Phoenix Sports 2 Hythe Town 0

BetVictor Isthmian League South East

Saturday 14^th September 2019

Hythe torrid start to the season continued as they went down 2-0 at Phoenix Sports on Saturday afternoon.

The Cannons, who included two new signings in Danny Devine and Hamilton Bunga, had much the better of the first half with Devine involved in the first attack on eight minutes. The right back crossed into Frannie Collin who on the turn shot just wide. Hythe were to find the net on 13 minutes as the lively Tom Carlton sent a ball across the penalty box to find Rhys Bartlett coming down the left who planted his shot into the net. However, the goal was ruled out with Referees Assistant flagging for offside. Hythe continued to press as a Collin cross found Bartlett who off balance shot wide.

Ollie Rowe and Carlton were to be denied in quick succession by the Phoenix defence and then Bartlett had another opportunity which he blasted over. The hosts first meaningful attack came on 34 minutes as Connor McGrady put in a dangerous ball but before anybody could convert the referee was waving for an infringement on Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls. This seemed to spark Phoenix into action as they gradually began to look more dangerous. A deep cross from Kenny Aileru was brilliantly cleared away by Devine.

As the half went into the final five minutes Hythe had an attack as Bartlett blasted into the side netting but the pressure was now coming at the other end as Jeff Duah-Kessie curled a shot that was well held by Nicholls who on the stoke of half time had to save well twice from a deep cross from Ben Allen that appeared to be dipping under the cross bar and then from a shot by Duah-Kessie.

As the second half started, there was a feeling that they may be left to rue some of the missed opportunities in the first period as Phoenix began to dominate and on 47 minutes a shot from George Whitelock was saved well by Nicholls diving to this left. Phoenix were to take the lead on 55 minutes as Aileru burst through unchallenged cutting through the Hythe defence to finish neatly in the corner of the net.

Within three minutes Hythe were punished again as Nicholls coming out hesitated and Aileru pounced to push the ball past the Hythe keeper and into the net. The Cannons did put some pressure on to get back in the game as Charlie Webster broke through but was blocked by the Phoenix keeper Steve Phillips coming off his line and then Carlton worked his way in and fired past the post.Devine put in a pin point long ball from defence into Stephen Okoh whose shot was saved by Phillip with the ball coming back to Collin who didn’t find the target with his attempt.

Phoenix nearly got a third on 76 minutes as the ball floated over Nicholls but Devine did really well to hook the ball away from underneath the cross bar. Substitute Chris Kinnear played a long ball to free Okoh again but he sent his attempt over the bar. One more chance for the hosts in injury time as Duah-Kessie hit a shot that clipped off the top of the crossbar and over.

There is still much work for new manager Steve Watt to do as he looks to make the changes that will take the club up the table. They will have another opportunity to pick up some vital points as the Cannons entertain Sevenoaks Town on Tuesday (17^th September 2019) evening.

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Danny Devine, Ryan Cooper, Tom Bramble (Chris Kinnear 78 mins), Ollie Rowe, Hamilton Bunga, Tom Carlton, Charlie Webster, Stephen Okoh, Frannie Collin, Rhys Bartlett (Tom Walmsley 60 mins).  

Scorers: Phoenix Sports - Kenny Aileru 55 & 58 mins

Attendance: 110

The club are holding a "Meet the Manager" evening on Wednesday 18th September 2019.

This will be an opportunity to meet new manager, Steve Watt and members of his management team. The Directors will also be present so it will be an opportunity to come along and ask any questions you might have. 

The start time will be 7pm for 7:30pm and the bar will be open.

All supporters are welcome to attend........