Hythe Town 2 Broadbridge Heath 1

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 2^nd December 2023

Hythe were victorious on a cold Saturday afternoon at Reachfields against Broadbridge Heath. Steve Watt made just one change from Tuesday night's win over Sittingbourne, as Jake Embery came in to replace Kai Garande.

The first chance of the game went Hythe's way in the fifth minute, as Ethan Smith crossed the ball into the box from the right-hand side of the pitch, resulting in a melee in the penalty box, before the ball was cleared away. A minute later, the visitors had their first opportunity on the break, when Ben Aubrey hit a shot across the face of goal. The match then went very quiet - Hythe didn't seem to be finding it easy to play their usual game. On 41 minutes, they were almost punished when Sam Lemon came forward on the counterattack and slotted the ball past Steve Phillips, however the referee blew the whistle for offside.

The second half began in the perfect fashion, as Hythe scored immediately when the ball came across to Johan Caney-Bryan, who hooked a shot into the back of the net for his ninth goal of the season. 13 minutes later, it was 2-0 to the Cannons, when a corner from the right from Frannie Collin went into the box and, after a melee in front of goal, Caney-Bryan tapped the ball in.

In the 72nd minute, the visitors almost pulled one back through Ashley Mutongerwa, who lined up a shot which whizzed over the bar. However, on 75 minutes, Broadbridge managed to make it 2-1, when a corner was headed in by defender Bradley Peters, who refused to celebrate and ran back to his own half to give the visitors more time to score another. However, the equaliser was not forthcoming - it was Hythe who had the last meaningful chance of the game, as Bradley Schafer slammed a shot just wide of goal.

The full-time whistle blew to mark a narrow but deserved win for Hythe, who moved up to 6th in the table in the process. The Cannons will be back in action on Tuesday night at Reachfields as they take on Sittingbourne in the Kent Senior Cup, with the match kicking off at 7:45pm.

Team: Steve Phillips, Marcus Goldsmith, Bradley Schafer, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Aaron Barnes (Kai Garande 86 mins), Ethan Smith (Jarred Trespaderne 72 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery. Subs Unused: Sam Flisher, Charles Noyelle, Kane Phillip.

Scorers: Hythe Town – Johan Caney-Bryan 46 & 59 mins. Broadbridge Heath – Bradley Peters 75 mins.

Yellow Cards: Ethan Smith 63 mins, Jake Embery 86 mins.

Attendance: 217

Sittingbourne 0 Hythe Town 1

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Tuesday 28^th November 2023

On the coldest night of the winter so far, championship-chasing Sittingbourne listed no less than 28 players in their match programme, whilst Steve Watt was just glad to welcome Frannie Collin, Lex Allan and Marcus Goldsmith back into his starting line-up. All three emerged unscathed in a game that clearly demonstrated the togetherness of this Cannons squad as they gradually took the initiative after an initial period of stalemate.

For the hosts Luke Woodward wasted an early chance when he fired over in the 4th minute, but it was not until the 35th minute that Steve Phillips was called into serious action when he saved well from Harry Hope's powerful attempt.

In a first half that eventually ended in stalemate, young Kai Garande was prominent throughout, with the young ex-Charlton and Millwall defender showing real quality not only in his tackling and positioning but also when going forward, none more so then when he stung home keeper Bobby Mason's palms with a fierce shot as half-time approached.  

After the interval and with both sides showing each other equal respect, Bourne were the first to threaten when D'Sean Theobalds ambled sideways across the pitch and let loose with a shot from distance that rattled the crossbar.

However, the match was about to change dramatically as Johan Caney-Bryan who had picked up the softest of cautions in the 27th minute rather unwisely stretched into a tackle, catching an opponent in the middle of the pitch and was duly dismissed by referee Steven Goldup.

The advantage in numbers did the hosts no good at all however as Hythe went into their well-rehearsed defensive routine that worked so effectively last season and more recently against Tonbridge Angels. At the same time though they offered a huge threat on the break with Aaron Barnes showing his skills and Jake Embery replacing the hard-working Ethan Smith up front.

Almost immediately Liam Smith rattled the woodwork from Collin's free kick, and this was a sign of things to come. Sittingbourne's forwards continued to press the game but when the Cannons broke away the home defence were conceding fouls that would eventually give evergreen Frannie Collin all of the encouragement he needed.

On the 85th minute with the ten men now looking for something more than a point, Jake Embery found himself with the ball at his feet in the goal box, but he was unable to get an effective shot in. With the game drifting into injury time and Hythe threatening strongly down the right wing, another free kick was conceded. Frannie Collin planted his attempt into a crowded goalmouth and there was Aaron Barnes to nod home the winner. Hythe supporters were initially fooled into thinking that Jack Steventon was the scorer, but he was merely the one leading the celebrations!

And celebrations there were as the final whistle went with the Hythe team running over to celebrate with their frozen supporters. This Sittingbourne squad will no doubt continue to challenge for at least the play-offs but on this showing these two sides may yet meet again in the late Spring.

In the manic lead up to the holiday period hopefully the Hythe public will find themselves able to get along to the many matches scheduled for Reachfields and these commence with Broadbridge Heath (Sat Dec 2nd) before the big FA Trophy 3rd round proper tie versus Whitehawk on Dec 9th. In between those two dates there is of course a Kent Senior Cup game on Dec 5th against-- no other than Sittingbourne FC.

Team: Steve Phillips, Marcus Goldsmith, Kai Garande, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Ethan Smith (Jake Embery 73 mins), Aaron Barnes, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Bradley Schafer (Jarred Trespaderne 92 mins), Unused subs:  Kane Phillip, Sam Flisher, Josh Stirman.

Goal scorer: Hythe Town - Aaron Barnes 92

Red Card: Johan Caney-Bryan 58 mins (2^nd Yellow)

Yellow Card: Frannie Collin 69 mins

Attendance: 142

Phoenix Sports 0 Hythe Town 4

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 25^th November 2023

The Cannons returned to winning ways after their defeat in midweek at Ramsgate with a comfortable 4-0 win over Phoenix Sports on a chilly Saturday afternoon.

Steve Watt made one change replacing the injured Frannie Collin with Marvin Hamilton who made a welcome return to the club.

It was the hosts who were first to threaten on six minutes as Gael Kileba surged down the left-hand side putting in a dangerous cross that forced a great interception by Liam Smith. The game moved slowly as both sides tried to take the initiative with Hythe having to wait until the 19^th minute for their first opportunity when a Hamilton long throw bounced around the penalty area before being cleared for a corner. Sixty seconds later the visitors took the lead as a shot from Bradley Schafer rebounded off the post falling to Liam Smith who put the ball into an empty net.

The goal gave the Cannons the initiative as an Aaron Barnes corner found Liam Smith who headed wide at the near post and then at the other end Tom O’Connor sent a shot high over the bar. However, the majority of the pressure was coming from Hythe as Kai Garande crossed into Johan Caney-Bryan whose final effort was easily collected by Phoenix’s veteran goalkeeper Andy Walker. The sides went in at half-time with the hosts 1-0 down.

Within four minutes of the restart Hythe went further ahead as Jack Steventon played a long ball out of defence that found Jake Embery who calmly lobbed the balled over Walker and into the Phoenix net. Three minutes later Barnes got the ball over the line, but the referee disallowed the goal for an infringement in the area. Hythe keeper, Steve Phillips had to tip the ball over after an hour but there was now little threat from the hosts as the visitors took full control. A couple of chances fell for Hythe as firstly Embery hit a long-range dipping shot that went just over and then Liam Smith had an effort that deflected off a defender that forced Walker made a great save.

On 77 minutes it was 3-0 as substitute Jarred Trespaderne played a high ball into the area finding Caney-Bryan who headed into the corner of the net. Six minutes later a touch of class from Barnes as he patiently waited to find space in the penalty area before unleashing a shot over Walker into the top of the net to seal a comfortable win that takes the Cannons into ninth place with games in hand on all but one of the clubs above them.

They now move on to an away fixture against high flying Sittingbourne on Tuesday evening with the game kicking off at 7:45pm.

Team: Steve Phillips, Sam Flisher, Kai Garande, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Marvin Hamilton (Jarred Trespaderne 61 mins), Aaron Barnes, Ethan Smith, Johan Caney-Bryan (Josh Stirman 80 mins), Jake Embery (Kane Phillip 78 mins), Bradley Schafer.  Subs not used: Charles Noyelle, Frannie Collin.

Scorers: Hythe Town - Liam Smith 20 mins, Jake Embery 48 mins, Johan Caney-Bryan 74 mins, Aaron Barnes 81 mins.

Attendance: 79

Ramsgate 3 Hythe Town 1

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Wednesday 22^nd November 2023

The Cannons were deservedly beaten 3-1 by top of the table and in form Ramsgate on Wednesday evening.

Steve Watt made one change from the starting eleven that started the game against Tonbridge Angels on the previous Saturday with Sam Flisher replacing Kane Phillip.

It was, in fact, the visitors who were first to threaten as Ethan Smith shot over the bar after only three minutes. Alfie Paxman was the first to get an effort away for the visitors as he curled a free kick over the bar. The pressure was now beginning to mount as Benny Bioletti who got the ball under control and unleashing a shot from 15 yards, but it went wide of the post.

The Hythe defence was standing strong, but it was Paxman who delivered the ball into the penalty area to find the head of Joe Ellul, but his effort forced a good save from Hythe keeper Steve Phillips. However, the hosts finally broke through on 37 minutes as Jordan Green worked his way into a shooting position and sent the ball flying into the corner of the net. There was one last effort in the half from Hythe’s Jake Embery, but his attempt went wide of the target.

Two minutes after the restart things got worse for the Cannons as an effort from Green was blocked by Phillips but the ball came out to prolific goal scorer Joe Taylor who finished from close range. However, two minutes later a free kick was awarded on the edge of the home penalty area. Up stepped Frannie Collin who drilled his trademark free kick past the Ramsgate wall and into the corner of the net.

Hythe could have been level two minutes later as Johan Caney-Bryan hooked a shot into the arms of Ramsgate keeper Tom Hadler. On the hour the ball fell to the feet of Ramsgate’s Lee Martin but his first-time effort slammed against the cross bar. Paxman was then to send a free kick into the Hythe box, but TJ Jadama headed just over.

The pressure was continuing to intensify and on 76 minutes Taylor was on hand to tap in for his second and Ramsgate’s third to seal the win. There was one more attempt from the Cannons as a late Charles Noyelle corner was headed wide by Jack Steventon but there was no way back into the game.

Hythe now travel again on Saturday as they visit Phoenix Sports in another league fixture. Kick off is 3pm.

Team: Steve Phillips, Sam Flisher (Kane Phillip 68 mins), Kai Garande, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Bradley Schafer, Aaron Barnes, Ethan Smith, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin (Charles Noyelle 74 mins), Jake Embery (Jarred Trespaderne 83 mins). Subs not used: Josh Stirman, Harry Rowland.

Scorers: Ramsgate - Jordan Green 36 mins, Joe Taylor 47 & 76 mins. Hythe Town - Frannie Collin 49 mins.

Yellow Cards: Sam Flisher 54 mins, Jake Embery 62 mins, Aaron Barnes 64 mins, Bradley Schafer 73 mins.

Attendance: 757.  

Hythe Town 0 Tonbridge Angels 0

Hythe won 3-1 on Pens.

Isuzu FA Trophy 2^nd Round

Saturday 18^th November 2023

Hythe Town managed to secure a shock victory over Tonbridge Angels on Saturday in the FA Trophy Second Round, winning 3-1 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

Manager Steve Watt made just one change from the 4-0 win over Horndean, as Kai Garande replaced the injured Lex Allan.

The Cannons got the first opportunity of the match, as Kane Phillip played a long pass to the onrushing Ethan Smith, who sent in a cross from the right-hand side to Johan Caney-Bryan, who had the ball taken from him and away for a corner. On twelve minutes, the Angels had their first chance, when Jordan Greenidge took the ball right in front of Steve Phillips, attempting to lob him, but the stopper managed to jump and punch the ball away.

In the 27th minute, Hythe had their best chance of the game, when Jake Embery picked up a loose ball in the box, hitting it goalwards before it took a deflection and fell to the feet of Johan Caney-Bryan, with his shot careering off the crossbar, much to the disappointment and disbelief of the home crowd. On 38 minutes, it was the visitors on the attack again, as Francis Mampolo darted down the right and hit a shot towards goal from a tight angle on the right, which Steve Phillips got down to save.

Hythe looked to be on top throughout the second half, although cutting-edge chances were at a premium. They came very close on 76 minutes, when a corner from Frannie Collin was headed onto the top netting by captain Liam Smith. The Cannons were putting on the pressure in injury time, and substitute Sam Flisher found himself on the ball with no men ahead of him, making a run forward and slamming his shot at Jonathan Henly.

The full-time whistle blew shortly after, meaning that the game would go to penalties. Hythe kicked off the shootout, with Liam Smith having the first one saved, before Sean Shields also had his effort saved. Both sides then managed to score their second penalties, before Aaron Barnes then missed for Hythe, and Tariq Hinds had his attempt saved. Jake Embery then slotted home for the Cannons, before Steve Phillips managed to save Francis Mampolo's shot. Frannie Collin then stepped up to take the deciding kick, which he slotted home to Jonathan Henly's left to send Hythe through.

The Cannons will continue their historic cup run, going through to the third round after beating a side 45 places ahead of them in the football pyramid. Hythe are back in action on Wednesday night as they take on Ramsgate in the league, with the match kicking off at 7:45pm.

Team: Steve Phillips, Kane Phillip (Sam Flisher 63 mins), Kai Garande, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Bradley Schafer (Jarred Trespaderne 83 mins), Aaron Barnes, Ethan Smith, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery. Subs not used: Josh Stirman, Charles Noyelle, Lex Allan.

Yellow Card: Liam Smith 90 mins.

Attendance: 385.