Hythe Town FC

 Beckenham Town FC

Barnes Inspired Hythe Remain Unbeaten.........

An outstanding performance from Hythe Town maintained their unbeaten run over ninety minutes, a run that has now reached twenty-two games and stretches back to the start of the calender year. Hythe were out of the traps in a flash and were two-nil up within eleven minutes. A young Sevenoaks side were out of their depth as a dominant Hythe also hit the woodwork on two occasions in the opening twenty minutes, along with countless other one on one chances as the Oak's goal led a charmed life. The Hythe goals came from Craig Thompson, Lee Winfield, Brendon Cass, and Sam Conlon. The game started in blistering fashion with Hythe attacking straight from the kick-off, before a quick counter-attack from the home side led to Ritchie Stevens shooting just over the Hythe crossbar. It was to be Sevenoaks first and last meaningful strike on goal, as Hythe dominated the opening third of the game. Greg Smith's ball was flicked on by Cass to a seemingly onside Thompson, although the referee's assistant would only frustrate the Hythe faithful for three more minutes.

Nick Barnes's ball into Mickelborough was met by a flicked header that sent Thompson clear on goal and this time adjudged onside, Thompson confidentially poking home a low finish under Simon Overland. Two minutes later anyone connected with Hythe were celebrating a goal that somehow didn't actually happen! A drop of the shoulder from Cass and a deflected shot ended up at the feet of Mickelborough who steered the ball past Overland with a shot that hit the inside of the post before spinning off seemingly into the net, only for the ball to roll agonisingly along the goal line and wide! Just another two minutes passed before Hythe got their second goal, Winfield's corner collected at the back-post by Mickelborough, a mazy dribble taking the Hythe forward into the box, before a combination of Ronnie Dolan and Cass worked the ball back to Winfield to drill home an angled but deflected shot. The game had yet to reach the twenty minute mark when Thompson slipped Mickelborough one on one with Overland, who made the save of the game low and down to his right to deny a certain goal.

Still Hythe pushed on for goals, Winfield's corner uncleared and Cass firing a low shot against the base of the Oak's post. A dreadful offside decision where the assistant clearly just didn't realise one Sevenoaks player was in play robbed Cass of another one on one, as the excellent Thompson again turned provider. Thompson was after more goals himself as he volleyed Mickelborough's cross just over, before Mickelborough sent Cass clear on goal, Hythe's top scorer attempting an early looping volley that Overland was able to hold. Both teams drew breath in the closing stages of a frantic and one-sided half, Hythe's only regret not grabbing a third goal to kill the game off. The visitors didn't have to wait long, after taking just a five minute break for half-time, Hythe were back out and raring to go before the home side had even settled down for their half-time regroup. Hythe simply carried on where they left off and got that third goal after just ten minutes of the second-half.

Thompson chased down and won a lost cause, catching the Sevenoaks defender in possession before simply crossing to the edge of the six-yard box for Cass to head home down and under Overland. With the hour mark passing Cass fired a looping volley just over the bar, before turning provider with a one-two move to slip Mickelborough in on goal to shoot just wide. With the game secure Hythe manager Scott Porter had the luxury of saving the legs of his entire strikeforce for the crucial last couple of weeks of the season. Just four minutes after his introduction young Sam Conlon grabbed Hythe's fourth with a cool arrowed finish across Overland. Barnes won possession to launch a counter-attack before Dolan brilliantly lost his man, playing the perfect through-ball for Conlon to finish. The fact that this performance was produced despite Kieran Byrne being rested, skipper Dave Cook's suspension, and Simon Austin being injured made it all the more impressive.

Classy Cass Hits First Hat-Trick.........

Brendon Cass reached two goals in a Hythe shirt for the fifth time this afternoon, but boy did he choose the right game to complete his first hat-trick! With Hythe leading at half-time through Cass' first strike, all seemed to be going to plan. However two shock Holmesdale goals in two minutes left the home side reeling. Step up the Kent League leading goalscorer to do exactly what manager Scott Porter signed him to do, claiming his 31st and 32nd goals of an outstanding season. His second goal came via an excellent throughball from substitute Gavin Ransley, Cass expertly chesting down the pass to slot home Hythe's equaliser. The third and winning goal of the afternoon couldn't have arrived in more dramatic circumstances, in the 94th minute! Nick Barnes playing Cass in behind the Holmesdale offside trap, the Man of the Match winning the game with an exquisite lob after spotting the keeper off his line!

In an opening half hour lacking quality there was little goalmouth action, the home side possibly working Wednesday's tough fixture out of their system. Greg Smith's free-kick was fumbled by visiting keeper Adam Woodward, Dolan's strike on the rebound almost redirected into the net by Cass. Just after twenty minutes Hythe had the opening goal, Barnes winning possession high up the pitch before bursting into the Holmesdale box, a low shot was off target but Cass reacted in typical poachers fashion to steer the ball into the bottom corner to give Woodward no chance. The Holmesdale keeper did well to turn a curling free-kick from Lee Winfield around the post, before Winfield and Dolan combined with a nice one-two leading to Woodward punching a curling shot from Dolan to safety.

Just before half-time Kieran Byrne beat two men down the left before switching the play via Barnes and Dolan to Winfield on the right, Hythe's right winger couldn't quite pick out Craig Thompson for the tap-in and what would have been a fine team goal. The second-half started in bizarre fashion as Hythe keeper Kieron Mann almost ended up on the scoresheet, his goal-kick caught by the wind to the extent that his opposite number had to tip the ball over his own bar. Minutes later Woodward was almost embarrassed again as Winfield tried his luck from fifty yards after a poor clearance, however the Holmesdale keeper made up for his error by just getting to the shot for a good save. Suddenly, in just two minutes, the game was turned on it's head by two excellent individual goals, as first Budar Mohamed broke from the right into the Hythe box to finish with confidence to give his side the equaliser.

Thompson went close with a header from Winfield's cross but that chance was only covering up the cracks of Hythe's performance in the opening moments of the second-half. Not to be upstaged Ben Chick produced an even better solo effort to give Holmesdale a shock lead, Chick pouncing on a loose ball on the half-way line before embarking on a run that took him all the way from one end of the Hythe half to the other, a fine low shot capping off an excellent run. Byrne's free-kick just evaded Pat Kingwell at the back-post, but Hythe manager Scott Porter had seen enough and as in several games this season made some brave and justified decisions to save the game.

With just over twenty-five minutes remaining Porter introduced Gavin Ransley for Greg Smith, switching to three at the back and instructing skipper Dave Cook to join the forward line. The change gave Hythe the attacking emphasis back instantly, and within six minutes Ransley had a direct assist for the equaliser. A measured raking pass from the half-way line picked out the run of Cass perfectly, Hythe's eventual hero brilliantly chesting the ball down into his path and slipping the Holmesdale offside trap all in one motion, stroking home the equalising goal was just a formality. Winfield's free-kick was headed just over, again by Kingwell, before Porter made a further attacking change with the introduction of Gary Mickelborough's pace. The already booked Holmesdale captain Chris Steadman was very lucky to stay on the pitch after pulling back Mickelborough to abruptly end another Hythe attack.

Over and over again the home side attacked a hard-working Holmesdale side that refused to give up a share of the points, and moving into injury time it appeared they had succeeded. However, this Hythe side have often refused to follow the script this season, and yet again they turned around a game to win all three points by sheer will and determination. These traits alone probably account for the five point lead they currently hold over nearest title rivals Herne Bay. As mentioned above, four minutes into injury time Barnes won the ball in the centre of midfield before playing a perfectly timed ball into the path of Cass. Hythe's hat-trick hero did the rest with that stunning lob over Woodward to break Holmesdale hearts and yet again spark huge celebrations on and off the the Reachfields pitch!

Title Rivals  Stalemate .........

Hythe Town maintained their five point lead at the top of the Kent League Premier Division, with a credible draw away to title rivals Herne Bay. In a game where the defence of both sides shone, a tight edgy encounter had little goalmouth action. However, when the chances did come along they were in dramatic fashion. Kieron Mann made a fantastic save in each half to deny both Byron Walker and Steve Hanson. Whilst for Hythe Gary Mickelborough hit the crossbar, and Bay Keeper Dan Eason had a night to forget, as on numerous occasions his defence had to assist with some last ditch blocks and challenges to cover some nervy moments. Hythe started well, Mickelborough chasing down Eason and forcing the home keeper into a poor clearance, Kieran Byrne pouncing on the loose ball but dragging his shot wide.

John Walker's free-kick was then spilt by the nervous keeper, Ronnie Dolan's low shot on the rebound scrambled clear by the Bay defence. With fifteen minutes passed, the home side began to settle and forced a succession of free-kick's and corners that on every occasion looked dangerous, James Campbell going the closest heading Ben Brown's free-kick across goal and wide. Midway through the second-half Herne Bay missed their best chance of the game. An unfortunate slip from Greg Smith allowed Walker to weave his way past both the right-back and Dave Cook, with Mann the last line of defence the Hythe keeper made an outstanding low save. However the danger was not over by a long way, Bay captain Luke Harvey chasing down the rebound but foiled by Cook's last ditch block with an open goal at his mercy.

Bay enjoyed good possession for the remainder of the half but had little to show for their efforts, at the other end their defence was standing firm, Campbell making a crucial tackle to stop Brendon Cass running clear onto Nick Barnes' throughball. Hythe came out for the second-half a different side, enjoying the downhill slope as the home side had to take their turn to depend on uphill counter-attacks. The visitors best chance of the game came just four minutes after the restart, Byrne winning possession and finding Mickelborough who dropped his shoulder before blasting a shot off Eason's crossbar from twenty-five yards. Bay reacted well, the always impressive Danny Lawrence starting and ending a move that began in his own half, crossing for Walker to flash a header across goal.

As the hour mark passed Hythe started moving through the gears, Byrne's close range but mistimed volley on another day finding the back of the net. Dolan's one-two with Byrne allowing to Dolan to whip in a cross that just evaded Cass and Mickelborough, before Cass' cross to the back-post couldn't quite find Mickelborough but almost rolled in at the back-post. Cass' nod on then sent Mickelborough one on one before a fine tackle from Toby Ashmore again foiled the Hythe striker. Hythe continued to push for the winner via a string of corners and free-kicks, before Mann kept the scoreline to what both sides deserved. Michael Jenner's free-kick headed goal-bound by Hanson, but brilliantly tipped over the bar by Mann.  

Professional Performance Maintains Five Point Lead.........

A professional performance from Hythe Town against a very capable looking Erith Town side, led to a comfortable three points for the home side. Hythe's excellent defensive form continued, as they picked off the visitors with first-half goals from Brendon Cass and Gary Mickelborough. By the hour mark the visitors had imploded, conceding a penalty, converted by Dave Cook, and then receiving two red cards to end the game with nine men. The final third of the game almost had a 'training session' feel as both managers used up their substitutions, and Hythe simply saw out the ninety minutes without injury or incident, ahead of Wednesday's clash with title rivals Herne Bay.

The build-up for the opening Hythe goal was probably the best move of the game as Nick Barnes, Ronnie Dolan, and Kieran Byrne combined with a quick passing move to open up the visitors. Dolan was the one to both play Mickelborough in on goal for a blocked shot, and then also to retrieve the ball and find Cass who managed to bundle the ball home, despite the best efforts of Erith keeper Tim Roberts to stop the ball from crossing the goal-line. The visitors had the perfect response with a smart attack down the flank leading to Peter Smith's low angled shot across goal and just wide. Alex Tisse blasted just over the bar, Erith showing that they had settled into their game despite the early Hythe goal. The game continued in end to end fashion with Cass glancing a Byrne corner just wide, and Fofana sending a volley just over at the end of another patient Erith attack.

Three minutes before half-time Hythe got their rewards for defending their lead so efficiently as they grabbed a crucial second goal. Barnes flicking Kieron Mann's goal-kick into the path of Mickelborough who had slipped the offside trap to run clear on goal and lob Roberts, for a goal on his return to the starting line-up. Hythe thought they had their third just two minutes after the restart, Cass' flick sending Mickelborough one on one, but on this occasion the side-netting saved the day for Roberts in the Erith goal. Just before the hour mark Hythe had the game won as visiting captain Ben Payne was adjudged to 'save' Mickelborough's shot on the line, Roberts stranded after failing to hold a corner from Byrne. The result was a red card for Payne and a penalty for Hythe, skipper Cook stroking home his 20th goal of the season.

Just one minute later, the frustration got the better of veteran Dean Kearley, who without provocation threw the ball at the back of the head of Cass to receive his second yellow card and his marching orders. Once the football finally got underway another fine through-ball from Cass fed Mickelborough, whose shot across goal ran just wide of the post. In the closing stages Michael Power got a rare sight of goal, but found Mann totally focused as the Hythe keeper turned a fierce low shot around the base of his post. In the otherwise uneventful closing stages, Cass went the closest for the home side, brilliantly dribbling past three men before shooting just wide.

Seven up for Hythe as Austin strikes on debut.........

An outstanding performance from Scott Porter's side including two goals on debut from new signing Simon Austin, two from Man of the Match Kieran Byrne, two for Craig Thompson, and one goal from Brendon Cass blew Corinthian away to give Hythe a five point cushion at the top of the Kent League Premier Division. The big games keep on coming for Hythe who now face Erith Town at Reachfields this Saturday, before travelling to Herne Bay for a crucial game on Wednesday night. Corinthian started the game strongly with some good possession football, evading the tackles of the Hythe midfield. However, the first stage of Hythe's excellent performance was to calmly deal with the home side's best efforts with some solid defensive work. After eleven minutes Hythe came up with the perfect response to Corinthian's strong start. Austin holding up play before playing the ball out to the wing, by the time Lee Winfield had lined up and executed his cross Austin was arriving in the box to head home a goal on debut from six yards.

A few minutes later Nick Barnes won possession high up the pitch and slipped Austin one on one, home keeper Jack Rankin doing well to race off his line to clear the danger. Within seventeen minutes of the opening goal, Hythe had the game won with some ruthless finishing. First Winfield collected up his own uncleared corner before picking out Austin at the back-post, top scorer Cass redirecting his new strike partner's shot to ensure Rankin would be beaten from close range. Six minutes later Barnes crossed to the near-post, and again Austin's movement was too good for the Corinthian defence, heading home a deflected but deserved second goal. Both sides drew breath for different reasons before Hythe finished the half back on top. Byrne shooting just wide from distance and Ronnie Dolan having a shot cleared off the line following a smart one-two move between Cass and Austin.

The second half opened with a warning of Jack Highwood's shooting power, stinging the palms of Mann with a fierce shot. Just before the hour mark skipper Dave Cook hit a fierce low driven free-kick from thirty-five yards, that Rankin had to tip onto the base of the post. Two minutes later Hythe had their fourth, Rankin's clearance from Jamie Billing's poor back-pass collected by Byrne and smashed home on the half-volley from just inside the box. Shortly after Corinthian scored a consolation goal, via a fantastic half-volley from Highwood from all of twenty-five yards, an unstoppable strike into the top-left hand corner of Mann's goal. Hythe looked to hit straight back, substitute Thompson heading just over from Byrne's corner, With just under fifteen minutes of the game remaining Thompson did head home Hythe's fifth, on this occasion at the near-post from a Winfield corner.

The save of the game came next, Ranking tipping a vicious volley from Mickelborough over the crossbar after he turned on fellow substitute Gavin Ransley's throw-in. Mickelborough was heavily involved in the next Hythe goal, chasing down Corinthian in possession right back to keeper Rankin whose poor clearance fell to Thompson, who simply passed the ball back into an unguarded net. Mickelborough continued to search for a goal of his own, hitting a rising shot just over from twenty yards. In the end Mickelborough would have to settle for an assist, with a good dribble down the right-flank and an excellent cross to the back-post where Byrne headed home his second of the evening, his fifth goal in the last three games.

Hythe Move Three Points Clear.........

Hythe Town moved three points clear at the top of the Kent League Premier Division, as Scott Porter's side extended their unbeaten run over ninety minutes to seventeen games. Kieran Byrne's third goal in the last two games, two minutes before half-time proved to be the winning goal. However, the game was far more eventful than the scoreline suggests. There was a red card for both sides, amazing saves from each keeper, Kieron Mann for Hythe in particular, and an excellent performance from Man of the Match Greg Smith. Fisher started the more lively of the two sides, George Savage shooting just wide at the end of a confident passing move. Fisher's recent addition goalkeeper Daniel Teeley proved what an excellent shot stopper he is when Hythe visited Fisher a few weeks ago. However, throughout the game at Reachfields Hythe took full advantage of the visiting number one's height with a string of corners and free-kicks to the back-post. One such kick taken by Byrne, led to Cook poking just wide and into the side-netting, Hythe's first real chance of the game.

Teeley showed his ability with the second best save of the game, Smith's free-kick was headed back across goal by Brendon Cass and met with an excellent overhead kick by Craig Thompson that Teeley tipped over the bar at full stretch. From the resulting corner taken by Byrne, Cook headed into the side-netting with Teeley again struggling. The save of the game accolade was reserved for Kieron Mann, Dwayne Cowan's run occupying the attention of both Cook and Smith, before the big target man slipped an unmarked Savage into the box, the Fisher man's curling effort towards the top-right hand corner looked unstoppable, before Mann flung himself into the air to make a stunning fingertip save over the bar.

Byrne's inswinging corner caused further problems for Fisher who managed to scramble the ball off the line, Hythe continuing to pressure the visitors with Pat Kingwell having a shot cleared off the line from Byrne's free-kick. On the half-hour mark Dexter Babalola showed why a player as talented as the Fisher man clearly is plays for a side that with all due respect are struggling at the foot of the Kent League table. Following an innocuous tackle Byrne and Babalola fell to the ground together, Babalola was first to his feet and appeared to kick out at the face of Byrne without provocation, Babalola had no complaints when receiving his marching orders for his crazy actions. Back to the football and Dolan's surging run took him from the half-way line to the edge of the Fisher box, Hythe's young midfielder shooting across goal and just wide. Hythe scored the eventual winner two minutes before the interval, Cook's excellent raking cross picking out the back-post run of Byrne who swept the ball home first time on the half-volley.

Hythe should have extended their lead just two minutes after the restart when Cook headed over Smith's cross unmarked from six yards. Byrne's corner picked out Cass who headed back across goal and just wide, however the game was about to have it's most controversial moment. With just under thirty minutes remaining Hythe Captain Dave Cook raised his foot towards a bouncing ball in the way that so many players do in each and every game every weekend of the football season. Cook slightly mistimed his challenge, missing the ball and catching the Fisher man with his studs. An accidental collision, with Cook deliberately easing off on the challenge once he realised contact was going to be made, led to the insult to all in attendance of a red card. The match official looked shaken, almost immediately appearing to regret a decision which will inevitably lead to an unjustified ban, which due to the current appeal process will not be able to be overturned.

The Hythe players, incensed by the decision, stepped up another gear, another surging run from Dolan leading to a shot just wide, and Kingwell blasting over at the near-post from a quick free-kick routine. Cass' last involvement was to turn on a Smith throw-in and volley a shot into Teeley's arms, before Gary Mickelborough came on as Hythe's lone striker. Mickelborough had an excellent cameo running straight onto a Smith through-ball one on one, Teeley doing brilliantly to turn a fierce shot around the near-post. Two minutes later Mickelborough almost scored what would have been the undisputed goal of the season, dribbling past five Fisher defenders in and around the penalty-box before having a lobbed finish scrambled off the line. Hythe ended the game completely on top, Gavin Ransley twice going close to a rare goal from Byrne's corner.

Hythe Thrash VCD To Reach League Cup Final.........

Scott Porter's Hythe Town simply blew away VCD Athletic to reach the Kent League Premier Division Cup Final. The final will be hosted by Folkestone Invicta on Saturday 7th May, with our opponents title rivals Herne Bay. Hythe made the perfect start by scoring after five minutes, crucially this meant their hosts had to score three goals on the night without any further goals from Hythe. A mature first-half performance dealt with the best efforts of the VCD attack, before the Hythe support enjoyed a simply sensational second-half performance from their side. Goals from the outstanding Craig Thompson, Man of the Match Kieran Byrne's second of the night, top scorer Brendon Cass, and Captain Dave Cook left the home side reeling, with just one consolation goal in reply. It was stunning stuff from Porter's side to extend their unbeaten run over ninety minutes to sixteen games since the turn of the year. Hythe's opener came from a well worked Lee Winfield free-kick, Byrne drifting behind the main group of VCD defenders to find himself unmarked and send a flicked header past Jack Bradshaw.

Hythe had already gone close to an early lead, Byrne curling his own uncleared corner to the back-post for Cook to glance a header just wide. Hythe looked to extend their lead, Cass heading over from six-yards after a free-kick, this time taken by Byrne. However, VCD were dangerous on the counter-attack with one excellent move ending with Daryl Wheeler stinging the palms of Kieron Mann. Most of the first-half was further evidence of the outstanding defensive partnership of Dave Cook and Pat Kingwell, the duo's clinical defending silencing the home side both on and off the pitch, as Hythe comfortably navigated their way to half-time. The second-half was all one way traffic, Cass slipping a nice ball into the path of Thompson whose run split the home centre-backs, before the final attempt to lob Bradshaw drifted just wide. Bradshaw saved a fierce near-post shot from Byrne, and the home side managed to survive an almighty goalmouth scramble as Hythe cranked up the pressure.

Ten minutes into the half Hythe effectively ended the tie as a contest, Thompson showing brilliant pace and anticipation to run onto a routine defensive clearance from John Walker, and on this occasion comfortably lob home over the helpless Bradshaw. By now Byrne and Thompson were unplayable, the duo combining down the flank before Thompson almost picked out an unmarked Ronnie Dolan, Cass managing to recover the ball and place a shot just wide of the the bottom corner of the VCD goal. Hythe had the warning sign that they couldn't relax as James Duckworth sent a close-range volley just over Mann's crossbar. They reacted in emphatic fashion with the best move of the game, Thompson's back-heel sending Byrne flying down the left-wing, before brilliantly beating two VCD defenders en-route to the near-post. In a crowded area, Byrne calmly picked out Cass who also didn't rush his finish, evading one last challenge before slotting home a fantastic team goal.

A rampant Hythe then made it two goals in five minutes, Winfield's cross to the back-post picking out Byrne for a simple headed finish, after the Hythe midfield had opened up VCD with some excellent build-up play. Dolan drilled a shot just wide after a delightful trick and cross from Byrne, before Byrne missed the chance to claim his hat-trick, miscontrolling the ball six yards out after an excellent cross from substitute Gary Mickelborough. Mark Allen fired home a precise low shot off the inside of the base of Mann's post to give the VCD supporters something to cheer, although it is doubtful the home players appreciated the 'celebration' music which then followed over the PA system! It was left to Hythe Captain Dave Cook to extend Hythe's lead on the night back to four goals. Mickelborough's run from the half-way line ended in a cynical foul on the edge of the VCD box and a free-kick to Hythe. Converted centre-back Cook doesn't miss his chances to stay in contention for the Golden Boot, and he smashed home an unstoppable free-kick past Bradshaw to round off Hythe's perfect night.

Professional Display Continues Winning Streak.........

Hythe Town comfortably dealt with the challenge of an away trip to Eden Park Avenue with a professional win over Beckenham Town. A Craig Thompson goal after just four minutes gave Hythe the perfect start. Before Dave Cook's 18th goal of the season extended Hythe's lead, an assured second-half performance led to Hythe taking a four point lead at the top of the Kent League Premier Division. The first Hythe goal was created by probably three of their current unsung heroes. A well worked throw-in between Lee Winfield and Greg Smith gave Smith the opportunity to beat his man and cross perfectly to the near-post, the hard-working Thompson heading home past Nick Blue to give the visitors that early lead. Blue was soon berating his own defenders as Cook glanced just wide from a Kieran Byrne free-kick, before a long passage of play that saw the midfield of both sides settle into their game but with little end product.

Ten minutes before half-time Beckenham had their first and only clear-cut chance of the game, Bobby Hanley slipping the offside trap before rounding Hythe keeper Kieron Mann, only to shoot into Hythe's side-netting. In hindsight, Mann, another under-rated member of Scott Porter's side, did an excellent job of forcing the Beckenham man wide of goal. Hythe had the perfect response to the threat on their goal, a second goal of their own. Smith was involved again, firing in a free-kick that Blue spilt before an almighty scramble that finally led to Cook smashing home. A long delay followed with the Beckenham manager receiving his marching orders, his opposite number later admitting that the goal could well have been from an offside position.

Unfortunately for the Beckenham support the incident had no impact on the result, as the home side struggled to penetrate the Hythe penalty area or force Mann into any meaningful saves. Two minutes before half-time it could have been three for Hythe, the excellent Smith's through-ball sending Byrne clear into the Beckenham box, Byrne calmly rounding the last defender and Blue in the Beckenham goal before leaving himself with too acute an angle to shoot at goal. Hythe got off to a strong start to the second-half, Winfield releasing Thompson into the right channel, Thompson managing to cross to the near-post but strike partner Brendon Cass unable to convert the chance. The hour mark arrived with Winfield's free-kick almost finding Cass for a close-range volley, before Beckenham substitute and top scorer Gary Gorman kept Mann involved in the game with a rare long-range effort on the Hythe goal.

Thompson again went close to claiming a brace, winning two successive block tackles on the edge of Beckenham's area before Blue made a brave last-ditch block, the ball rebounding off Thompson and rolling agonisingly wide of the post. In the closing stages Porter showed the strength of his squad bringing on the pacey trio of Sam Conlon, Gary Mickelborough, and Dan Scorer. Things went from bad to worse for the home side with Danny Lawson sent-off for a second yellow card, as they most probably turned their attentions to Beckenham's biggest game of the season, at home to AFC Wimbledon in the London Senior Cup Quarter-final.

Back on Top.........

Hythe Town returned to the top of the Kent League Premier Division with a professional performance against Greenwich Borough. Hythe had already done the hard work and won their personal battles in a evenly contested first half. Once the second half began, Scott Porter's side did for him what they have done on so many occasions this season, by finding another gear. Within nine minutes of the restart the visitors had stormed into a two goal lead via Nick Barnes' first strike in a Hythe shirt, and a wonder strike from Man of the Match Lee Winfield. However, within two minutes the home side had halved Hythe's lead via a close-range finish from Harry Draper. What made this Hythe performance even more impressive was that they rode out the Greenwich fightback, before taking back control of the game and seeing out the ninety minutes with their lead intact.

A solid yet unspectacular start to the game had led to several corners and free-kicks for the visitors, all succesfully dealt with by the Greenwich defence. The first real chance of the game fell to Craig Thompson, intercepting a pass in the home side's defence and attempting a lob that home keeper Danny Firkins comfortably dealt with. Shortly after, Pat Kingwell collected a Kieran Byrne corner at the back-post before weaving his way into the six yard box before pulling back for Barnes to drill just wide. Thompson poked just wide connecting at the near-post with a Byrne cross. Throughout the first-half the home side had grown increasingly more dangerous on the counter-attack. With half-time approaching Peter Afolayan combined well with Nathaniel Bell, Afolayan drawing Kieron Mann out from his goal before watching his shot cleared off the line by Pat Kingwell, Dave Cook had already made a good block from a Afolayan shot moments earlier.

It would take Hythe just two minutes of the second half to make the vital breakthrough. Kingwell combined with John Walker before firing in a cross that Thompson did well to turn on and shoot from, Thompson's shot was blocked only as far as Barnes who poked home off the inside of the near post. Seven minutes of Hythe domination later they led by two goals, Ronnie Dolan with a fine cross from the left that Winfield smashed in on the half-volley from just inside the box. Winfield's thunderous strike hit the roof of Danny Firkin's (son of Manager Steve) net at an unstoppable pace to the delight of the visiting Hythe support. Only two minutes later Greenwich gave themselves a lifeline, Hythe gifting possession deep in their own half, the hosts making the most of the opportunity to cross for Draper to slot home at close-range.

Hythe would then ride out a difficult period as Borough suddenly had their tails up. The closest the home side came to an equaliser was just after the hour mark, as the impressive Bell slipped the Hythe offside trap to run one on one with Mann, Hythe's keeper making a crucial and brave save at the feet of the quick footed winger. Hythe were starting to take back control of the game as Brendon Cass won possession high up the pitch, playing Byrne in on goal to shoot just wide. Byrne returned the favour, Cass' shot whistling just wide, before Cass weaved his way past two defenders only for Firkins to make a fantastic close-range save. In the closing stages Scott Porter introduced the pace of Gary Mickelborough, who with four minutes remaining probably should have picked out an unmarked Cass for a easy back-post tap-in, electing to shoot just wide at the near-post following a typically mazy run.  

Kingwell strike keeps unbeaten run alive.........

Hythe Town managed to negotiate their way past 'unlucky' game number thirteen in their unbeaten run. Pat Kingwell's strike three minutes from time gave the home side a share of the points, after a much improved VCD defence had frustrated Hythe for long periods. Scott Porter will be happy with the way his side battled through an afternoon that just refused to go their way. The home side should have been two-nil up before VCD struck the opening goal. They were left frustrated by a goal incorrectly disallowed for offside, along with the officials not spotting the ball being forced over the line during a goalmouth scramble. Although not at the top of their game, Kingwell's late strike gave his side a deserved share of the points.

That first frustrating moment arrived after only seven minutes when Dave Cook's curling through-ball allowed Craig Thompson to comfortably beat the VCD offside trap. Thompson actually lifted a quite exquisite lob over keeper Jack Bradshaw but the offside flag was raised as he did so, much to everyone's disbelief. Eventual scorer James Duckworth fired a warning moments later, heading just wide from six yards out after connecting with a Mark Allen cross. Just a minute later Hythe should have taken the lead, Thompson slipping Brendon Cass one on one, only for Bradshaw to smother Cass' shot as he attempted to lift it over the visiting keeper. Bradshaw did well again turning a Cass volley round his near post after a nice one-two with Thompson. The home support were beginning to sense it was going to be one of those days, as Cass and Thompson both seemed to force a John Walker cross over the line, only to turn round to see the officials playing on as if nothing had happened!

VCD had been a threat on the counter-attack throughout the first period with some quick incisive breakaway football keeping the Hythe defence on it's toes. Four minutes before half-time VCD opened the scoring, as a ball in behind a high Hythe defensive line sent Duckworth racing away to slot home the opening goal of the afternoon. A poor second-half followed with VCD happy to soak up some fairly ineffective Hythe possession football. Although to the home side's credit they were showing no signs of throwing in the towel, encouraging each other to the final whistle. With twenty minutes remaining, and only a close-range miss from Cass to show for their second-half efforts, Scott Porter made his move. The Hythe manager introduced Gavin Ransley for Greg Smith to go three at the back, handing captain Dave Cook a free role to cause havoc in the final third. In response, the visitors brought on ex-Hythe and Erith and Belvedere striker Aiden Pursglove, Hythe made a similar move introducing the pace of Sam Conlon.

Hythe were starting to crank up some late pressure with Kieran Byrne's cross met by a Cass strike to test Bradshaw. With three minutes remaining Hythe made the breakthrough, Byrne's corner finding it's way to Kingwell at the back-post, Hythe's big centre-back smashing the ball home across goal at the second time of asking to spark wild celebrations at Reachfields. Late Hythe goals have now converted one point to three and none to one in their home games with Sevenoaks and VCD, how valuable these goals will turn out to be, we wait to see. Just a minute later the home side almost claimed all three points, Cass sending Conlon clear on goal with a flicked header, but some last ditch VCD defending forcing the youngster wide of goal. Injury-time was dominated by a string of VCD corners, that thankfully for the Hythe faithful were all successfully defended.

The Run Continues.........

Hythe Town continued their fine form, dealing with an awkward Monday night trip to Fisher by producing another professional performance.It is now eight wins in a row for Scott Porter's side who are now unbeaten over ninety minutes for twelve games. With the goals flying in at the right end of the pitch, it is the new centre-back partnership of Dave Cook and Pat Kingwell that has supplied the springboard for such a fine run of form. Hythe have only conceded one goal in the last five outings, and credit must also go to keeper Kieron Mann, and full-backs Greg Smith and John Walker who have all played their part. Hythe started in lively fashion and would soon took the lead, after only one minute Craig Thompson had sent a volley just over the bar after a knock-down from Cass.

Gary Mickelborough's run toward the Fisher box led to Mark Lewis bringing down the Hythe forward, and from the resulting Kieran Byrne free-kick Cass glanced home to give Hythe the perfect start. A feature of the evening was a Fisher side comfortable in possession, but also a side that found it hard to force Mann into a meaningful save. Hythe's defence stood firm and the visitors had soon doubled their lead with a quick and effective counter-attack. Walker fed the ball out to Byrne who wasted no time in firing in a looping ball to Thompson, Hythe's number nine rolled his marker and forced Daniel Teeley into a save that spilt to Cass for his seventh goal in the last six games.

In reply Isa Bangura drilled a shot just wide of Mann's goal following good work by Tamba Ngongue, but despite the efforts of the excellent Dexter Babalola, Fisher were still largely frustrated by Hythe's organisation. Cass forced Teeley into a fine near-post save after pouncing on a poor back-header, and shortly after the half-time whistle arrived. The second-half provided less cutting edge from both sides leading to a midfield battle that would occasionally look to be turning into sustained Hythe pressure, only for a quick Fisher counter-attack to be dealt with by some fine defending from Man of the Match Pat Kingwell.

There were still chances for both sides with Cass again frustrated by Teeley after a nice one-two with Mickelborough, followed by a repeat strike from Cass, this time combining with Thompson. Louis Rozan curled a free-kick just over from twenty yards, whilst at the opposite end Nick Barnes sent Mickelborough one on one with Teeley, the final lob over the Fisher keeper cleared off the line by the recovering defence. In the closing stages Byrne stung the palms of the impressive Teeley, before the familiar face of Juan Ramirez slipped the Hythe offside trap before shooting into the side-netting after some fine recovery work from Kingwell. 

Top of the League.........

Gary Mickelborough opened the scoring and Sam Conlon finished it for a dominant Hythe Town, a rare league win away to local rivals Deal Town sending Hythe top for the first time this season. In between, Dave Cook converted his 17th goal of the season from the penalty spot. It was a fantastic performance from Scott Porter's side, their seventh straight victory.

In a refreshing change to seasons gone by Hythe had Deal pinned back in the opening stages with Nick Barnes starting as he continued to carry on, bossing the midfield and picking out Gary Mickelborough's runs on a regular basis. That combination led to what should have been a Hythe penalty after just five minutes, Mickelborough clearly bundled over in the box from behind by Shane Suter. It must have been too early for the officials to apply the normal rules as both referee and linesman waved away Hythe's appeals.

Five minutes later Lee Winfield's header sent Brendon Cass one on one with Deal keeper Brad Ashmore, Hythe's top scorer poking just wide with further penalty appeals for tugging and pulling waved away. Deal's defence, including ex-Hythe midfielder Jason Brazier, were struggling to live with the Hythe attack.

After just fifteen minutes Hythe forced their third clear chance of the game, Dave Cook playing Cass in on goal with a lovely through-ball, Ashmore alert and off his line to make a brave clearance. Hythe continued to press as Greg Smith's throw-in was helped on by both Craig Thompson and Winfield to find Barnes at the back-post, Hythe's form player having his shot cleared off the line with a last ditch block. Thompson went close himself poking just wide after running onto a Kieron Mann clearance, Deal had managed to get to the break level, after a half of one-way traffic.

What has been impressive about Hythe this season is their ability to find another gear immediately after half-time. This was something Porter's side did once again, making the breakthrough four minutes into the second-half. With Hythe camped in the Deal half Ronnie Dolan crossed to the near-post, Thompson's flick on failed to find Cass, but Mickelborough made no mistake calmly firing home at the back-post. Hythe's goal suddenly brought the best out of the home side, as Danny Smith's cross picked out another ex-Hythe man Gary Lockyer, the young forward shooting wide from close-range.

Deal were pushing for a quick equaliser, but Hythe expertly caught out the home side with a quick counter-attack. Cook played Cass clear on the Deal goal, Ashmore bringing down the Hythe man as he attempted to square to a Hythe shirt for an easy tap-in. A red card for the Deal keeper and a penalty to Hythe was the outcome, with Hythe captain Cook giving ex-Herne Bay right-back and stand-in keeper Simon 'Sid' Moore no chance from the penalty spot. With Hythe's first and last 'Monday night' game of the season in mind, Scott Porter made a triple substitution with Gavin Ransley, Kieran Byrne, and Sam Conlon, replacing Cook, Cass, and Thompson, ahead of the trip to Dulwich Hamlet to play Fisher.

John Walker's free-kick was headed just wide by Byrne, before Hythe put the icing on the cake with their best goal of the game. Conlon started the move deep in own half, swivelling and releasing Mickelborough into the Deal half. Mickelborough then played a first-time ball with the outside of his boot to send Byrne one on one.

Recovering defenders managed to foil Byrne's attempts to cross the first time, but the Hythe winger quickly regained possession before picking out Conlon to become the man to start and end the move, heading home Hythe's third of the afternoon to seal a fine win.   

Undefeated streak continues......

Brendon Cass gave Hythe Town a first-leg advantage by scoring a brace in this Kent League Premier Division Cup Semi-final tie. The Golden Boot favourite has now taken his tally to five goals in the last four games, and twenty-four for the season. Hythe made the perfect start taking the lead after just four minutes, and rounded off a solid first-half performance with Cass' second just minutes before the break. However, a spirited VCD side fought back, having been reduced to ten men early in the first-half, to grab a potentially crucial away goal. From Hythe's point of view it was another win, and Scott Porter's side are now unbeaten over ninety minutes for the last ten games. That opening goal perfectly summed up Hythe's current form, Lee Winfield won possession by being quick to the tackle in the middle of the park. The Hythe playmaker played a direct but perfectly weighted through-ball to send Cass clear on goal, Hythe's top scorer coolly redirecting the ball past Jack Bradshaw with a typically clinical one touch finish.

Unfortunately for all in attendance the man in black decided to take centre stage from here on in. Karl Dent had no complaints with his second yellow card after cynically bringing down Cass from behind. However none of the Hythe players or support were even expecting a free-kick, let alone a mysterious yellow card when Dent had a slight coming together with Winfield, Dent eventually sent off after just sixteen minutes. After all the confusion and controversy, Greg Smith's free-kick clipped the top of the VCD crossbar with Bradshaw stranded. Another fine move started by Winfield, ended with Walker entering the box and feeding Cass to round Bradshaw for a tap-in, the visiting keeper just getting his fingertips on the ball as a goal appeared certain. Ronnie Dolan showed a lovely drop of the shoulder before firing in a fierce shot from twenty-five yards that deflected just wide.

With half-time approaching Craig Thompson was stunned to receive a yellow card for standing motionless as Bradshaw climbed all over his back, before clumsily falling and injuring himself. Amazingly, Thompson would later request to be substituted through fear of being incorrectly red-carded, after receiving a 'final warning' for another accidental collision. Back to the football, and Hythe ended the first-half in perfect fashion, Winfield's corner headed back across goal by Gary Mickelborough and poked home by Cass. Cass almost had his first hat-trick in Hythe colours in injury-time, shooting straight at Bradshaw after Nick Barnes and Greg Smith combined to allow Mickelborough to cross to the back-post. Hythe continued where they left off following half-time, Winfield's free-kick half-cleared as far as Dolan who sent a low volley just wide. A lovely sweeping move from the home side involving Cass, Dolan, and substitute Kieran Byrne ended with Winfield driving a low hard shot into the side-netting.

That first hat-trick wasn't to be for Cass as Dolan's cross sneaked it's way into the six-yard box, Cass only half connecting with the ball to allow Bradshaw the opportunity to save. With twenty minutes remaining, VCD found their second wind, after possibly reserving energy from a largely defensive display, after being reduced to ten men so early on. Three good chances were carved out by the visitors in quick succession, the third of which was converted. Jimmy Rogers had already fired just wide and just over following good work from substitute Mark Allen, when Daniel Westerman winded his way into the Hythe box to smash home under Kieron Mann. The goal actually appeared to refocus Hythe minds as both sides slugged it out in the middle of the park in the closing stages.

Close to the summit......

Scott Porter's Hythe Town dealt with this awkward Tuesday night encounter against quality opposition, by producing their finest league performance of the season. A goal in each half, one from Gary Mickelborough and one from Brendon Cass, both set-up by Craig Thompson, showed how effectively the home side's strikeforce is currently playing. This performance was driven by a man of the match performance (the most difficult to decide of the season) from Nick Barnes, and built on a fine clean sheet from Hythe's new look defensive line. Hythe could have extended their lead on several occasions, but will settle for the three points as they move up to second in the Kent League, two points off the top-spot and with three games in hand. Both sides settled into their rhythm quickly, with Hythe spending more time in the Greenwich half. The first chance fell to the home side, Greg Smith playing Mickelborough in on goal but wide, Danny Firkins beating away a fierce shot from a tight angle.

John Walker found his shooting range early on stinging Firkins' palms, and Mickelborough was getting some joy down the right flank, however Greenwich were dangerous on the counter-attack. With the half-hour mark approaching Hythe were beginning to turn the screw, another good cross from Smith met by Thompson, Firkins equal to the initial header and Mickelborough's driven shot on the rebound. Ten minutes before half-time Hythe struck a deserved opener, Thompson's hooked pass allowing Mickelborough to slip the Greenwich offside trap and stroke home a confident early strike under Firkins from just inside the box. Just a minute later an unmarked Cass headed a Lee Winfield corner over from six yards, the ball coming to Hythe's top scorer at an awkward height. Hythe possibly should have extended their lead just before half-time when the impressive Ronnie Dolan won possession and slipped Thompson one on one, an attempted lob dropping just wide of Firkins' goal.

Hythe started the second-half where they left off, Mickelborough weaving his way into the Greenwich box and squaring to Cass who should have done better, shooting over at close-range. That chance aside the first ten minutes of the second-half produced a fantastic effort from Greenwich, however that burst of enthusiasm simply hit a rock-solid, Dave Cook inspired Hythe defensive line. Even more impressively Hythe struck back with a second goal, Thompson typically chasing down Greenwich keeper Firkins and forcing a rushed clearance. The ball landed at the feet of Cass, who from thirty-yards kept his cool to control the ball before rolling home into the empty Greenwich net. By now Hythe were performing at the peak of their powers, winning possession back off Greenwich the moment the visitors could get a touch of the ball.

With just over twenty minutes remaining, Mickelborough carried the ball from half to half before playing Cass clear down the left, with Byrne and only one Greenwich defender for company. Cass found Byrne with the perfect square pass, but credit to Firkins for racing off his line and bravely committing to an outfield player's style tackle to clear the ball to safety. Hythe continued to dominate, substitute Kieran Byrne's curling free-kick well held by Firkins, and Winfield firing a rising shot just over after a Cass lay-off. With five minutes of the game remaining Byrne should have rounded off the best attack of the night with a third Hythe goal. The classy Dolan winning possession deep in his own half before beating two Greenwich men and playing a lovely through-ball into the path of Byrne. Byrne did everything right to dribble around one Greenwich defender, before a couple of tricks showed up the last man, however Hythe would have to settle for a two goal victory, Byrne blazing his final shot over the bar from six yards out.

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 2 - GREENWICH BOROUGH - 0

MAN OF THE MATCH - NICK BARNES

Eight goals, eight scorers, three points, third place.......

A strike from Pat Kingwell rounded off a storming second-half display from Hythe Town, who fired home eight goals from eight different players to thrash their visitors Sporting Bengal. The only criticism that could be made of the home side was a lack of converted chances during a frustrating first-half, where Hythe had just a Ronnie Dolan goal to show for their efforts. Well that and sixteen of an eventual twenty-two corners in this incredibly one-sided game! Second-half goals from Lee Winfield, Dave Cook, Brendon Cass, Craig Thompson, Sam Conlon, Dan Scorer, and that strike from Kingwell, meant Hythe move up to third-place. Scott Porter's side are now unbeaten over ninety minutes for eight games, with this their fourth consecutive victory. Hythe could have opened the scoring with their very first attack, Nick Barnes surging into the box and finding Winfield unmarked, the Hythe playmaker blasting over the bar with a rising shot.

Gary Mickelborough's cross from the right was met by an overhead kick from Thompson that simply hit what appeared to be a last-minute stand-in keeper for the visitors. Thompson came close again soon after, his final touch letting him down after a good one-two with Cass. With the half-hour mark approaching Hythe were gaining endless possession and corners, Barnes watching one blast tipped over the bar, and Cass from the resulting corner having his close-range header tipped over the bar. A minute after Bengal had wasted their one clear opportunity on Kieron Mann's goal, the home side took the lead, Cass patiently keeping possession before squaring for Dolan to place his shot from the edge of the Hythe box. With the corner tally still rising Cook headed onto the roof of the net, and shortly after Cass headed into the keeper's hands from a Barnes free-kick. The first-half came to a close with Dolan's half-volley tipped just wide, and Cook again going close from a corner, this time having a header cleared off the line.

After the interval Hythe moved through the gears to score seven more unanswered goals, although they started the half with more frustration as Thompson was adjudged offside after heading home following a Winfield corner. Next it was Cass to go as close as possible without scoring, heading Winfield's cross off the outside of the post. Eight minutes into the second-half the floodgates opened, a Cass surge into the box ending with tackle that spilt the ball into the path of Winfield to curl home a delightful finish. Thompson had just headed a John Walker cross just wide, when Hythe were awarded a penalty for handball, Cook blasting home from the spot for his sixteenth goal of the season. Two minutes later Hythe had their fourth goal of the afternoon, Thompson's cross to the back-post steered home by Cass. Winfield's lay-off led to Barnes having another fierce shot tipped round the post, before the red mist descended for Bengal, Siadik Ahmed sent-off for a second yellow card after countless final warnings for some pretty poor tackles.

Thompson's goal was coming, two successive blasts flew just wide, before Mickelborough slipped the Hythe number nine in on goal to fire low across goal and inside the post. Mickelborough was the provider again two minutes later as substitute Sam Conlon opened his first-team account, calmly rolling in for Hythe's sixth. It was all too much for Aaron Hutchings who became the second visiting player to receive his marching orders, for throwing the ball at Thompson! Two goals in two minutes rounded things off for a rampant Hythe side. Conlon's reverse pass sent fellow substitute Dan Scorer one on one, the left-back's calm finish leaving the Bengal keeper rooted to the spot. Finally, Kingwell marauded forward from the back before joining in with the fun, slotting home a rare goal since the big-man's permanent switch to centre-back. Scott Porter's Hythe are now showing some decent form as the business end of the season approaches. Incredibly, this was the 41st successive game the manager has watched his side register on the scoresheet, a record that goes back all the way to the 17th April last year!  

Video highlights of this game are available courtesy of BKVP Sports Forum, via the link below. To access the video please join the forum and activate your account via the e-mail you will be sent. You will then receive a 'private message' via the forum over the next couple of days informing you how to access the highlights.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS - CLICK HERE

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 8 - SPORTING BENGAL - 0

MAN OF THE MATCH - JOHN WALKER

A Captain's goal.......

Captain Dave Cook stepped up when it mattered with a dramatic 92nd minute winner to win his side three more crucial league points. With Hythe and Sevenoaks facing each other for the third time this fortnight, along with the wind and the rain, this was always going to be a much tougher game than Tuesday night's League Cup victory. Things started well for the home side when Brendon Cass buried his Tuesday night demons to score his 20th goal of the season. However, Sevenoaks lined up with an extra man in midfield and worked hard to stay in the game either side of half-time. With just over twenty minutes remaining the visitors grabbed an equaliser. It was left to Cook, currently doing a fantastic job of covering at centre-back, to head home Greg Smith's cross and send the home crowd crazy. Every Hythe player jumped on Cook in the Oaks's area, as they realised the importance of keeping their undefeated run going.

The game started in worrying fashion for Hythe and their top-scorer Cass, as the striker carried on where he left off Tuesday night, shooting wide after being slipped in on goal by Craig Thompson straight from kick-off. It was an end to end start to the game as Lee Hales lobbed onto the roof of the Hythe net. However after twenty minutes of sparring, Hythe got their main man back doing what he does best, Nick Barnes' cross headed down by Ronnie Dolan for Cass to curl home an excellent finish giving Dan Bygraves no chance. Rob Quinn watched his good low shot run just wide of Kieron Mann's post, whilst at the other end Bygraves was equal to a Cass shot, set-up by Thompson's flick. Just a minute later Cass turned provider, showing good control before turning to play Thompson one on one with Bygraves, the Sevenoaks keeper quick off his line to make an excellent save.

The first-half ended with a couple of decent set-pieces for both sides, Lee Winfield's free-kick met by the head of Cook with Bygraves making a fingertip save. Kieron Mann made the first of two outstanding saves, one in each half, turning away Adam Marsh's close range effort, after the Sevenoaks man popped up at the backpost unmarked. Hythe had the wind behind them in the second-half, and starting strongly with Gary Mickelborough pulling Mann's goal-kick out of the air with an exquisite piece of skill that led to a dangerous cross deflected just wide. Thompson set-up another shooting opportunity for Cass, before Thompson himself was at the end of a poor interpretation of the advantage law. Moving into the final third the game was opening up, Mickelborough cutting in off the flank and shooting across goal but just wide. For the visitors Marsh found the side-netting with a similar shooting opportunity. Two minutes before the visitors' equaliser Hythe could have extended their lead, Bygraves poor clearance leaving him stranded outside his penalty area, Winfield's first time shot from forty-five yards only just landing on the roof of the net.

The Oak's equaliser came from debutant Jack Jeffery who weaved his way into the Hythe box before firing home a slightly deflected shot that left Mann rooted to the spot. Hythe looked to quickly regain their lead, Thompson connecting with Winfield's corner with an ambitious overhead kick, but the visitors were also looking for a winner, Richard Stevens forcing Mann into an excellent save with a low driven shot across goal. With seven minutes remaining a free-kick for a backpass was awarded just eight yards from the Sevenoaks goal, Winfield electing for power and unlucky to just miss the target with a rising shot. The last five minutes of the game were massive in regards to how Hythe's season could pan out, firstly Kieron Mann pulled off a remarkable save onto the bar from the head of substitute Jack Taylor, followed by an equally impressive goal-line clearance from Cook. It would then be Cook himself who would complete a fantastic result for his side, heading home a near-post cross from Greg Smith to spark huge celebrations!

MATCH PHOTOS - COURTESY OF SIMON GILES - CLICK HERE

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 2 - SEVENOAKS TOWN - 1

MAN OF THE MATCH - CRAIG THOMPSON

Bring on the Semi-finals.......

An outstanding free-kick from Lee Winfield after just five minutes, gave Hythe the perfect start to this League Cup Quarter-final 2nd leg. Hythe didn't look back, driven on by the excellent midfield duo of goalscorer Ronnie Dolan and Man of the Match Nick Barnes, they could have got into double figures! It may have been a night to forget for the Hythe strike-force of Cass, Thompson, and Mickelborough. However, the fact they created four one on one chances, and hit the woodwork on two occasions, will have created a lot of optimism for the vital run of league games ahead. Hythe had the perfect start to the second leg of this tie, for the third game running scoring within fifteen minutes, and for the second game running scoring within five minutes. A good counter-attack from John Walker led to Dolan being chopped down twenty-five yards from goal, Winfield did the rest by curling home an unstoppable free-kick around the wall and into the top corner of Dan Bygraves' goal.

It should have been two for Hythe minutes later, as Winfield found an unmarked Mickelborough inside the six-yard box, the sticky surface stopping the striker from getting a quick shot away. Hythe continued to press, with Mickelborough's first one on one chance halted by a last ditch tackle, and a similar chance for Cass foiled by the offside flag. Mickelborough's cross led to a double-strike from Dolan, the first blocked, the second deflected just wide. Cass' frustrations began after twenty minutes, as following a lovely one-two move with strike-partner Thompson, Hythe's top-scorer ran clear on goal only to fire a fierce shot just wide. A succession of corners followed as the home side continued to turn the screw, and Thompson caught keeper Bygraves in possession before cutting back to Cass who smashed over with the open goal at his mercy.

It was no surprise when Hythe got their second ten minutes before half-time, brilliant pressure on the ball from the Hythe midfield led to the ball running loose for Dolan to sweep home from the edge of the box.  Just a minute later a fine aerial one-two between Cass and Mickelborough led to Cass' volley being turned around the post by Bygraves. The first of many outstanding through-balls from Barnes sent Thompson clear on goal just before half-time, on this occasion Bygraves was quick off his line to smother the Hythe number nine's shot. Hythe had started where they left off after half-time, Pat Kingwell sending Thompson racing clear on goal yet again, this time it was a risky block tackle from Bygraves that ensured his goal continued it's charmed life! Completely out of nowhere Sevenoaks had a lifeline, Winfield accidentally clipping the heels of Joe Minter leading to a penalty that Adam Marsh calmly converted. For ten minutes Hythe held firm before embarking on a remarkable final thirty minutes where they should have extended their lead many times.

Barnes sent Mickelborough one on one, the overworked Bygraves tipping a fierce shot over his bar. From the following corner Dave Cook, again playing at centre-back, headed just over from six yards when a goal seemed certain. Minutes later Dolan's cross was helped on by Cass, on this occasion Thompson guilty of missing a tap-in at the back-post. Bygraves continued to earn the Sevenoaks Man of the Match award, changing direction to save Greg Smith's deflected drive, following a quick corner routine from Hythe. With just under twenty minutes remaining Dolan sent Thompson and Cass clear on goal yet again, Cass confidently taking over before firing across goal and just wide. It wasn't getting any better for Cass who failed to convert unmarked six yards from goal after a pinpoint cross from Thompson.

Amazingly, Hythe would next hit the woodwork twice within a minute, first Mickelborough cutting in off the flank and smashing a shot off the underside of the crossbar, before Barnes played Cass clear on goal, this time the striker's shot deflected off Bygraves before looping onto the Sevenoaks' crossbar! With ten minutes remaining, Cass chased down a lost cause to create an opening for Thompson that Bygraves did well to smother. There was still more bad luck to come for Cass, Thompson sending him clear on goal again, but again his shot was saved. Following Winfield's final corner Cass must have felt like giving up for the night, as his looping header was cleared off the line. Don't worry Brendon, form is temporary, class is permanent - surely Sevenoaks have no luck left to use against you come Saturday's league game!

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 2 - SEVENOAKS TOWN - 1 (HYTHE TOWN WIN 4-3 ON AGGREGATE)

MAN OF THE MATCH - NICK BARNES

Back on track.......

After postponements and cup games Hythe finally registered three crucial league points. Our last league win in December also over Erith & Belvedere. Goals from Craig Thompson, Gary Mickelborough, Ronnie Dolan, along with an own goal, gave Hythe a victory that was built on the foundations of a sound defensive performance. The game couldn't have started any better for the visitors as after five minutes a routine back-header from centre-back Paul Gross slipped through the hands of the usually reliable home keeper Richard Stroud. As the ball rolled over the line, the recalled Thompson was on hand to ensure the ball made it all the way in for the opening Hythe goal. Hythe followed the perfect start by forcing a succession of corners and free-kicks around Erith and Belvedere's penalty area, however the hosts would go on to have the better chances of the first-half.

With the half-hour mark approaching Ryan Palmer's header landed on the roof of Kieron Mann's net, and Andrew Dalhouse forced Mann into a good save following a decent goalbound volley. Hythe struck back with a Brendon Cass nod-on finding Thompson whose first shot on the volley was blocked, the second on the swivel saved by Stroud. The half ended with another good couple of chances for the home side, the closest coming via Ryan Palmer's close-range blast as Hythe survived a goalmouth scramble. However, Hythe managed to negotiate their way to half-time with their lead intact, thanks largely to the calming influence of stand-in centre-back and captain Dave Cook. The second-half would be a different proposition, Scott Porter introducing a third striker in the shape of Gary Mickelborough, as Hythe started moving through the gears to grab a crucial second goal.

Hythe would need to be wary though, as half-time also saw the introduction of their ex-striker, the always dangerous Aiden Pursglove. Even though Hythe would go on to have the better of things after the interval, it could have been all so different as Danny Powell lashed a fine opportunistic volley off the Hythe crossbar. Moments later John Walker fired a half-volley just wide following an uncleared corner from Lee Winfield. Just before the hour mark Hythe grabbed that crucial second goal, Mickelborough latching onto a decent through-ball and forcing his way between two Erith & Belvedere defenders. Mickelborough's pinpoint cross from the right found Thompson who bravely forced the ball under Stroud for his second goal in as many games. Straight from the restart, Pursglove wasted a good close-range opportunity, but at the other end Hythe were having penalty claims waved away by the man in black.

By now Mickelborough was a constant threat, finding Cass with another fine cross that Hythe's top scorer couldn't quite convert at close-range. With seven minutes remaining the home side had a lifeline as Powell latched onto a redirected through-ball to run clear and lob an early finish over Mann. That lifeline wouldn't last long though as just a minute later Mickelborough showed outstanding willingness to chase down and force Stroud into a rushed clearance that cannoned off the Hythe man and rolled back into the net to restore Hythe's two goal cushion. Stroud was having a nightmare as moments later Cass almost forced the same error. With three minutes remaining Hythe produced their best goal of the afternoon. A good cross from substitute Dan Cook picking out Lee Winfield, who calmly kept possession inside the box before squaring for Dolan to smash home an unstoppable strike from the edge of the box.

FINAL SCORE - ERITH & BELVEDERE - 1 - HYTHE TOWN - 4

MAN OF THE MATCH - DAVE COOK

All square at the half-way point.....

A ninety-second minute equaliser from Craig Thompson left things all square as this Kent League Cup Quarter-final now moves into next week's second leg. Hythe had taken an early lead through Dave Cook, only for Sevenoaks to gain a deserved equaliser before half-time. In the second-half roles were reversed as Hythe took over as the main attacking force. However, it was Sevenoaks who took a late lead via the penalty-spot, before Thompson's injury-time intervention left it all to play for at Reachfields this Tuesday. Scott Porter was missing his number one keeper Kieron Mann, new signing Nick Barnes, and the injured Kieran Byrne, therefore there was rare starts for Mark Bishop in goal, and Dan Cook in midfield. With those changes to the side, and Saturday's penalty shoot-out defeat fresh in the memory, it was perhaps understandable that Hythe made a tentative start. Sevenoaks' first chance came after ten minutes when Jack Gibbons made his way into the Hythe box to shoot across goal but just wide. A similar chance followed shortly after for Richard Stevens, but Hythe were about to take the lead against the run of play.

Good pressure from Dan Scorer led to a rushed clearance from home keeper Dan Bygraves way outside his area, the ball landed at the feet of the grateful Dave Cook who calmly passed the ball into the empty net from some fifty yards. The tension instantly left the Hythe players as straight from kick-off an excellent flowing move ended with Brendon Cass stinging the palms of Bygraves. To their credit the home side were not fazed by falling behind and continued to play the better football. Joe Minter's fizzing shot was headed away from this own goal by Dave Cook, as Hythe survived two corners and a close-range free-kick from the hosts. Hythe were looking to use breakaway attacks to extend their lead, John Walker going close shooting across goal after Dan Cook sent Walker and Cass towards goal with a defence splitting pass.

The Sevenoaks goal arrived just before half-time as Stevens got in behind the Hythe offside trap to drive home a finish low and hard across Bishop into the bottom corner. Hythe started the second-half in much more confident fashion, winning two successive corners, the second of which was taken by Scorer and headed just wide by Gavin Ransley. Minter fired a curling free-kick just wide, but at the other end Cass was causing the home defence endless problems regularly slipping a suspect offside trap. Scott Porter soon noted the advantage of some fresh legs alongside Cass and introduced substitute Craig Thompson for the final twenty minutes. Thompson almost made an instant impact unwittingly heading down into the path of Dave Cook who blasted a half-volley just over the bar from distance. Thompson was now involved with every Hythe attack, heading wide from Walker's cross after good work from Cass. Next, Hythe looked to kill the tie off by introducing another striker in the shape of Gary Mickelborough. Mickelborough also made an instant impact crossing to Thompson who controlled, before firing in a fierce near-post shot that Bygraves did well to turn round the post.

Out of nowhere Sevenoaks were given the gift of a penalty three minutes from time. Substitute Mohammed Diakite appeared to go over Kingwell's outstretched leg after the Hythe centre-back had cleanly taken the ball, home captain Lee Hales sending Bishop the wrong way to give his side an unexpected lead. Spurred on by the apparent injustice, Hythe went for goal straight from the restart. Their pressure would lead to a close-range headed finish from Thompson, after Ronnie Dolan had sent the ball back into the danger area after an uncleared Winfield free-kick. The home side made a heated case for Hythe players being in offside positions, although this may have been explained by the current over-complicated version of the offside law. Either way, the game ended with the right scoreline on the balance of play, it was just how we got to that point that frustrated those in attendance. 

FINAL SCORE - SEVENOAKS TOWN - 2 - HYTHE TOWN - 2

MAN OF THE MATCH - BRENDON CASS

Hythe exit Kent Senior Trophy on penalties.....

Hythe Town have left this season's Kent Senior Trophy competition at the quarter-final stage. Scott Porter's side came in at half-time 1-0 down, but turned on the style in the second-half with some fine attacking football. Man of the match Lee Winfield and new man Nick Barnes were central to some lovely passing football from the home side. However, credit must go to a hard-working Erith Town side who survived the blows of a Hythe equaliser from Brendon Cass, and being reduced to ten men midway through the  second-half. Chance after chance rained down on a charmed Erith goal, as the home side's goalscoring touch deserted them for the remainder of the second-half and extra-time. The dreaded penalty shoot-out finally decided the game, Dan Scorer having his effort saved at the first set of sudden-death kicks.

Both teams got off to a lively start, Scorers free-kick met by an unmarked header at the back-post from Dave Cook that Tim Roberts comfortably saved. However, Erith's bright start would earn them a goal, Peter Smith heading home a free-kick from Liam Burgess. Hythe reacted well, John Walker's free-kick flicked on by Gary Mickelborough, Cook in on goal but adjudged to be just offside. A poor first-half developed with Erith happy to sit deep in their own half, and Hythe lacking ideas to unlock the visitor's defence. With half-time approaching the home side stirred into life, Ronnie Dolan volleying just wide and a brilliant cross to the back-post by Cass just evading Cook. The skipper was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet in the first period of play, as a nice one-two move with Cass again ended in Roberts claiming the ball off the toe of Hythe's midfield man. The half ended with a Scorer free-kick from twenty-yards curling just wide.

Hythe changed shape in the second-half with Barnes moved into a more central role and driving the play towards main man Winfield whose crossing and ability to hold onto possession kept Hythe on the front-foot for the majority of the second-half. Martin Fofana made the tackle of the game just two minutes after the restart, as Barnes had appeared to play Cass clear on goal but Hythe had started far brighter. Pat Kingwell's run from deep in his own half led to Cass combining with John Walker, the full-back's cross just behind three Hythe men in the six-yard box. Eleven minutes into the half Hythe had a deserved equaliser, Winfield's cross flicked on by Cook, and headed in at close-range by top-scorer Cass, the striker's nineteenth goal of a season that has only really just got to the half-way point. Barnes was at the centre of everything for Hythe, the midfielder lining up a shot for Walker that Roberts did well to turn round the post.

With just over thirty minutes remaining Erith Town suffered the blow of a second yellow card to Lee Morgan and would have to play an eventual hour with ten men. Hythe were relentless, Kingwell combining with substitute Kieran Byrne and providing a low cross that should have been converted by one of three Hythe men in the six-yard box. Cook's drive from distance was well saved, and shortly after Ransley popped up with a shot just over following Byrne's corner. Hythe almost got caught out on the counter-attack when Alex Tisse weaved his way into the Hythe box, Kieron Mann making an outstanding low save to keep things all square. In the closing stages Hythe did everything but score, Byrne nodding just wide at the back-post after another centre from Winfield, and Dolan's drive flew just over the bar after a poor punch from Roberts. Roberts redeemed himself moments later tipping over a deceptive cross from Scorer that almost dropped in.

In injury-time Byrne's volley deflected just wide, and from the resulting corner Cass had a header cleared off the line, as for the second week running Hythe's Kent Senior Trophy game would enter extra-time. From the kick-off Hythe started where they left off with a lovely ten pass move ending with Cass having a goal disallowed for offside. Minutes later Byrne nodded on for Cass to run clear on goal and slot home what would have been a winning goal, if not for the referee to pull back play for a head injury as the ball rolled into the Erith net! The game was becoming more and more stretched and with both teams taking risks to avoid penalties Tisse slipped a very high Hythe defensive line to run clear into the Hythe half with just Mann in the Hythe goal for company. Tisse rounded the Hythe keeper and rolled home what he thought would be the winning goal, only for Mann to make the save of the game with a fine low stop. Scott Porter still had the fresh and eager pair of Craig Thompson and Greg Smith to throw on in the closing stages, but the second-half of extra-time fizzled out with both teams out on their feet.

The penalty shoot-out started with Erith Town, emphatic finishes from Lawrence Collins, Liam Burgess, and for Hythe, Cook and Winfield meant it was 2-2 after two rounds of kicks. Chris Walker converted the visitors third, before Kieran Byrne had the misfortune of Hythe's first miss, a pretty decent low strike an inch or two from being the perfect spot-kick but coming off the base of the post. Mann got Hythe straight back in it with an excellent save from Tisse, before Barnes and Thompson both calmly slotted home for Hythe, Darren Nash doing the same for Erith inbetween. So with one miss each it was 4-4 going into sudden death, Visiting captain Ben Payne kept his cool placing his finish straight down the middle, before Roberts made himself a hero diving high to his left to save a pretty decent effort from the unlucky Scorer.

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 1 - ERITH TOWN - 1 (ERITH WIN ON PENALTIES 5-4, 1-1 AFTER EXTRA TIME)

MAN OF THE MATCH - LEE WINFIELD

Where do we start????

Hythe Town have progressed to the quarter-finals of the Kent Senior Trophy, following one of the most extraordinary games ever witnessed at Kent League level! After an awful start to the game and with hosts Norton Sports 3-0 up after only thirty-four minutes, Hythe came in and half-time not really knowing what had hit them. But a storming second-half comeback ended with captain Dave Cook failing to convert what would have been a winning 84th minute penalty, and then the arrival of extra-time. Extra-time began and Hythe just carried on where they left off with Gary Mickelborough now thirty minutes into a substitute appearance and Craig Thompson also introduced, Hythe stormed into a 6-3 lead, Hythe's goalscorers an own goal from Lewis Rivett, Brendon Cass, Gary Mickelborough, Dan Scorer, and a brace from man of the match Dave Cook!

A crazy afternoon almost ended with a penalty shoot-out, as with nothing to lose the home side fought back to 6-5, and had what would have been a sixth goal correctly disallowed. There must have been something in the water, as the games involving Kent League sides today produced a total of fifty-one goals, an average of over six a game!!!! Norton got off to the perfect start by scoring the first of eleven goals to all fly into the same goal, possibly with the wind and slope also playing their part! Tony Clarke hit an unstoppable shot into the top-corner of Kieron Mann's goal to give the Hythe keeper no chance. Moments later Andy Irvine slipped Ashley Baverstock in on goal but on this occasion Mann was equal to the shot, Chris Elliott wasteful with the rebound.

Hythe were just beginning to find their feet when Irvine latched onto a good through-ball, and showing good strength forced his way into the Hythe box and around Mann for a calm finish. Hythe were reeling and Baverstock found himself in on goal far too easily before finishing with ease to give the home side a dream start after only thirty-four minutes. Just before half-time Irvine fired into the side-netting, a chance that maybe would have put Hythe firmly out of sight. Hythe reshuffled at half-time with John Walker switching to right-back to accommodate the arrival of attacking full-back Dan Scorer at left-back, replacing Greg Smith. What a difference a stroke of luck can make, as within two minutes of the restart Hythe were gifted a lifeline that they transformed into a stunning attacking second-half performance.

After their side's first-half performance a few Hythe supporters were probably openly guilty of still enjoying their half-time pint, when a routine back-pass from Lewis Rivett somehow ended up in the back of Shaw's net! The visitors were up and running as Cass lobbed just wide after latching onto a poor back-header - Hythe manager Scott Porter then looked to take the game to Norton with the introduction of Gary Mickelborough for the final third of normal time. Hythe were now taking risks and it was no surprise when substitute John Neal got a clear sight on goal at the end of a Norton counter-attack, Mann glad to watch the final shot sail over his crossbar.

Hythe were looking likely for their second as Cook blasted a free-kick just over and Cass watched his close-range shot dribble wide after good work by Mickelborough and Kingwell. At the other end Norton were a constant threat on the break, Mann making a double save from Elliott and Hythe clearing Baverstock's shot off the line. With just under twenty minutes remaining an excellent run from Kingwell ended with a one-two with Cook and the perfect centre for Cass to slot home at close-range. Norton were reeling as Shaw saved at point-blank range from a Cass header, however moments later Hythe were level as Kingwell provided the assist again for Cook to grab Hythe's equaliser at close-range. With six minutes remaining it appeared that the Hythe comeback was about to have the perfect finish, however Shaw had other ideas, saving his second Cook penalty of the season after a Norton handball led to a Hythe spot-kick.

Still there was time for Hythe to grab a winner, as Cass and Cook forced Shaw into a stunning double-save, and Ronnie Dolan had his blast on the rebound blocked by some desperate Norton defending. The madness would continue just one minute into extra-time as Mickelborough smuggled home the Hythe fourth, Hythe attacking straight from kick-off. Substitute Craig Thompson looked to get amongst the goals, Shaw turning the striker's blast around the post at full-stretch. Just six minutes into the first period of extra-time Hythe stretched their lead, Norton failing to clear Lee Winfied's corner and Cook smashing home an unstoppable driven shot off the underside of the bar.

Thompson went close again, flashing a shot just wide directly off Mann's clearance. Hythe seemingly wrapped up the win as Scorer curled home a lovely free-kick into the top-corner from just outside of the box just before half-time in extra-time. With nothing to lose the home side gave Hythe a scare that was almost on par with the events of the first-half. Firstly Neal smashed a lovely strike from the edge of the box into the top-left hand corner, before Baverstock grabbed his second with a smashed finish running away from goal. In between Norton's fourth and fifth came that disallowed effort which was never going to be given.........Hythe were home and dry.

MATCH PHOTOS COURTESY OF SIMON GILES - CLICK HERE

FINAL SCORE (AFTER EXTRA TIME, 3-3 AFTER FULL-TIME) - NORTON SPORTS - 5 - HYTHE TOWN - 6

MAN OF THE MATCH - DAVE COOK

Holmesdale fightback stuns Hythe.....

FINAL SCORE - HOLMESDALE - 2 - HYTHE TOWN - 2

Hythe slip to shock defeat.....

Kieran Byrne's seventh goal of the season took Hythe Town within one goal of a stunning second-half comeback. It was to be too big an ask after Hythe got themselves into an awful mess, 2-0 down at half-time and 4-0 down by the hour. Goals from Brendon Cass via a retaken penalty, and ex-Lordswood man Dan Cook gave the platform for Byrne to take the home side within a whisker of a share of the points. Credit must go to Lordswood, who responded to the first game after the Christmas break, and a patched-up team due to illness with an excellent committed display to take all three points. It was Lordswood that settled the quicker of the two sides, enjoying possession and winning two early corners to put the home side on the back foot. At that stage there was no sign of what was to come as Hythe dealt with the set-pieces of the visitors with ease. It could have all been very different if Hythe had made the most of two early chances, John Walker releasing Craig Thompson clear on goal but wide, Thompson's attempt to find strike partner Cass at the back-post was in the right area but agonisingly out of reach.

Shortly after, a Lee Winfield free-kick was whipped dangerously across the face of young Ryan Burbridge's goal - a chance that maybe highlighted where Hythe missed their captain Dave Cook, absent with flu. Lordswood's first goal was almost as a result of Hythe's over eagerness to take the lead, Stephan Elliott taking advantage of a high Hythe defensive line on the counter-attack to run clear on goal and lift the ball over Kieron Mann with a lovely finish. Hythe looked to bounce straight back, Gary Mickelborough shooting over from close-range after Byrne's nod down. Cass and Mickelborough played a delightful one-two ending with a miscued close-range effort from Cass that Burbridge dealt with comfortably. Just after the half-hour mark Hythe failed to spot a short corner routine and Rob Denness glanced home a lovely near-post header across goal and into the top corner of Mann's goal. Hythe again looked to strike back quickly as John Walker and Byrne combined to allow Byrne a shooting opportunity from the edge of the box.

Scott Porter reacted to the half-time scoreline replacing both his full-backs with Lee Shearer and Dan Cook. Hythe effectively lined up for the second-half with a 3-5-2 formation with the wide-men given instruction to stay forward. It was an attacking formation that brought about the three goals that should have won the game, if not for some poor individual errors to allow Lordswood to double their lead first. Hythe started the half brightly with three corners and a penalty shout waved away. Suddenly, Lordswood got the goal that took them out of Hythe's reach, a twenty-yard shot from Elliott spinning off the mud and slightly wrong-footing the usually ultra-reliable Kieron Mann. The home side continued to regroup, Cass slipping Thompson in on goal to shoot low, hard, but just wide. However, on the hour-mark it was effectively game over.....or was it? Denness capping a fine performance to outstrip an exposed Hythe defence and confidently roll the ball into the net for the lone striker's second of the game.

However a Hythe side totally off the pace, was still brimming with goal-scoring talent, and prepared to take the risks to score the five goals needed to pull of a miracle. They got three, they should have got four, they could have got the five! Firstly, ex-Hythe man Adam Hooper handled in the box, Cass despatching the resulting spot-kick at the second attempt, after Burbridge was adjudged to leave his goal-line to save the first. Three minutes later Cook, made up for his namesake's absence, drilling home Mickelborough's cross from the right. Six minutes later Byrne's effort from just inside the box stung the palms of Burbridge and looped up and over the keeper into the net. The home side now had over fifteen minutes left to score the two goals needed to secure all three points, when only nine minutes earlier they had been 4-0 down! In the end, they couldn't get the one that would have secured a share of the points, as a combination of brave back to the walls defending from the Lordswood defence, and endless counter-attack running by the clearly shattered Denness wrapped up the points.  

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 3 - LORDSWOOD - 4

Byrne strike secures the points.....

Kieran Byrne marked his return to the starting XI with a fantastic overhead strike to secure the three points. Erith & Belvedere had managed a spirited fightback, Dave Cook's penalty had opened the scoring after just five minutes, but the visitors were back level going into the break. However, an improved second-half performance, along with our opponents being reduced to ten men, led to the match-deciding moment. Hythe now move up to 4th in the Kent League Premier Division as we begin to catch up on league games following our F.A. Cup run. Hythe got off to the perfect start as they almost opened the scoring in the first minute, Craig Thompson lashing a close-range volley across goal and just wide following a Lee Winfield free-kick. Sean Brown was soon returning the favour at the other end for the visitors, but it would be the winger's only notable contribution, soon replaced by eventual goalscorer Robbie Cochrane due to injury.

Hythe impressed in the opening exchanges and deserved their lead on five minutes. A blatant push in the six-yard box as Thompson prepared to head home Byrne's cross led to a clear-cut penalty for the hosts, skipper Cook stroked home his eleventh goal of the season. Going behind seemed to spur Erith & Belvedere into life as over the next twenty minutes or so the home side conceded more and more possession. However, Hythe were still a threat on the counter-attack as an overhead kick from Brendon Cass sent Thompson one on one with keeper Richard Stroud, Thompson's shot found the legs of Stroud, an excellent save. Ronnie Dolan's surge opened up a shooting opportunity for Cook but his shot whistled over the bar, missed chances that Hythe would regret come half-time. Seven minutes from the interval, a cross from the left was met by ex-Hythe man Aiden Pursglove, Kieron Mann made a fantastic close-range reflex save but there was nothing that could be done about Cochrane's tap-in from the rebound.

The second-half began in lively fashion with Adrian Deane's deflected free-kick forcing Mann into a fine fingertip save. However, Hythe had started the half in similar fashion to the first, and with several Erith & Belvedere players already on cautions it seemed inevitable when Paul Gross clattered into Dolan to receive his marching orders for a second yellow card. With the hour mark approaching Hythe grabbed the winning goal. Pat Kingwell's free-kick nodded on by Thompson and met by a spectacular overhead kick into the net from Byrne. The final third of the game was probably the most scrappy period of the whole game, mixed in with some clear chances for Hythe to extend their lead. Winfield sent substitute Gary Mickelborough clear on goal, only for Stroud to make a stunning triple save. Mickelborough then turned provider to find an unmarked Byrne at the back-post, Stroud again making an excellent save. Finally Dolan tried his best to win the goal of the season competition, with a stunning twenty-five yard volley off the outside of the boot, the young midfielder's looping effort just dipping over the bar.

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 2 - ERITH & BELVEDERE - 1

MAN OF THE MATCH - KIERAN BYRNE

Vase dream over.....

The fourteenth goal of the season from Brendon Cass, his fifth goal in four games turned out to be no more than a consolation as Hythe bowed out of this seasons F.A. Vase. Goals from Angelo Harrop, Michael Brothers, and Danny Cunningham for Leiston took care of a below-par performance from Scott Porter's visiting Hythe Town side. If Hythe had progressed it would have taken them into a fourth consecutive tricky away tie, clearly this was to be the year that Hythe's luck was used up in the F.A. Cup! The game started in lively fashion with tackles flying in from both sides, Michael Brothers going too far with his challenge on Hythe skipper Dave Cook and ending up in the book after just seven minutes. The home side carved out the first opportunity of the game shortly after, Leon Ottley-Gooch slipping Brothers in on goal, Kieron Mann making a comfortable save in the Hythe goal.

Hythe suffered an early set-back as right-back Greg Smith picked up a knock, forcing Hythe into a reshuffle, with Lee Shearer returning to action in the centre of the Hythe defence and Gavin Ransley switching to right-back. The day could have taken a different direction altogether if not for the Leiston woodwork, Cook with a thumping header against the underside of the crossbar, following Lee Winfield's cross. Cunningham hit an ambitious lopping effort from fifty yards out that Mann did well to tip over, before Brothers shot wide again after being forced away from goal by Pat Kingwell. Just as Hythe seemed to be settling and preparing to regroup during half-time the home side struck, Harrop forcing the ball in at the back-post after Hythe failed to clear a centre from the right.

The second-half began with the expected renewed effort from Hythe, Craig Thompson showing good strength to allow Cass to cross to the edge of the Leiston box, where Cook fired a volley back across goal and just wide. Hythe were seeing more of the ball, but their hosts were becoming more and more of a threat on the counter-attack as they took advantage of Hythe committing men forward in search of the equaliser. Eventually, one of those counter-attacks secured a two goal lead, Cunningham crossing to the back-post for Brothers to head home a crucial second for Leiston. Hythe reacted immediately, introducing Gary Mickelborough and Kieran Byrne and switching to a 3-4-3 formation.

However the risk of switching to three at the back would lead to the game ending third goal for the hosts. Cunningham forcing the ball into the roof of the net at the near-post after Hythe had failed to play to the whistle, after the referee had applied the advantage rule for the home-side. Suddenly, following the restart Hythe had a lifeline as Byrne crossed and Cass rose to head home into the top-right corner. It could have been a very interesting final ten minutes if one of five Hythe players had forced the ball in as Winfields's corner caused an almighty goalmouth scramble, but it wasn't to be and Hythe now look to return to catching up on league fixtures following their cup exploits in the national competitions. 

FINAL SCORE - LEISTON - 3 - HYTHE TOWN - 1

MAN OF THE MATCH - RONNIE DOLAN

Not a bad days work.....

A brace from Brendon Cass took Hythe Town's top scorer to nine goals in as many league games, and thirteen in all competitions for the season. After all our cup exploits, ironically Hythe were involved in one of only two surviving fixtures in the Kent League, and were the only team to register three points in the extreme winter conditions. The brace from Cass was the highlight of an extremely professional performance from Scott Porter's side, with John Walker and Gavin Ransley running Cass close for the Man of the Match award, contributing to a fine clean sheet to secure the three points. After a poor start to the game it was the home side that opened up the first real chance of the afternoon, Michael Power winning a loose ball on the edge of the Hythe box and drilling a low shot just past the post.

A further scrappy period of play followed but eventually the football started to flow for Hythe, Ronnie Dolan picking up the play inside the Erith half, surging forward and stinging the palms of home keeper Tim Roberts, with a looping effort from the edge of the box. Lee Winfield's cross was headed down by Cass, only for Craig Thompson's close range effort to be blocked at close range. When the opening goal came for Hythe, it's simplicity was the key, as the always reliable Greg Smith sent in a near-post cross that Cass met with a lovely flicked header into the top-corner. Hythe were now getting into their stride as both Thompson and Cass went close from a Winfield centre, and Dan Scorer fired just wide of Roberts' goal after chasing down a lost cause with the assistance of the lively Cass. Five minutes before half-time Dave Cook should have made it two, heading wide at the back-post after John Walker had found his captain with a raking cross.

Hythe started the second-half in a far more fluent manner, Scorer with a good run down the left, and a cross to the back-post where Cass had a good effort saved by Roberts. Smith won a strong challenge on the edge of the Erith box, slotting a pass into the path of Thompson that the target-man toe-poked just wide. Next Walker found Dolan in space and the midfielder again caused Roberts to spill his shot. With the hour mark approaching the left-sided duo of Walker and Scorer were giving Erith endless problems, one move leading to Scorer crossing to the back-post where Cass went close shooting into the side-netting. With twenty minutes remaining Hythe again missed a clear chance to double their lead, home captain Dean Kearley misjudging his header but doing brilliantly to make a recovering tackle as Cass ran clear on goal. Roberts made the save of the game, diving at full stretch to again deny Cass, but Hythe's main man was getting closer.

With eleven minutes remaining, Erith failed to clear their lines from a Winfield corner, and Thompson helped the ball on into the path of Cass, who made no mistake smashing a low driven shot into the net. Moving into the final ten minutes the home side threw men forward, but although a shot whistled just wide, and a header landed on the roof of the Hythe net, on both occasions Kieron Mann had the situation well under control in the Hythe goal. In the closing stages Hythe could have doubled their advantage, substitute Kieran Byrne breaking away down the left before cutting into the box and curling a good shot towards the top-right hand corner that Roberts dealt with. Finally in injury-time Byrne broke away again, this time finding fellow substitute Sam Conlon, the young forward placing a low shot that Roberts did brilliantly to tip wide.

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

MAN OF THE MATCH - BRENDON CASS

Back in Business.....

Goals from Dave Cook, Lee Winfield, and Brendon Cass saw off one of Hythe's toughest opponents of the season. Cook got Hythe's first league game for two months off to the perfect start, heading home after just six minutes. However, Wells have added resilience to their already attractive brand of football, and struck back to leave things level at the break. Following some fairly clear-cut misses, the home support were happy to see their side move through the gears and effectively win the game in the first five minutes of the second half, as first Winfield and then Cass struck within two minutes of one another. Hythe enjoyed long spells of possession for the remainder of the game. Although the visitors were a constant threat on the counter-attack, two moves in particular from Scott Porter's side would have won goal of the season if not for the Wells keeper and the woodwork.

Cook had signalled his intentions as early as the first minute, picking up play in the centre of midfield before surging towards goal and sending a rocket of a shot just over from twenty yards. The Hythe skipper wouldn't have to wait long though, as five minutes later he headed home under the body of Michal Czanner, following an excellent run and cross from the right-hand flank by Gary Mickelborough. A few minutes later Cook returned the favour, playing Mickelborough into the box to fire just into the side-netting. It should have been two moments later as Lee Winfield's pass sent Craig Thompson one on one with Czanner, Thompson lobbed the ball over the stranded Czanner, but when forced away from goal by the recovering Wells defence, fired across goal and wide. It was all Hythe as Mickelborough played Cass one on one, Scott Whibley making a tremendous block on the shot from Cass.

By now Hythe were playing some of their best football of the season, as Ronnie Dolan benefited from some lovely one touch passing by Cass and Mickelborough to play Cook in on goal, Czanner making a fine save. At the other end Wells striker Keelan Mooney was finding his shooting boots, opening up to loop a shot just over Kieron Mann's crossbar. It was Mooney that gave Wells a way back into the game, slipping the Hythe offside trap on the counter-attack to go one on one with Mann, the Hythe keeper tripping Mooney but remaining on the field of play due to Mooney's run taking him away from goal. Andy McMath placed the resulting penalty completely out of reach of Mann, and suddenly the visitors were back in the game. With half-time approaching Hythe looked to bounce back, Cook helping a ball on into the danger area for Cass to rifle a half-volley just over the bar.

An excellent half came to an end, but for Hythe's John Walker it was the end of the game, replaced at half-time by Dan Scorer. Both sides had appeared to be somewhere near their best during the opening period of play, but it would soon become apparent that Hythe were about to find another couple of gears. Just three minutes after the restart Hythe retook the lead. First Greg Smith, and then Dolan crossed into the box to eventually find Lee Winfield, the Hythe playmaker rode one challenge and then fired a half-volley into the bottom corner of Czanner's goal. Just two minutes later the home side struck again, the excellent Dolan winning one challenge, surging forward and shrugging off another, before playing a perfectly weighted through-ball that Cass needed no invitation to roll into the net for his second goal in successive games.

Hythe were rampant, as Mickelborough had a shot turned around the base of the post by Czanner, and Cook's fierce drive was turned away by the overworked Wells keeper. Cass showed excellent strength before flicking Mickelborough clear down the right, a quick cross was met by the incoming Thompson, who shot just wide at the near-post. To their credit Wells were not about to throw in the towel, highlighted by an excellent dribble and cross from Carl Connell that was met by a Jon Pilbeam header that brought the best out of Mann. Perry Spackman headed just over from the resulting corner, and soon after that Pilbeam went close again, dragging his shot across goal but wide. The introduction of substitute Kieran Byrne soon got Hythe back on the front foot, the left-winger's one-two with Cass ending with Byrne's cross just evading the tap-in for Hythe's top scorer.

Carl Cornell was on the end of Well's last real chance to launch a late fightback, but again the final shot was dragged low and wide of Mann's goal. The final act of the game was the hosts almost scoring what would of been a contender for goal of the season. Thompson did brilliantly to hold off the attention of three Wells defenders as Hythe broke from their own half, Thompson then played the ball into Winfield who in turn found Cass with a first-time pass. By now Thompson had broke down the flank and was found by a perfectly weighted ball from Cass, Thompson knew what was needed next as Cass made his run into the box, Thompson centred, only for Cass to be denied the perfect goal by the underside of the crossbar!

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 3 - TUNBRIDGE WELLS - 1

MAN OF THE MATCH - LEE WINFIELD

Role Reversal .....

Hythe Town enjoyed a 'Ronnie inspired Role Reversal.' As one week on from our honourable 5-1 defeat at Hereford, Ronnie Dolan capped a man of the match performance with the best goal of the afternoon to seal a 5-1 win in Hythe Town's favour. After inspiring his side to F.A. Vase victory over VCD Athletic, Ronnie joined Pat Kingwell in signing contracts with Hythe Town FC! All eyes now turn to F.A. HQ on Monday for a different reason than we have been used to in recent times, the next round of the Vase! As expected, the opening stages of this game involved Hythe getting the Hereford match out of their systems and VCD coming out all guns blazing, with the Wood brothers impressive in the build-up and at the end of some fluent VCD attacks. There is no doubt that this current VCD side like to play a quick, short, passing game on the deck. But to Hythe's credit they stood firm and rode out the storm, with Kieron Mann not needed to make a save during the first half.

Hythe completed their perfect start to the game as following a Mann goal-kick, Craig Thompson did enough to occupy the home side's centre backs to allow Gary Mickelborough to pass home the Hythe opener. Thompson got his own first sight of goal swivelling and testing Jack Bradshaw from distance. The closest the home side came to a goal in the first-half, was via Karl Dent slipping Jamie Wood one on one, only to be denied by both the offside trap and a fine save from Mann. Thompson could and possibly should have scored an eight minute hat-trick on the half-hour mark, firstly chasing down and winning a lost cause to go one on one with Bradshaw before failing to find Brendon Cass with his cross, when he possibly should have taken on the strike himself. Five minutes later Mickelborough forced Bradshaw to spoon his clearance, Thompson shooting straight at the keeper with the goal at his mercy. Finally, Thompson, got his goal to double the Hythe lead, smashing home low and hard across goal after Mickelborough's fine through ball.

With a minute to go before the half-time interval, Hythe more or less secured the win as the third goal completed a goal a piece for each of the Hythe strikers. With Dan Scorer's free-kick uncleared, Pat Kingwell and Ronnie Dolan combined to allow Greg Smith to cross to the back-post, where first Thompson and then Brendon Cass forced the ball over the line. It could have been four on the stroke of half-time, as the excellent Cass flicked Thompson one on one, Bradshaw catching the attempted lob. Despite an enthusiastic start to the second half from the home side, Hythe soon secured their fourth goal. Brilliant strength from Cass on the counter-attack led to Hythe's top scorer sending Thompson clear into the VCD box. Thompson was first pulled back by home captain Gary Cook, and then with the referee signalling advantage had his heels clipped. The VCD defenders were in disbelief as a Hythe penalty was awarded, but most were probably unaware of the original tug back, captain Dave Cook stepped up to smash home the penalty.

Dolan hinted at what was to come, driving an uncleared corner into the body of Bradshaw, whilst at the other end Mann made a fantastic one on one save from Jamie Wood. The same player didn't need asking twice a few minutes later, as by now the four man VCD attack finally got their consolation goal. Hythe were soon looking to extend their lead again, Smith's cross finding Cass at the back-post to head back across goal, Cook going close to a tap-in. Thompson should have scored a second, heading wide at close-range from a Kieran Byrne corner. Hythe finally secured their fifth goal as a Sam Conlon led counter-attack gave Mickelborough a shooting opportunity, the blocked shot rolled out to Dolan who from all of thirty yards smashed home the best goal of the afternoon into the bottom left-hand corner.

FINAL SCORE - VCD ATHLETIC - 1 - HYTHE TOWN - 5

MAN OF THE MATCH - RONNIE DOLAN

Thank you.....

Well, what a journey! Almost everyone involved in the club as an official or player has joined Scott and the management team in enjoying the limelight.... BBC cameras on us as we watched the draw unfold, the front page of the Non-League newspaper, the visit of the F.A. Cup to Reachfields, articles in the News of the World, The Sun, The Times, front and back pages of both local newspapers for two weeks running. Countless radio and website interviews, coach and hotel bookings, appearances on the local news, Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, and of course the ITV Highlights show on Saturday night, Scott realising a dream moment.... chatting before the game on Radio Kent with Spurs manager Harry Redknapp!!!!

And then the day itself, the photos as three packed coaches (including one double decker) left Reachfields bright and early Saturday morning, the taking over of Reading Service station! Arriving at the ground with all the flags, musical instruments, with Hythe red and white everywhere you looked. The fantastic singing before, during, and after the game that put the 2000 Hereford supporters to shame! Finally, the game itself.... maybe one round too far in the end but lets focus on that amazing moment when Brendon Cass sent Gary Mickelborough clear through on goal to score the first goal in over fifty years by a Kent League player in the first round of the F.A. Cup! At that point it seemed anything was possible........

As expected, the full-time professionals were out of the traps in a flash. However, even though Hythe were finding the early stages of the game tricky, it seemed very harsh for referee Andy D'Urso to book Hythe captain Dave Cook for his first (harmless) foul after just two minutes. Suddenly, the fantastic Hythe support fell quiet as Richard Rose showed why he plays in League Two, latching onto a loose ball to surge forward and smash home low and hard from twenty-yards. On the pitch, Hythe didn't seem to fazed by going behind so early, Lee Shearer's raking pass picked out Kieran Byrne on the edge of the Hereford box. Hythe's left winger volleyed over the bar but Hythe had got their first sight of goal. D'Urso continued to frustrate, missing a blatant push on Pat Kingwell as Stuart Fleetwood ran clear on goal, Kieron Mann ensuring justice was done with a fine low save. Hythe weren't getting the rub of the green as Gary Mickelborough had a penalty shout turned away and John Walker received the second caution of the afternoon.

Just as Hythe were finding their feet, their clinical hosts doubled their lead as Rob Purdie slipped the Hythe offside trap to lift a cute finish over the advancing Mann. Again to their credit, the Hythe players refused to let their heads go down, Lee Winfield's cross to the back-post headed wide by Byrne. Then, a moment bettered only by the scenes at the final whistle, Brendon Cass swivelled on the counter-attack and spotted a high defensive line from Hereford. The through-ball was perfectly weighted for Mickelborough to race away from the last defender and confidently slot home under home keeper Adam Bartlett, the Hythe support simply just went loopy! The next ten minutes were probably Hythe's best as the possibility of grabbing a second to brings things all-square seemed achievable. The best chance during that period fell to Cass, who volleyed just wide from Byrne's nod down. Unfortunately for Hythe, Mathieu Mansette delivered a killer four minutes of football to end any hopes of an upset. The big target man firstly executed an excellent overhead kick from eight yards out after Hythe failed to clear a corner, four minutes later the same man forced an inswinging corner into the roof of the net.

Scott Porter clearly did the business at half-time, as he both motivated and challenged his players to go out and attempt to win the second-half, something that they almost achieved. A confident start to the half led to Winfield almost picking out Mickelborough for a back-post tap-in, before Mickelborough had an even stronger penalty claim turned down as Cook flicked Hythe's goalscorer one on one with Bartlett, Mickelborough seemed to have his legs taken from behind by a recovering Hereford defender. Fleetwood was soon down the other end forcing Mann to make an excellent save onto the underside of the crossbar. From a Hythe point of view, only one player needs mentioning for his contribution to the final fifteen minutes. With superior fitness levels beginning to show, the duo of Fleetwood and the best Hereford player on show, Joe Colbeck, could have scored a couple of goals a piece. Hythe didn't deserve such a scoreline and thanks to Kieron Mann it didn't happen. The Hythe number one simply made four or five outstanding saves in the closing stages to show why he is the current Manager's, Player's, and Supporters' Player of the Year! Deep into injury time, the home side finally got their fifth goal as Fleetwood finally found a way through.

Finally, those emotional moments at the final whistle, moments between players, management, officials, and supporters that will live long in the memory of all those involved for many years to come.....To our brilliant players, our inspirational management, we the officials and supporters would simply like to say.....THANK YOU.

MATCH PHOTOS - COURTESY OF KENTONLINE.CO.UK

FINAL SCORE - HEREFORD UNITED - 5 - HYTHE TOWN - 1

MAN OF THE MATCH - PAT KINGWELL

OUR AMAZING DAY IN PHOTOS - (THANKS TO STEVE NIBLETT FROM HEREFORDUNITED.CO.UK FOR MATCH PHOTOS) - CLICK HERE

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS (SORRY LADS!) - CLICK HERE

READ A THANK YOU FROM OUR CHAIRMAN PAUL MARKLAND TO HEREFORD UNITED FC, FOLLOWED BY SOME KIND WORDS IN RETURN FROM THE HEREFORD SUPPORTERS - CLICK HERE

MATCH REPORT - COURTESY OF KENTISHFOOTBALL.CO.UK - CLICK HERE

MATCH PHOTOS - COURTESY OF KENTONLINE.CO.UK - CLICK HERE

THE SUN - THE F.A. CUP COMES TO REACHFIELDS - CLICK HERE

THE SUN - LEE SHEARER INTERVIEW - CLICK HERE

BBC COVERAGE (REPORT FEATURES LINKS TO PAST ARTICLES) - CLICK HERE

A Day of Rest.....

A largely second-string Hythe side lost to two early goals in this Kent Premier League Cup first round match. The second leg is next Tuesday evening but there is the small matter of Saturday’s trip to Hereford in between. Clearly, that FA Cup match cast a shadow over this low-key affair and the main result for Hythe was probably that the few first teamers involved all came through unscathed. Only three players from the previous Saturday’s Staines cup triumph made the starting line-up. The rested Dave Cook and Pat Kingwell, along with club director, Barry Vincer, had spent the morning painting the main stand at Reachfields. It was suggested that it might have been more interesting to have stayed and watched it dry but that was a bit unfair. This was a reasonably flowing match, with plenty of chances and it constituted a sufficiently entertaining distraction to silence talk of the FA Cup for a short while.

Lordswood’s floodlight generator has packed up so the kick-off was brought forward to 2pm. Perhaps this was why Hythe started so slowly. They conceded a goal after only two minutes. Reserve keeper, Tony Allen, totally missed a clearance and it needed a good diving save to make amends. However, from the resultant corner, Lords’ burly central defender and skipper, Wes Hammond, headed home at the far post, unchallenged. Ten minutes later, a shot by Lords’ Steve Elliott from the edge of the box hit Hythe skipper, Gavin Ransley, and flew past Allen to give lowly Lords a fortunate second. Hythe pulled themselves together and probably did enough to warrant a draw but it wasn’t to be their day.

They had reasonable pace with ex-Ashford forward, Sam Conlon, plus two wide men, Adam Slegg and Ricky Underdown. The latter, making his first team debut, showed some nice touches and is one for the future. However, the team lacked a bit of strength in the middle of the park. Too often, they were out-muscled by their workman-like opponents. Hythe’s best chance in the first half came with a quickly taken curling free-kick from Dan Scorer that Lords keeper, Matt Byott, had to scramble to tip over a few minutes before half-time. Conlon alone could have had three goals in the second half, helped by the introduction at the break of the experienced Lee Winfield. However, he put two shots and a header just wide. Winfield himself had a fizzing shot from 25 yards that flew just wide of the upright.

On came Craig Thompson to add some clout up front but Hythe couldn’t find a way through. It wasn’t all one-way traffic and Lordswood had a couple of chances in the second half. Allen had to dive full length to turn away a shot from Matt McHugh and was then quickly off his line to block as Peter Huggens bore down on goal. Hythe chairman, Paul Markland, volunteered £100 from the club’s FA Cup income to Lordswood’s fund for a new generator and it was that sort of afternoon: all the best of friends and lots of good wishes from Lordswood for the Hereford match. It might be more competitive on Tuesday but that depends on what happens this Saturday.

FINAL SCORE - LORDSWOOD - 2 - HYTHE TOWN - 0

MAN OF THE MATCH - SAM CONLON

The Pride of Non-League Football.....

Well, where do we start....the first Kent League team in 53 years to reach the First Round Proper, a 7th consecutive win, a 6th consecutive F.A. Cup win, a 4th consecutive clean sheet! The FIRST time Hythe Town FC have EVER reached the first round of the F.A. Cup!!!!!!! However, there was only one important number................ball number 64, 12.30pm the next day, live on ITV! Our reward? Away to Football League opposition Hereford United, oh we will enjoy every minute of it!!!! Probably the biggest win in the history of Hythe Town FC, lads.............this website editor has never been so proud....... you are the pride of non-league football, enjoy every moment and from all the supporters - THANK YOU - WHAT A DAY!!!!!! So where do we start? Well an edgy first ten minutes that saw some glimpses of what was to come from Gary Mickelborough, also Lee Shearer and Pat Kingwell dealing with the first Staines corner in the confident manner that set the tone for an outstanding performance from our two giant centre-backs! 

An early setback as top scorer Brendon Cass had to be substituted due to a facial injury that was clear for all to see on the BBC South East news on Sunday night! Luckily however, Scott Porter is blessed with three strikers that all deserve a place in his starting line-up, so as the excellent Craig Thompson joined the fray there was a sigh of relief as the quality of the squad shone through once again. Marc Charles-Smith had a penalty shout turned away after the restart, but Hythe were soon carving out their first real chance as Kieran Byrne couldn't quite stretch high enough to convert John Walker's free-kick. Jacob Walcott fired a half-volley high and wide but Hythe were beginning to feel their way into the game. Three successive corners from Byrne created panic in the Staines box, with Thompson going the closest to breaking the deadlock. With ten minutes of the half remaining Hythe scored that crucial first goal, and it was the pace of Mickelborough that created the opening. Walker's guided aerial ball down the left was intended to cause indecision, and as Marien Ifura misjudged the bounce Mickelborough stole in to race away from the last two defenders and round keeper Louis Wells to pass into the net and create the largest roar heard in many a year at Reachfields! The half ended with Walker almost catching Wells out of position with an opportunistic strike, and Richard Orlu receiving a booking for a cynical challenge as Mickelborough and Thompson charged towards goal in a two on two situation. 

If anything, Hythe continued where they left off after the restart, with Byrne showing good wing-play to set up Dave Cook for a half-volley from the edge of the box that Wells did well to turn round the base of his post. Thompson's cross turned shot troubled a back-pedaling Wells who again had to tip round the woodwork. Cook was desperate for his eventual goal as Shearer's free-kick was flicked on by Mickelborough only for the Hythe captain to leave the ball behind in a one on one situation. Walker's cross from the left was met by a Thompson diving header just wide, but the visitors were starting to up the stakes introducing substitutions and pushing extra men forward to force an increased amount of corners and free-kicks. The closest that Staines went during this period was via Ifura who headed just over the crossbar as he tried to make up for his previous error. Cook was getting closer as following a mesmerising run from Byrne the captain sent a shot crashing off the top of the crossbar from thirty-five yards, a chance that had Reachfields collectively holding its head in its hands! 

Suddenly the dream was becoming a reality as Thompson held the ball up brilliantly before releasing Mickelborough down the right-flank, the forward's cross to the back-post was inch perfect as Cook finally got his goal (and the front page of the national non-league newspaper!) with a thunderous close-range header that sent Reachfields wild! As the ninety minute mark finally passed the unfortunate Lee Winfield was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, just as the fourth official showed the board for five more minutes of injury time for our lads to survive. Kieron Mann did brilliantly to tip substitute Scott Taylor's low drive onto the base of his post, and with the seconds ticking down Rene Steer's looping cross was tipped over by the again faultless Mann. However, these final chances were in the final seconds of injury-time and in hindsight Hythe were home and dry - the rest as they say is history, but I know the first part of the DVD I will be watching back, the amazing scenes of celebration at the final whistle.......

A DVD of the game will be available (with full commentary from Bob Keen of BKVP Sports Forum) for £10 + p+p, if you would like to purchase a copy please call Martin Giles on 01303 265962. Video highlights of this game will be available courtesy of BKVP Sports Forum, via the link below. To access the video please join the forum and activate your account via the e-mail you will be sent. You will then receive a 'private message' via the forum over the next couple of days informing you how to access the highlights, the video will be available from Tuesday.

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 2 - STAINES TOWN - 0

MAN OF THE MATCH - GARY MICKELBOROUGH

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS - CLICK HERE

LISTEN TO CHAIRMAN PAUL MARKLAND'S INTERVIEW ON THE NON-LEAGUE RADIO SHOW (8 MINS IN) -  CLICK HERE

MATCH PHOTOS (COURTESY OF STAINES) - CLICK HERE

MATCH REPORT (COURTESY OF KENTISHFOOTBALL.CO.UK) - CLICK HERE

INTERVIEWS (COURTESY OF KENTISHFOOTBALL.CO.UK) - CLICK HERE

REACTION TO 1ST ROUND PROPER DRAW (COURTESY OF KENTISHFOOTBALL.CO.UK) - CLICK HERE

NATIONAL BBC COVERAGE - CLICK HERE

Strength in depth.....

Following on from one major FA Cup tie, the win over Concord Rangers, and next week’s visit of Staines Town in the fourth qualifying round, this Kent Senior Trophy first round match was a predictably low-key affair. Nevertheless, it was a fairly flowing, entertaining game and was settled in Hythe’s favour by an exquisite goal from Craig Thompson. Hythe manager, Scott Porter, had expressed his satisfaction with the way the fixtures had fallen. If this had been a league match, then there would not have been any thought of resting players. As it was, a clutch of first team regulars were on the subs’ bench or watching from the side-lines. The line-up comprised a number of players who have been on the fringes of the first team this season, giving supporters a good first opportunity to see them in action. 

These included two more ex-Ashford men, Sam Conlon and Dan Scorer, Ashley Porter at the back, and former Sunderland youth player, Adam Slegg, on the right side of midfield. Also in midfield was new signing from Lordswood, Dan Cook. The fact that they dominated this match was reflected in the fact that reserve keeper, Tony Allen, didn’t have a save to make. The tone was set in the first fifteen minutes, with the ball almost entirely in Corinthian’s half. The visiting keeper, Jack Rankin, came off worst in an early aerial challenge with Thompson but recovered after treatment and was ultimately the main reason that Hythe were restricted to a solitary goal. His first meaningful save came after twenty minutes, when he dived full length to parry a shot from twenty yards from the left foot of Scorer that was curling inside the post.  

Scorer and Conlon were lively but it was established Hythe favourite, Thompson, who broke the deadlock on twenty-five minutes. An innocuous-looking ball was misjudged by a Corinthian defender and it bounced over him to the Hythe man. He turned and, at forty-five degrees to the goal, outside the area, he hit a perfect volley with the outside of his foot which Rankin could only watch fly over him and into the far corner. Hythe’s only scare of the half was when they left Corinthian centre-back, George Benner, free at a corner but his header was blocked and cleared. Hythe then almost doubled their lead just before half-time when a neat cushioned header in a crowded box from Thompson gave Kieran Byrne the space to shoot but the ball hit the post and ricocheted to safety.  

Both Byrne and Thompson looked as though they might have been feeling the effects of challenges late in the first half so it was a relief to home supporters to see both of them back for the start of the second half. Hythe’s dominance continued and Rankin was called on more and more, starting with a fine tip over from a powerful header from left-back, Mark Bond, from a Byrne corner, five minutes after the restart. Rankin had to come off his line swiftly on a couple of occasions in the second half, first to thwart Conlon, put through by a measured ball from Scorer. Then Thompson bore down on the keeper but again he reacted quickly to block the shot. He was beaten soon after at a corner by a shot from Dan Cook but again the ball hit the post.  

On came Hythe first team regulars, Greg Smith, Gary Mickelborough and Ronnie Dolan, but the game became rather scrappy. Bond, returning from injury, looked to tire and Corinthian had a couple of dangerous late attacks down his flank. The last of these brought their best chance with sub, Harry Ponting, outpacing the left-back and shooting across the face of the goal but just wide of the far post. That was about it as far as worries for the home supporters went on a relaxing afternoon in the sunshine and showers. Next week will be an entirely different matter, when Blue Square South side, Staines Town, roll into town, with an appearance in the FA Cup first round proper at stake. Staines paid Hythe the compliment of sending a couple of scouts to this match but, beyond reporting that their opponents have decent strength in depth in their squad, it was probably a wasted journey.

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 1 - CORINTHIAN - 0

MAN OF THE MATCH - CRAIG THOMPSON

A very proud football club.....

A goal from captain Dave Cook has taken Hythe Town FC to the 4th Qualifying Round of the F.A. Cup for only the second time in their history! In one of the most memorable and emotional afternoons our football club has experienced, the entire playing and management squad did the traveling Hythe support proud. A fantastic performance, with the management doing their homework and the players seeing through the plans on the pitch - as Hythe knocked Ryman Premier side Concord Rangers out of the cup on their own patch! Now we move onto the excitement of Monday's draw, with talk of a possible facelift to the clubhouse and maybe even a TV appearance! Well done lads - it's down to you that all this may be possible, you did us proud! The afternoon started as many expected with large amounts of possession and some nice pass and move football from the home side, but Hythe dealt with that pressure along with the two corners and several free-kicks it forced in the opening stages.

Regardless of the quality of opposition, Hythe are currently a side with players who can create something out of nothing. Concord began to find this out with Brendon Cass having a header cleared off the line, Ronnie Dolan firing a rising shot just over from twenty yards, and Gary Mickelborough combining with Greg Smith to almost allow Cook a tap-in as the home defence cleared their lines. Tony Stokes appeared to be the dangerman for the home side as three successive openings involved the number eleven, one shot from distance was fired just wide, followed by an outstanding one on one save by Kieron Mann, and finally a more routine catch for Hythe's Mr Reliable. With the first task of not conceding a first-half goal achieved, Hythe were the happier side as some murmurings of discontent were heard from the hosts for the first time at the half-time whistle.

Whatever was said in that changing room at half-time must have been pretty impressive, as Hythe came out for the second-half all guns blazing to show that they now had the belief to go with their ability to win the game. Within minutes of the restart Lee Winfield sent Mickelborough clear down the right on the counter-attack, the pacey striker cutting into the box and pulling back to Cass, who appeared to be completely taken out by home keeper Dale Brightly, no penalty would be awarded though. Two minutes later it was again Hythe attacking with pace and commitment, as Dolan burst from midfield and slid the perfect throughball into the path of Mickelborough, only for last man and captain Nicky Cowley to haul the Hythe man to the ground, on this occasion only a yellow card was given. All injustices were forgotten just moments later as Cook smashed home the resulting free-kick low and hard via a deflection, after a fantastic decoy run from Kieran Byrne.

The home management team made the rather hasty decision to make a triple substitution with three forwards replaced like for like. Meanwhile, Hythe were just going from strength to strength with Cook's glancing header saved following a Winfield free-kick. Mickelborough and Cass carved open another attack that ended with successive crosses from Cook and then Byrne, Dolan's toed effort saved on the line by Brightly. Byrne then flashed a volley across goal and just wide, following Winfield's half-cleared free-kick. By now the home side were going to their out-ball every chance they got, substitute winger Leslie Thompson, but every cross that was fired into the box was dealt with by Kingwell, Shearer, Smith, and Cook. It has to be said that John Walker did a fantastic job of stopping the majority of the crosses at source. 

With the introduction of the returning Craig Thompson, and lively new signings Adam Slegg and Sam Conlon, Hythe ended the game the more likely to score the next goal. Another perfect through-ball from the outstanding Lee Winfield sent Dolan clear on goal, with defenders recovering the young midfielder cut inside and was unlucky to hit the base of the post with a twenty-yard shot. Cass chased down a lost cause that keeper Brightly had got involved with by the corner flag, the quick cutback from Cass and then shot from Thompson landing on the roof of an unguarded net. Winfield's corner was headed just over from six yards by Cass, and Slegg's pullback found Dolan who was again denied a deserved goal by a last ditch challenge. Somehow a mysterious and terrifying four minutes of injury time had turned into Hythe looking like they wanted to play another ninety minutes!

FINAL SCORE - CONCORD RANGERS - 0 - HYTHE TOWN - 1

MAN OF THE MATCH - KIERON MANN

Hythe draw Veil over Raynes Park ambitions.....

Following victory over Raynes Park Vale, Hythe Town will now face fellow Kent League side VCD Athletic after being drawn away in the Second Round of the F.A. Vase to take place Saturday 13th November. Kieran Byrne continued his goalscoring form grabbing an excellent brace of goals for the second game running, taking his tally for the season to five. Hythe had taken the lead in the first half after Brendon Cass and Gary Mickelborough combined brilliantly to force an own goal off the boot of Mark Skinner. Hythe were out of the traps quickly with Mickelborough earning the first of two corners to be taken by Byrne. With home keeper Paul Brady failing to make a comfortable catch on both occasions it was an encouraging start for the visitors. Two minutes later the home side showed they were capable of some neat passing football, as Austin Gacheru slipped Gavin Bulger into the box to cross to the back-post where Anthony Vine wastefully headed over.

Hythe would soon open the scoring with a goal that ticked boxes for both the weird and the wonderful. Dave Cook did well to win possession in midfield, before Cass swiveled and played a lovely reverse through-ball that allowed Mickelborough a clear run on goal. Mickelborough had already rounded Brady and was running the ball into the empty net when the recovering Skinner made a last ditch attempt to clear the ball off the goal-line. Unfortunately, the home side's right back produced a finish into the roof of the net that anyone in a Hythe shirt would have been proud of! Just two minutes after Hythe's goal John Walker showed how defending should be done, brilliantly clearing off his own goal-line after Simon McGore had rounded Kieron Mann and slotted home what appeared to be a certain goal for the hosts.

Mickelborough went close after good work from both Cook and Cass in the build-up, but with both sides finding their better football the half would be disrupted with two successive substitutions for the home side due to injury. With the play back up and running Cook headed just wide at the back-post after a good cross from Greg Smith, whilst at the other end Mcgore's mazy run into the Hythe box ended with a fierce shot just wide. Brady made an excellent save at the feet of Cass after Cook's through-ball had sent his team-mate one on one. Cass was involved again laying off to Byrne on the counter-attack only to miss the return cross by inches for a back-post tap-in. Moving into the second-half and another good centre from Smith was headed just wide by Byrne. However, the visiting support didn't have to wait long for the breathing space of a two goal lead as the in-form Byrne would strike before the hour mark. 

Walker released Mickelborough on the counter-attack, with Byrne taking over on the overlap after Mickelborough had traveled some distance in possession down the left-flank. From twenty-five yards out the usually left-footed Byrne looked up and curled an unstoppable looping shot, right-footed into the top corner. In similar fashion to the Hythe opener the home side looked to strike straight back, as from the restart McGore was slipped into the box for a low driven shot that Lee Shearer did well to block. With the game opening right up Smith slipped Cass into the box, but the usually reliable finisher was having an off day in front of goal, dragging just wide again. 

With just under ten minutes remaining Hythe put the icing on the cake. Winfield winning possession high up the pitch and playing Byrne one on one with a volleyed through-ball, Byrne shaping to smash but calmly passing home into the bottom corner. There was still time for further frustration for Cass who forced Brady into the best save of the afternoon, before three successive corners almost led to a headed goal from Shearer and a hat-trick for Byrne. 

FINAL SCORE - RAYNES PARK VALE - 0 - HYTHE TOWN - 3

MAN OF THE MATCH - JOHN WALKER

F.A. Cup run continues.....

Hythe hit four goals for the third time in a week, knocking fellow Kent League side Erith & Belvedere out of the F.A. Cup to move into Monday's 3rd qualifying round draw! Hythe's forwards are going goal crazy at the moment with Kieran Byrne making it three goals in as many starts following his comeback from injury. Gary Mickelborough scored in consecutive games this week, along with captain Dave Cook scoring for the third game in a row to bring his tally for the season to six! Hythe started strongly with Ronnie Dolan sending Mickelborough clear on goal only for the pacey Hythe man to be grabbed from behind without a spot-kick being awarded, showing that a player has to go down when being fouled in the box for a penalty to be given. 

Hythe didn't have to wait long to grab the opening goal though, after playing some nice possession football in the opening exchanges the route to their first goal was fairly direct. Kieron Mann's free-kick picking out Cook, who simply nodded the ball into the path of Byrne to toe the ball home past Richard Stroud. Tom Malyon hit back for the Dere's as he shot just wide after slipping the Hythe offside trap at the end of an impressively quick counter-attack. With half-time approaching a Byrne led counter-attack got the ball to Cook, who in turn slipped Brendon Cass into the eighteen yard box, Cass did enough to evade one challenge but lost out to Stroud in a race to the loose ball. The home side deservedly made it two on the stroke of half-time, Lee Winfield and Greg Smith combining down the right to allow Mickelborough to stand a good cross up to the back-post for Cook to head home via the fingertips of Stroud.

Erith and Belvedere started the second-half with a good free-kick from Adrian Deane, that Mann did well to get his body behind. Winfield's free-kick to the back-post was headed wide by Pat Kingwell, but the home support wouldn't have to wait long for a third Hythe goal. Cass did brilliantly to latch onto a defensive clearance on the half-way line before sending an overhead pass into the path of Mickelborough who calmly dinked his finish past Stroud at the last minute. After an hour of the Hythe defence keeping danger-man Marcus Cassius quiet, the Dere's management finally moved the electric-quick striker up front, after oddly playing their main man on the right of a five man midfield. With Hythe still dealing with the visitors change of formation, the away side struck back, James Lyons sending an unstoppable twenty-yard volley into the top-left hand corner directly off Smith's defensive header. Cassius got in behind the Hythe defence, but the home back-line did well to recover and force him wide before Mann did the rest with a good save.   

With thirty minutes remaining a crunching tackle from Sean Brown on Ronnie Dolan, brought about a second yellow card as the visitors were reduced to ten men. Hythe sensed more goals as probably the best passing move of the game moved the play from one side of the pitch to another, before Cook volleyed wide from a Winfield cross. Dolan sent a volley just over the bar from twenty-five yards, before Hythe completed the scoring. Mickelborough's mazy run taking him off the flank into the box to find Cass who controlled and laid off for Byrne to pass the ball home at the back-post with a composed finish.

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FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN 4 - ERITH & BELVEDERE - 1

MAN OF THE MATCH - KIERAN BYRNE 

Bring on the Cup!..........

Hythe head into a massive F.A. Cup weekend off the back of two consecutive league wins. Goals from Gary Mickelborough, Pat Kingwell, Brendon Cass, and captain Dave Cook saw off an outstanding effort from a vastly improved Norton Sports side. In an excellent match that both sides took turns in controlling, the visitors pushed Hythe all the way, even with the disadvantage of playing with ten men for the second-half. Scott Porter's side, although not at their fluent best, refused to buckle when under pressure and in the end the more clinical strikeforce decided the game. The game began at a frantic pace, but with very little goalmouth action. The exception to the rule being an early shout for a penalty from John Walker, and a fantastic reflex save from Kieron Mann as Lewis Rivett's shot took a wild deflection. 

After twenty minutes the chances started to flow as Byrne's corner was headed just over by Cook, and Andy Irvine overlapped nicely into the Hythe box only to see his fierce shot dealt with by Mann. Mickelborough should have done better after being sent clear on goal by Cook, but Cass almost made amends on his strike partner's behalf with his attempt to convert a miscued shot at close range. Mickelborough then turned provider, setting up Walker for a cross that Byrne headed towards goal, a last ditch clearance off the line keeping things all square. The key moment of the half arrived with less than ten minutes remaining as visiting captain Jack Goodger handled on the line to stop Cook's volley from giving Hythe the lead. To his credit, Goodger had no complaints as he received his marching orders, with Hythe awarded the penalty.     

However, ex-Hythe goalkeeper Nick Shaw showed he must have been paying attention in training as he predicted the direction of Cook's penalty to keep the scores level. Norton were unfazed by being reduced to ten men, as from the restart Ryan Rook's dangerous cross was fired just wide at the back-post by Ashley Baverstock. The end to end action continued as Mickelborough's mazy run ended with a shot flashed across Shaw's goal. However, right on the stroke of half-time Hythe secured the lead as Greg Smith's free-kick found it's way to Mickelborough six yards from goal, who made no mistake turning and smashing an unstoppable half-volley into the back of the net. There was still enough injury-time for a determined Norton to attempt to hit straight back, Tony Clark shooting just wide at the end of a typically quick counter-attack. 

Hythe supporters had any flutters dealt with less than ten minutes after the restart, Shaw spilling Kieran Byrne's cross to allow Kingwell to poke home for a two goal lead. Baverstock was proving a nuisance with his free-kick turned around the post by Mann, and a good shot from distance taking a wicked deflection off Gavin Ransley before rolling just wide. Brendon Cass' astonishing goascoring run continued as he converted Dan Scorer's cross from the left, following good work by Cook. After setting up others and missing a penalty Cook finally got his goal, with a lovely looping header to convert a pin-point cross from Gary Lockyer. Hythe almost made it five as Mickelborough left two Norton defenders for dead on the counter-attack before crossing to the back-post where both Lockyer and Scorer were guilty of not converting an easy chance. 

The visitors, who to their credit had not let their heads drop at any point in the game, then scored a brace of deserved consolation goals. Firstly Irvine slotted home a cute free-kick from the edge of the box into the bottom right-hand corner. Finally, with only injury-time remaining Baverstock got his goal, heading home at close-range via a right-sided cross from substitute Chris Elliott    

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 4 - NORTON SPORTS - 2

MAN OF THE MATCH - DAVE COOK

Lockyer brace on debut!..........

With the excellent Ronnie Dolan pulling the strings in midfield, Hythe bounced back from midweek defeat with a win that included Gary Lockyer scoring twice in his first full game in Hythe colours. Further goals from Dave Cook and for the eighth consecutive game Brendon Cass, gave Hythe the goals that were needed to ensure that a spirited Sporting Bengal fightback didn't end with any points dropped. Hythe started brightly with a one-two involving Lockyer and Gary Mickelborough earning the first of two Kieran Byrne corners, the first met by the head of Lee Shearer and saved well by Jason Hartless. Mickelborough was soon involved again, switching the play from right to left to pick out the run of Byrne, the new Dad  

Cass hit a rising shot just over the bar, before Greg Smith tried his luck from all of thirty-five yards, Hartless doing well to tip an ambitious effort over the crossbar. Mickelborough's lay-off was fired straight into the body of Hartless by Cook, and with Hythe in the process of racking up a total of eight first-half corners a goal seemed certain. That goal would come via probably the best move of the game, as Dolan's first time pass found John Walker, the full-back playing a delightful one-two with Byrne and sending in a low cross that Cook simply forced over the line. Dolan was in the mood as the young midfielder sent a thirty-five yard volley whistling just over the Bengal crossbar. Dolan then turned provider with a free-kick to the back-post that either Cook or Cass should have converted.    

Yet another move involving Dolan ended with his cross headed just over at the near post by Cook. In the final five minutes of the half, Hythe wrapped up the points. Smith's cross to the back-post headed back across goal by Cass and headed in at the back-post by Lockyer. With half-time just seconds away Byrne's inswinging free-kick found Cass again lurking at the back-post and this time in a more selfish mood as Hythe's number ten made no mistake with his eighth goal of the season. Into the second-half and a move similar to Hythe's opening goal almost brought their fifth, Cass slipping Mickelborough into the box to cross for Cook who on this occasion would be denied by Hartless. Lockyer sent a warning sign for later in the game, meeting Dolan's cross on the volley and shooting just wide. Cook's shot from the back-post again brought the best out of Hartless before Mickelborough made his last contribution of the game, dribbling  

With twenty minutes remaining the home side scored the first of two consolation goals, as John Donoghue showed good strength and pace before firing into the bottom-right hand corner. New signing Dan Scorer, fired a low free-kick just past the base of Hartless' post before Hythe would grab their fourth. Kieron Mann's route-one clearance was met wonderfully on the volley by Lockyer who sent an unstoppable shot into the top-right corner from the edge of the opposite side of the eighteen yard box. There was still time for Prince Pippin to take some gloss off the result for Hythe, coming in off the flank to send a nice finish inside Mann's post.   

FINAL SCORE - SPORTING BENGAL - 2 - HYTHE TOWN -4

MAN OF THE MATCH - RONNIE DOLAN

Cass Strike not enough.....

Brendon Cass' seventh goal in consecutive games was not enough to stop Hythe slipping to a 2-1 home defeat against local neighbours Deal Town. A below-par performance was not enough to deal with a spirited Deal side who struck twice in as many second-half minutes via Danny Smith. Hythe will now look to bounce back this Saturday as they travel to Mile End Stadium to take on Sporting Bengal. The only chance of note in a poor opening twenty minutes fell to Gary Mickelborough who sent a half-volley just wide and into the side netting following a Lee Winfield corner. Ex-Hythe man Roy Guiver was the first Deal player to test Kieron Mann with a drive into the Hythe keeper's body from distance. 

With an uneventful first third of the game behind them Hythe began to start creating chances. Winfield's free-kick sent Craig Thompson clear on goal only for a miscused shot to end a promising attack, Thompson then went closer with a flicked header again from a Winfield free-kick. The best chance of the half fell to Lee Shearer, the centre-back's unmarked header from six yards saved by the feet of Brad Ashmore. Just a minute later, a lovely through-ball from Ronnie Dolan sent Cass clear on goal, Ashmore turning a low shot around the base of his post. Hythe ended a wasteful half with Dave Cook heading over at the near-post from a Winfield corner. Hythe started the second half well enough, with Winfield's corner headed back across goal by Shearer and met by a Thompson header that again brought the best out of Ashmore. However, Hythe were about to implode as Smith struck twice for the visitors in two minutes.    

Firstly, Smith tapped home at the back-post to end a move that began with Shearer being robbed in possession on the byline. Before Hythe could regroup Smith was meeting a cross from the right with a fantastic stooping header that nestled in the top corner of Kieron Mann's goal. Hythe were in a state of shock but looked to play their way back into the game as a Thompson one-two with captain Dave Cook led to Thompson smashing a shot off the underside of both crossbar and post. With less than thirty minutes remaining to score a minimum of two goals, Scott Porter added to his midfield options by sacrificing left-back Mark Bond for winger Kieran Byrne. 

The change made an almost immediate impact as Byrne's mazy run led to Dolan slotting a good shot just wide of the post. With just over fifteen minutes remaining Hythe had their lifeline as substitute Gary Lockyer's headed effort was only parried by Ashmore and Cass finished in typically predatory style. In a frantic finish to the game Hythe almost stole a share of the points as third substitute Gavin Ransley's downward header was turned up and over by Ashmore. There was still time for the officials to leave a sour taste in the mouth as Lockyer saw red for the type of challenge that is rarely even seen as a foul, and often accepted as part and parcel of most games. 

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN 1 - DEAL TOWN -2

Byrne Baby Byrne..... 

Kieran Byrne celebrated the arrival of baby Evan with a goal that sent Hythe Town into Monday lunchtime's F.A. Cup draw! Brendon Cass had made it six goals in as many games with a first-half strike, before a second-half resurgence from the visitors was ended by Byrne's strike - congratulations Kieran!!! (not just for the goal!!) The opening chance of the game fell to the visitors, Tony Cuff's free-kick finding Charlie West at the back-post, the centre-back heading just over from six yards out. Hythe's first chance was one of their best of the afternoon, as Dave Cook intercepted a loose throw-in to send Gary Mickelborough clear on goal, a combination of a heavy first touch and bravery from keeper Paul Borg ensured the scores remained level. Cass got his first sight of goal, heading straight at Borg following good work from Mickelborough and a cross to the back-post from Lee Winfield. Hythe were beginning to get a grip of possession and duly took the lead via a poachers finish from Cass after Borg failed to hold onto Cook's fiercely struck half-volley.

Hythe should have ended the game as a contest during a frantic final fifteen minutes of the first-half. Mickelborough acted provider again, Craig Thompson smashing a shot against the crossbar, with Cass unable to capitalise on the rebound with the goal at his mercy. A Mickelborough run took him from the edge of his own box to the edge of the Epson & Ewell box, Borg palming a low placed effort around the base of the post. It was all Hythe, as another run from Mickelborough ended with Winfield teeing up a chance for Cass to shoot at the back-post, Borg again keeping his side in the game tipping a rising shot over the bar.  

There was still time for Thompson to fizz just over, and Cass to lob onto the roof of the net after Borg found himself stranded attempting to deal with a Thompson header. Immediately after the restart the home side were on the attack again with centre-backs Lee Shearer and Pat Kingwell playing a lovely one-two to slip Thompson one on one with Borg, the unlucky striker hitting the crossbar for the second time in the game. With Hythe probably wondering what they needed to do to score, the visitors found renewed optimism as they played their way back into the game. Kyle Hough's cross couldn't quite pick out Darren Smith, but Ramzi Bedj Bedj went close flashing his shot across goal but just wide. Bedj Bedj was soon at it again weaving his way into the Hythe box and again firing just wide across Kieron Mann's goal.

Hythe were now operating on the counter-attack, Cass and Mickelborough's quick move down the right ending with Thompson volleying Mickelborough's near-post cross just wide. The game by now was end to end as Smith's cross gave the chance to Cuff to do better than lifting the ball over the bar from close-range. The introduction of the left-sided  Byrne posed a new problem for the Epsom & Ewell defence, a problem they failed to deal with as Hythe finally secured the win six minutes from time. Good work from Ronnie Dolan and Winfield opened up the opportunity for Mickelborough to cross to the back-post, where Byrne made no mistake arriving late into the box to smash home the decisive second goal.   

Video highlights of this game are available courtesy of BKVP Sports Forum, via the link below. To access the video please join the forum and activate your account via the e-mail you will be sent. You will then receive a 'private message' via the forum over the next couple of days informing you how to access the highlights, the video will be available from Wednesday.

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FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN 2 - EPSOM & EWELL - 0

MAN OF THE MATCH - PAT KINGWELL

Captain Cook.....

A captain's goal from Dave Cook sealed a fantastic fightback from Hythe Town after Herne Bay had taken a surprise two goal lead at Reachfields Stadium. An exceptional header from Steve Hanson gave Bay the lead before Hythe conceded a poor second from Danny Lawrence. Within a minute, Brendon Cass fired in his fifth goal in as many games, and from that point onwards Kieron Mann didn't need to make a save. Two one on ones, and two headers from six yards were wasted - as Hythe missed chances to equalise and regain the lead before half-time. Midway through an uneventful second-half Cook headed home that deserved equaliser. The afternoon started in nervy fashion, as the game had an atmosphere more in keeping with a final day of the season title decider! The opening chance was carved open by the home side after ten minutes, as Cass set-up Gary Mickelborough for a fiercely driven shot from the edge of the box that Steve Northwood did well to beat away, Craig Thompson unlucky not to get a touch on the rebound with the goal wide open. Cass showed signs of what was to come, volleying just over at the back-post following a quality cross from Greg Smith. 

With those chances survived Bay settled into their game and soon opened up a two goal lead. Simon Moore's corner was met by a perfect near-post glancing header from Hanson, the ball flashing across Kieron Mann and into the opposite top-corner. If Hythe's supporters were taking comfort from the quality of the opposition's first goal, there was only frustration following the second as the home side contributed to their own downfall. Moore's corner was only cleared to the edge of the penalty box, where the Herne Bay attack had time to lay-off the ball to an unmarked Lawrence who took a touch before smashing home from eighteen yards. One thing that this current Hythe side have is undoubted quality going forward, and only forty-six seconds later they had a lifeline. Thompson's brave lay-off rolled the ball into the path of Cass, who arrowed his shot into the bottom-left corner from the edge of the box. Hythe suddenly found their game, and should have gone into half-time in the lead - Mark Bond's disguised pass sending Cass into the box, clear on goal if not for an excellent saving tackle from Tom Bryant. Next, it was Cook going close, heading just over at the near-post following Lee Winfield's corner. Northwood made the save of the game following the best move of the game - Cass turning on the half-way line to release Mickelborough down the right on the counter-attack, Mickelborough's perfect centre made Thompson's lung-busting run worthwhile, but Northwood foiled the Hythe number nine, clawing away the final shot that then threatened to spin inside the post. Hythe finished the half on top as Bond headed just over from six yards following another Winfield corner. 

Following a slow start to the second-half, Scott Porter introduced Damian Abel for Gary Mickelborough as Hythe set about making sure that the crucial fourth goal would go their way. Northwood made a brave double save at the feet of Cass, as Hythe's leading scorer created a chance out of nothing. However, for the second Saturday running, it would be Hythe's current Golden Boot holder who would score the most important goal of the match. With Winfield's corner only half-cleared, it was left for Pat Kingwell to pick up the pieces and send in a fine cross that captain Cook redirected with an outstanding flicked header across goal to haul Hythe back into the game. Further attacking substitutions followed from both managers, before both sets of players appeared to sense that a point was worth settling for as the nerves returned in the final ten minutes. There was still time for Aaron Firth to have an eventful end to the game, firing a half-volley just over the Hythe bar with only a minute left on the clock, before raising his hands to Dave Cook and receiving his marching orders. As a Ryman League standard crowd witnessed a Ryman League quality game, in a Ryman League quality stadium it became apparent what a great shame it will be that potentially only one of these two teams can win promotion this season. Both teams have gone away over the summer and worked on improving the weaker areas of their game, and it is such a pity that one or possibly both will have to stick it out in the Kent League for at least one more season.    

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN 2 - HERNE BAY -2

MAN OF THE MATCH - BRENDON CASS

Cass streak continues......

Brendon Cass' fourth goal in as many games gave Hythe a first half lead on Bank Holiday Monday at Lordswood. Craig Thompson added his second entry in three days to the goal of the season competition, and Ronnie Dolan capped another sensational display with his first goal in Hythe colours, as Scott Porter's side picked up a fine three points. The game got off to a slow start with only a couple of early chances of note in the first thirty minutes. After three minutes Lee Winfield's free-kick created an almighty goalmouth scramble with Dolan having a shot cleared off the line, straight from the counter-attack Dominic Elmes played Steven Elliott in on goal but the final shot was also cleared off the line. Just after the half-hour mark Hythe took the lead through the bang in form Cass, who sprung the offside trap to run onto Winfield's header and slip the ball under keeper Matt Byott. Although the chance arrived from a poor Lordswood free-kick, Cass showed a touch of class with the strength to deal with one recovering defender, before calmly finishing despite a further attempt from a Lordswood player to rush the striker into a poor finish. Byott showed his high standards, making a brave save at the feet of Thompson as Cass turned provider - before Cass was involved again, his header cleared off the line following a Winfield corner. A frantic start to the second-half fizzled out as quickly as it started, not before Kieron Mann clawed a cross away from the dangerous Peter Huggens, whilst at the other end it was Lordswood's turn to clear a Hythe shot off the line. 

Hythe began to find their attacking game and secured a two goal lead on the hour, Martin Chandler's free-kick picking out Thompson on the edge of the box who turned away from goal before looping an unstoppable twenty-yard strike into the top-right corner. A short free-kick routine led to ex-Hythe player Adam Hooper firing in a shot from distance, but Mann's routine save was as much as would need to do for the rest of the game. Winfield's free-kick to Gary Mickelborough led to a good return cross that Winfield volleyed wide. Mickelborough tried his luck running clear down the right on the counter-attack before entering the box, turning inside his marker and sending a rising shot just over. The third goal was a much deserved debut strike for probably Hythe's most consistent player this season. Mike Yianni breaking up the play before playing a defence splitting through-ball from half to half, Dolan who had started his run from deep in his own half, just striding away from the remainder of the Lordswood defence to slot home Hythe's third of the afternoon. Byott saved another one on one opportunity, clawing away Thompson's attempted chip following good work from Mickelborough. Next it was down to Hooper to make a good recovering tackle to deal with Thompson after Cass had created another one on one. In the closing stages Byott continued to keep the score to a respectable level as Mickelborough and Cass both forced the promising young keeper into excellent saves. This Hythe result was all the more impressive considering their comeback in a tough derby game with Deal 48 hours earlier, and the fact that Lee Shearer, Mark Bond, Dave Cook, Kieran Byrne, and Damian Abel were all unavailable or suspended.       

FINAL SCORE - LORDSWOOD - 0 - HYTHE TOWN - 3

MAN OF THE MATCH - RONNIE DOLAN

At last!!!!

The Charles Sports Ground has not been the happiest of hunting grounds for Hythe Town over the years. A win in the last ten years or so has been extremely rare, but today was different! After a routine derby day first-half which could have seen the half-time lead go to either side, Hythe came alive after the break. Goals from Dave Cook, Craig Thompson, and Brendon Cass, added to Lee Winfield's first-half strike turned a 2-1 deficit into a fantastic 2-4 win for the visitors! Hythe started brightly with the second of two Winfield corners headed just over by Cook, but the home side settled and forced a corner of their own that ex-Hythe man Roy Guiver headed just over in identical fashion. It was an unlucky 13th minute for Hythe as Kieron Mann uncharacteristically spilt a catch under pressure from the Deal forward line, Andy Hadden smashing home off the underside of the crossbar to secure the lead. Cass nodded down a Mark Bond throw-in to allow Thompson to volley just past the post. Whilst at the other end it was another ex-Hythe man Mo Takaloo holding up the play well before swiveling to shoot across goal and just wide. However, Hythe were building pressure as Thompson and Winfield combined nicely to set-up an excellent Greg Smith cross, that Cass came within an inch of heading home.

Mickelborough's header was saved well by Brad Ashmore after more good work from Bond and Cass on the left. The Hythe equaliser arrived two minutes later as Mickelborough earned a free-kick on the edge of the Deal box, Winfield curling a lovely finish around the wall and into the top-right hand corner with Ashmore rooted to the spot. Only five minutes later a swift counter-attack led to Deal retaking the lead. The play switched from left to right on the break to Jack Tanner, Tanner's cross to the back-post headed back across goal for Aaron Robinson to force the ball home. Hythe's attempt to strike back before half-time came via a hard low shot from Thompson after Mann's clearance had been controlled by Mickelborough - Ashmore holding the shot safely as the first-half came to an end. Many a game has been won following a manager's half-time intervention, and what followed appeared to be a classic example as Hythe re-emerged to move through the gears and blow Deal away. Hythe were out the traps quickly as Cook's cross was volleyed just over by Thompson - Cook was the provider again flicking Cass and Thompson one on one, Ashmore's bravery and a lunge from Guiver enough to distract Thompson whose shot went over the bar. But Hythe would draw level and then go ahead before the hour mark would arrive. 

The again impressive Ronnie Dolan was found down the right by Smith, with Dolan's cross to the back-post finding Cook, the Hythe captain hitting a half-volley low and hard inside Asmore's post from ten yards. Hythe were flying as Cass broke from deep before slipping Thompson into the box - the recalled striker simply stopped, controlled, looked up and sent in a delightful chipped finish across goal, over the head of Ashmore and into the top-right hand corner. Such was the quality of the finish that Ashmore was beaten by the lob despite being only a few yards off his line. Deal seemed shell-shocked and it became a question of if Hythe could finish the task or if the home side would regroup for an equaliser. It would be Hythe who would score the final goal, first going close with Cass sending a curled finish just wide after good work from Mickelborough. Then a warning sign as Mann redeemed himself with a fantastic low save from Takaloo that would be crucial to the outcome of the game. Hythe secured the win after a delightful chipped pass sent Mickelborough clear on goal, Ashmore forcing the pacey forward wide before a simple but effective pullback found Cass who would score for the third consecutive game to seal Hythe's passage to the next round.

FINAL SCORE - DEAL TOWN - 2 - HYTHE TOWN - 4

MAN OF THE MATCH - LEE WINFIELD

Cass secures the points........

A seventh minute header from Brendon Cass separated Hythe from their hard-working visitors, securing the home side's first three points of the season. A vastly improved Corinthian side refused to buckle under Hythe pressure and maintained their passing style throughout. However, the clinical Cass coupled with a fine clean sheet from the home defensive line gave Hythe a deserved three points. A bright start for Hythe earned them the first of eleven first-half corners, and from the second came what would become the Hythe winner. Cass heading home a Lee Winfield corner for the second successive week, after Dave Cook just missed a connection at the near-post. The same combination almost worked again just a minute later, Chris Arnold flapping in the visitors goal before Ronnie Dolan crashed a volley in that was hooked clear off the line. Winfield's free-kick was met by a flicked header from Gary Mickelborough that rose just over the bar with Arnold stranded - before Hythe racked up their fifth corner, again taken by Winfield and headed goalbound by Mark Bond - only for Cook to redirect over the bar as he attempted to make sure of a goal. Bond turned provider as Cass turned on the left-back's throw-in to volley just wide, before a similar strike from David Briant kept Kieron Mann on his toes in the Hythe goal. 

Mark Bond received a harsh booking after a good tackle on the lightweight Ray Mfon, who frustratingly struggled to stay on his feet following any block tackle, as a result earning his side regular free-kicks in dangerous positions. However, the Hythe defense were standing firm as they worked towards an excellent clean-sheet. Dolan watched another driven volley deflected over the bar, and Bond watched another chance go just over as his headed finish was deflected to safety. Mike Yianni, into the starting XI for the suspended Damian Abel, picked up the play from the left before cutting in and firing a low shot just into the side netting, as Hythe finished the half on top with another batch of corners. To their credit the Corinthian back-line were also determined to keep a 'clean sheet' for the remainder of the game, dealing with the Hythe set-pieces well. Hythe should have made it two during a lively start to the second-half, Greg Smith's cross headed just over by Cook following the home side's first attack. A lovely volleyed 1-2 move by Mickelborough and Cass sent Mickelborough one on one with Arnold, the away stopper doing enough to smother the finish out for a corner. Mickelborough and Arnold continued their aerial duel, on this occasion Mickleborough getting the knock down to Cass, who with Arnold stranded out of his goal, sent a twenty-yard volley just wide of the unguarded net. 

With the hour-mark approaching Scott Porter decided to go to his substantial firepower sat on the bench, Kieran Byrne and Craig Thompson joining the fray with over forty goals and assists between them last season. The fresh legs were needed for Hythe, as Corinthian refused to let their heads drop, and continued to work hard and attempt to push their way forward for an equaliser. Thompson was involved immediately, volleying just wide as Cass nodded down Lee Shearer's free-kick. Briant redirected Sadik Balarabe's shot just wide from six yards, as the visitors went the closest they would get to an equaliser - whilst at the other end Dolan sent another trademark volley just wide. Cook headed straight into Arnold's arms when he should have scored, following a good cross from Winfield and some patient build-up play from Cass. With ten minutes remaining Arnold produced the save of the game, tipping Thompson's header over the bar following another excellent Winfield centre. Finally, Balarabe's cross was fired into the side-netting by substitute Joe Risby, as Hythe played out injury-time with Martin Chandler as an extra-defensive option - a show of respect towards a fine display from a young Corinthian side. Manager Scott Porter has warned his players to expect the opposition to raise their game when they play his side. This was a prime example both of a side doing exactly that, and the best way to deal with it, a professional hard-fought clean-sheet and with it the three points.         

MATCH PHOTOS - CLICK HERE

FINAL SCORE - HYTHE TOWN - 1 - CORINTHIAN - 0

MAN OF THE MATCH - RONNIE DOLAN

Goals for the new boys.....

Hythe slip to opening day defeat.....

Abel brace as Hythe turn on the style......

Mickelborough strikes but Hythe slip to first defeat ......

Cass strikes as Town overcome Stones ......

Three out of three thanks to Thompson......

Full strength Hythe up and running....

Thompson smash kickstarts the season....

FINAL SCORE - LYDD TOWN - 1 - HYTHE TOWN  - 2