from injury, club captain Tom Adlington. Hythe switching to three at the back and pushing Buster Beaney into midfield, which meant that Hythe's 3-5-2 matched up to their opponents formation for the first time that afternoon. The extra man in the centre of the park helped Hythe build some pressure, but Hythe failed to convert the chances that came their way. Appleton was guilty of missing an open goal as Mann made probably his one and only mistake all season, spilling a cross into the wingers path. Kingwell's flick sent Yianni clear on goal but wide, the striker rounding keeper Smith but watching his goalbound shot deflected to safety. Yianni seemed to be the most likely for Hythe as he swiveled on the edge of the box to shoot just wide, and moments later Kingwell's close range shot was blocked yet again as Yianni continued to try and create something for the home side, with time fast running out. With just a couple of minutes remaining Hythe almost had their equaliser from the most unlikely of sources, Matt Bower bursting forward to fire a half-volley towards the bottom-right hand corner, Smith palming the centre-back's surprise shot round the post. Hythe's afternoon ended in further frustration as Buster Beaney saw red in the closing stages for dissent.     

Match Photos - CLICK HERE

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 1 - NORTON SPORTS - 2 - MAN OF THE MATCH - JOHN WALKER  

Mike Yianni scored his third goal in as many games since returning to Reachfields, to send his side through to the next round of the League Cup. Yianni produced a fine solo effort from distance, which along with Dave Cook's fourth goal in five games sent Hythe through 5-2 on aggregate. Manager Scott Porter had asked in his programme notes for a professional performance to send his side into the next round of the League Cup. Although Reachfields witnessed a poor second-half, due to the game effectively becoming a dead rubber, his side finished the tie off with an impressive first-half performance. In the opening stages the Hythe supporters saw glimpses of the potential of the new strike partnership of Pat Kingwell and Mike Yianni, both players are versatile enough to play in several positions but their pairing in the forward positions means that probably Porter's two most skilful players are playing in the most dangerous area of the pitch. Yianni created Hythe's first attack with a cute lay-off on the break to allow Kingwell to take over and surge from one half to another. Yianni busted a gut to catch up his fellow striker and after being played in on the overlap, watched his curling shot deflected by a recovering Wells defender and turned over the bar by Mickelle Czanner. Czanner has a scare from the resulting Lee Winfield corner, almost dropping the ball into his own net in the wet conditions.

Kieron Mann was back in action between the sticks for Hythe, and was soon involved tipping a Wells free-kick onto the base of the post and smothering the follow-up from Mike Lord. Hythe were quick to break on the counter from Mann's clearance with Yianni and Kingwell again leading the way, on this occasion Kingwell was dumped on the edge of the box and Winfield's resulting free-kick was deflected to safety. Hythe were looking likely and made the breakthrough with a trademark Yianni goal, the kind of solo effort that first led to attention from the likes of Maidstone United when the Ryman side used to do battle with Hythe in the Kent League. Following an Adam Hooper throw-in, Kingwell laid the ball off smartly for Yianni just inside the box. swiveling to avoid one tackle, the forward slipped but cleverly kept the ball at his feet to regain his composure, dribble past two defenders along the edge of the Wells box, and smash home into the top-right hand corner to give Czanner no chance. Minutes later Hythe thought they had doubled their lead, Hooper's free-kick touched on by Winfield and then Kieran Byrne who landed the ball in the net only to spot the offside flag raised.

On the half-hour mark Mann's goal-kick found its way all the way to a clear on goal Kingwell, however with his back to goal and defenders recovering it was necessary to lay the ball back to Cook, who drove his fierce shot just over the crossbar. Just two minutes later Kingwell was providing the assist again, with a clever through-ball to send Cook one on one with Czanner, however the final shot would be dragged wide. Hooper, giving Hythe good balance on the left, slipped his man and then sent Kingwell into the box with a nice pass, yet again it was Cook and Kingwell combining to go close, as Kingwell's cross was just a tad too high for the unmarked Cook lurking at the back-post. Another quick Hythe attack down the right led to Yianni switching the play to Kingwell at the back-post, again the goal seemed certain, but the lay-off to Hooper on the penalty spot was whipped away just as the winger seemed certain to open his account in a red shirt. After all the attractive football, the second Hythe goal actually came from a fairly simple source, as Buster Beaney sent in an excellent free-kick from deep and Cook lost his man to finally hit the back of the net with a bullet header. Within two minutes Tunbridge Wells struck back, as Hythe relaxed, the away side took their chance, first going close with a Lord smash brilliantly caught in mid-air by Mann, the keeper doing well moments later to turn Benji Agana's low shot round the post. From the resulting corner, Hythe failed to clear their lines, and one chance too many fell to Lord who smashed home into the top-right hand corner, the excellent Mann still getting his fingertips on what was an unstoppable shot.

A disjointed second-half began with a couple of early substitutions as the injured Matt Bower and Adam Hooper were replaced by Gary Clarke and John Walker, the centre-back injury list now so long for Hythe that Cook ended the game at the back (before going off injured!) The half had opened with a Beaney through-ball, intelligently left by Kingwell, sending Cook one on one with Czanner, who again made a good save to keep the score down for his side. Walker should have scored with his first touch as he smashed over a Kingwell cross from just six yards out, whilst at the other end Mann was kept busy tipping over a good Alex Rich shot from distance. The excellent Czanner continued to get his side out of jail as he again saved a one on one, on this occasion it was Kingwell latching onto a Walker pass. Moving into the final ten minutes a nice move started by Byrne, moved across the Wells box via Kingwell and Yianni, to the unlucky Walker who again missed a rare chance to get on the scoresheet, on this occasion shooting just wide. Jon Pilbeam looked certain to equal the scores on the afternoon, only for Mann and Cook to combine to block his effort after the substitute originally ran clear on the Hythe goal, it would be that challenge that led to Cook's injury. Porter will be happy that his in-form captain has actually timed picking up a minor knock with the week he serves a one-game suspension, this Saturday at home to Norton Sports.

Match Photos - CLICK HERE

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 2 - TUNBRIDGE WELLS 1 - MAN OF THE MATCH - MARK BOND  

Dave Cook struck a goal in each half, either side of Mike Yianni's second goal in as many games, as Hythe took a two goal lead back to Reachfields. The second leg of this League Cup 1st round tie will take place this Saturday 24th October, and Scott Porter will be hoping his side finish the job in professional fashion to book their place in the next round. The manager would have been pleased that his side bounced back to form as regulars and squad players combined to produce a strong performance at a ground they have regularly struggled at in seasons gone by.

Impressing in the centre-forward position, Mike Yianni got things started for Hythe as his impressive surge pushed Steve Ashmore back before the forward unleashed a fierce driven shot that Mickelle Czannar could only parry. Man of the Match Cook got his excellent afternoon underway by forcing the ball over the line to give Hythe an early lead. Czanner was more relieved to deal better with Yianni's next shot from the edge of the box as he turned a good low shot around the base of the post. Tunbridge Wells struck back with a surprise equaliser just seven minutes after the Hythe opener, as Mike Lord struck a sweet volley under Tony Allen directly from a Matt Bower clearance header, after Wells had sprung a good counter attack down the right. Allen, making his first team competitive debut following promotion from Hythe's successful under 18's set-up, had an otherwise excellent afternoon.

It wouldn't take much longer before Hythe regained the lead with probably the best move of the game. As Hythe broke on the counter Yianni swiveled to send Kieran Byrne clear down the right-hand flank, Byrne waited for back-up from Buster Beaney before a perfect one-two sent Beaney clear into the box. The versatile Beaney, who has probably given Porter a headache after impressing at right-back, delivered the perfect low cross to allow Yianni to both start and finish the move with a first-time close-range finish. Dean Chamberlain should have done better than blazing over after Alex Rich provided a useful pass into the right-hand channel to allow a shooting opportunity. But mainly it was further pressure from the visitors as Mark Bond and Pat Kingwell volleys went wide from successive Lee Winfield corners. More nice football from Yianni, Kingwell and Byrne sent Yianni clear on goal, only for a debatable offside decision to restrict Hythe to a one goal lead going into half-time.

Two minutes after the restart, Hythe should have extended their lead as Byrne provided the perfect through-ball to send Kingwell clear on goal. With only Czanner to beat Kingwell nicely rounded the keeper, but his next touch took him wide of goal and Wells cleared his angled shot away for a corner. Again, Winfield's corner was perfect as Guiver headed back across goal and Bond headed into the grateful arms of Czanner. Wells wasted the opportunity to get themselves back in the game as Lord slipped the Hythe offside trap, Allen made himself big and Lord's shot crashed off the underside of the bar and away to safety. The goalmouth action was coming thick and fast as Hythe were harshly denied a third goal, and Cook what would have been an eventual hat-trick - Cook's header slipping through Czanner's hands but the goal not given due to a alleged foul on the keeper.

The game then took a breather as following a head-clash, lengthy treatment was required for both Roy Guiver and Beaney, Guiver able to continue, but Beaney replaced at right-back by ex-Wells man Gary Clarke. Once play had restarted Byrne did well to set-up Kingwell for a low twenty-yard shot that Czanner was equal to, as Hythe pushed for the crucial third goal. It wouldn't take long to come, Clarke's free-kick uncleared by the Wells' defence, and with Cook swiveling to shoot six yards from goal the midfielder's heels were clipped from behind and the penalty was given - Cook smashing the resulting spot-kick into the top-right hand corner of Czanner's goal. Moving into injury time, Hythe could have extended their lead with a lovely one-two move between Kingwell and Byrne allowing Byrne the chance to shoot but the final shot was just over. Byrne then provided the final chance of the game with an overhead kick to send substitute Scott Punton one on one with Czanner, Punton lobbing the home keeper but unlucky to watch his shot fall just wide.

Match Photos - CLICK HERE

FINAL SCORE - TUNBRIDGE WELLS - 1 - HYTHE TOWN 3 - MAN OF THE MATCH - DAVE COOK  

Mike Yianni made a goal-scoring return against Deal after signing from Folkestone on dual registration forms. Also making their debuts were centre-back Matt Bower from Ashford Town, and attacking midfielder Ben Brown on loan from Ramsgate, Scott Porter moving swiftly to deal with a spate of injuries within his squad. With Yianni and Bower in the starting XI and the usual high standard from Deal whenever their neighbours pop over, Hythe went into the break 0-0. The second-half was a different story as Scott Porter's array of forward talent clicked, and with the addition of Brown the breakthrough came via a Yianni strike. Hythe will be disappointed that Deal struck back from a quickly taken set-piece, but pleased that their second-half efforts mean their exploits in the F.A. Cup and Vase are now firmly behind them.

Yianni was involved with Hythe's first chance of the game as he released Kieran Byrne on the counter-attack, who in turn played a sweeping pass into the path of Pat Kingwell. With the Deal defence stretched, Kingwell sent a curling shot just over of former Hythe goalkeeper Paul Rogers' goal. Kingwell went close again minutes later, Rogers' collecting Kingwell's volley after good work down the left from Byrne, and with Tom Adlington suspended, captain for the day Dave Cook. Kieron Mann made the first of two outstanding saves tipping over Scott Holden's point-blank range shot, following an uncleared cross from the always impressive Danny Smith. Another ex-Hythe man, Mo Takaloo, sent a dangerous cross into the Hythe box that deflected kindly into Holden's path - both sides sharing the luck as Holden's shot cannoned off the crossbar. Yianni fired in a warning halfway through the first-half, running onto a Mann goal-kick and flashing a volley just wide, but it was all square at half-time. 

Hythe came out for the second half a different side, pinning Deal back for long periods in the lead up to the opening goal. Yianni was dragged down from behind after a quick counter-attack move involving Kingwell that threatened to send Yianni clear on goal. Lee Winfield sent Byrne down the left to push defender Josh Davidson right back to the edge of his own six-yard box, Hythe failing to convert Byrne's dangerous close-range cross. Kingwell's cross was headed just over at the back-post by the late arriving Byrne who would shortly be replaced by debutant Ben Brown. Brown's direct running allowed Hythe to build further pressure on the Deal goal, and five minutes after the substitution the breakthrough arrived. Brown's corner was only half-cleared, Joe Bullard finding Kingwell lurking inside the box - Kngwell spinning off his man and crossing to Yianni who following a fine save from Rogers, made no mistake with his second strike to give Hythe the lead.

Mann kept his side in the lead with a excellent low fingertip save, following an instinctive swivel and shot from Takaloo. Hythe attempted to double their lead as Kingwell laid off smartly for Brown who fired a curling shot just wide from the edge of the box. However, only a minute later the hosts were level, Hythe failing to stop a quick free-kick and allowing an unmarked Holden to head home at the back-post. A nervy final fifteen minutes passed before in the final minute of the game Hythe missed a golden chance to secure the three points. Lee Winfield sent a dangerous free-kick into a crowded area, but Cook couldn't keep his shot down at close-range to allow Deal a share of the points.

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FINAL SCORE - DEAL TOWN - 1 - HYTHE TOWN 1 - MAN OF THE MATCH - KIERON MANN  

A 'Man of the Match' performance from Gary Clarke was the highlight of a lacklustre Hythe performance in the first round of the F.A. Vase. It was fairly clear from the early stages of this game that Hythe were suffering from an F.A. Cup hangover, following their efforts the previous Tuesday and Saturday against full-timers Woking. With the windy conditions and a stop-start game, this must have been a poor afternoon for the neutral, but credit must go to Herne Bay for playing some decent football during the second half to grab a deserved victory. Hythe created the first chance of the game as Aiden Pursglove and Pat Kingwell hunted down Josh Maine's poor back-pass, with the result being the ball spilling to the arriving Kieran Byrne. The eventual shot from twenty yards whistled just over with keeper Dan Eason back-pedaling as a result of an unexpected attack on his goal. At the other end a drop of the shoulder from James Turner sent the young forward clear behind the Hythe back-line, although Luke Harvey failed to make the most of his dangerous cross. Eason's throw-out fell straight into the path of Pursglove who with one side of the goal wide open failed to shoot early enough with the Herne Bay defence recovering to cover. 

With the home side more comfortable in possession, Hythe's only other chance of the half was on the counter-attack with Dave Cook starting a move in his own half, and having his toe-poke smothered by Eason as Kingwell's cross-field pass sent the midfielder clear on goal. Although it had no impact on the end result of the game, the half ended with some crazy bookings for Pursglove, Cook, and Lee Winfield. It wasn't that the bookings were debatable, it was a simply a case of home and away supporters laughing out loud together as Hythe came out the wrong side of the 'roulette.' Herne Bay players were also just as perplexed at being at the end of several 'final warnings', and the players reaction was certainly food for thought, as a seemingly different person emerged in the black for the second-half. Pursglove's niggling injury problems meant that his afternoon would end at the interval as Scott Punton replaced him up front for the second-half.

Hythe again, started the half with a good chance as following good work by Punton and Byrne, Kingwell spread the play out to Winfield, Kingwell heading the final cross just wide. Danny Lawrence made some good progress with a run from the centre, before testing Kieron Mann with a swerving shot towards the top-right hand corner. Bay made the breakthrough just before the hour mark with Danny Lawrence and Darren Marsden combining well to send substitute Rob Lawrence clear on goal to slip the ball under Mann from just inside the Hythe box. Hythe reacted with a Winfield and Kingwell move down the right creating space for a Winfield shot that was blocked to safety. Danny Lawrence then went close with a deflected back-post shot, before a Luke Taylor volley from a deflected clearance flew just wide.

Seemingly in frustration with his sides poor afternoon, Sam Marsh broke out from defence on a run that took him deep into the Herne Bay half, before Punton took over with a curling shot that was again blocked by the committed home side's defence. With ten minutes remaining, Hythe pushed Roy Guiver and Keiran Byrne into the forward line and attempted to bombard their opponents with aerial balls to snatch an equaliser. However it was to be two excellent through-balls from Winfield and Cook that on both occasions almost took the visitors into extra-time. First it was Cook who won two successive tackles in the middle before sending Byrne clear on goal, Josh Maine inevitably taking advantage of not quite being the last man to chop Byrne down just outside the box for a booking. Byrne would go clear on goal again with Winfield this time the provider, on this occasion Eason was equal to Byrne's low shot, and Hythe's best chance of the game. 

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FINAL SCORE - HERNE BAY - 1 - HYTHE TOWN 0 - MAN OF THE MATCH - GARY CLARKE  

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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

Match Photos - CLICK HERE    

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.

Match Photos - CLICK HERE      

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.

Match Photos - CLICK HERE

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

Seven-up, now the serious stuff begins ........

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.

Match Photos - CLICK HERE   

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

Hythe Town XI registers another five goal haul ........

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

Twyman injury overshadows return to winning ways ........

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