Whyteleafe 0 Hythe Town 2

BetVictor Isthmian League South East

Saturday 7th March 2020

 

The Cannons returned from Whyteleafe with a well-deserved 2-0 win despite being controversially reduced to ten men after 76 minutes when Alex Flisher was shown a red card.

 

Hythe had the best of the first half putting in all the early pressure and were ahead on thirteen minutes as a Frannie Collin free kick from 25 yards out evaded the home defence to sail past Whyteleafe keeper Tyler McCarthy and into the corner of the net. The visitors continued to press as Kaka Dembele broke down the right sending a dangerous cross that was just out of the reach of Alex Flisher.  Hythe’s early dominance was rewarded on 18 minutes. Flisher saved the ball going out for a goal kick pulling it back to Alex Brown who fed it through to Collin who buried his shot in the back of the net.

 

The hosts had to wait until the 20th minute to threaten as the ever dangerous Corie Andrews surged through with the ball being smothered by Hythe keeper Will Godmon and then it was cleared away by the impressive Nathan Gordon. At the other end Flisher was to send a swerving shot just the wrong side of the upright. Andrews again found his way into the Hythe area but was blocked before he could get in a shot, but Hythe still had the best of the exchanges as Collin played the ball out to Charlie Webster who blasted over. There followed a period of pressure from the hosts, but they were only able to get one more effort away as a Ryan Gondoh shot lacked power and rolled into the arms of Godmon.

 

The first action of the second half saw Gondoh play in Andrew Sesay whose close-range effort went straight at Godmon and then at the other end Jamie McGeorghegan was dispossessed by Webster who broke free but pulled the attempt wide of the target. Whyteleafe’s keeper McCarthy had to be at his best as he tipped a dipping shot from Brown over the bar. Whyteleafe were looking to get back in the game as a free kick from Gondoh from the edge of the penalty area sailed over the bar and then a last gasp tackle from Gordon prevented Andrews getting a shot in. The Cannons produced a neat move as an interchange between Darren Oldaker and Webster ended with Flisher slicing an effort wide.

 

On 76 minutes, the Hythe defence stood firm as the ball pin-balled around the penalty area before being cleared and then came the moment in the 76th minute that reduced Hythe to ten men as Flisher was sent off for an alleged elbow which many saw differently. This gave the home team a one-man advantage and they pressed to get back in the game as firstly a shot from Alastair Gordon didn’t test Godmon and Dembele got in a superb last gasp tackle to prevent Gondoh an opportunity.

 

Deep into injury time Gondoh hooked a free kick wide and Hythe were able to hold on to the three points that take them up to tenth place in the table with a game next Saturday (14th March 2020) at home to promotion chasing Cray Valley PM.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Kaka Dembele, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Tom Wynter, Charlie Webster, Darren Oldaker (Jarred Trespaderne 90 mins), Alex Flisher, Frannie Collin (Tom Murphy 80 mins), Alex Brown (Tom Walmsley 80 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Frannie Collin 13 & 18 mins.

 

Attendance: 94.  

Chichester City 2 Hythe Town 1

BetVictor Isthmian League

Saturday 22^nd February 2020

 

The Cannons returned from the long journey to Chichester empty handed as they went down 2-1 on a difficult boggy pitch on Saturday afternoon.

 

The first half was an even affair with the first two opportunities coming for Chichester’s Rob Hutchings as after seven minutes he hit a low shot straight at Hythe keeper Will Godmon and then he weaved his way from the right into the penalty area firing across the face of the goal. Hythe had their first attack on thirteen minutes as Alex Flisher charged forward but was dispossessed by Connor Cody before he could get his shot away. On a quarter of the hour Matt Axell sent a curling effort over the bar. Danny Walder was then to threaten for Hythe as a free kick drifted towards Jamie Coyle who couldn’t quite get enough onto the ball to divert it towards goal.

 

Chances were now coming at both ends as a cross from Scott Jones found Hutchings, but his attempt caused no problem for Godmon. At the other end Charlie Webster created a dangerous situation for the home defence but Corey Heath intercepted before the Hythe captain could finish. Hythe were lucky to survive an attack as Coyle denied Axell with a good challenge which led to a melee in the away penalty area and after Godmon clawed the ball away eventually Tom Wynter was on hand to clear off the line. As the game continued end to end Danny Walder laid the ball off to Webster who blazed his attempt high and wide and then at the other end Nathan Gordon produced an excellently timed challenge to dispossess Kellem Haitham. Deep into injury time, Frannie Collin sent a shot just too close to Chichester keeper Steve Mowthorpe to threaten the goal. Both sides went in at half time with the game eventually balanced.

 

The second half saw the hosts take control and were ahead two minutes after the break as a deep looping cross from Hutchings found Haitham who sneaked in behind Coyle to tap home at the far post. The pressure was now coming from Chichester as Jake Horncastle forced a good save from Godmon and then he sent in a dipping shot that clipped the top of the cross bar. A cross from Axell followed which was headed wide at the near post by Hutchings. Godmon was then to make a rare fumble from a shot by Lloyd Rowlatt but he recovered well to grab the ball.

 

There were odd threats from the visitors as Collin pounced on a loose ball with his attempt deflected for a corner. A cross from Ryan Davidson followed which was just out of the reach of Rowlatt finally ending up with Scott Jones who at full stretch pushed the ball just wide of the target. Eventually, Chichester deservedly increased their lead on 78 minutes. A free kick from the right by Axell found Jones who beat Godmon to the ball to head home.  Hythe had to wait until the 88^th minute to get a consolation as a long high ball in from Ross Ibbertson found Alex Brown who on the bounce headed home to make it 1-2. Hythe did press for an equaliser to try to rescue a point, but it was to no avail as they had to return home pointless.

 

Hythe who now sit in ninth place will have a tough challenge next Saturday (29th February 2020) as they entertain high flying Hastings United at Reachfields.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Kaka Dembele, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Tom Wynter, Charlie Webster (Ross Ibbertson 58 mins), Danny Walder (Tom Walmsley 65 mins), Alex Flisher, Frannie Collin, Darren Oldaker (Alex Brown 79 mins).

 

Scorers: Chichester City-Kaleem Haitham 47 mins, Scott Jones 78 mins. Hythe Town-Alex Brown 88 mins.

 

Attendance: 201

Hythe Town 2 Guernsey 1

BetVictor Isthmian League

Saturday 15^th February 2020

 

Hythe Town turned out 2-1 winners in atrocious conditions against Guernsey on Saturday afternoon.

 

Both sides had to contend with the start of Storm Dennis with the wind swirling around Reachfields and took time to adjust as there was only one opening in the first five minutes as Charlie Webster broke down the right pulling the ball back to Darren Oldaker who turned his effort wide. The Islanders had to wait until the 17^th minute for their first attempt as prolific goal scorer Ross Allen launched a shot from the corner of the penalty area high and wide.  At the other end Webster was provider again as he crossed to Tom Walmsley who appeared to be impeded but the referee waved away the home appeals for a penalty.

 

Guernsey had the next two chances as Matt Loaring fed the ball through to Allen who side-footed the ball over the bar and then Liam Mahon side-footed straight at Hythe keeper Will Godmon. As the half progressed it was Hythe who were beginning to take control as James Rogers played a superb ball through to Oldaker who couldn’t quite get enough control on the ball and it was deflected away for a corner. Oldaker was to provide a corner that found its way to Jamie Coyle whose shot forced a save from Guernsey keeper Callum Stanton.

 

Oldaker was again in the action as he found himself free and firing home but the referees assistant had his flag up for offside and the goal was ruled out. However, three minutes before the break the Cannons took a deserved lead as an Oldaker corner eventually ended up with Webster who slammed home at the far post to make it 1-0.  Hythe’s lead only lasted three minutes as just on the stroke of half time the ball slammed into a defender’s arm in the home penalty area and the referee had no hesitation but to point to the spot. Up stepped Allen who sent Godmon the wrong way from the spot to bring the scores level at the break.

 

The conditions continued to deteriorate during the second half as the rain began to intensify and the wind increased. Guernsey had the first opportunity of the half as substitute Robbie-Joe Legg beat Hythe defender Nathan Gordon, but his final effort went wide. There were opportunities coming at both ends as Webster picked up the ball but fired straight at Stanton and then at the other end Keanu Marsh weaved his way in before laying the ball off to Legg whose attempt was saved by Godmon. Hythe were then to have two efforts, from Frannie Collin and Kaka Dembele with both going well over the bar.

 

The Cannons were to get the winner on 65 minutes when they made the inspired decision to change corner kicker from Oldaker to Danny Walder who used the wind to curl his kick from the left straight into the Guernsey goal to make it 2-1. The Islanders were unlucky not to equalise on 70 minutes as Allen curled a free kick from the edge of the area that ricocheted onto the cross bar and away. Walmsley was next to threaten as he picked up the ball and rifled his shot just the wrong side of the upright.

 

There were three chances in the five minutes of injury time as first Hythe substitute Jarred Traspaderne was released but his final effort lacked power and drifted wide and then at the other end Allen worked his way through but he was to be denied by Godmon. Just on the stroke of full time Alex Brown had a shot that didn’t trouble Stanton. Hythe were unable to increase their lead, but they did hold on for all three points that takes them up to seventh place in the table.

 

Hythe will now have a long trip next Saturday down to league new boys, Chichester City as they look to extend their unbeaten run to eight games.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Kaka Dembele, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Tom Wynter, Charlie Webster (Jarred Trespaderne 89 mins), Danny Walder, Tom Walmsley, Frannie Collin, Darren Oldaker (Alex Brown 77 mins)

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Charlie Webster 42 mins, Danny Walder 65 mins. Guernsey-Ross Allen 45 mins (pen).

 

Attendance: 185 

VCD Athletic 2 Hythe Town 2

BetVictor Isthmian League

Saturday 8^th February 2020

 

Hythe looked to have snatched the win as they came from behind to lead 2-1 at VCD Athletic before a late goal evened up the game that finished 2-2 on a bright sunny Saturday afternoon at Oakwood.

 

The Cannons started the better side as they had two opportunities within the first ten minutes. Tom Walmsley was the first to threaten as he broke through attempting a lob that cleared VCD keeper Nick Blue but was cleared away just in time by Temi Eweka and then he attempted an overhead kick which just cleared the cross bar. The hosts had to wait until the 25^th minute to create their first opportunity as Aymun El-Mogharbel burst through but was brilliantly dispossessed by Tom Wynter before he could get a shot away.

 

Alex Flisher was then to provide Walmsley with an opening, but his final effort went just over but as the half progressed it was VCD who were slowly taking control of the game as they took the lead on 31 minutes. A cross in from the right by Laurent Medley was hooked into the net from close range by Ali Fuseini. VCD continued to press as a side-footed shot from Bode Anidugbe was easily caught by Hythe keeper Will Godmon. Hythe were restricted to the odd breakaway as Charlie Webster broke forward, but his final attempt went high and wide and then deep into injury time a cross from Fuseini was met by substitute Henry Ikeiji who slammed the ball against the cross bar.  

 

The early exchanges of the second half saw a couple of early chances for VCD as Ikeiji firstly hit a curling shot wide and then he broke free with his final effort being lifted over the bar. Chances at this stage were limited for both sides with Hythe having a rare attack on 67 minutes as Flisher worked himself free pulling his shot wide and then at the other end Fuseini found himself free but his shot curled into Godmons’s arms.

 

The game came alive on 72 minutes as Hythe suddenly found their feet and brought the scores level. Walmsley broke in from the right feeding Flisher who with his second attempt put the ball past Blue and into the VCD net to make it 1-1. This seemed to inject a new life into the visitors as Flisher’s perseverance paid off as he was able to pull the ball back from the by-line sending it into an empty space with Walmsley charging in but the young striker couldn’t quite get to the ball and it was cleared away.  Hythe now had the initiative and were ahead on 84 minutes as substitute Kaka Dembele, who seem to breathe new life into the Cannons following his introduction, crossed to Walmsley whose shot hit the upright rebounding back to Flisher who finished neatly to get his second of the game.   

 

Just as Hythe looked to be easing to victory, they were hit with a sucker punch on 89 minutes as they gave away a free kick on the edge of their penalty area.  Fuseini took the opportunity to launch his free over Godmon and into the far corner of the net to bring the scores level. The Cannons had to settle for the point which overall was probably a fair reflection of the game.

 

The draw leaves the Cannons in twelfth place as they prepare for next Saturday’s (15^th February 2020) match at home to Guernsey with the game kicking off at the earlier time of 12:45pm.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Ross Ibbertson, Charlie Webster, James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Tom Wynter, Tom Murphy (Kaka Dembele 57 mins), Darren Oldaker (Alex Brown 66 mins), Tom Walmsley (Danny Walder 85 mins), Frannie Collin, Alex Flisher.

 

Scorers: VCD Athletic-Ali Fuseini 31 & 89 mins. Hythe Town-Alex Flisher 73 & 84 mins

 

 

Attendance: 64

Sevenoaks Town 0 Hythe Town 0

BetVictor Isthmian League

Tuesday 4^th February 2020

 

Both sides cancelled each other out and there were few chances in a hard fought goalless draw between Sevenoaks Town and Hythe Town at Greatness Park on Tuesday evening.

 

The early exchanges saw both sides testing each other out with a dangerous cross coming in from both sides as firstly Sevenoaks’s Tyrell Richardson-Brown put in his centre with the receiving striker being waved off side and then a similar move for the Cannons saw Ross Ibbertson send the ball across the goalmouth but the ball was diverted away for a corner before the move could develop. On 14 minutes Danny Walder had a free kick out on the left that was flicked back by Frannie Collin before Tom Wynter sent in a final shot that was saved well by Sevenoaks’ keeper Patrick Lee.

 

The hosts created the next opportunity as Kyle De Silva cut in and shot straight at Hythe keeper Will Godmon. He had another opportunity but was then to shoot wide of the target. On 28 minutes Collin fired into a wall of players with the ball going out for a corner and then substitute an ex- Cannon Liam King, who had replaced another former Reachfields favourite Frankie Sawyer, had a shot deflected wide.

 

The second half started with Hythe on the front foot as Darren Oldaker sent a free kick from just outside the area high and wide and then ion the next move he played the ball onto Collin who pulled his effort across the face of the goal and away for a goal kick. Richardson-Brown was next in the action as he picked up the ball on the right but slammed his attempt into the side netting. On 76 minutes Hythe were unlucky not to take the lead as an out-swinging corner from Oldaker found Wynter whose header was saved well by Lee stretching to his right.

 

Sevenoaks did have a number of long-range attempts towards the end without really threatening as firstly Alec Fiddes had a shot deflected wide and then Liam Gilles, who had recently signed from Whitstable, looped a shot into Godmon’s arms. Godmon was to easily able to gather efforts from De Silva and another from Gilles as the game came to a conclusion. One more attempt from Tommy Whitnell went high over the bar and both sides had to settle for a point.

 

On the evening both sides had chances but lacked the finishing touch to get the vital goal. Hythe move down on place to 12^th and they are on the road again on Saturday (8^th February) as they visit VCD Athletic.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Ross Ibbertson, Nathan Gordon (Tom Murphy 71 mins), James Rogers, Eli Beniot, Tom Wynter, Charlie Webster, Danny Walder (Alex Brown 82 mins), Alex Flisher, Frannie Collin, Darren Oldaker (Tom Walmsley 90 mins).

 

Attendance: 127

Hythe Town 1 Herne Bay 1

BetVictor Isthmian League South East

Saturday 1^st February 2020

 

Hythe Town and Herne Bay slugged out a 1-1 in an uncompromising game on mild bright Saturday afternoon at Reachfields.

 

The game started with the first opportunity falling for the visitors on five minutes as  Tushaun-Tyreese Walters worked his way in as he dispossessed Nathan Gordon before sending a lob that cleared the cross bar and then two minutes later at the other end Frannie Collin played the ball to Tom Murphy but he couldn’t quite get enough power on his shot and it deflected away for a corner. From the resultant kick Danny Walder sent in a cross that was hooked over by Tom Wynter. Chances were coming at both ends as former Hythe favourite Zak Ansah broke down the right playing the ball into another ex-Cannon Kieron Campbell at the near post, but he pushed his attempt just wide of the target.

 

Hythe then took the initiative and created some opportunities as firstly Charlie Webster came in from the right and fired across the face of the goal and then James Rogers picked up the ball on the edge of the area, but his effort was deflected wide. Another former Hythe player, Callum Adonis-Taylor, under pressure cleared away a dangerous cross from Jamie Coyle. However, after this period of pressure it was Herne Bay who broke the deadlock on 32 minutes as a Tom Carlton corner was deflected into his own net by Alex Flisher with the Hythe defence claiming a foul on Hythe keeper Will Godmon. The referee in consultation with his assistant decided that the goal should stand, and the appeals were waved away.

 

The goal seemed to spark the visitors into action as Hythe had Coyle to thank for a last gasp challenge as Walters broke in and then Carlton attempted a lob that beat Godmon but bounced on the top of the cross bar.  This was followed, with five minutes until the break, with side footed shot from Mobalaji Dawodu that sailed into Godmon’s arms. As the game went into injury time the Cannons had two chances to bring the scores level as Walder curled a free kick into the arms of another familiar face at Reachfields in Herne Bay keeper George Kamurasi and this was followed quickly by a Walder corner that found  the head of Coyle coming in but Kamurasi saved well.

 

The second half started with Herne Bay on the attack as Rogers had to be at his best to dispossess Walters and then at the other end Murphy cut in but launched his shot over the bar. Hythe were aware of the danger Ansah could prove as he shot wide from the left hand side but it was Hythe who were looking the more dangerous as Webster surged down the right putting in a cross that was lifted over the bar by Murphy. Herne Bay has a couple of chances on 66 minutes as Ansah pulled a shot wide and then Campbell forced a save from Godmon. Hythe were finally deservedly level on 76 minutes as a deep cross from the right by Ross Ibbertson found its way to Collin who rolled the ball home from close range.

 

It was now a battle of who could snatch the winner as Ansah worked his way in for “The Bay” forcing Godmon to save and then Carlton hit a free kick into the side netting Ansah was again was off target with five minutes to go of normal time. Hythe’s last chance came deep into injury time as Collin launched a shot over the bar and both sides had to settle for a draw in a game that could have gone either way.

 

The Cannons remain in eleventh place as they prepare for a midweek trip to Sevenoaks Town on Tuesday evening with the game kicking off at 7:30pm.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Ross Ibbertson, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Tom Wynter, Charlie Webster (Jarred Trespaderne 80 mins), Danny Walder (Darren Oldaker 64 mins), Alex Flisher, Frannie Collin, Tom Murphy (Tom Walmsley 64 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Frannie Collin 76 mins. Herne Bay-Alex Flisher 34 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 302

Haywards Heath Town 0 Hythe Town 3

BetVictor Isthmian League South East

Saturday 25^th January 2020

 

The Cannons came away with a comfortable 3-0 win from Haywards Heath Town on a chilly Saturday afternoon.

 

The game started at a fast pace with an opportunity at both ends in the first minute as firstly Ross Ibbertson sent in a cross from the right hand side which found Alex Flisher who couldn’t quite get enough head on the ball to redirect it towards goal. Immediately, Haywards Heath had a counterattack which ended with Trevor McCreadie shooting across goal. As the half progressed it was Hythe who were making the more meaningful chances as Stephen Okoh played the ball into Flisher who blasted over and then Danny Walder put in a cross to Frannie Collin. His shot was deflected into the path of Flisher whose attempt hit a defender and went for a corner.  Another attack saw a Walder corner headed over by Jamie Coyle.

 

A moment of class from new signing Tom Murphy resulted in Hythe taking the lead on 28 minutes as Collin neatly played in the ex-Cray striker who planted his shot into the top corner of the net giving Haywards Heath, keeper Luke Glover no chance. As the half progressed the hosts came more into the game and were unlucky as a Kieran Rowe corner was glanced wide by the head of McCreadie at the near post. McCreadie was in the action again as he surged through but was neatly dispossessed by Coyle. Two efforts from Haywards Heath followed before the break as a shot from Luke Robinson sailed into the arms of Hythe keeper Will Godmon who was then to deny Ryan Warwick in injury time.

 

The hosts were nearly on level terms on 49 minutes as Rowe had a shot blocked with the rebound falling to Warwick whose effort was cleared off the line. Flisher then broke away for Hythe shrugging off a couple of challenges before his final attempt lacked any power and was easily collected by Glover. Then followed a spell of pressure from Haywards Heath but the Hythe defence was resolute and were able to snuff out a number of attacks. As the half progressed the visitors began to take the initiative as a Walder free kick from 25 yards was held by Glover. On 70 minutes the returning Darren Oldaker came on as a substitute and made an immediate impact as a cross from the left just fell behind the advancing Collin and the chance was gone.

 

The Cannons were not to be denied and increased their lead on 75 minutes as Flisher, on the break, was brought down but the ball fell for Collin in space who planted his effort in the back of the net to make it 2-0. The win was finally sealed five minutes from time as the ever dangerous Flisher broke down the right pulling the ball back across the penalty area finding Jarred Trespaderne who slammed the ball home from the left hand side of the penalty area to get his first goal for the Cannons.

 

This was an excellent performance from Hythe Town that gives great encouragement for the rest of the season as they move up into tenth place. They now look forward to a home game against in Herne Bay next Saturday (1^st February 2020)

 

Team: Will Godmon, Ross Ibbertson, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Tom Wynter, Stephen Okoh (Tom Walmsley 51 mins), Danny Walder (Darren Oldaker 70 mins), Alex Flisher, Frannie Collin, Tom Murphy (Jarred Trespaderne 74 mins)

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Tom Murphy 28 mins, Frannie Collin 75 mins, Jarred Trespaderne 85 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 119

 

Highlights can be see here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAp65a6zAI4

Hythe Town 1 Sittingbourne 0

BetVictor Isthmian League South East

Saturday 18^th January 2020

 

Hythe Town had a second half Frannie Collin penalty to thank as they ran out 1-0 winners at home to Sittingbourne at a chilly bright Saturday afternoon at Reachfields.

 

The Cannons, who began the game without the injured Kaka Dembele, Alex Brown and Danny Walder, started slowly with the early pressure coming from Sittingbourne. The first effort came in the very first minute as a shot was driven wide by former Cannon Kane Phillip. The pressure continued from the visitors as they found the net after six minutes. The ball found its way to Enoch Adeji who fired home from close range only to see the referee’s assistant flagging for offside.

 

Hythe had to wait until the 20^th minute for their first meaningful effort as Collin sent in a free kick that was side-footed wide by Stephen Okoh. However, the danger continued to come from the visitors as Tommie Fagg played the ball into Johan Caney-Bryan who unmarked tamely shot straight at Hythe keeper, Will Godmon. This was quickly followed by a cross from Phillip that was headed wide by Caney-Bryan. As the half progressed, Hythe came more into the game as Ross Ibbertson lifted the ball into Charlie Webster whose header was easily collected by Sittingbourne keeper Jordan Perrin.

 

Webster was in the action again as he tried a delicate lob, but this also didn’t test Perrin. A couple of chances then fell to the Bourne as Lex Allan played the ball through to Caney-Bryant whose final attempt was intercepted by the ever reliable Tom Wynter in the Hythe defence and then Lex Allan crossed to Adjei who fired across the face of goal and away for a goal kick. The last two opportunities of the half  fell to the hosts as Tom Walmsley played in Okoh, but he pulled his shot wide and then a Collin corner eventually found its way to Jamie Coyle who from close in had his attempt cleared off the line.

 

The second half saw Hythe more in the ascendency and they took the lead on 55 minutes as Okoh broke free and was adjudged to have been brought down by Perrin. Up stepped Collin who placed his penalty perfectly into the corner of the net giving Perrin no chance making it 1-0. Collin had another chance on the hour as he had a shot blocked and then a minute later a poor clearance fell to Collin whose lob back was a little too heavy and went over the bar.  Collin was then unlucky as he picked up the ball 25 yards out and unleashed a superb dipping effort that went just over the bar.

 

Sittingbourne had limited opportunities in the half but did have two efforts before full time as firstly Caney-Bryan found Cory Walters-Wright who lifted the ball over the bar from close-range and then Caney-Bryan created another chance finding ex-Hythe favourite Sid Sollis who shot wide. Hythe’s defence remained resolute and saw out the rest of the game to seal the win.

 

This hard-earned win leaves Hythe with four consecutive home wins and means they have now moved up into eleventh place as they prepare for next Saturday’s visit to Haywards Heath Town.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Ross Ibbertson, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Tom Wynter, Stephen Okoh (Eli Benoit 81 mins), Charlie Webster (Jarred Trespaderne 45 mins), Tom Walmsley, Frannie Collin, Alex Flisher.

 

Scorer: Hythe Town-Frannie Collin 55 mins (pen)

 

Attendance:218

Hythe Town 2 East Grinstead Town 1

BetVictor Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 11^th January 2020

 

Hythe Town stole a win with a last-minute goal from Sam Blackman as they won 2-1 at home to basement club East Grinstead Town on a mild Saturday afternoon.

 

The first half was dominated by the hosts with the first opportunity coming after only two minutes as Charlie Webster had a shot from the edge of the area deflected away for a corner. The resultant corner kick from Kaka Dembele was volleyed over by Jamie Coyle at the far post. The early pressure was maintained as Alex Flisher played onto Sam Blackman who side footed over the bar. Dembele then put in another deep cross from the right that was headed into East Grinstead keeper Benjamin Dudzinski’s arms. Blackman was then to feed Flisher who fired wide.

 

The visitors had to wait until the 14^th minute for their first attempt at goal as a curling shot from the experienced Gil Carvalho went over. On 22 minutes Flisher shot wide from the centre of the penalty area and then at the other end a free kick from Stephen Smith in a very dangerous position on the edge of the penalty area was deflected wide for a corner. However, Hythe were still in the ascendency as Flisher turned and shot just wide and then he had an effort that stung the hands of Dudzinski. A minute before the break Hythe were fortunate to take the lead as a dangerous cross from the right by Dembele was fired into his own net by Jonathan Moanda.

 

The second half started in the same fashion with Hythe on the front foot as Coyle threaded the ball through to Flisher whose attempt was deflected wide and then a risky back pass from Drew Cooney was headed away for a corner by Dudzinski before the hosts could take advantage. East Grinstead were creating more opportunities in the second half as a corner from Reece Williams-Bowers was met at the near post by Smith who hit the ball just the wrong side of the upright and then Carvalho pounced on a defensive error in the Hythe defence but Hythe keeper Will Godmon spread himself well to save.

 

On 80 minutes, East Grinstead were reduced to ten men as Cooney was given a straight red card for a heavy challenge on Hythe substitute Frannie Collin. However, this seemed to drive the visitors on and they were level thanks to a wonder goal in the 87th minute from Michael Uwezu who burst through, shrugging off a challenge and unleashing a wonderful shot that sailed into the top corner of the Hythe net giving Godmon no chance. The game seemed to be heading for a draw when Hythe got the winner in the first minute of injury time as Blackman, in his last game before returning from his loan period to Dartford, picked up the ball on the left and fired home into the far corner of the net to sign off his time at Reachfields and ensure the three points went to the Cannons.

 

It wasn’t the prettiest football but it was a welcome win that takes the Cannons up to 14^th place as they now prepare for a game next Saturday (18^th January 2020) at home to Sittingbourne.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Ross Ibbertson, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Tom Wynter, Kaka Dembele (Danny Walder 90 mins), Charlie Webster, Alex Flisher, Sam Blackman, Stephen Okoh (Frannie Collin 71 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Jonathan Moanda (OG) 44 mins, Sam Blackman 90 mins. East Grinstead Town-Michael Uweku 87 mins

 

 

Attendance: 191

Whitehawk 3 Hythe Town 0

BetVictor Isthmian League South East

Saturday 4^th January 2020

 

Following their recent excellent run, Hythe Town were brought down to earth in a 3-0 defeat on a sunny Saturday afternoon at high-flying Whitehawk.

 

The game started badly for the Cannons as with only two minutes on the clock, Luke Emberson broke down the right-hand side putting a deep cross that evaded the Hythe defence with Connor Tighe sweeping the ball home at the far post. Things nearly got worse for the visitors two minutes later as Lucas Rodrigues burst through but was dispossessed by Ross Ibbertson before he could get a shot away. Whitehawk were playing with great confidence as Tighe crossed into the unmarked Rodrigues but his final effort was saved well by Hythe keeper Will Godmon.

 

Rodrigues was causing a lot of problems for the Hythe defence as forced his way through, laying the ball off to Henry Muggeridge who skewed his final shot wide. Hythe had to wait until the 31^st minute to create some danger with a scramble in the home penalty area but the ball was cleared away before anyone could get in a meaningful effort. Two opportunities fell for Tighe as he firstly launched the ball over the bar and then pulled a shot wide. Hythe did have a chance three minutes before the break as a James Rogers cross to Tom Wynter was laid back to Stephen Okoh with the final attempt going over the bar.

 

The second half started in the same pattern with Whitehawk in the ascendency. On 48 minutes a delicate free-kick from Tighe looped into Godmon’s arms and then at the other end Sam Blackman crossed to the far post with a defender clearing before Okoh could get a shot away. However, it was Whitehawk who continued to press with a Dave Martin free-kick that found Tighe but his effort was sliced wide. On 64 minutes the hosts doubled their lead as Connor Tighe sent the ball into the near post with Ahmed Abdulla heading in off the post. Godmon grabbed the ball but the ball had already crossed the line.  Substitute Duane Ofori-Acheampong then broke through with his final attempt deflected away for a corner.

 

Hythe did have an opportunity to get back in the game on 76 minutes as Kaka Dembele collected a ball from substitute Charlie Webster and sent in a shot that was held well by Whitehawk keeper James Broadbent.  However, Whitehawk put the “icing on their cake” deep into injury time as Ofori-Acheampong broke through forcing a great save from Godmon but Rhyle Ovenden following up fired home to give Whitehawk a deserved 3-0 win.

 

Hythe drop into 14^th place in the table as they now prepare to get back to winning ways with a home  game against East Grinstead Town next Saturday (11^th January 2020) at Reachfields.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Ross Ibbertson, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Tom Wynter, Kaka Dembele, Danny Walder (Charlie Webster 23 mins), Tom Walmsley (Alex Flisher 69 mins), Sam Blackman, Stephen Okoh (Frannie Collin 69 mins)

 

Scorers: Whitehawk-Connor Tighe 2 mins, Ahmed Abdulla 64 mins, Rhyle Ovenden 90 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 303  

Hythe Town 2 Faversham Town 1

BetVictor Isthmian League South East

Wednesday 1^st January 2020

 

Hythe Town got their third win in three games as they completed a 2-1 victory over Faversham Town at Reachfields on New Year’s Day.

 

The early pressure came from the Cannons as on four minutes a Sam Blackman cross into Alex Flisher ended with the ball going straight into the arms of Faversham keeper Luke Watkins. Flisher was in the action again a minute later as he cut in from the right but again sent his shot straight at Watkins. Faversham had a bright spell that started on ten minutes with a Conrad Lee cross finding Solomon Taiwo whose header was collected by Hythe keeper Will Godmon and this was followed by a shot from former Cannon, Makhosini Khanya that did not test Godmon. Khanya then turned provider as he played the ball into Taiwo who drove wide.

 

Hythe were to take the lead on seventeen minutes as Kaka Dembele picked up the ball on the edge of the area sweetly sending his shot into the corner of the net giving Watkins no chance. This drove the Cannons on and they dominated the rest of the half as a neat move between substitute Alex Brown and Blackman ended with the latter firing over the bar. The hosts had the ball in the net on 36 minutes as a Flisher cross was headed on by the ever-reliable Ross Ibbertson who found Blackman whose attempt from close range was adjudged to be offside and the goal was ruled out.

 

Dembele continued to be a handful for the Faversham defence as he jinked in before his attempt was easily saved by Watkins and then he played the ball onto Blackman who found Brown with the final effort going over the bar.  Stephen Okoh created the next opportunity as he cut the ball back into the penalty area and following a melee Watkins was forced to tip over an attempt from Blackman. However, Hythe were not to be denied as deep into injury time they increased their lead as Blackman forced his way through placing his final shot into the bottom corner of the net to the delight of the home support.

 

The second half started with an early opportunity for Hythe as a Blackman curling shot was caught by the diving Watkins and there then followed a long period where both sides fought out a midfield battle with few chances being created. As the half entered the last twenty minutes it was Faversham who began to look the more likely as a Stefan Wright cross was pushed the wrong side of the post by Rob Lawrence at the near post. Hythe did have a couple of attacks on the break as firstly Flisher broke free but was disposed before he could get a shot away and then a minute later a Dembele cross found Tom Wynter who forced Watkins to save.

 

However, on 82 minutes the visitors caused concern for Hythe as they got a goal back. A cross from the right from Wright was swept home by substitute Michael Hagan at the far post. Faversham were now looking for the equaliser but were restricted by the home defence to one clear-cut chance as Wright launched a shot high over the bar.

 

Hythe were to hold on for three more points that takes them up into 12^th place as they continue to rise up the table. They will now have a difficult trip to in form Whitehawk on Saturday afternoon (4^th January 2020 but will travel with the confidence of this good run.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Ross Ibbertson, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Tom Wynter, Kaka Dembele, Danny Walder (Alex Brown 31 mins), Alex Flisher, Sam Blackman (Tom Walmsley 76 mins), Stephen Okoh (Charlie Webster 68 mins)

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Kaka Dembele 17 mins, Sam Blackman 45 mins. Faversham Town-Michael Hagan 82 mins

 

 

Attendance: 272

Ramsgate 0 Hythe Town 2

BetVictor Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 21^st December 2019

 

Hythe Town go into Christmas with three more points as they won 2-0 at Ramsgate on a damp winter’s Saturday afternoon at the Southwood Stadium.

 

The early pressure came from the Cannons with their first attack coming on just three minutes as Danny Walder sent in a corner that was headed onto the cross bar by Alex Flisher. Hythe continued to press for the next period of the game without threatening the goal. On 28 minutes however, another Walder corner found Kaka Dembele who tried to force the ball home but the Ramsgate defence blocked. Walder was in the action again as a curling free kick from 20 yards clattered against the cross bar.

 

Ramsgate were nearly gifted a goal on 30 minutes as a back pass from new signing Tom Wynter went wide of Hythe keeper Will Godmon but he was able to chase back to claw the ball away before it crossed the goal line. However, it was the Cannons who kept the initiative as another Walder corner went deep to Jamie Coyle who headed over. On 39 minutes Ramsgate can count themselves unlucky not to take the lead as a curling shot from ex-Cannon Ashley Miller sailed into the top corner of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.  The half finished with a Ramsgate opportunity as Kane Rowland in at the far post had his attempt forced away for a corner.

 

The second half was only seven minutes old when Hythe took a deserved lead as Stephen Okoh played the ball down the left finding Walder whose cross was nodded in by Dembele. On 57 minutes the Cannons doubled their lead as Walder fired in a free kick from the left that was spilled by Ramsgate keeper Harry Brooks before the ball was eventually bundled over the line by Sam Blackman. Ramsgate began to put pressure on the Hythe defence as they searched for an opportunity to get back into the game but the Hythe defence led by Coyle and Wynter remained firm and gave little away.

 

Ramsgate had their best chance on 75 minutes as substitute Toby Bancroft played the ball out to Jack Paxman whose final shot went across the face of the goal and away for a goal kick. Hythe were still getting opportunities as Nathan Gordon played the ball into Dembele who forced a good save from Brooks. A couple of chances fell for the hosts as the clock ticked down as Jude Arthurs played the ball into Tyrell Mitford who looped a header into the arms of Godmon and then deep into injury time Paxman who looked bright all afternoon played it to Bancroft but his final shot caused no problem for Godmon.

 

This was the third consecutive clean sheet for the Cannons and the second win in a row as the considerable improvement has taken them up to 13^th place in the table but they must now wait until January 1^st for their next game at home to Faversham Town where they will be hoping to continue their good run.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Ross Ibbertson, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Tom Wynter, Kaka Dembele, Danny Walder (Alex Brown 73 mins), Alex Flisher, Sam Blackman (Charlie Webster 83 mins), Stephen Okoh (Tom Walmsley 73 mins)

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Kaka Dembele 52 mins, Sam Blackman 57 mins.

 

Attendance: 183 

Hythe Town 3 VCD Athletic 0

BetVictor Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 14^th December 2019

 

A resurgent Hythe Town cruised to a thoroughly deserved 3-0 win against VCD Athletic on Saturday afternoon.

 

It was the Cannons who took early control in the game as on seven minutes Alex Flisher played the ball into debutant Sam Blackman who hooked his attempt over the bar. Flisher was then involved in a free-kick from just outside the penalty area that was caught at full strength by VCD keeper Matt Funnell. Funnell was on hand again on 23 minutes as Stephen Okoh had a shot from the left palmed away by the keeper. The visitors had to wait until the 26^th minute to create their first real opportunity as Raheem Sterling-Parker cut in and curled a shot just wide of the target.

 

Hythe turned their dominance into a goal on 32 minutes as a free kick from Danny Walder from the left beat Funnell at the near post and crept into the corner of the net. Two minutes later Hythe doubled their lead as Okoh crossed into Blackman who slammed home from the middle of the penalty area. Funnell was to prevent further problems for VCD as he tipped away a searching corner from Flisher before any further danger ensued. On the stroke of half-time a long-range effort from Dominic Odusanya sailed high and wide.

 

VCD came out in the second half with more purpose as Charlie MacDonald got onto the ball but Hythe keeper Will Godmon was quick off his line to block with his legs and then a header from Ali Fuseini looped into Godmon’s arms. Godmon was in the action again on 57 minutes as he saved a shot from Temi Eweka. However, the Hythe defence remained resolute and as the half progressed the danger came more from the hosts as Flisher played Dembele in but he fired his final effort over the bar.

 

Substitute Tom Walmsley was starting to create problems for the VCD defence as he played the ball into Flisher who forced Funnell to tip the ball over the bar and then on 75 minutes Walmsley sealed the three points for the Cannons as he got onto a corner that was deflected as it came into the area hooking the ball home from ten yards out. With nine minutes to go things got worse for the visitors as Eweka received a second yellow card for a challenge reducing VCD to ten men. Dembela then broke in from the right but his final effort was cleared away for a corner.

 

It was good to see the Cannons return to winning ways in great style with a very useful three points that keep Hythe in seventeenth place. They can now go with confidence into their game next Saturday at Ramsgate.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Ross Ibbertson, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers (Jacob Brown 84 mins), Jamie Coyle, Eli Benoit, Kaka Dembele, Danny Walder, Alex Flisher, Sam Blackman (Alex Brown 69 mins), Stephen Okoh (Tom Walmsley 59 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Danny Walder 32 mins, Sam Blackman 34 mins, Tom Walmsley 75 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 141

Guernsey 0 Hythe Town 0

BetVictor Isthmian League South East

Saturday 7^th December 2019

 

Depleted Hythe Town put up an excellent defensive performance to come away from Guernsey with a scoreless draw at Footes Lane on Saturday afternoon.

Hythe, who were without the injured Aaron Simpson, suspended Alex Flisher and Ollie Rowe who was unavailable for the game, were the first on the attack as after four minutes Alex Brown lifted a shot over the bar from just outside the area. The hosts had to wait until the 12th minute to first threaten as a free-kick from Charlton Gauvain was pulled wide of the target. On 16 minutes Keanu Marsh went down in the Hythe area but the referee waved away the appeals for a penalty. At the other end Kaka Dembele was also to pull an attempt wide.

The Cannons were then hampered on 25 minutes by an injury to Frannie Collin who was replaced by young Jacob Brown making his first appearance for Hythe. Guernsey were pressing but failing to find the killer punch as the Cannons defence stayed resolute with Thomas De La Mare launching a shot over the bar. On 29 minutes Hythe had some luck, that has evaded them in recent weeks, as Eli Beniot brought down Gauvain. This time the referee had no hesitation to point to the penalty spot. Up stepped Gauvain but his poorly taken penalty failed to test Hythe keeper Will Godmon who saved easily to his right. One last opportunity in the half for Guernsey saw Liam Mahon send in a free-kick that was blasted by Alex Scott into the side netting.

 

In form Guernsey continued to press but were still finding it difficult to break down a resolute Hythe defence that met the challenges put before them. On 50 minutes Matt Loaring dribbled his way into the penalty area with his final shot forcing Godmon to save at full stretch and then from the resultant corner Gauvain shot wide from twenty yards. Hythe were having their share of opportunities as firstly Alex Brown under pressure turned and shot but his effort lacked power and Guernsey keeper Callum Stanton gathered the ball. On the hour, Hythe man of the match, Ross Ibbertson cut in from the right having his final effort saved by Stanton.

 

On 70 minutes the Cannons were unlucky as Kaka Dembele played in to Jamie Coyle but his shot across the face of goal was just out of the reach of the advancing Stephen Okoh.  A further injury hit the Cannons on 71 minutes as Alex Brown limped off to be replaced by another youngster Josh Eka.  Guernsey were now turning the screw but still couldn’t get the vital break through. Mahon had a shot that was deflected wide by James Rogers and then sent in a corner that was headed wide by Harry Tobin. Hythe were working on the break and could still have stolen an unlikely winner. A Rogers corner with a minute left of normal time was headed over by Coyle.

 

Dembele was to then play in veteran striker Nathan Elder who was on as a late substitute but his glancing header went just wide. With the referee just about to blow for full time Godmon palmed away a cross by Gauvain to prevent any danger and they were to hold on for a fully deserved point.

 

It was a massively improved performance from the Cannons from the last two defeats and hopefully this will kick start their season. Special mention should be made of the two youngsters, Jacob Brown and Josh Eka who came on and rose to the occasion not letting any of the team down.

 

The Cannons must now use this performance as a launch pad as they entertain VCD Athletic back at Reachfields next Saturday. (14^th November 2019).

 

Team: Will Godmon, Ross Ibbertson, Kaka Dembele, James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Eli Benoit, Stephen Okoh, Alex Brown (Josh Eka 72 mins), Tom Walmsley, Frannie Collin (Jacob Brown 25 mins), Jarred Trespaderne (Nathan Elder 85 mins).

 

 

Attendance: 811

Hythe Town 1 Ashford United 4

BetVictor Isthmian League South East

Saturday 30^th November 2019

 

It is very hard to say anything positive as Hythe Town sunk to a very disappointing 4-1 defeat at home to play-off chasing Ashford United on Saturday afternoon at Reachfields.

 

The visitors immediately took the initiative as on six minutes they had their first attack which saw David Smith shoot across the goal with the ball being deflected away for a corner. On eleven minutes Ashford deservedly took the lead as the ball found its way to Lee Prescott who finished neatly from 15 yards beating Hythe keeper Will Godmon. This seemed to spark the Cannons into life as a ball came out to Ross Ibbertson who launched his effort over the bar. Hythe were on level terms on 14 minutes as a poor clearance from Matt Bourne was pounced on by Tom Walmsley who made no mistake with just Ashford keeper Sam Mott to beat.

 

However, parity lasted only two minutes as Ashford regained the lead. David Smith under pressure from Ollie Rowe forced the ball home. Ashford were now in total control as Aaron Condon spooned the ball over the bar and then Smith broke through but he also fired over. On 37 minutes, former Cannon, Jay May headed the ball against the post with the rebound being put into the side netting by Smith and then immediately Tom O’Connor put the ball over the target. Another former Hythe player, Jerald Aboagye was next in the action has he broke through but he was dispossessed by an excellent tackle from Kaka Dembele.

 

Hythe did have a couple of opportunities before the break as firstly Alex Flisher played the ball into Ibbertson who found Walmsley whose header was well saved by Mott. With the game deep into injury time Frannie Collin crossed into Stephen Okoh who side-footed over the bar.

 

The second half started with an attack from the hosts as Collin blasted into a crowd of players but Ashford immediately took back control as a free kick from 25 yards from Jake McIntyre drifted high and wide. Condon was involved in the next three attacks firstly as he crossed to May whose header was palmed away by Godmon. He was then to curl a shot just wide followed by a break down the right which ended with another attempt that went wide.  Hythe were to have a rare moment of pressure as Okoh broke down the left but he shot straight at Mott.

 

On 64 minutes the inevitable happened as Ashford increased their lead as Godmon saved with the ball falling to May who was totally free firing into an empty net. Another effort from Condon who shot straight at Godmon but he was not to be denied as on 75 minutes he found the net to seal the points for the visitors. Things got even worse for the Cannons as the game went into injury time with Flisher receiving a second yellow card for an unnecessary challenge which means he will miss next week’s visit to Guernsey.  It all summed up a truly miserable afternoon for the Cannons as they drop into 17^th place in the table.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Kaka Dembele, Aaron Simpson (Alex Brown 45 mins), James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Ollie Rowe, Stephen Okoh (Jarred Trespaderne 67 mins), Ross Ibbertson, Alex Flisher, Frannie Collin, Tom Walmsley.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Tom Walmsley 14 mins. Ashford United - Lee Prescott 11 mins, David Smith 15 mins, Jay May 64 mins, Aaron Condon 75 mins.

 

Attendance: 362 

Three Bridges 4 Hythe Town 1

BetVictor Isthmian League South East

Saturday 23^rd November 2019

 

The weather matched the Cannons performance as Hythe went down 4-1 on a wet and miserable afternoon at Three Bridges on Saturday.

 

The hosts immediately had Hythe on the back-foot as they took the early initiative with a chance after only five minutes as a free kick from Ruben Soares Junior was headed over by Andre McCollin and then Soares sent in a corner that was headed wide by Tadley Bromage. Three Bridges continued to dominate as the ball came out to Alex Laing who shot wide. The pressure was rewarded on twelve minutes as Soares got on the end of an Andrew Sesay cross, meeting the ball with his head and putting the ball past Hythe keeper, Will Godmon into the back of the Hythe net.  

 

Three Bridges continued to pile the pressure on the Hythe defence as McCollin had a header at the far post deflected for a corner. The visitors had to wait until the 18^th minute for their first attack as Stephen Okoh broke free but before he could get a shot away the ball was cleared for a corner. At the other end a curling free kick from Brannon O’Neill went just the wrong side of the post.

 

Hythe did create a couple more opportunities as a rasping shot from Alex Flisher stung the hands of Three Bridges keeper Tarrell Annaike with the ball spilling out of his hands and off for a corner and then Kiernan Hughes-Mason sent in a corner that was met by Jamie Coyle but his downward header bounced over the bar. Then, came the two goals that put the hosts in total control. On 32 minutes McCollin had a shot saved by Godmon but the rebound came to Alex Laing who fired into an empty net and then on 39 minutes the third came as Sesay nipped in at the near post to divert the ball home into the corner of the net. One chance fell for Hythe to narrow the score line before the interval as Hughes-Mason sent a shot over the bar from 20 yards.

 

The second half started with Three Bridges on the attack as McCollin forced a save from Godmon and then O’Neill shot wide of the target. On 52 minutes there was a glimmer of hope for Hythe as they pulled a goal back with substitute Frannie Collin forcing the ball over the line after being fed by Ross Ibbertson.  Godmon was then forced to tip over from Bromage and at the other end Collin had a shot parried away by Annaike but Hughes-Mason couldn’t quite get the ball under control to take advantage.

 

However, as the game moved towards its conclusion Hythe didn’t look likely to get back in the game as a long range shot from Solomon Taiwo forced Godmon to save at full stretch and then on 88 minutes Taiwo rubbed salt in the Cannons’ wounds as he fired home to complete the scoring. Godmon was on hand to save further blushes as Laing attempted a cheeky lob over the keeper who was able to grasp the ball over his head.

 

After the positive recent performances against Whyteleafe and Cray Valley PM, this was a real setback and they will be keen to put this defeat behind them as they seek to get back to winning ways in next Saturday’s home game against Ashford United.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Danny Divine (Alex Brown 70 mins), Aaron Simpson, James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Ollie Rowe, Kaka Dembele, Ross Ibbertson, Alex Flisher, Kiernan Hughes-Mason (Tom Walmsley 89 mins), Stephen Okoh (Frannie Collin 45 mins).

 

Scorers: Three Bridges - Ruben Soares Junior 12 mins, Alex Laing 32 mins, Andrew Sesay 39 mins, Solomon Taiwo 88 mins. Hythe Town - Frannie Collin 53 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 61

Cray Valley PM 1 Hythe Town 1

BetVictor Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 16^th November 2019

 

The Cannons put up a gutsy and resilient performance as they held league leaders Cray Valley PM to a 1-1 draw at The Badgers Sports Ground on Saturday afternoon.  Hythe began the game without the suspended Kiernan Hughes-Mason and Jamie Coyle who was unavailable but added new signings Kaka Dembele and Eli Benoit to the starting line-up.

 

It was the Cannons who settled first and scored on ten minutes when the impressive debutant Dembele picked up the ball on the edge of the area and planted his shot past Cray Valley PM keeper Andy Walker into the right-hand side of the net to give Hythe the lead. The visitors were very unlucky not to increase their lead six minutes later as Alex Flisher curled a free kick that was clawed away by Walker at full stretch. The hosts had to wait until the 20^th minute for their first meaningful attack as Anthony Edgar had an effort deflected for a corner.

 

Cray were level on 25 minutes as a corner from Ashley Sains was flicked onto the far post where ex-Cannon Warren Mfula was on hand to head home. As the half progressed it was Cray who looked the more dangerous as veteran striker Kevin Lisbie had two attempts that were both easily saved by Hythe keeper Will Godmon.  Godmon, who had an excellent afternoon, was on hand again five minutes before the break as he blocked the ball and then tracking back, he saved the follow-up.

 

The second half started with a Stephen Okoh attack that appeared to end with the Hythe winger appearing to be brought down in the penalty area but the Hythe appeals were waved away by the referee who saw it as a fair challenge. At the other end Edgar scooped the ball over the bar and then he headed the ball into the arms of Godmon. Lisbie was the next to threaten for Cray as he shot from a tight angle on the right but it was deflected for a corner. However, Hythe still looked dangerous on the break as Aaron Simpson crossed into Dembele who headed over from close-range.

 

As the half progressed the Hythe goal was put under increasing intense pressure but the Hythe defence held firm including defending a couple of melees in the penalty area which ended with the ball being cleared away. Again, Hythe on the counterattack threatened as a dangerous James Rogers corner was only just headed away by the Cray defence under pressure. Godmon was forced into a great saved as Matthew Warren headed towards goal. Again, on the counter, Hythe substitute Alex Brown blasted into a crowded penalty area and the ball was cleared but the final ten minutes saw the Hythe defence under the cosh as Warren pulled a shot wide of the target and then another melee in the away penalty area saw the Hythe defence clear again. In the dying seconds Godmon pulled off another save as he pushed the ball around the post for a corner. But the Cannons stayed firm to collect a well-deserved point.

 

It is again hard to find a Hythe player who did not give 100% and this defiant performance was very encouraging for the rest of the season.

 

They now prepare for a trip to Three Bridges next Saturday (23^rd November 2019) in another league fixture.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Danny Divine, Aaron Simpson, James Rogers, Ollie Rowe, Eli Benoit (Alex Brown 77 mins), Kaka Dembele, Ross Ibbertson, Tom Walmsley (Paul Booth 77 mins), Alex Flisher, Stephen Okoh.

 

Scorers: Cray Valley PM - Warren Mfula 25 mins. Hythe Town – Kaka Dembele 10 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 108

Hythe Town 2 Whyteleafe 2

BetVictor Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 9^th November 2019

 

Hythe Town staged a fantastic come-back with only ten men as they came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at home to Whyteleafe on Saturday afternoon.

 

The Cannons had a terrible start as on only four minutes they went behind. The defence was static as the lively Emmanuel Mensah broke down the right slamming the ball past Hythe keeper Will Godmon to make it 1-0. Things looked very grim for Hythe on ten minutes as a shot was blasted towards goal with Callum Adonis-Taylor adjudged to have handled on the line. The referee, after consultation with his assistant, pointed to the penalty spot and reached for a red card to reduce the Cannons to ten men. Up stepped Bentley Graham who sent Godmon the wrong way to increase the Whyteleafe lead.

 

Now with only ten men, Hythe didn’t give up and pressed to get back in the game. On 12 minutes, man of the match, Alex Flisher pounced on a loose ball and fired across the face of goal and then a Tom Carlton cross was deflected as it nearly got to Flisher. Flisher was then to provide Carlton with a cross but the final effort went wide. On 19 minutes Ross Ibbertson was to clear the ball off the Hythe line as a shot from Corie Andrews rolled towards the goal line. However, the vast majority of the pressure was coming from the hosts. Flisher broke down the right crossing into Stephen Okoh who slid the ball just past the post and then Okoh had an effort that was easily saved by Whyteleafe keeper Tyler McCarthy. Flisher was to feed Okoh again who this time blasted over.

 

Whyteleafe had the odd opportunity to increase their lead as on 36 minutes Antonio Walker-Barth cut in from the right but scooped his effort over the bar. Deep into injury time Flisher managed to break through the Whyteleafe defence with his final shot saved by the legs of McCarthy.

 

The early stages of the second period saw the visitors settle the quicker as substitute Tyrese Sunderland had a shot that lacked power and was easily held by Godmon and then Mensah turned and shot forcing a block by the Hythe keeper. However, as the half progressed, Hythe grew in confidence as Flisher sent in a dangerous cross that was just out of the reach of Kiernan Hughes-Mason and then on 62 minutes the increased pressure resulted in a Hythe goal. Flisher worked his way in a scoring position and then buried the ball into the back of the Whyteleafe net to narrow the gap.

 

It was all Hythe at this stage and on 66 minutes it came as no surprise as the ten men of Hythe brought the scores level. Flisher moved along the touchline and looped in a cross to Jamie Coyle who headed in at the far post from close range. It was no more than the hosts deserved. Hythe now went on the search for an unlikely winner as Carlton sent a shot from the right that rattled the upright.  

 

As the game came towards its close both sides had opportunities to take all three points as Whyteleafe’s Ricardo Thompson turned and shot straight at Godmon and then at the other end James Rogers put in deep corner that found Coyle at the far post but the keeper was able to block. With 60 seconds of normal time to go Coyle was to clear off the Hythe the line from a hooked shot from Corey Holder. Had that gone in it would have been unfair on Hythe who showed great determination, fight and skill in coming back from 2-0 down to grab a point and it is difficult to find a player who had not put in a shift.

 

It had been an entertaining game and particularly encouraging for Hythe as they now have to travel next Saturday (16^th November 2019) to league leaders Cray Valley PM  

 

Team: Will Godmon, Danny Divine, Aaron Simpson, James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Callum Adonis-Taylor, Tom Carlton, Ross Ibbertson, Alex Flisher, Kiernan Hughes-Mason (Alex Brown 81 mins), Stephen Okoh (Tom Walmsley 45 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Alex Flisher 62 mins, Jamie Coyle 66 mins. Whyteleafe – Emmanuel Mensah 4 mins, Bentley Graham 10 mins (pen).

 

 

Attendance: 214

Herne Bay 1 Hythe Town 2

Velocity Trophy Group Seven

Tuesday 5th November 2019

 

Hythe Town ended their Velocity Trophy campaign with a well deserved 2-1 victory at Herne Bay on Tuesday evening thanks to two goals from Stephen Okoh who was making a welcome return from injury.  

 

It was Herne Bay who were first to show as in the first minute a curling shot from Kyron Lightfoot went just the wrong side of the upright. However, the Cannons were to take the lead with their first meaningful attack of the game on ten minutes as a deep cross from Danny Divine found its way across to the far post where Stephen Okoh slammed the ball past Bay keeper Toby Wood to open the scoring. Hythe continued to press and on 24 minutes an Aaron Simpson cross was sliced over the bar by Bay defender Philip Starkey and away for a corner. Wood was then to deny Divine as he just got a hand to the ball to divert it around the post.

 

Tom Walmsley was next in the action as he worked his way in but his shot went straight at Wood who blocked with the ball coming out to the ever-dangerous Tom Carlton who drove wide. Bay were on even terms on 32 minutes as Bradley Stevenson worked his way across the edge of the penalty area eventually firing home past Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls. Hythe were unlucky not to regain the lead as both Walmsley and Okoh couldn’t quite create the opening to get a shot away but eventually the ball fell to Carlton whose attempt went just over the bar. As the game was getting close to the break Bay had three chances in quick succession as Lightfoot picked up a loose ball sending it over the bar and then from a free-kick he fired wide. Bay were then to be denied by a block and then a save from Nicholls in quick succession.

 

The second half start with Bay on the attack as Stevenson was denied by Nicholls and then Lightfoot sent a free kick on the edge of the area the wrong side of the post. However, it was the Cannons who were to get the winner on 51 minutes as a quick break saw Carlton feed the ball through to Okoh who placed his effort neatly into the corner of the net to make it 2-1. Two minutes later Okoh was unlucky not to get his hat-trick as a free kick from Carlton into the wall rebounded back to him and he sent his short just wide.  Hythe were now in control as a James Rogers cross was headed over by Ollie Rowe and then Carlton played the ball onto Ross Ibbertson who spooned the ball over the bar.

 

Herne Bay did create a couple of chances as a melee in the Hythe penalty ended with the ball being cleared away and then ex-Cannon Laurence Harvey had an attempt that went over the bar. They also found the net but the goal was disallowed. However, it was Hythe who were to have the last two chances to seal the game as firstly Carlton forced Wood to save well and then he rattled the cross bar with a rasping shot.  Hythe were to hold on and took three points in a confidence boosting victory.

 

Hythe, who have now completed their Velocity Trophy programme, will now return to league action on Saturday when they entertain Whyteleafe. Kick-off at Reachfields will be 3pm.  

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Danny Devine, Aaron Simpson, James Rogers, Callum Adonis-Taylor, Ollie Rowe, Tom Carlton, Ross Ibbertson, Tom Walmsley, Stephen Okoh (Alex Brown 82 mins), Jude Harding (Alex Flisher 68 mins).

 

Scorers: Herne Bay - Bradley Stevenson 32 mins. Hythe Town - Stephen Okoh 10 & 51 mins. 

 

Attendance: 136

Hastings United 2 Hythe Town 0

BetVictor Isthmian League South East

Saturday 2^nd November 2019

 

The Cannons can count themselves a little unlucky not to come away with something from Hastings United on the end of a 2-0 defeat in atrocious conditions at Pilot Field on Saturday afternoon.

 

The early exchanges saw both sides create opportunities as on only two minutes Tom Walmsley was put through but Hastings keeper Louis Rogers was quickly off his line to clear away before the young Cannons striker could get his foot on the ball. At the other end Jack Dixon played the ball into Daniel Ajakaiye who was dispossessed well by Danny Divine. Divine was in the action again on 17 minutes as he played the ball into Walmsley who turned and shot forcing Rogers to save. Hastings took the lead on twenty minutes as the ball was played back into the penalty area finding Ajakaiye who fired home. There were suspicions of off side but the Referee’s Assistant kept his flag down and the goal stood.

 

As the half progressed, Hastings began to press harder as Gary Elphick flicked the ball over the bar from a corner. However, Hythe did have their fair share of chances as Walmsley forced a save from Louis Rogers. One more chance in the half saw Dixon hit a dipping shot that was held by Godmon.

 

Both sides took time to settle in the second period as the first effort of the half came on 53 minutes as an Ajakaiye cross was mishit by substitute Davide Rodari and ball went away for a goal kick and then Jake Elliott forced his way in from the left but shot across the face of goal. At the other end Tom Carlton produced a similar effort that also went past the far post. Carlton was then to put in a cross that was headed over by Ollie Rowe. There was hope in the away camp that they would get back into the game but then Hastings again took the initiative and were then denied three times by Godmon as Ajakaiye cut in from the by-line but his final attempt was blocked by the keeper who followed that up with a save from Elliott. He was then quick off his line to block an attack from Akakaiye.

 

As the half progressed the rain intensified with puddles forming on parts of the pitch. On 83 minutes Hythe paid the price for trying to play the ball out of defence but the ball stuck in the water and was played in to Rodari who made no mistake and sealed the three points for the hosts to solidify their place in second in the league. Godmon was to deny Hastings their third close to the end as he tipped over a looping shot from Rodari.

 

It was an encouraging performance from the Cannons but unfortunately, they failed to find the target to get anything out of the game. They now prepare for another away fixture this time in the Velocity Trophy at Herne Bay on Tuesday evening.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Danny Divine, Aaron Simpson, James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Ollie Rowe, Tom Carlton, Callum Adonis-Taylor (Paul Booth 88 mins), Tom Walmsley (Alex Flisher 74 mins), Kiernan Hughes-Mason, Ross Ibbertson.

 

Scorers: Hastings United - Daniel Ajakaiye 20 mins, Davide Rodari 83 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 347 

Folkestone Invicta 5 Hythe Town 1

Kent Senior Cup 1^st Round

Tuesday 29^th October 2019

 

Ten-man Hythe Town were given a difficult lesson as they were hammered 5-1 by Folkestone Invicta on a windy Tuesday evening at Cheriton Road.

 

Hythe were stretched through injuries to Frannie Collin and Jamie Coyle to add to the existing long casualty list.  However, it all started so brightly for the Cannons as in the second minute Kiernan Hughes-Mason weaved his way through the Folkestone defence to bury his final shot past keeper Tim Roberts to give them the lead. The next period of the game was fairly even as both sides threatened but then came the decisive moment on 20 minutes as Hythe keeper Will Godmon handled the ball outside the penalty area and was controversially sent off in a decision that seemed harsh to many. Invicta now with their one-man advantage took control of the game as former Cannon Ronnie Dolan sent in a corner that was headed over the bar by Johan Ter Horst.

 

Invicta were not to be denied and brought the scores level on 24 minutes as a deep cross from Josh Vincent from the right sailed over Hythe substitute keeper Ryan Nicholls into the far corner of the net. Nicholls was to produce a number of great saves as the hosts pressed. Ter Horst played the ball into Stephen Smith whose shot forced Nicholls to save to his right and then Ter Horst was in the action again when he worked his way through to force another save.  Ira Jackson should have done better as he sailed a free kick from the edge of the area high over the bar and then Nicholls was to be Hythe’s saviour again on 40 minutes as Finn O’Mara sent a dipping effort that forced the keeper to tip the ball over the bar. However, two minutes into stoppage time Invicta were to take the lead as Sam Hasler crossed into Ter Horst who swept the ball home from the middle of the penalty area.

 

Three minutes into the second period the hosts extended their lead as Ter Horst picked up the ball on the edge of the area curling his shot into the corner of the net. Hythe did have an opportunity on 51 minutes as a James Rogers free-kick lacked power and was easily collected by Roberts and then Hughes-Mason hit a dipping free kick that went just over the bar. On the hour Folkestone increased their lead as Jackson put in a deep cross from the left finding Vincent who headed in at the far post. Folkestone poured salt on the Hythe wounds on 66 minutes as a free kick from Hasler found its way into the net to make it 5-1. The rest of the match saw few clear-cut chances with the final effort coming ten minutes from time as Nicholls saved again from a Smith shot.

 

Hythe now have a difficult trip on Saturday as they visit Hastings United in a league fixture.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Danny Devine, Aaron Simpson, James Rogers (Josh Eka 85 mins), Callum Adonis-Taylor, Ollie Rowe, Tom Carlton (Ryan Nicholls 23 mins), Ross Ibbertson, Tom Walmsley, Kiernan Hughes-Mason (Jude Harding 73 mins), Jarred Trespaderne.

 

Scorers: Folkestone Invicta – Josh Vincent 25 & 60 mins, Johan Ter Horst 45 & 48 mins, Sam Hasler 66 mins. Hythe Town – Kiernan Hughes-Mason 2 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 288

Hythe Town 0 Chichester City 0

BetVictor Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 26^th October 2019

 

Hythe Town and Chichester City fought out a 0-0 draw on a damp and windy Saturday afternoon at Reachfields.

 

The first half was even with both sides creating opportunities but lacking that killer touch that would have settled the game. The first effort came on four minutes for the visitors as Josh Clack surged in from the right with his final attempt being blocked by Hythe keeper Will Godmon. Two minutes later, the Cannons had their first opportunity as the ball was deflected out to Ross Ibbertson who lifted his effort over the bar. Hythe continued to threaten as Ollie Rowe played a long ball out of defence finding Tom Walmsley whose shot was blocked by the Chichester defence from the edge of the area.

 

Collin was next to have an attempt as he received a through ball from Carlton but he fired over. At the other end, the ever dangerous, Kaleem Haitham cut in from the left but he side-footed over the bar with his right foot. Chances continued to come at both ends as Carlton hit a free kick through the wall with Chichester keeper Steven Mowthorpe fumbling the ball but it deflected away for a corner. Another attack for Hythe followed on 24 minutes as Kiernan Hughes-Mason played the ball over to Carlton whose side footed shot was saved well by Mowthorpe.

 

As the half progressed it was Chichester who looked the more threatening as Haitham broke down the right firing a shot across the face of goal and past the far-post. This was followed by another attack as Haitham lifted the ball over the bar.  The stalemate at half-time was a fair reflection of the first 45 minutes.

 

The second period started brightly for Hythe as Carlton had a shot that was deflected into the arms of Mowthorpe and then James Rogers played the ball into Collin but he was denied by Mowthorpe. The game at this stage could have gone either way as Chichester had two efforts in a minute as firstly as Ryan Davidson crossed into Lloyd Rowlatt who headed into Godmon’s arms and then Gicu lordache pushed the ball onto Clack whose final shot sailed over the bar. The visitors continued to press as Haitham weaved his way but sent the ball straight at Godmon.

 

Walmsley was then to find Carlton but his final attempt lacked power and did not threaten. The last three chances fell to Chichester as Godmon dealt well with efforts from Jamie Horncastle, Clack and Scott Jones holding on well to the greasy ball.

 

With better finishing both of the sides could have taken all three points but the defences were dominant throughout.

 

The Cannons remain in 14^th place as Hythe return to cup action on Tuesday evening (29^th October 2019) as they travel up the road to Folkestone Invicta in the first round of the Kent Senior Cup.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Danny Divine, Aaron Simpson, James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Ollie Rowe, Tom Carlton (Alex Flisher 72 mins), Ross Ibbertson, Tom Walmsley (Jarred Trespaderne 90 mins), Frannie Collin (Aristide Bassele 76 mins), Kiernan Hughes-Mason.

 

 

Attendance: 160

Hythe Town 0 Ramsgate 1

Velocity Trophy Group Seven

Tuesday 22^nd October 2019

 

Hythe Town must be looking forward to the end of the Velocity Trophy this season as they went down 1-0 at home to Ramsgate on Tuesday evening.

 

The early exchanges were fairly even and it was the Cannons who were first to create an opportunity on seven minutes as veteran striker Paul Booth turned and shot straight into the arms of Ramsgate keeper Jonathan Miles. Ramsgate threatened three minutes later as a dangerous cross from Jack Morrell was cleared away by Ross Ibbertson. This was followed by a shot from Rory Smith that went straight into the arms of Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls who was covering the cup-tied Will Godmon. Another cross from Morrell was headed wide by Smith with the goal beckoning.

 

Both sides were having opportunities as Frannie Collin played the ball into Callum Adonis-Taylor whose header was easily collected by Miles. On 23 minutes came the decisive moment of the game as Aaron Simpson tugged back ex-Cannon Ashley Miller in the penalty area giving the referee no option but to point to the penalty spot. Up stepped Miller who drilled his spot kick into the corner of the net to give Ramsgate the lead. The Cannons came close to levelling the scores on 29 minutes as a Collin cross was met by the head of Aristide Bassele whose attempt was cleared off the line.

 

As the game moved towards the interval it was the Rams who looked the more likely as a cross from Jack Paxman was deflected wide. The resultant corner ended with a shot from Michael Aziaya who sent his attempt over the bar. Smith was then to fire wide of the target.

 

The second period saw the Cannons on the attack as Collin had a shot that drifted well wide and then at the other end Paxman put in a searching cross that was tipped over by Nicholls under pressure. Another cross from Paxman was headed over by Morrell. A melee in the Rams penalty area followed but that ended with Jarred Treparderne blasting an effort that was blocked by the Rams defence.

 

Hythe had a golden opportunity to bring the scores level on 78 minutes as Ollie Gray was adjudged to have handled in the penalty area. However, the resultant penalty from Collin was too close to Rams substitute keeper Tom Roberts who saved diving to his left. There was one more chance for the Cannons two minutes from full time as a James Rogers cross found Adonis-Taylor whose rifled a shot that was blocked by Roberts.

 

The Cannons now sit at the bottom of their Velocity Trophy Group table and now must concentrate on getting back to winning ways in the league as they entertain cup heroes Chichester City on Saturday (25^th October 2019). The game kicks off at 3pm.

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Danny Divine, Aaron Simpson, James Rogers, Callum Adonis-Taylor, Ollie Rowe, Jarred Tresparderne (Jude Harding 86 mins), Ross Ibbertson, Paul Booth (Tom Carlton 59 mins), Frannie Collin, Aristide Bassele (Arthur Pickering 90 mins).

 

Scorer: Ramsgate – Ashley Miller 23 mins (pen).

 

Attendance: 102

Sittingbourne 1 Hythe Town 0

BetVictor Isthmian League South East

Saturday 19^th October 2019

 

It was a disappointing afternoon for Hythe Town as they went down 1-0 at Sittingbourne on Saturday afternoon.

 

The early exchanges were even with Sittingbourne creating the first two chances as on two minutes former Cannon, Johan Caney-Bryan broke through looping a shot that was tipped over by Hythe keeper Will Godmon and then Tom Fagg sent a shot that drifted wide. The Cannons had their first opportunity on 19 minutes as a Tom Carlton free-kick from the left drifted past the far post.

 

There followed a period with few chances as a cross was headed on by Astride Bassele to Carlton whose header looped over the bar. As the half progressed, Hythe were looking the more dangerous as Kiernan Hughes-Mason put through Frannie Collin but his attempt went straight into the arms of Sittingbourne keeper Tom Benham. James Rogers sent in a shot from twenty yards high over the bar. It was a half of limited opportunities where neither side could complain about going in on level terms.

 

The second period started with Hythe creating two chances in quick succession as Carlton broke through forcing Benham to save well to his left and the resultant corner from Carlton was met by the head of Bassele only for Hythe to be denied again by Benham.  

 

Just as Hythe began to get on top a break down the right ended with a cross into Caney-Bryan who swept the ball home from the middle of the penalty area to give Sittingbourne the lead. This seemed to spark the hosts into life as substitute Kane Phillip (another ex-Cannon) turned and shot forcing Godmon to save. Hythe did have an opportunity on 58 minutes to draw level as a Danny Devine corner was deflected onto Collin but his header went just over.

 

At the other end Fagg blasted a shot into a crowd of players and it was cleared away. The visitors saw new signing Jarred Trespaderne put Collin through but he pulled his shot back but the effort was easily saved by Benham. A couple more chances fell for Hythe as Callum Adonis-Taylor blasted over and then Collin sent in a free kick that was headed over by Jamie Coyle but Hythe never really looked like getting the equalising goal.

 

The Cannons sit in 14^th place as they are again action on Tuesday night at home to Ramsgate in the Velocity Trophy.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Danny Divine, Aaron Simpson, James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Ollie Rowe, Ross Ibbertson, Tom Carlton (Callum Adonis-Taylor 79 mins), Kiernan Hughes-Mason, Frannie Collin, Aristide Bassele (Jarred Trespaderne 60 mins).

 

Scorer: Johan Caney-Bryan 50 mins.

  

Attendance 217

Hythe Town 1 Hastings United 2

Buildbase FA Trophy Preliminary Round

Saturday 12^th October 2019

 

Hythe, who were without the injured Charlie Webster and Stephen Okoh, were knocked out of the FA Trophy despite taking an early lead as they went down 2-1 at home to Hastings United on Saturday afternoon.

 

The early pressure, on a damp afternoon, came from the Cannons who dominated the first twenty minutes taking the lead on just four minutes.  Alex Flisher broke in from the right and when he looked like he would cross he fired in beating Hastings keeper Louis Rogers at his near post. Soon after Danny Devine crossed the ball into Flisher who glanced his header just wide. Flisher who was very threatening in the opening period had two efforts from just outside the area that both flew high over the bar.

 

As the half progressed, Hastings began to slowly take the initiative and on 22 minutes Ben Pope turned and shot but the ball was blocked well by Ollie Rowe who was up against his old team and then Pope was to force Hythe keeper Will Godmon into a point blank save. Immediately after this a John Elliott cross was headed wide by Jack Dixon. Hythe were soaking up the pressure as Hastings were struggling to turn their dominance into goals.

 

A short free kick from Ryan Worrall was spooned over by Sam Beale and then Dixon sent in a dipping effort that just cleared the cross bar. On the stroke of half-time Adam Lovatt found his way through but stretching for the ball he sent it over the bar.  The visitors can count themselves unlucky not to go into the break on level terms as they failed to find the net.

 

The second period started with Hythe on the attack as a Tom Carlton free kick forced a great save from Rogers but it was still Hastings who were controlling the exchanges as Worrall drifted a free kick straight into Godmon’s arms but finally on the hour Hastings got their deserved equaliser as Daniel Ajakaiye turned defence into attack as he broke through feeding Pope who drilled the ball home. Within 60 seconds Hythe had Godmon to thank for keeping the scores level as he saved well from Ajakaiye.

 

The Cannons did have some opportunities on the break as Callum Adonis-Taylor had a shot deflected into the arms of Rogers but it was the visitors who continued to press. A cross from former Hythe favourite Sam Adams found Dixon whose header was blocked by Godmon. Then came the moment that decided the game as the referee noticed some shirt pulling in the penalty area and did not hesitate to point to the spot on 79 minutes. Up stepped Pope who sent Godmon the wrong way to give Hastings the lead.

 

Hythe had a chance a minute later as Aaron Simpson crossed but Flisher headed over and that was the last real opportunity for the hosts and in fact they had Godmon to thank as a Jamie Coyle clearance ricocheted off Davide Rodari forcing the keeper to save.

 

Hastings held on to deservedly go through to the next round with Hythe now concentrating on next Saturday’s league fixture at Sittingbourne.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Danny Divine, Aaron Simpson, James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Ollie Rowe, Tom Carlton, Callum Adonis-Taylor (Aristide Bassele 84 mins), Kiernan Hughes-Mason (Tom Walmsley 76 mins), Frannie Collin, Alex Flisher.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Alex Flisher 4 mins. Hastings United - Ben Pope 60 & 79 (pen).

 

 

Attendance: 366

Ashford United 2 Hythe Town 1

Velocity Trophy Group Seven

Tuesday 8^th October 2019

 

The Cannons went down 2-1 with a much-changed team at Ashford United on Tuesday evening in the Velocity Trophy Group Seven.

 

Hythe were without the cup tied Kiernan Hughes-Mason and Will Godmon and also rested Frannie Collin, Jamie Coyle and Alex Flisher who were on the bench and were on the back foot early on as on six minutes Danny Walder sent in a free kick that was headed wide by David Smith. Ashford were to turn the early pressure into a goal on eleven minutes as Lee Prescott following up slammed the ball home following a great save from Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls. The hosts continued to apply the pressure as a free kick from Walder was deflected wide.

 

Hythe had a golden opportunity to bring the scores level on 21 minutes as Josh Wisson attempted to chest the ball down in the penalty area but managed to contact the ball with his arm and the referee had no hesitation to award a penalty. Up stepped Tom Carlton whose kick was a little too close to Ashford keeper Aaron Lee-Wharton who was able to save.  Callum Adonis-Taylor did well for Hythe on 29 minutes as under pressure he cleared the ball away for a corner. As the half progressed, Hythe looked more dangerous and were rewarded on 43 minutes as Stephen Okoh picked up the ball and planted it into the corner of the net to bring the scores level at 1-1 at half-time.

 

The second period started evenly but Ashford were to take the lead on 54 minutes with a glancing header at the near post from Levi Gold that sailed past Nicholls and into the net. The Nuts and Bolts nearly increased their lead two minutes later as Jake Mcintyre slammed the ball into the side netting.  Okoh had an opportunity to bring the scores level but Lee-Wharton blocked well. Nicholls, who was returning to cover Godmon, had to be at his best to save to his right from a Smith shot and then a free kick from Walder sailed into his arms.

 

Hythe came close on 76 minutes as a ball from the veteran substitute Paul Booth found Tom Walmsley but he couldn’t get a shot away.  One more opportunity at the other end as Theo Osinfoularin found Tashi-Jay Kwayie who headed straight at Nicholls.

 

Hythe were unable to find the goal that would bring them back into the game and now must look to more important matters as they entertain Hastings United on Saturday (12^th October 2019) in the Buildbase FA Trophy Preliminary Round.

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Danny Divine, Aaron Simpson, James Rogers, Callum Adonis-Taylor, Ollie Rowe, Tom Carlton, Charlie Webster (Alex Flisher 52 mins), Tom Walmsley, Aristide Bassele, Stephen Okoh (Paul Booth 76 mins).  

 

Scorers: Ashford United - Lee Prescott 11 mins, Levi Gold 54 mins. Hythe Town - Stephen Okoh 43 mins

 

Attendance: 159 

Hythe Town 2 Haywards Heath Town 0

BetVictor Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 5^th October 2019

 

Hythe Town continued their rise up the table as they ran out comfortable 2-0 winners at home to Haywards Heath Town on Saturday afternoon.

 

The Cannons included the three new signings (Jamie Coyle, James Rogers and Alex Flisher) in the starting line-up along with another very recent new recruit in Aristride Bassele on the bench. The early exchanges were fairly even as both sides tested each other out. The first effort came on twelve minutes as a melee in the Haywards Heath penalty area eventually saw Ollie Rowe send in a shot that drifted wide. Frannie Collin was next to have an effort as he fired a free kick into the wall and the ball was cleared away. The visitors had to wait 22 minutes until they threatened for the first time as a dangerous cross from Callum Saunders went straight across the goal mouth and away with no one on hand to convert.

 

However, as the half progressed it was the hosts who began to take control as a Tom Carlton cross found Jamie Coyle whose header was cleared off the line and then the tricky Kiernan Hughes-Mason fed Frannie Collin who forced a save from Haywards Heath keeper, Luke Glover. As the pressure intensified it was Hythe who took a deserved lead on 35 minutes as a deep cross from Carlton found Coyle on the far post. He rose above the visiting defence to head the ball in to the net to make it 1-0. Flisher was next to threaten as he had a shot deflected for a corner. With only a minute to go before the break Hythe went 2-0 up as the ball came out to Carlton who rifled in the right-hand corner of the net from 20 yards giving Glover no chance.

 

The visitors started the second half the brighter with another cross this time from Hamish Morrison that again failed to find anyone to convert and then almost immediately Henry Watson played the ball onto Melford Simpson who forced Hythe keeper Will Godmon to produce a great save tipping the ball over the bar. The resultant Nico Cotton corner was blasted over by Joshua Spinks. At the other end Hughes-Mason surged through the Haywards Heath defence but his final effort was lifted over the bar.

 

Chances were coming at both ends as the sturdy Simpson forced his way through but scooped the ball over the bar under pressure from Rowe.  The improvement in the Hythe defence from recent weeks was immense and they looked totally in control snuffing any threat from the visitors. Hythe were unlucky not to increase their lead on 69 minutes as Collin fed the ball to Hughes-Mason who played onto Carlton whose rasping shot slammed against the upright.  A couple of chances before the end saw Carlton send in a deep free kick which Danny Divine couldn’t quite get enough on it to divert the ball goalwards and then Carlton was in the action again as he pulled a shot wide.

 

Hythe never looked in danger of losing their lead and it is hard to think of a player who didn’t put in a shift during the afternoon as they took all three points that moves the Cannons up to 13^th in the table. This performance gives great encouragement for the rest of the season.

 

The Cannons now prepare for an away Velocity Trophy fixture on Tuesday night (8^th October 2019) as they travel to Ashford United.

 

Team: Will Godmon, Danny Divine, Aaron Simpson, James Rogers, Jamie Coyle, Ollie Rowe, Tom Carlton, Charlie Webster, Kiernan Hughes-Mason (Stephen Okoh 76 mins), Frannie Collin (Tom Walmsley 81 mins), Alex Flisher (Aristide Bassele 85 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Jamie Coyle 35 mins, Tom Carlton 44 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 182

Herne Bay 0 Hythe Town 2

BetVictor Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 21^st September 2019

 

Hythe Town returned to winning ways as they comfortably ran out 2-0 winners with a much-improved performance at Herne Bay on a warm sunny Saturday afternoon.

 

The Cannons were up against a number of ex-players in George Kamurasi, Zak Ansah, Kieron Campbell and Chris Saunders who were in the Herne Bay starting eleven. However, they dominated the early exchanges as in the first ten minutes there were two attacks that threatened but the referee’s assistant spotted offside on both occasions. Ex-Herne Bay midfielder, Tom Carlton had a shot on 12 minutes deflected for a corner. The Bay had to wait until the 26^th minute for their first meaningful attempt as Campbell broke down the left and played the ball into the path of Luke Griffiths whose shot was pushed around the post by returning Hythe keeper, Will Godmon.

 

However, Hythe still looked the better side as on the half hour Ollie Rowe sent out a long ball from defence into the path of Kiernan Hughes-Mason who pulled his shot wide and then at the other end Ansah, who was kept under control during the afternoon by a strong and organised Hythe defence, hit a speculative shot that rolled into the arms of Godmon.  As the game moved towards the interval Carlton crossed into Callum Adonis-Taylor who headed just wide. One more first half effort from Ansah for the hosts forced Godmon to save with his feet.

 

Hythe, who in recent games have shown weaknesses in the second-half, took total control of the game as Charlie Webster sliced a shot just wide. The Cannons took a deserved lead on 53 minutes as Collin picked up the ball in the penalty area and worked his way into a goal scoring position and slammed the ball past Kamurasi and into the net to make it 1-0. The Bay had an opportunity on the break as Ryan King- Elliot forced his way in on the right-hand side but was superbly dispossessed by Aaron Simpson who had a fine performance at left-back.

 

Hythe were back on the offensive and forced Kamurasi to make two saves as firstly Hughes-Mason had a shot tipped around the post and then a Carlton corner found Rowe at the far post forcing the keeper to save again. Danny Divine was next in the action as he broke down the left and played a ball off to Carlton who fed Collin who shot over the bar. Herne Bay had a rare attack on 78 minutes as Dan Lawrence launched a shot wide but it was the visitors who looked the more likely as Collin had a cross headed on by Mason-Hughes but Kamurasi was on hand to save. Hythe sealed all three points on 84 minutes as substitute Tom Walmsley dispossessed Gary Sayer in the penalty area and from close range calmly took the ball around Kamurasi and knocked the ball home.

 

This was a great all-round performance from the Cannons who showed great improvement as they climbed up two places. The Cannons now have a two-week break before they entertain Haywards Heath Town in a fortnight’s time. (5^th October 2019).

 

Team: Will Godmon, Danny Divine, Aaron Simpson, Tom Bramble, Ollie Rowe, Callum Adonois-Taylor, Tom Carlton, Charlie Webster, Kiernan Hughes-Mason (Rhys Bartlett 88 mins), Frannie Collin (Ross Ibbertson 90 mins), Stephen Okoh (Tom Walmsley 76 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Frannie Collin 53 mins, Tom Walmsley 84 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 411

Hythe Town 0 Sevenoaks Town 1

BetVictor Isthmian League South-East

Tuesday 17^th September 2019

 

Hythe struggled to find the goal again on Tuesday evening as they went down 1-0 at home to second-placed Sevenoaks Town at Reachfields.

 

The Cannons were put on the back foot straight away as Sevenoaks dominated the first period with the first effort coming on just a minute as Kyle de Silva slightly off balance blasted over. De Silva was involved again as he crossed onto the near post finding Tommy Whitnell whose glancing header was tipped over by Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls. Whitnell was then to put in a dangerous cross that was headed away from the goal mouth by Ollie Rowe. The visitors nearly took the lead on 12 minutes as a looping header from Whitnell came off the underside of the cross bar and was cleared away.

The popular ex-Cannon striker Frankie Sawyer had a free kick 25 yards out which he sailed over the bar,  As the half progressed the Cannons began to create some chances of the their own as Tom Carlton sent in a free kick that was headed away and then he crossed into new signing Kiernan Hughes- Mason who launched his attempt over the bar. However, Sevenoaks were to take a deserved lead on 39 minutes as Bradley Schafer slammed a shot against the upright and Sawyer following up slammed home the rebound to make it 1-0.

 

Hythe were to have two opportunities before the break to bring the scores level as firstly Carlton sent in a free kick into the near post but the Sevenoaks defence cleared away under pressure. Secondly, Frannie Collin played the ball back to Hughes-Mason who shot wide.

 

The second half was to see the hosts first to threaten as Ryan Cooper worked down the left playing the ball into Tom Walmsley who fed Carlton. Carlton’s final shot forced a save from Sevenoaks keeper Patrick Lee. Carlton was to force another save from Lee on 52 minutes from a narrow angle. At the other end a free kick from Schafer rebounded off the wall and his second attempt dipped just over the cross bar. Hythe continued to look for the elusive equaliser but lacked the final touch. Collin was to fire a free kick from the edge of the area straight into the wall and then Charlie Webster drove a shot straight at Lee.

 

Sevenoaks were reduced to ten men on 88 minutes as ex-Cannon Dan Parkinson was given a second yellow card and was sent off for the second year running at Reachfields.  However, it was too late for the Cannons to make the numerical advantage count as they were to have only one more effort as Callum Adonis-Taylor had a long-range effort that deflected wide for a corner.

 

It was “not to be” for the Cannons as they remain second to bottom and will now travel to Herne Bay on Saturday afternoon with a 3pm Kick off at Winch’s Field in search of an elusive win.

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Danny Divine, Ryan Cooper, Tom Bramble, Ollie Rowe, Callum Adonis-Taylor, Tom Carlton, Charlie Webster, Tom Walmsley (Stephen Okoh 73 mins) , Frannie Collin, Kiernan Hughes-Mason (Aaron Simpson 81 mins).

 

Scorer: Sevenoaks Town – Frankie Sawyer 39 mins

 

Attendance: 216 

 

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

Hythe Town 2 Whitstable Town 2

(Hythe Town won 6-5 on penalties)

Velocity Trophy Group Seven

Tuesday 10^th September 2019

 

There were definite signs of improvement as Hythe looked to be easing to a victory when they were stunned by two late goals as they drew 2-2 at home to Whitstable Town in the Velocity Trophy on Tuesday evening.

 

Hythe, playing in front of new manager Steve Watt, were the first to show as on two minutes a long ball from Ollie Rowe found Tom Walmsley who was charging up the right. His pass into the penalty box was met by Stephen Okoh who shot just wide. Whitstable had to wait until the 10^th minute for their first opportunity as Aaron Millbank broke through the defence but his final chip went over the bar. Hythe, however were having the best of the first exchanges as Walmsley had a shot deflected for a corner.

 

On 23 minutes Hythe were awarded a penalty as Liam Dickson brought down Tom Carlton in the penalty area. Carlton picked himself up and sent Whitstable keeper and former Cannon Dan Eason the wrong way as he buried his spot kick in the bottom corner giving Hythe the lead. A couple of opportunities followed for the Oystermen as firstly a deep corner from Osman Proni was headed wide by Dickson at the far post and then Josh Spencer hit a bullet header straight at Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls.

 

However, Hythe continued to look the more likely and they were to increase their lead on 32 minutes as Thomas Bramble laid the ball off to Rhys Bartlett who fired from a narrow angle past Eason to make it 2-0. Whitstable were to have one more attempt before the break as Proni hit a shot from 25 yards that drifted wide but Hythe deservedly went in two up.

 

The second half started slowly with the first opportunity coming on 54 minutes as Okoh played the ball off to Carlton who pulled his shot wide and then at the other end Nicholls produced a fine save from an effort from substitute Marcus Elliott. The hard-working Walmsley nearly produced a moment of magic as worked himself into a goal scoring position but his final effort curled just wide. Eason had to be at his best to make a double save as firstly he blocked a shot from Carlton and then at full stretch, he pushed an effort from Okoh around the post.

 

As the game entered the last ten minutes, Hythe began to tire as Proni flicked onto Elliott who forced a great save from Nicholls. Elliot was not to be denied as after 86 minutes defensive frailties of recent weeks resurfaced as he slammed the ball home from close range and then two minutes later, he was to repeat the goal with a second from a very similar position.  Hythe did have a late chance to snatch back the lead but Carlton pulled a shot wide.

 

In the event of a draw in the Velocity Trophy, games go to penalties. Hythe were able to only miss one as they won 6-5 to take the one point on offer for the penalty shoot-out win. It proved a useful evening for the new management team to assess the current players and to see what needs to be done to get the season back on track.

 

Hythe now travel to Phoenix Sports on Saturday in another league game.

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Ryan Cooper, Elliott Capel, Thomas Bramble, Ollie Rowe, Liam Quinn, Stephen Okoh (Frannie Collin 87 mins), Charlie Webster, Tom Walmsley (Arthur Pickering 79 mins), Tom Carlton (Ross Ibbertson 81 mins), Rhys Bartlett (Adam Woollcott 74 mins)

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Tom Carlton 23 mins (pen), Rhys Bartlett 32 mins. Whitstable Town – Marcus Elliott 86 & 88 mins.

 

Attendance 157

Faversham Town 7 Hythe Town 1

Velocity Trophy Group Seven

Tuesday 3^rd September 2019

 

It was a woeful night for the Cannons as they were blown away at Faversham Town going down 7-1 on Tuesday evening in the first game in this season’s Velocity Trophy.

 

The game started with Faversham in the ascendency as two ex-Cannons linked in well. A corner from Makhosini Khayne was met by Mitchell Chapman who was blocked at the near post. The misery started in the 14^th minutes as Donvieve Jones played the ball through to Jack Sellens who finished off easily to put the hosts ahead. The Cannons had their first attack on 17 minutes as Ryan Cooper played the ball into Frannie Collin who turned and fired the ball into the arms of Faversham keeper Luke Watkins.

 

As the half progressed, Faversham continued to control the game and on 29 minutes Rob Lawrence had a shot blocked well by Liam Quinn. At the other end, Charlie Webster went down the left channel pulling a dangerous ball across the face of goal but there was no one able to convert. Hythe were two down on 36 minutes as the ball was pushed onto the post by Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls with Sellens following up to plant the ball into the net.

 

Hythe did have a couple of chances to get back into the game as firstly Tom Carlton sent in a free kick that was headed away by a defender under pressure from Ollie Rowe and then a shot from Aaron Simpson lacked power and rolled into the arms of Watkins. Faversham delivered a killer blow on the stroke of half time as they scored their third. A deep cross from Josh Dorling found Sellens who tapped in for his hat-trick.

 

The Cannons had a bright spell just after half-time as Carlton put Simpson through but his final effort sailed over the bar and then on 48 minutes a cross from Carlton was turned into his own net by Matt Bourne to narrow the gap. This just seemed to reinvigorate the hosts and on 53 minutes Anthony Adesite broke through blasting his shot into the arms of Nicholls who then made a great double save from substitute Rolo Onu.

 

The floodgates opened from the 55^th minute as Rob Lawrence slammed the ball home to make it 4-1 and then three minutes later it got even worse for the Cannons as James Miles scored. There was no respite for Hythe as a cross from the right was met by Matt Bourne who rose unchallenged to head home.  The humiliation was complete on 76 minutes as another deep cross was this time met by Mitchell Chapman who sent his header into the back of the net.

 

It was a deeply depressing evening for the Cannons who must be relieved that there is no game this Saturday as they prepare for the visit of Whitstable Town next Tuesday (10^th September 2019) in the next Velocity Trophy game.  

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Ryan Cooper, Elliott Capel, Thomas Bramble, Liam Quinn, Ollie Rowe, Adam Woollcott (Stephen Okoh 62 mins), Tom Carlton, Frannie Collin (Tom Walmsley 80 mins), Aaron Simpson, Charlie Webster (Rhys Bartlett 67 mins).

 

Scorers: Faversham Town-Jack Sellens 14, 36 & 45 mins, Rob Lawrence 55 mins, James Miles 58 mins, Matt Bourne 69 mins, Mitchell Chapman 76 mins. Hythe Town - Matt Bourne (OG) 48 mins

 

 

Attendance: 91

Hythe Town 0 Whitehawk 1

BetVictor Isthmian League South East

Saturday 31^st August 2019

 

Hythe Town will rue the missed chances in the first half as they fell to another defeat, this time 1-0 at home to Whitehawk on Saturday afternoon.

 

Hythe were to dominate the first half with the first attempt coming from a cross from Tom Carlton after only four minutes that found Chris Kinnear but his glanced header went just wide. Carlton was in the action again on eight minutes as he drove wide from a ball from Stephen Okoh. The pressure continued as Carlton put in another cross that was side-footed over by Frannie Collin at the near post. On 21 minutes Adam Woollcott sent a pinpoint long ball over to Ryan Cooper on the right wing. Cooper sent in a cross come shot that went just over the cross bar.

 

Whitehawk had to wait until the 24^th minute for their first meaningful opportunity as Lucas Rodrigues broke through the Hythe defence but was blocked well by Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls. However, the Cannons were still in charge as Kacper Lopata failed to clear and Collin pounced but he launched his final effort over the bar. On 37 minutes Okoh laid the ball off to Charlie Webster who charged through forcing a full stretch save from Whitehawk keeper James Broadbent. Rodrigues had two chances for the visitors before the break as firstly he blasted over and then broke through only to be denied by Nicholls.

 

The whole pattern of the game changed after the break as the visitors wrestled control from the hosts. A corner from David Martin found Rodrigues but he could not find the target.  However, on 59 minutes a free kick from Kissock was chipped into the penalty area catching the Hythe defence leaden footed with Duane Ofori-Acheampong sending the ball past Nicholls to give Whitehawk the lead. The pressure continued on the Hythe defence as substitute Rob Deda played the ball into Ofori-Acheampong but he fired straight into Nicholls arms.

 

Ofori-Acheampong turned provider as he put the ball into Charles Banya who side footed over. Hythe had to wait until the 74^th minute for their first attempt of the half as Collin drove a shot into the chest of Broadbent. But it was still Whitehawk who looked more likely to increase their lead rather than Hythe equalise as Nicholls tipped over from Whitehawk winger Martin who then went on to blast over.  Hythe did start to press as the minutes ticked down. A Carlton corner was met by Rhys Bartlett whose shot was blocked and then a Cooper cross was headed over by Ollie Rowe.

 

As the game approached full time indiscipline saw Whitehawk reduced to nine men as goal scorer Ofori-Acheampong was sent off for a comment to the referees assistant that was heard by most of the crowd earning him a second yellow card and then in injury time Webster surged through but was brought down just outside the area by Broadbent. The keeper received a straight red card for his effort. At the very end  Webster had an opportunity on the rebound from a save from stand in keeper Alfie Rogers but he skewed his attempt wide.

 

Whitehawk held on to all three points as Hythe sunk to 18^th place in the table with the failure to score in the last three games being a real worry. The Cannons now take a break from league action as they visit Faversham Town for the second time in eight days but this time in the Velocity Trophy on Tuesday evening. Kick off is 7:45pm.

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Ryan Cooper, Elliott Capel (Arthur Pickering 90 mins), Chris Kinnear, Liam Quinn, Ollie Rowe, Adam Woollcott (Tom Walmsley 80 mins), Tom Carlton, Frannie Collin, Stephen Okoh (Rhys Bartlett 68 mins), Charlie Webster.

 

Scorer: Whitehawk- Duane Ofori-Acheampong 59 mins

 

 

Attendance: 229

Faversham Town 1 Hythe Town 0

BetVictor Isthmian League South-East

Tuesday 27^th August 2019

 

The Cannons poor away record continued as they went down 1-0 against Faversham Town on a sultry Tuesday evening at Salters Lane.

 

It was Hythe who were the first to show as a first minute free kick from Tom Carlton drifted over the bar. However, it was Faversham who began to look the more likely as Michael Frieter got onto a loose ball but his final effort went straight into the arms of Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls. A cross followed from Anthony Adesite that was headed over by Max Morgan. Hythe who were without the injured Charlie Webster and Callum Adonis-Taylor covered well as Adesite broke through and they cleared the ball away.  

 

This period was followed by a brighter spell for the visitors as Aaron Simpson worked his way in but his final attempt lacked power and drifted over. Faversham had a penalty appeal turned down as James Miles played the ball into Jamie Maxted who appeared to go down but the referee waved it away. A couple of opportunities followed for the Cannons as Stephen Okoh worked his way in but his final volley went wide and then a Carlton free-kick went wide.

 

Faversham created two more chances before the break as firstly former Cannon Mitchell Chapman pulled a shot wide and then Nicholls had to be at his best to deny Adesite. The ball rebounded out but despite a couple of attempts the Lilywhites could not find the net. On the stroke of half time the Cannons had their best chance as Okoh crossed into Frannie Collin who headed over.

 

The Cannons almost fell behind two minutes into the second period as Nicholls failed to catch a Frieter cross but Adesite headed wide and then at the other end Ryan Cooper put in a cross that went right across the face of goal with no one there to convert the opportunity. There were chances coming at both ends but neither side could capitalise as a Miles shot tamely floated into Nicholls arms. The Cannons had a number of chances in quick succession but on each occasion failed to hit the target as firstly Carlton had a shot deflected for a corner and then Okoh broke through and appeared to be brought down but the referee who was close to the action saw it as a fair challenge. Simpson was to have an attempt that didn’t challenge Faversham keeper Luke Watkins and then Carlton had another effort deflected wide.

 

Nicholls was on hand to deny the hosts as Frieter fed the ball to Morgan whose shot was blocked and then Hythe failed to find the net again as Simpson laid to ball off to Carlton whose final effort went over and then Collin, deep in his own half, sent a pinpoint long-ball to Okoh but he shot wide. However, Adesite had another opportunity with seven minutes to go but he spooned the ball over the bar. Faversham were finally to get the goal that gave them all three points two minutes into injury time as the ball fell to ex Cannon Makosini Khyane who slammed the ball home from inside the penalty area.

 

It had been another disappointing away-day for Hythe who must look to return to form for their fixture at home to Whitehawk on Saturday.

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Ryan Cooper, Elliott Capel, Chris Kinnear, Ben Fitchett, Ollie Rowe, Adam Woollcott, Tom Carlton, Frannie Collin (Rhys Bartlett 89 mins), Stephen Okoh, Aaron Simpson (Luke Blewden 77 mins).

 

Scorer: Faversham Town-Makhosini Khayne 90 +2 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 263

Cray Wanderers 5 Hythe Town 0

Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round

Sunday 25th August 2019

 

 

With the Cannons not having been given the kindest of FA Cup draws, Sam Denly's men came to Bromley's impressive Hayes Lane stadium with seemingly nothing to lose.

 

Newly promoted Cray though have signed and signed again since last season's narrow 4-3 and 3-1 victories over Hythe and they put on a display of neat inter-passing and clinical finishing on the decent plastic surface that the Cannons simply could not match. As early as the second minute Callum Adonis-Taylor was called upon to clear off his goal-line, but with Frannie Collin combining well with Stephen Okoh and impressive new signing Aaron Simpson featuring well, Hythe maintained a speedy and promising counter-attacking threat. However, on just nine minutes big Joe Taylor who was to be a real danger all game found just enough space in the area to curl a pin-point shot around Ryan Nicholls and into the net off the inside of a post to put his side one up. 

 

Town hit back strongly in the searing heat though and after good interplay between Collin and Simpson the former saw his shot well saved by Cray keeper Lewis Carey. Then Collin and Okoh combined brilliantly with Okoh going just wide. For Hythe Tom Carlton was making some powerful runs forward from midfield and Carey had to save well from him on 16 minutes, but at the other end the danger continued and a Freddie Parker shot was well saved by the Hythe custodian. 

 

A key moment came when Aaron Simpson ran in strongly towards the Cray goal but was denied by Cray's Hudson who must have been just a little relieved to see only a yellow card come from referee Mark Pond's pocket. The resulting free kick from Collin went just wide. Later Collin's delightful through ball to the advancing Ryan Cooper was only inches out. 

 

Town had more than played their part in a frenetic first 40 minutes that saw the referee's assistant warning several home players not to come on and off the pitch to seek the shade of the main stand whenever there was a break in play.  Unfortunately, though the home side always had that clinical edge to their game and this was no more obvious than in the final few first half minutes in which the game was effectively put to bed. First, Tom Murphy accepted a pass a few yards out and blasted past Nicholls and then in added time Taylor needed just enough space to fire in his side's third. 

 

The second period saw an understandable slowing down from both sides but Tom Carlton continued to be heavily involved even though it seemed that every time Hythe advanced there would be a resultant scare at the other end when the ball was lost.  On 62 minutes Nicholls saved well from home captain Barney Williams but barely a minute later Murphy turned provider and Bradley Pritchard chipped home delightfully for a 4-0 lead. 

 

Hythe responded by bringing on Elliot Capel and Luke Blewden for Chris Kinnear and Charlie Webster who had had his hands full with the lively Jerome Frederico down Cray's right flank. As the tie drifted and Cray lessened the pace still further, reality took over with the Cannons perhaps deciding on a little damage limitation. There was a late flurry though when Cray's Spencer passed to Taylor who added his side's fifth goal and when the ever-combative Carlton was cautioned for a late tackle after he himself had been fouled. This provided the only real flashpoint in an otherwise well-disciplined and well-officiated game when a home player seemed to think that there was not enough heat coming out of the sky above!

 

It is of course difficult to come up with too many positives after a 5-0 defeat but Cray will in all probability be achieving some similar results against Premier division opponents this season, whilst several Hythe players will be hoping that their key men will find many level four sides to be a lot less clinical then this impressive Wanderers side.

  

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Ryan Cooper, Charlie Webster (Luke Blewden 67 mins), Chris Kinnear (Elliott Capel 67 mins), Callum Adonis-Taylor, Ollie Rowe, Adam Woollcott, Tom Carlton, Frannie Collin, Stephen Okoh (Rhys Bartlett 80 mins), Aaron Simpson. 

 

Scorers: Cray Wanderers - Tom Murphy 9 & 39 mins, Joe Taylor 45 & 90 mins, Bradley Pritchard 63 mins. 

 

Attendance 230 

Hythe Town 2 Whitstable Town 0

BetVictor Isthmian League South East Division

Tuesday 20^th August 2019

 

Hythe Town comfortably ran out 2-0 winners in their local derby against Whitstable Town on Tuesday evening at Reachfields.

 

The early pressure all came from the Cannons as they started brightly but had to wait twelve minutes for their first attack on the Whitstable goal as Tom Carlton surged through and appeared to be brought down in the penalty area but the referee adjudged it to be a fair challenge. However, within a minute Hythe were ahead as the ever- dangerous Carlton unleashed a shot from 20 yards that smashed against the inside of the left hand upright and into the net to make it 1-0. The hosts continued to press as Charlie Webster crossed into Frannie Collin who met the ball with his head forcing Whitstable keeper Dan Eason to tip the ball over at full stretch.

 

Hythe were dominating this period of the game without getting a second as a Carlton cross found Collin who headed wide. The Oystermen had to wait until 31 minutes for their first meaningful opportunity as former Hythe stalwart, John Walker crossed into Aaron Millbank whose header looped into the arms of Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls. Whitstable were now looking more of a threat as Millbank forced Nicholls to push the ball around the post for a corner.

 

Hythe still looked overall the better side in the second half as Luke Blewden found Collin who scooped the ball over the bar and then Carlton went on another blistering run but his final effort lacked power and Eason, another ex-Cannon, collected the ball easily. Whitstable had their best chance of the match on 67 minutes as Tom Bryant headed over from an Osman Proni corner. At the other end Stephen Okoh laid the ball off to Carlton who sent a curling shot that was tipped wide by Eason.

 

The Cannons were to seal the three points with just ten minutes to go as Carlton forced Eason to block with the ball rebounding to Rhys Bartlett who made no mistake as he fired home. There was one more chance for Whitstable to narrow the gap on 82 minutes as a cross from Tarik Ibrahim was cheekily back flicked by Osman Proni just wide of the target but the Cannons held on to gain the three points which were a great relief after the heavy defeat last Saturday.

 

Hythe will now have a daunting visit to Premier Division Cray Wanderers on Sunday (25^th August 2019) in the FA Emirates Cup Preliminary Round with a 3pm kick-off.

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Ryan Cooper, Charlie Webster, Chris Kinnear, Callum Adonis-Taylor, Ollie Rowe, Adam Woollcott (Elliott Capel 76 mins), Tom Carlton, Frannie Collin (Sid Sollis 84 mins), Luke Blewden (Rhys Bartlett 64 mins), Stephen Okoh.

 

Goals: Hythe Town - Tom Carlton 13 mins, Rhys Bartlett 80 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 263

Burgess Hill Town 7 Hythe Town 2

BetVictor Isthmian League South East

Saturday 17^th August 2019

 

It is hard to draw any positives out of Hythe Town’s 7-2 drubbing at Burgess Hill Town on Saturday.

 

The first quarter of an hour saw both sides slowly settling down before former Cannon Ryan Palmer crossed to Pat Harding who turned and shot but was denied by a fine save from Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls. Hythe immediately had their first effort as Frannie Collin played the ball through to Tom Carlton who sent his attempt well wide of the target. Hythe had another opportunity but again failed to hit the target as Luke Blewden scooped the ball over the bar. The Hillians were ahead on 25 minutes as Palmer threaded the ball through to Warren Mufula who planted his shot in the corner of the net.

 

Things got worse for Hythe within three minutes as the defence failed to clear a cross and Max Miller slotted home to make it 2-0. Hythe had a chance to narrow the gap on 36 minutes as Carlton played in a deep cross that was headed just over by Sid Sollis. Hythe were indebted to Ryan Cooper who superbly tackled Miller when he broke through and then on 40 minutes Hythe came right back into the game as Carlton worked his way through with his final shot from 20 yards placed neatly in the corner of the net to bring the score back to 2-1. However, the hosts continued to look the more dangerous as Mufula had a shot that was deflected for a corner and then on the stroke of half-time a cross from Noe Vendrells found Miller who was unmarked in the area and he was able to finish from close range.

 

Hythe had the first opportunity of the second period on 56 minutes as a Charlie Webster cross from the left found Blewden but his header went just over the bar. However, Burgess Hill again found frailties in the Hythe defence a minute later as Aaron Smith-Joseph went down the right and crossed into Miller who again was in the clear and sent the ball home to make it four and complete his hat-trick. Another cross three minutes later found Mufula who tapped in to pile the misery on the visitors. Hythe did have a couple of opportunities to limit the damage as firstly Carlton played the ball through to Collin who fired wide and then substitute Adam Woollcott found Carlton who hooked the ball over.

 

On 73 minutes the Hillians rubbed further salt into the Hythe wounds as Mufula completed his hat-trick when he placed the ball into the net and then on 88 minutes, he scored his fourth and the hosts seventh as he got on the end of a looped cross and again hit the target. However, there was one last effort from Hythe as Collin was brought down by home goalkeeper Billy Collings. Up stepped, Collin whose penalty was planted perfectly into the corner of the net just out of the reach of Collings to make it 7-2 but it was scant consolation for a poor Hythe performance.

 

The Cannons will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for a home league game on Tuesday evening (20^th August 2019) against Whitstable Town. Kick-off is 7:45pm at Reachfields.

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Ryan Cooper, Charlie Webster, Chris Kinnear, Ben Fitchett, Ollie Rowe, Elliott Capel (Adam Woollcott 61 mins, Tom Carlton, Frannie Collin, Sid Sollis (Stephen Okoh 61 mins), Luke Blewden (Rhys Bartlett 76 mins).

 

Scorers: Burgess Hill Town - Warren Mufula 25, 60, 73, & 78 mins. Max Miller 28, 45, & 57 mins. Hythe Town - Tom Carlton 40 mins, Frannie Collin 90+3mins (pen).

 

 

Attendance: 348

Hythe Town 1 Tilbury 1

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 10^th August 2019

 

Hythe Town and Tilbury fought out a 1-1 draw in the Cannons final Pre-Season on a blustery afternoon at Reachfields.

 

It was the visitors who were first to settle as after only four minutes Toby Aromolaran blasted over the bar from just outside the area and then Charlie Webster had to be at this best to block Ola Ogunwamide as he broke through. The hosts had to wait until the 16^th minute for their first effort as Frannie Collin sent in a free kick from 25 yards that Tilbury keeper Connor Wheatley had to palm away.  The Dockers had another chance on 23 minutes as George Sykes laid the ball off to Aromolaran in space but he mishit his final shot wide of the target.

 

Hythe were ahead on 25 minutes as Luke Blewden attempted a shot that fell to Chris Kinnear who hooked the ball home from close range. One more chance for Tilbury before the break saw a cross from Ryan Boswell met by Oli Spooner who looped the ball over the bar.

 

Hythe looked the more likely at the start of the second half as Tom Carlton played the ball through to Collin whose shot was saved to his right by Wheatley.  However, as the half-progressed Tilbury looked the more dangerous as on 55 minutes Spooner broke through on the right-hand side but his final attempt was well saved by Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls. Within sixty seconds Nicholls saved well again as he palmed the ball around the post from a shot on the turn by Charlie Kendall.

 

Kendall was in the action again on 58 minutes as the Hythe defence failed to clear the ball and the Tilbury midfielder picked up the ball and fired home to bring the scores level. Carlton had the opportunity to put Hythe back in the lead but as he surged forward his effort lacked power and was easily collected by Wheatley.  Tilbury continued to threaten as Ogunwamide scooped the ball over the bar. At the other end Callum Taylor sent through a searching long ball from the back through to Collin who attempted to chip the ball over Wheatley but the ball drifted wide.

 

Before the end both sides had one more opportunity with the first falling to the Dockers as a looping ball through from Kendall found Sykes who headed wide and then with four minutes left on the clock Ryan Boswell didn’t clear well and the ball fell to Tom Walmsley but the Hythe youngster sent his shot wide.

 

Both sides had to settle for a draw as they both prepare for the season’s start next Saturday. Hythe will be at Burgess Hill Town with a 3pm kick off.

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Ryan Cooper (Ben Fitchett 54 mins), Charlie Webster, Chris Kinnear, Ollie Rowe, Callum Taylor, Elliott Capel, Tom Carlton, Frannie Collin, Luke Blewden (Rhys Bartlett 66 mins), Stephen Okoh (Tom Walmsley 77 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Chris Kinnear 25 mins. Tilbury - Charlie Kendall 58 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 119

South Park 1 Hythe Town 1

Pre Season Friendly

Tuesday 6^th August 2019

 

Hythe had substitute Rhys Bartlett to thank as they snatched a 1-1 draw at South Park on Tuesday evening.

 

It was the hosts who had the first opportunity on fourteen minutes as a neat move ended with a shot being sent wide of the target. Hythe had their first effort on seventeen minutes as Ollie Rowe crossed over to Sid Sollis who headed over the target. This was followed quickly by a rasping Frannie Collin shot that stung the hands of the South Park keeper who parried the ball away. Collin was in the action again when a poor clearance led to the Hythe striker attempting a lob from 30 yards but the ball just had a little too much power and went just over the bar.

 

For the rest of the half South Park looked the more likely as they sent two attempts wide firstly from a header and then a searching run ended with a shot with the same result. At the other end a Sollis cross was headed into the keeper’s arms by Luke Blewden. South Park were struggling to find the target as another shot went wide before Hythe had the last chance of the half as Collin played the ball into Sollis but he couldn’t quite get enough on the ball to threaten the home goal.

 

Hythe looked brighter in the second half with an early effort as Tom Carlton crossed to Chris Kinnear who headed just wide. Hythe were now having the vast majority of the chances with the defence led by Rowe and Ben Fitchett snuffing out the South Park attack. Blewden was next to create as a deep cross was met by the head of Sollis but the keeper had it covered. The Cannons did have the ball in the net on 69 minutes as Carlton got the ball through to Rowe who fired home but the referee’s assistant was flagging for offside. A speculative shot from Sollis followed that drifted just wide.

 

With their first meaningful attack of the half on 83 minutes South Park took the lead as substitute Charlie Pitcher broke through and planted the ball neatly into the bottom left hand corner of the net giving Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls no chance. However, Hythe fought back and with seconds to go on the clock Carlton crossed over to Bartlett who fired home from close range.

 

It had been a useful workout for the Cannons as they prepare for Saturday’s last pre-season fixture against Tilbury at Reachfields. Kick-off is 3pm

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Ryan Cooper, Charlie Webster, Chris Kinnear, Ben Fitchett, Ollie Rowe, Elliott Capel, Tom Carlton, Frannie Collin, Luke Blewden, Sid Sollis. Sub Used: Rhys Bartlett.

 

Scorers: South Park - Charlie Pitcher 83 mins. Hythe Town - Rhys Bartlett 90 mins.

 

Attendance: Approx 40

Margate 5 Hythe Town 2

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 3^rd August 2019

 

Hythe Town suffered a heavy defeat as Margate scored three times in the last 30 minutes to win 5-2 at Hartsdown Park on Saturday afternoon.

 

The game started evenly with the first opportunity coming from Margate in the first minute as the busy Kadell Daniel sent in a shot from 25 yards that was held by Cannon’s keeper Ryan Nicholls. Hythe had their first attempt on nine minutes as Frannie Collin played the ball onto Luke Blewden whose final effort from close range was blocked. There were chances coming at both ends as Michael Abnett, off balance, blasted over the bar and then at the other end a Tom Carlton cross found Blewden but his flick was deflected for a corner.

 

The Cannons took the lead on 20 minutes as a cross from Ollie Rowe from the right was fumbled by Margate keeper Jon Miles under pressure. The ball crossed the line and the Cannons were ahead.  A couple of efforts came for Daniel as Margate tried to get back into the game. Firstly, he worked his way into a shooting position before slamming the ball against the upright and then he mishit a shot wide following a melee in the Hythe penalty area. An excellent move followed from the visitors when a pin point ball from Collin in his own half found Blewden who fed Ryan Cooper but he fired over.

 

“The Gate” were level on 36 minutes as Daniel finally found the target as he broke through and planted his shot into the corner of the net. Margate were to hit the post for the second time as Adem Ramadan sent in a shot. On 43 minutes the hosts were to take the lead as Margate were awarded a free kick just on the edge of the penalty area. Jack Richards curled the kick over the ball and into the part of the net not guarded by Nicholls. One more chance for Hythe before half-time saw Collin send in a deep corner that Blewden headed wide at the far post.

 

The second half started with the Premier Division side taking the initiative as one of the unnamed substitutes took his time and sent his final effort dipping just over the bar. This was followed by a corner from Daniel that was headed down by Ramaden forcing a good save from Nicholls. On the hour Hythe were level as a Cooper cross was met by Carlton running in to place his shot into the net. However, the Cannons were only to have parity for two minutes as the ball came into the Hythe penalty area with the referee noticing an infringement, he pointed to the spot. Up stepped Daniel who planted the ball into the net.

 

On 77 minutes “The Gate” extended their lead as Richards cut across the edge of the area and finished clinically. Margate were totally in control as substitute Eze Ebazoeme’s effort lacked power being easily saved by Nicholls. However, Margate got their fifth on 87 minutes as Jordan Ababio finished off well to put the “icing on the cake”. A couple of opportunities for Hythe to get a consolation saw Carlton firstly denied by Miles in the Margate goal and then he fired over.  

 

It was a useful workout as Sam Denly continues to look how the league side will be made up in a fortnight’s time. Hythe are away at South Park on Tuesday evening with a 7:45pm kick off in another pre-season fixture.

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Ryan Cooper, Michael Oshin, Adam Woollcott, Ben Fitchett, Ollie Rowe, Stephen Okoh, Tom Carlton, Frannie Collin, Luke Blewden. Charlie Webster.  Subs Used: Chris Kinnear, Elliot Capel, Rhys Bartlett, Tom Walmsley.

 

Scorers: Margate - Kadell Daniel 36 & 62 mins, Jack Richards 43 & 77 mins, Jordan Ababio 87 mins. Hythe Town - Ollie Rowe 20 mins, Tom Carlton 60 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 234

Hythe Town 5 New Romney 3

Pre-Season Friendly

Tuesday 30^th July 2019

 

It was a game of two halves as Hythe ran up a five-goal half time lead only to be pegged back in the second half as they won 5-3 at home to New Romney on Tuesday evening.

 

The first half was totally dominated by the hosts and they took the lead after on 30 seconds as the referee pointed to the spot for handball. Up stepped Frannie Collin who sent New Romney keeper and ex-Cannon Paul Egan the wrong way and planted his spot kick into the net. Hythe were two up after only six minutes. Ryan Cooper played the ball into Tom Carlton who slid the ball home.

 

Carlton nearly got a second when he forced Egan into a great save before two goals in a minute increased the Cannons lead. Firstly, Tom Walmsley put in a cross from the right that Collin tucked away into the net on 20 minutes. Within sixty seconds a similar move saw Walmsley put the ball in from the right pulling the ball back to Carlton who side-footed the ball home. On 35 minutes, Hythe were five ahead as Carlton completed his hat-trick as he buried a free-kick from just outside into the corner of the net.

 

With numerous second half changes, the balance of the hosts seemed to be affected and New Romney narrowed the gap on 47 minutes. Reece Mortimer broke through finding himself one on one with Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls. He calmly lobbed the ball over the keeper and into the net. A notable effort for Hythe on 52 minutes that saw a thunderous shot from Ben Fitchett smash against upright. With a quarter of an hour to go the gap was narrowed as Reece Palmer slotted home from a deep cross and then on 87 minutes Wayne Rogers it 5-3 as he headed in at the far post.

 

It was good work out for the Cannons in front of a healthy crowd of 193. Hythe continue their pre-season programme on Saturday as they visit Margate on Saturday (3^rd August 2019) with 3 pm kick off.

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Ryan Cooper, Michael Oshin, Elliott Capel, Ben Fitchett, Finn Smith, Charlie Webster, Tom Carlton, Frannie Collin, Tom Walmsley, Rhys Bartlett. Subs used: Chris Kinnear, Sid Sollis, Luke Blewden, Arthur Pickering, Jude Harding, Joe Theze, Josh Eka, Sam Owens.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Frannie Collin 1 & 20 mins, Tom Carlton 6, 21 & 35 mins. New Romney – Reece Mortimer 47 mins, Reece Palmer 75 mins, Wayne Rogers 87 mins.

 

 

Attendance 193 

Hythe Town 0 Aveley 0

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 27^th July 2019

 

Hythe Town and Aveley fought out a 0-0 pre-season draw at a damp Reachfields on Saturday afternoon.

 

It was Aveley who were the first to settle creating the first two chances as firstly a curling shot from Jason Raad went just over the bar and then Richard Seixas was denied by an excellent one handed save from close range by Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls who clawed the ball away.  The Cannons had to wait until the tenth minute for their first effort as a shot from Sid Sollis from 25 yards was deflected wide. It was still the visitors who looked the more dangerous as Alex Akofri tried to chip the ball over Nicholls but it was not on target and went wide.

 

As the half progressed, Hythe began to assert themselves on the game as a deep cross from Adam Woollcott nearly found Luke Blewden who couldn’t get enough to the ball to divert it towards goal. Woollcott was in the action again on 30 minutes as his shot was parried by Aveley keeper David Hughes with ball coming out to Sollis who drove his attempt over the bar.  Hythe kept the pressure on as Aaron Simpson played the ball into Blewden whose final effort went just over the bar. One more attempt before half-time for the visitors saw a long range shot from Raad go over the bar.

 

The second half started with Tom Carlton firing in a free-kick that was headed over by Ben Fitchett. A couple of chances followed at the other end as firstly a snap shot from Seixas went just wide and then a rasping effort from Wyan Reid was saved well by Nicholls. Bobby Vaughan was then to fire just over the bar. A neat move followed from the Cannons as Frannie Collin played the ball onto the impressive Ryan Cooper who got it back to Elliot Capel whose final effort was blocked. On 65 minutes Aveley had a chance as a drive from Seixas was held by Nicholls.

 

The final ten minutes saw three opportunities for the hosts as Izzy Miyake played the ball across to Carlton. He fed Collin who found the net but was in an offside position and the goal was disallowed. Rhys Bartlett then crossed from the left and Collin headed wide. The final chance came two minutes from time as Carlton broke through but his final effort was sent wide of the target.

 

The final result was a fair reflection of the game. Hythe have another fixture on Tuesday evening (30^th July 2019) as they entertain New Romney in another pre-season fixture. Kick off is 7:45pm.

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Ryan Cooper, Elliott Capel, Ross Ibbotson, Callum Taylor, Ben Fitchett, Adam Woollcott, Tom Carlton, Sid Sollis, Luke Blewden, Aaron Simpson. Subs Used: Frannie Collin, Tom Walmsley, Charlie Webster, Michael Oshin, Izzy Miyake, Rhys Bartlett.

 

 

Attendance: 117. 

Hollands & Blair 3 Hythe Town 2

Pre-Season Friendly

Tuesday 23^rd July 2019

 

Southern Counties East, Hollands & Blair came from behind to beat Hythe Town 3-2 at a hot and sunny Star Meadow on Tuesday evening.

 

It was the Cannons who were first to threaten as in the fourth minute a cross from the right from Ryan Cooper was headed against the cross bar by Luke Blewden.  Blair were to create their first opportunity on seven minutes as Louis Valencia had a shot deflected wide by Cannons defender Ben Fitchett. On ten minutes Blair had another effort that saw Harry Goodger head over the bar.  Finally, Hythe broke the deadlock on 21 minutes as Frannie Collin broke through but his attempt was deflected to Blewden who stroked the ball home.

 

On 30 minutes the hosts were level as Jack Simon played the ball into Goodger who beat the Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls to the ball to get it into the net. Within a two-minute period Hythe had two chances in quick succession as firstly Aaron Simpson shot across the face of goal with a deflection that sent the ball away for a corner and then Simpson laid the ball off to Cooper whose shot was also deflected wide. Simpson was in the action again when he forced a save from Blair keeper Richard Stroud.

 

Hythe regained the lead on 52 minutes as Charlie Webster had a shot fumbled by Stroud with Collin following up to make it 2-1. With 60 seconds Blair had an opportunity to bring the scores level but Goodger sliced a shot wide. Substitute, Sid Sollis was to rattle the upright with rasping shot and then a snapshot from Rhys Bartlett flew into the arms of Stroud. As the second-half progressed it was the hosts who began to look the more threatening and they were level on 74 minutes as a corner from Simon was met by Callum McGeehan whose header gave Nicholls no chance.

 

Blair now looked the more likely as Callum Bearman-Dyce broke through but his rasping shot drifted just wide. The hosts got the winner with ten minutes to go as substitute Ethan Stewart ran through and fired home. With five minutes to go Sollis had one last effort to bring the scores level but his effort from 25 yards went wide.

 

Hythe’s next fixture is at home to Aveley on Saturday afternoon. Kick-off is 3 pm.

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Ryan Cooper, Michael Oshin, Charlie Webster, Ben Fitchett, Callum Taylor, Elliott Capel, Tom Carlton, Frannie Collin, Luke Blewden, Aaron Simpson.  Subs Used: Tom Walmsley, Sid Sollis, Rhys Bartlett, Adam Woollcott, Izzy Miyake, Ross Ibbotson.

 

Scorers: Hollands & Blair - Harry Goodger 30 mins, Callum McGeehan 74 mins, Ethan Stewart 80 mins. Hythe Town - Luke Blewden 21 mins, Frannie Collin 52 mins.

 

Attendance: 101

Hythe Town 3 Folkestone Invicta 2

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 20th July 2019

 

Hythe Town earned the local bragging rights as they turned out 3-2 winners in a keenly fought local pre-season friendly against Folkestone Invicta on Saturday afternoon at Reachfields.

 

It was Invicta who started the brighter and had their first opportunity on five minutes as a Finn O’Mara cross was met by the head of Josh Vincent but he sent the ball high over the bar. With the chances coming predominantly from the visitors, Scott Heard was next to threaten as he had two shots in quick succession with the first going over the cross bar and then an attempt that was easily saved by Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls. Former Cannon, Jerson Dos Santos was next to become involved as he laid the ball off to Ian Draycott but his effort went wide.

 

The Invicta pressure paid off in the 20^th minute as O’Mara sent in a deep cross to Vincent, who got the ball to Dos Santos. The striker neatly placed his shot past Nicholls into the left-hand corner of the net. Invicta continued to dominate as Dos Santos slid the ball just past the right-hand post and then Draycott made space but sent the ball wide.

 

As the game progressed Hythe slowly began to get back into the game as the first meaningful attempt saw Frannie Collin send a free kick from edge of the area into the arms of Folkestone keeper Tim Roberts. Aaron Simpson was to be involved in the next move for Hythe with Ryan Cooper which ended with the former sending his shot just wide. One last chance in the half for Invicta saw Dos Santos creating space but his final shot lacked pace and rolled into the arms of Nicholls.

 

The second half belonged to the hosts despite the first opportunity coming for Folkestone’s Ira Jackson who shot straight at Nicholls. The next move saw a neat interchange between Sid Sollis and Collin whose effort went just wide. On 56 minutes Simpson leapt on a mix-up in the Folkestone defence and slotted his shot into the corner of the net past Roberts. Two opportunities then followed for the visitors as Johan Ter Horst laid the ball off to Alfie Paxman but he sent the ball over the bar and then Paxman was involved again as he cut in from the left but his effort deflected off Cooper and Nicholls for a corner.

 

On 64 minutes the Cannons were ahead as a Cooper cross found its way to the nearside where Collin’s ball back across the box found O’Mara under pressure from Sollis turning the ball into his own net. Hythe were now totally on top as Tom Carlton played the ball out to Sollis whose dipping shot went just over the bar and then Carlton was involved again as his free kick was met by the head of Rhys Bartlett but the effort went just over the top. On 81 minutes Hythe got their third as Carlton threaded the ball through to Bartlett who rounded Roberts to place his shot into an empty net.

 

Folkestone were to narrow the gap in the 86^th minute as Jackson laid the ball off to Paxman who from 25 yards gave substitute Hythe keeper Alistair Carney no chance. One more opportunity for each side before the end as firstly Tom Carlton surged through but sent his shot with the inside of his foot over the bar and then right on the stroke of full time Nat Blanks hooked the ball over the bar for the visitors.

 

Hythe held on for a deserved victory in a performance that is very encouraging for the upcoming season. They now visit Hollands & Blair on Tuesday night for another friendly fixture before returning to Reachfields next Saturday for a game against Aveley.

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Ryan Cooper, Michael Oshin, Adam Woollcott, Ryan Johnson, Ben Fitchett, Charlie Webster, Tom Carlton, Frannie Collin, Sid Sollis, Aaron Simpson. Subs Used Callum Taylor, Tom Walmsley, Jude Harding, Arthur Pickering, Rhys Bartlett, Alistair Carney.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Aaron Simpson 56 mins, Finn O’Mara (OG) 64 mins, Rhys Bartlett 81 mins. Folkestone Invicta - Jerson Dos Santos 20 mins, Alfie Paxman 86 mins.

 

Attendance: 402