Faversham Strike Force 3 Hythe Town 4
SCEFL Challenge Cup 2nd Round
Tuesday 3rd November 2026
The Cannons produced yet another magnificent performance as they came back from 3-1 down with ten minutes left of normal time and came out 4-3 winners in an amazing come back at Faversham Strike Force on Tuesday evening.
Only three players were retained from the starting line-up that won so well at SE Dons on Saturday. Michael Stott, Adam Turton and Harry Codd were those players with five dropping to the substitutes bench and three being rested for the evening.
It was Strike Force who were first to show having their first opportunity on twelve minutes when Alfie Hill picked up the ball on the right-hand side of the penalty area and sent in an effort that rebounded off George Grosvenor onto the upright. However, a minute later the hosts took the lead. A deep cross from Hill found its way to Kane Taylor who slammed the ball into the Hythe net giving away keeper Scott Podger-King no chance.
Hythe had their first chance on 17 minutes as Robbie Keil whipped in a cross from the left-hand touchline finding the head of his brother Richie Keil but the ball looped into the arms of home keeper and former Cannon Carter Wilson.
Chances became few and far between as both sides battled for control. It could, however have been two on 26 minutes when Hill stole the ball from Robbie Keil and then surged through before the final shot was well saved by Podger-King.
Hythe were to get the equaliser on 42 minutes. A deep free kick from Turton bounced around the area before debutant Petar Radojevic picked his spot and planted his shot into the left-hand corner of the net. The Cannons did have a scare a minute into first half stoppage time as Radojevic, in his own penalty area, failed to get to the ball and Alfie Giles got in first but from close range sent his effort wide of the target.
A minute it the second period Hythe again fell behind. A throw in by Hill found its way to Harry Taylor who passed onto Kane Taylor who swept the ball home. Hythe continued to try to get back into the game as Turton sent in a free kick that Grosvenor couldn’t quite get enough on to the ball to threaten.
Manager Andy Crush decided it was time to bring on the five experienced players from the bench and it nearly had the desired affect as close in on the right Josh Byford slammed the ball against the cross bar.
Despite the increased threat from the visitors, Strike Force were keen to seal the game as Hill came in on the by-line pulling the ball back to Giles who forced Podger-King to push the ball over the cross bar. The hosts were not to be denied as on 70 minutes they increased their lead as Josh Oliver neatly lobbed the ball over Podger-Smith and into the Hythe net.
The game seemed to be slipping away from Hythe and an early exit from the SCEFL Challenge Cup looked likely but the Cannons weren’t reading the script. On 80 minutes they got themselves a life line as Sammy Carpenter slipped the ball into Jake Embery who shot towards goal from a tight angle. Wilson was only able to get his finger tips to the ball but it was not enough to prevent Hythe narrowing the deficit.
With five minutes left of normal time Richie Keil got the wrong side of a defender and was upended by Jack Smith. The referee who had a clear view pointed to the penalty spot. Up stepped Embery, who in his usual calm manner, sent Wilson the wrong way and side footed home.
The impetus was now with the visitors and it took a moment of magic from James Nurden as he picked up the ball just inside the home half. He took the ball to 20 yards out and sent a looping shot over Wilson and into the Strike Force net to send the Cannons through to the next round.
It had been another compelling come back that shows that this squad never gives up. The Hythe supporters who had travelled went home with another smile on their faces as thirteen games into the season they have won twelve and drawn one.
Team: Scott Podger-King, Michael Stott (James Nurden 60 mins), Josh McCue (Harry Maher 65 mins), George Grosvenor, Robbie Keil, Adam Turton, Sammy Carpenter, Sonny Varrall (Jake Embery 65 mins), Harry Codd (Lewis Stevens-Toomey 60 mins), Pater Radojevic (Josh Byford 60 mins), Richie Keil.
Scorers: Faversham Strike Force – Kane Taylor 13 & 47 mins, Josh Oliver 70 mins. Hythe Town – Petar Radojevic 42 mins, Jake Embery 80 & 85 (pen) mins, James Nurden 90 mins.
Yellow Card: Adam Turton 65 mins.
Attendance: 97
