Hythe Town 1 Cray Wanderers 3

Bostik League South East

Saturday 27^th April 2019

 

The Cannons’ season ended in defeat as they deservedly went down 3-1 to Champions Cray Wanderers at Reachfields on Saturday afternoon.

 

It was Cray who were first out of the blocks as they created some early opportunities. On two minutes Jerome Frederico cut in from the right but his final effort flew into the arms of Hythe keeper George Kamurasi. The pressure continued and it was no surprise when the visitors took the lead on a quarter of an hour. Freddie Parker surged through the Hythe defence to leave himself one on one with Kamurasi who he was able to go around to finish off and make it 1-0.  Hythe had to wait until the 20^th minute for their first opportunity as Sid Sollis released Kieron Campbell with a neat ball. However, the Hythe wingman couldn’t get the ball under control and the chance was lost.

 

Sollis created another chance seven minutes later but his final shot sailed just over the bar. However, it was still Cray who looked the more likely. Bradley Pritchard had a shot that was deflected just wide and Parker then bundled through but the Hythe defence managed to force the ball wide. Cray were not to be denied the second goal that their performance deserved.  A cross on 32 minutes from Frederico found veteran striker Joe Taylor unmarked and he was able to finish neatly from the middle of the penalty area.  One more chance for Cray before the half-time whistle saw a corner from Pritchard that found Ben Mundele which went straight into Kamurasi’s arms.

 

The second half started slowly with the early chances continuing to come for Cray. Substitute, Junior Dadson had a strike from the edge of the area that went just wide and then a cross from Prtichard nearly found Dadson but he couldn’t get his foot on the ball. As the half progressed the hosts got more into the game and narrowed the gap on 67 minutes as they were awarded a free-kick just outside the area. Tom Carlton played the ball to Ryan Palmer whose deft lob found the head of Ollie Rowe who made no mistake giving Cray keeper Nick Blue no chance.

 

The Cannons continued to press looking for the equaliser and were playing some of their best football of the game but they were unable to break down a solid Cray defence. However, on 78 minutes Cray sealed the win. A ball in from the right was forced over his own line by Rowe under pressure from Taylor.  This extinguished Hythe’s threat and the last three chances of the game fell to Cray as firstly Parker had a shot that lacked power and did not test Kamurasi and then in injury time the Hythe keeper was to save well with his legs from Taylor. Finally, right on the final whistle Parker sailed a shot over the bar.

 

The game ends a season which could have produced so much more for the Cannons but they have to settle for seventh place. Manager, Sam Denly must now turn his attention, during the close season, to getting a team ready for the new campaign that will challenge for promotion.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Jack Smith, Charlie Webster, Elliott Capel (Salvyn Kisitu 52 mins), Ollie Rowe, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer, Tom Carlton, Tom Walmsley (Zak Ansah 51 mins, Sid Sollis (Arthur Pickering 62 mins), Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Ollie Rowe 67 mins. Cray Wanderers – Freddie Parker 15 mins, Joe Taylor 36, Own Goal 78 mins.

 

Attendance: 246  

Whitstable Town 0 Hythe Town 0

Bostik League South East

Monday 22nd April 2019

 

Hythe Town and Whitstable fought out a dour end of season 0-0 draw at the Belmont on a warm Easter Bank Holiday Monday.

 

It was a slow start to the game with both sides feeling each other out with very few chances at both ends. Whitstable were to create the first opportunities as firstly a corner from Ricky Freeman was met by the head of Rob Gillman with the ball being kept out by Hythe keeper, George Kamurasi who again saved the rebound from ex-Cannon Connor Sanders. The second effort for the hosts came in the 20^th minute as Harry Stannard worked his way through but shot straight at Kamurasi.

 

Whitstable’s best attempt of the half came on 26 minutes as another ex-Hythe favourite James Morrish charged through and unleashed a shot that saw Kamurasi at full stretch pushing the ball around the upright. Hythe had to wait until the 34^th minute for their first genuine attempt that saw Kieron Campbell find space on the right with a shot that forced Whitstable keeper Dan Eason to save. There was little more in terms of opportunities during the half.

 

The second half start with the visitors on the attack and they should really have been ahead on 47 minutes as Tom Carlton crossed into Sid Sollis who with the goal gaping managed to slam his header against the post. Carlton was then to have a shot that was held easily by Eason. Almost immediately, at the other end, Stannard fired in a shot that thumped against the upright and away.

 

Opportunities were coming at both ends as a long-range effort by Campbell was held by Eason and then Whitstable hit the woodwork again as veteran ex Hythe full back John Walker played the ball into Tom Bryant who also hit the post. Hythe were next to threaten as Carlton hit a shot from the edge of the area straight into Eason’s arms. Then came a moment of controversy as Whitstable’s Sanders was adjudged to have crudely tackled Ryan Palmer and the referee had no hesitation in showing him a red card and reducing the hosts to ten men.

 

Hythe were unable to take advantage of the extra man with only one more effort as a deep free kick from Carlton was headed over by Mitchell Dickenson. One more opportunity for the hosts to steal all three points saw a corner from Taylor Fisher which found Nick Treadwell on the far post but after heading the ball down it bounced over the bar.

 

The game ended with both teams sharing the points leaving the Cannons in seventh place as they prepare for their last game of the season on Saturday (27^th April 2019) at home to Champions Cray Wanderers.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu (Jack Smith 76 mins), Charlie Webster, Elliot Capel (Tom Walmsley 82 mins), Ollie Rowe, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer, Tom Carlton, Zak Ansah, Sid Sollis, Kieron Campbell.

 

Attendance: 307.

 

Hastings United 1 Hythe Town 1

Bostik League South-East

Saturday 13^th April 2019

 

Hythe Town came away from Pilot Field with a well-earned point as they drew 1-1 with Hastings United on Saturday afternoon.

 

It was a cagey start to the game with both teams testing each other out with the early chances coming mainly for Hastings. After only one minute a curling shot from ex-Cannon Sam Adams from just outside the penalty area sailed over the bar and then Jordy Mongoy turned and shot but that had the same result. The hosts continued to look the more likely as an Adams cross was headed over by Bradley Stevenson. Stevenson who is on loan from Gillingham continued to be a “thorn in the Cannons side” throughout the game as he forced Hythe keeper George Kamurasi to save down to his right.

 

Kamurasi had to be at his best to tip over a shot from Daniel Ajakaiye but it was Hythe who took the lead with their first meaningful attack of the game on 26 minutes. Charlie Webster fed the ball through to Sid Sollis who took his time to place his shot past Hastings keeper Louis Rogers for his fifth goal since returning to Reachfields. The remaining chances in the half came from the hosts as firstly Jack Dixon drove a shot straight into the arms of Kamurasi and then Ajakaiye rattled the upright with Dixon following up sending his effort wide. Two efforts from Stevenson then forced saves by Kamurasi as the Cannons held on for a half time lead.

 

The second half started with Stevenson again in the action as Kamurasi parried away a shot on 48 minutes. At the other end a neat one-two between Sollis and Zak Ansah ended with the latter having his attempt deflected wide. However, it was Hastings who were having the lion’s share of the chances as Adam Lovett was again denied by Kamurasi and then Stevenson curled a shot wide. In between a Ryan Palmer corner was headed over by Mitchell Dickenson. Hastings came close on 68 minutes as Sam Cruttwell slammed a shot against the cross bar but the pressure was eventually rewarded as the hosts equalised on 69 minutes. Kamurasi saved well but the ball came out to Stevenson who finished neatly from close range.

 

Hythe were to have the next chance as Kieron Campbell threaded the ball through to Ansah who had two attempts that were both saved by Rogers. However, Hastings still were looking for the winner as they increased the pressure. Ajakaiye had a shot blocked away for a corner and then the ball found its way to Davide Rodari but his scissor kick went over the bar. Despite the efforts of the hosts to steal the points it was again Ollie Rowe and Dickenson who stood firm in the centre of the Hythe defence. Hythe nearly stole the points two minutes from time as Sollis pounced of a defensive error from Rodari but as the Hythe striker broke through Rogers was quick off his line to prevent any damage. There were a couple of opportunities for both sides in the dying minutes as Tom Carlton curled a free kick from the edge of the penalty area over the home cross-bar and then at the other end a shot from Rodari was deflected away for a corner and from the resultant kick a header from Gary Elphick was held by Kamurasi.

 

Eventually the teams had to settle for a point each that sees Hythe remain in seventh place but are without a game on Saturday so their next fixture is an interesting visit to Whitstable on Easter Monday (22^nd April 2019) with a 3pm kick off.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Charlie Webster (Jack Smith 89 mins), Elliott Capel, Ollie Rowe, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer, Tom Carlton, Zak Ansah, Sid Sollis (Tom Walmsley 85 mins), Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Hastings United – Bradley Stevenson 69 mins. Hythe Town – Sid Sollis 26 mins.

 

Attendance: 513.

Hythe Town 3 Ashford United 1

Bostik League South-East

Saturday 6^th April 2019

 

The Hythe Town players gave manager, Sam Denly, the reaction he required as they put in an excellent performance to deservedly win 3-1 at home to Ashford United on Saturday afternoon.

 

The early exchanges were fairly even with the visitors having the first opportunity after only two minutes as Danny Parish had a shot parried by Hythe keeper George Kamurasi who was returning from injury. Hythe had to wait until the 13^th minute for their first effort as a long ball from Makhosini Khanye found Zak Ansah who laid the ball back to Sid Sollis whose shot was saved by away keeper Sam Mott.  Ashford took the lead on a quarter of an hour as a dangerous free kick from Parish produced a save from Kamurasi but the ball came back out to Toby Ajala who finished well. Ashford continued to press and Parish was next to have an attempt as he launched a free kick from the edge of area high over the bar.

 

The Cannons were level on 21 minutes finishing off a fantastic move that saw a pinpoint long ball from Tom Carlton finding Salvyn Kisitu on the right-hand flank. The right back sent in a cross that was converted neatly by Sollis from close range. The rest of the half saw chances at both ends as firstly a header by Ashford centre back Afolabi Coker went straight at Kamurasi and then former Cannon Jay May had a shot deflected wide for a corner. At the other end Sollis ran down the right sending in a shot from a narrow angle that went across the face of the goal. Sam Corne played the ball onto Parish but he scuffed his shot wide.

 

Hythe’s next chance came from Ansah whose effort from a narrow angle went across goal and past the far post. Parish, who had proved a handful for the home defence during the half, attempted to lob Kamurasi but the ball rebounded off the bar. Both sides could both be happy with their endeavours going in at 1-1.

 

The second period started with the Nuts & Bolts on the front foot as a curling shot from Mohammed Kamara was palmed away by Kamurasi at full stretch and then the visitors had the ball in the net on 51 minutes as May knocked the ball over the line but it was ruled out for offside. As the half progressed Hythe slowly but surely took control of the game as firstly Ryan Palmer collected the ball and played on to Sollis who pulled his shot wide and then Ansah found the net but his effort was also disallowed for offside.

 

Hythe were to take the lead on 81 minutes as Palmer sent in the ball from the left finding Sollis who was free. The young striker placed his shot neatly in the right-hand side of the net to make it 2-1. Hythe nearly increased their lead on 88 minutes as Ansah won the ball playing a neat one-two with Carlton before he sent the ball wide.  However, a minute later the Cannons sealed the deserved three points as substitute Charlie Webster pounced on confusion in the Ashford defence planting the ball home to make it 3-1.  It was the icing on the cake for a Hythe team who had given everything to the cause to take the three points.  They had defended well led by Mitchell Dickenson and Ollie Rowe which gave then a great foundation to earn the win.

 

Hythe remain in seventh place as they prepare for the tough trip to Hastings United next Saturday (13^th April 2019)

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Makhosini Khanye, Elliott Capel, Ollie Rowe, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer, Tom Carlton, Zak Ansah, Sid Sollis (Tom Walmsley 90 mins), Kieron Campbell (Charlie Webster 70 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Sid Sollis 21 & 81 mins, Charlie Webster 89 mins. Ashford United – Toby Ajala 15 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 462. 

East Grinstead Town 5 Hythe Town 2

Bostik League South East

Saturday 30^th March 2019

 

The Cannons were easily beaten by an East Grinstead Town team who showed greater desire as they lost 5-2 at East Court on Saturday afternoon. It was a disappointing showing from the visitors who never got into top gear.  

 

The hosts, who named four ex-Hythe players in the starting line-up, were the first to show as after only two minutes Greg Cundle nodded the ball over the cross bar. On only five minutes, East Grinstead were awarded a penalty as Karn Miller-Neave was brought down in the penalty area. Up stepped Cundle who slammed the ball home with Hythe keeper Tony Coxall well beaten. This seemed to wake the visitors up as they began to look more dangerous. On 22 minutes, Kieron Campbell turned on the edge of the area and curled the ball around home keeper Brannon Daly but also just the wrong side of the upright and then following some neat work by Zak Ansah feeding Tom Carlton who lifted the ball over the bar. Ansah was to have a chance of his own as he broke through but a combination of Drew Cooney and Daly scrambled the ball away.

 

Things got worse for Hythe on 34 minutes as a deep cross from the right found former Cannon Mitchell Chapman who forced the ball home at the far post. This led to an impressive fight back from the visitors as they narrowed the lead on 38 minutes as a long clearance from Mitchell Dickenson found Campbell who worked his way through and finished neatly. Four minutes later Hythe were level as Carlton was brought down by Cooney and Ansah calmly stroked the ball home from the penalty spot.  Just as Hythe looked to have got back in the game the Wasps regained the initiative and took the lead a minute before the break as the ball came over from the right and after a melee in the penalty area Cundle was able to force the ball home for his second of the game.

 

The Cannons had the first chance of the second period as a neat cross from Salvyn Kisitu was headed over by Ansah but on 52 minutes East Grinstead extended their lead as the ball found Ollie Boulding who curled the ball into the top corner. Ansah did have an opportunity as he attempted a lob over Daly but the keeper was able to back track and prevent the ball going near the goal. The Wasps put the game out of the visitors reach on 57 minutes as Cundle sealed the win with his third goal placing a shot in at the near post.

 

It could have got worse for Hythe as Coxall saved well from Boulding and then Chapman shot wide. Sid Sollis did have an attempt for Hythe to limit the damage on the stroke of full-time but launched a shot high over the bar.

 

The Cannons, who dropped down to seventh place, must regroup from this very poor performance to improve before they entertain Ashford United next Saturday (6^th April 2019) at Reachfields.

 

Team: Tony Coxall, Salvyn Kisitu, Makhosini Khanye (Tom Walmsley 78 mins), Chris Kinnear (Elliott Capel 4 mins), Ollie Rowe, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer (Jack Smith 78 mins), Tom Carlton, Zak Ansah, Sid Sollis, Kieron Campbell.  

 

Scorers: East Grinstead Town - Greg Cundle 5 mins (pen) 44 mins & 57 mins, Mitchell Chapman 33 mins, Ollie Boulding 52 mins.  Hythe Town - Kieron Campbell 39 mins, Zak Ansah 41 mins (pen).

 

Attendance: 133.

 .

Sittingbourne 0 Hythe Town 3

Bostik League South East Division

Saturday 23^rd March 2019

 

Hythe Town gained their first away win of 2019 as they beat Sittingbourne 3-0 at Woodstock Park on Saturday afternoon.

 

It was the hosts who were to create the early opportunities as firstly in the sixth minute a free kick from Jack Morrell was headed over by Chris Barnard and then a shot from Izzy Adebeyo drifted wide. The Cannons had to wait until the 14^th minute for their first effort as leading scorer Zak Ansah picked up the ball and sent a speculative effort wide of the target with Sittingbourne keeper Patrick Lee beaten.  Tony Coxall in the Hythe goal was then to save well but the ball came out the ever dangerous Timmie Babbington whose effort was cleared off the line by the alert, Mitchell Dickenson.

 

Hythe were to take the lead on the half hour mark from the penalty spot. Salvyn Kisitu pushed the ball ball past Lee but the keeper brought him down when it seemed the ball was going out of play. Up stepped Ansah who slammed his kick against the underside of the cross bar and into the net. Within six minutes the Cannons were two in front as Kieron Campbell played the ball into the path of Tom Carlton who clinically finished the opportunity placing the ball under Lee and into the net. The hosts did have two efforts before the break to narrow the gap as firstly former Hythe midfielder Billy Lewins stroked the ball wide and then Barnard had a shot from close range saved by Coxall.

 

The second half started with Sittingbourne on the front foot. Within a minute of the restart Adebeyo turned and blasted over the bar and then Chris Webber sent in a deep cross that was headed over by Barnard. On 52 minutes the visitors were unlucky not to increase their lead as Sid Sollis played the ball to Ansah who rattled the upright with the rebound coming out to Campbell who forced Lee to push the ball around the post. At the other end a cross from Lewis Chambers found Babbington but his attempt dribbled into the arms of Coxall.

 

Hythe did increase their lead on 63 minutes as Ansah played the ball into Kieron Campbell who calmly slotted the ball home to make it 3-0. Carlton was then to threaten as he forced Lee to save with the ball coming out to Sollis who fired over the bar. The last fifteen minutes saw numerous efforts by Sittingbourne to get back in the game but a combination of poor finishing and stout Hythe defending denied any consolation. Firstly, Barnard spooned the ball over and then Roman Campbell pounced on a defensive mistake but fired into the side netting. Adebeyo was then to hook the ball over the bar. Substitute Liam Middleton was next to miss the target as he pulled a shot wide.  There was no way through and Hythe hung on to a 3-0 victory that sees them remain in sixth place.

 

The Cannons are away again next Saturday as they visit East Grinstead Town with the game kicking off at 3pm.

 

Team: Tony Coxall, Salvyn Kisitu, Makhosini Khanye, Chris Kinnear (Elliott Capel 75 mins), Ollie Rowe, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer, Tom Carlton, Zak Ansah, Sid Sollis (Charlie Webster 68 mins), Kieron Campbell (Tom Walmsley 90 mins)

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Zak Ansah 30 mins (pen), Tom Carlton 36 mins, Kieron Campbell 63 mins.

 

Attendance 192.

Hythe Town 2 Ramsgate 2

Bostik League South East

Saturday 16th March 2019

 

Hythe Town were held to a 2-2 draw by nine-man Ramsgate on a breezy Saturday afternoon at Reachfields.

 

The early exchanges saw the first two chances fall to the Cannons as firstly in the third minute Salvyn Kisitu played the ball into Zak Anash who had two “bites of the cherry” but his final attempt was blocked by Ramsgate keeper, Luke Watkins. This was followed by a neat one-two between Ansah and Sid Sollis ending with the latter slamming the ball into the side netting. However, it was the Rams who broke the deadlock after only nine minutes as the lively Tom Chapman played the ball into Kane Rowland who finished neatly sending the ball past Hythe keeper Tony Coxall. Hythe looked for the equaliser as Joey Taylor played the ball into Kieron Campbell whose shot from the edge of the area was pulled wide of the target.

 

The hosts were level on 18 minutes as Campbell played the ball over to the far post where Rob Saunders put the ball into his own net under pressure from Sid Sollis. Things got worse for Saunders three minutes later when he was adjudged to have fouled Sollis. The referee reached for his pocket to produce a second yellow card and an early exit from the game for Saunders.  Ramsgate did have a chance on half an hour as a dangerous cross from the right by Jake Mackenzie nearly found Gil Carvalho who was stretching for the ball but he couldn’t quite get a foot onto it to convert into a goal. There was no more goal mouth action until the break.

 

The second half started with some bad luck for the hosts as Campbell crossed to Tom Carlton who slammed a shot against the inside of the upright. At the other end Carvalho screwed a shot wide from the edge of the area and then the ball went across the penalty area to Rowland but his final effort went wide. Sollis did have an opportunity for Hythe but his attempt looped into the arms of Watkins. Hythe were to take the lead on 73 minutes as Tom Carlton picked up the ball and made a determined move forward slamming the ball past Watkins for his first Hythe goal.  

 

Within two minutes Ramsgate were level as a deep free kick from Jake Mackenzie found Charlie Dickens who swept the ball home at the far post. Sollis was then to put in Mitchell Dickenson who was denied by Watkins. Ramsgate were reduced to nine men with nine minutes left on the clock with Rowland controversially sent off for a challenge on Chris Kinnear. Hythe pressed for a winner as Watkins denied Kisitu and then Ansah played the ball out to Campbell who returned it to Ansah but his final effort was scooped over the bar. Finally, Sollis forced Watkins to save one handed before the keeper smothered the ball at the second attempt.

 

Hythe were unable to take the opportunity given by the two-man advantage and had to settle for the point. They remain in sixth place eleven points outside of the play-offs with only six games to play. They travel to Sittingbourne next Saturday (23^rd March 2019).

 

Team: Tony Coxall, Salvyn Kisitu, Joey Taylor (Elliot Capel 63 mins), Chris Kinnear, Ollie Rowe, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer (Jack Smith 63 mins), Tom Carlton, Zak Ansah, Sid Sollis, Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Rob Saunders 18 mins (OG), Tom Carlton 73 mins.  Ramsgate – Kane Rowland 9 mins, Charlie Dickens 75 mins.

 

Attendance: 216. 

Hythe Town 1 Whyteleafe 0

Bostik League South East

Saturday 9^th March 2019

 

The Cannons had a late Zak Ansah penalty to thank for their 1-0 win against Whyteleafe at Reachfields on Saturday afternoon.

 

It was Hythe who started with more positive intent and could have taken the lead within the first minute as a Kieron Campbell cross from the left went across the goalmouth with Sid Sollis stretching at the far post to reach the ball but he was unable to get a touch and the chance was gone. The meaningful chances continued to fall for Hythe as a long-range effort from Campbell drifted just wide and then Joey Taylor fed the ball into Chris Kinnear whose 25-yard attempt was tipped over by Whyteleafe keeper, Tyler McCarthy. From the resultant corner Sollis had a shot blocked.

 

Whyteleafe had to wait to the 17^th minute for their first effort as Kelvin Ogboe crossed into former Hythe favourite Junior Aikhionbare but he pushed the ball wide of the target. The visitors then had another attempt as Bentley Graham pulled a shot wide of the target. However, it was the hosts who looked the more likely to break the deadlock as Sollis shot from a tight angle into the arms of McCarthy and then Tom Carlton forced another save from the keeper from the same angle. Before half-time, Kinnear shot just wide and Campbell rifled the ball over the bar.

 

The second-half started slowly with the early chances coming for Whyteleafe as Matthew McDonoghue pulled a shot wide and substitute Valentino Carpene broke free down the left but sent his effort past the far post. Despite having the early pressure of the half Whyteleafe never really tested Hythe keeper, Tony Coxall who was well protected by the Hythe defence marshalled by Mitchell Dickenson and Ollie Rowe. 

 

Hythe then began to look the more dangerous as Ansah broke free but lifted the ball over the bar and then on 81 minutes came the passage of play that ended with the winner. Kinnear found himself on the edge of the area and he unleashed a shot that forced McCarthy to parry the ball away for a corner. From the resultant kick the ball was handled by a visiting defender and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Ansah who slammed his penalty into the top of the net giving McCarthy no chance,

 

There was a late attempt for Whyteleafe deep in injury time as a deep free kick from Bradley Wilson nearly found Bryan Akongo but despite being at full stretch couldn’t get anything on the ball. Hythe moved up to sixth place but sit nine points outside the play-off zone. They now look forward to a derby fixture next Saturday (16^th March 2019) as they entertain Ramsgate. Kick-off will be 3pm.

 

Team: Tony Coxall, Salvyn Kisitu, Joey Taylor, Chris Kinnear, Ollie Rowe, Mitchell Dickenson, Charlie Webster (Elliot Capel 63 mins), Tom Carlton, Zak Ansah, Sid Sollis (Ryan Palmer 63 mins), Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorer: Hythe Town – Zak Ansah 81 mins (pen)

 

 

Attendance 212

Horsham 2 Hythe Town 1

Bostik League South East

Saturday 2^nd March 2019

 

Hythe’s poor away form continued as they went down 2-1 at high flying Horsham on Saturday afternoon.

 

The early exchanges saw the majority of pressure coming from Horsham who pressed strongly but the Hythe defence stayed firm. Lee Harding was first to threaten on eleven minutes as he broke through but his shot went just the wrong side of the upright. Hythe were creating some chances on the break and on sixteen minutes Zak Ansah laid the ball off to Ryan Palmer. His shot took a big deflection off defender Harvey Sparks forcing Horsham keeper Josh Pelling to back pedal tipping the ball just over the bar.  However, the majority of the chances were coming for Horsham. A Harding corner found Joe Shelley whose glancing header went wide and then a cross from the left by George Hayward was also headed wide by Chris Smith.

 

It was no surprise when the Hornets took the lead on 22 minutes as Harding weaved his way in through the Hythe defence to fire the ball into the corner of the net to make it 1-0. Palmer did cause some panic in the home defence on 27 minutes as Dylan Merchant skewed his clearance but luckily for Horsham it was saved by Pelling. However, Horsham increased their lead on 33 minutes as Hayward turned and shot past Hythe keeper Tony Coxall.  At the other end Charlie Webster passed to Chris Kinnear but he lifted the ball over the bar but it was Horsham who continued to look the more likely but they failed to take some golden opportunities.

 

A cross from the ever-dangerous Harding nearly found Rob O’Toole but he could not get a foot on the ball to divert it into the net and then two opportunities in injury time at the end of the half saw a neat ball from Smith find O’Toole who took his shot too early and Coxall saved easily and then Harding weaved his way in again but his final effort went over.

 

The first opportunity of the second half fell to Hythe as Sid Sollis launched a shot over the bar and then a Tom Carlton cross was met by Kinnear but that also went over. However, Horsham continued to press as Harding sent in a curling cross from the left but Shelley could not convert at the far post and then a shot from O’Toole went straight into the arms of Coxall. This was followed by a Smith cross that was side footed by O’Toole again directly at Coxall

 

Hythe were looking a little more promising as the half progressed and they narrowed the gap on 72 minutes as a Nigel Neita cross found Sollis who headed down into the bottom corner of the net to make it 2-1. Two excellent saves followed by Hythe’s man of the match Coxall as he firstly saved well following a neat one-two between Kieran Lavery and Jack Brivo and then he saved with his legs from Hayward after a cross from O’Toole. The hosts continued to look more dangerous as Dan Pearse ran in and drove the ball over the bar. A late opportunity for the visitors saw Ollie Rowe up in attack being denied by a block by the Horsham defence but there was no way back in the game for the Cannons who now look back to Guernsey at the start of December for their last win on the road.

 

Hythe must again look to get the season back on track as the possibility of a play-off place looks more unlikely as they slipped to eighth place in the table. Whyteleafe visit Reachfields next Saturday (9^th March) in Hythe’s next game.

 

Team: Tony Coxall, Salvyn Kisitu (Elliot Capel 90 mins), Charlie Webster, Chris Kinnear, Ollie Rowe, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer (Jack Sammoutis 55 mins), Tom Carlton, Zak Ansah, Sid Sollis, Kieron Campbell (Nigel Neita 65 mins).

 

Scorers: Horsham – Lee Harding 22 mins, George Hayward 33 mins. Hythe Town – Sid Sollis 72 mins.

 

Attendance 192

 

Hythe Town 1 Guernsey 1

Bostik League South East

Saturday 23^rd February 2019

 

Guernsey are indebted to an excellent goalkeeping performance from Guernsey’s Callum Stanton who prevented the Cannons from gaining a victory in a 1-1 draw at Reachfields on Saturday.

 

Hythe almost had a piece of good luck on six minutes as a clearance rebounded off Charlie Webster but it went straight into the arms of Stanton and then on ten minutes the Islanders had their first opportunity as a cross from Thomas De La Mere found Paris Pereira in the clear in front of goal but he fired wide when he really should have hit the target. The majority of the pressure at this stage was coming from the hosts as Ryan Palmer got onto the ball on the edge of the area but he looped his shot over the bar and then debutant Tom Carlton, who impressed on his first appearance for Hythe, sent in a dangerous cross that was caught by Stanton at full stretch before a Hythe player could convert.

 

Sid Sollis, back in a Hythe shirt, looked lively and on a quarter of an hour crossed into Carlton who pushed the ball wide. There were still chances coming at the other end as a shot from Thomas De La Mere curled over the bar. However, Hythe kept up the pressure as a Sollis cross saw attempts by Zak Ansah blocked twice and then Webster cut in but the sent ball straight at Stanton. Hythe keeper Tony Coxall who was replacing the unavailable George Kamurasi, smothered a speculative shot from Liam Mahon. Palmer was then to put in a neat ball to Ansah but the ball was blocked away for a corner.

 

Hythe were ahead on 27 minutes as Chris Kinnear fed the ball over to Sollis whose hooked shot flew into the net giving Stanton no chance to mark his welcome return to Reachfields. Another shot from long range for Guernsey from William Fazakerley went high and wide but the visitors were level on 37 minutes as Carlos Canha found Matt Loaring who came through and finished neatly to make it 1-1. There was little more action goal mouth action in the rest of the half.

 

The second period started with Hythe on the attack as a searching Sollis cross was cleared as the strikers came in and then on the hour at the other end a corner from Mahon found Thomas Dodds whose attempt missed the target. However, the majority of the chances were coming for the Cannons as Palmer got the ball across to Ansah but he couldn’t quite get to the ball before it reached substitute Kieron Campbell who forced Stanton to save. Stanton was to save again as Dickenson passed into Campbell whose shot was palmed away and then a cross from Palmer found Salvyn KIsitu who again was denied by excellent keeping from Stanton.

 

As the clock ticked down Mitchell Dickenson pushed forward and shot wide from 25 yards and then Carlton played the ball out to the left to Campbell who forced another save from Stanton. However, Hythe had to continue to concentrate at the back as Guernsey still had the odd threat that could have stolen all three points as in injury time Periera broke through but pulled his attempt wide. Both sides had to settle for a point each in the end.

 

Hythe showed improvement from their last outing and remain in seventh just in touching distance of the play-off places as they look forward to a difficult match next Saturday as they travel to Lancing to play Horsham.

 

Team: Tony Coxall, Salvyn Kisitu, Joey Taylor (Kieron Campbell 51 mins), Chris Kinnear (Jack Sammoutis 76 mins), Ollie Rowe, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer (Nigel Neita 90 mins), Tom Carlton, Zak Ansah, Sid Sollis, Charlie Webster.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Sid Sollis 27 mins. Guernsey - Matt Loaring 37 mins.

 

Attendance: 228

 

 

Greenwich Borough 2 Hythe Town 0

Bostik League South East

Saturday 16^th February 2019

 

Hythe Town were deservedly beaten by a struggling Greenwich Borough team who showed more determination and desire as they went down 2-0 at the DRS Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

 

Greenwich were first to threaten as new signing Ben Allen launched a shot high over the bar in the first minute. Hythe had their first effort on four minutes as Kieron Campbell played the ball onto Nigel Neita but home keeper Oliver Webber blocked well.  Greenwich could have been ahead as early as the sixth minute as Teshaune Tyreece Walters broke free and was brought down by Hythe keeper George Kamurasi in the penalty area. Fortunately for Hythe, Allen sent his penalty kick way wide of the left-hand post and the chance was gone. Two minutes later Hythe had the ball in the net as Campbell played the ball into Zak Ansah who passed to Ollie Rowe. The defender bundled the ball over the line only for the referee’s assistant to flag for offside and the goal was ruled out.

 

Campbell did have an attempt on ten minutes but his shot rolled into the arms of Webber. On 17 minutes, Greenwich were to take the lead as they surged forward down the hill. Rowe failed to clear and Luke Leppard broke through slotting the ball home to make it 1-0. There was one more chance for the hosts as Ryan King-Elliott charged in but Kamurasi was quick to come out to block. The rest of the half saw both sides fail to create any meaningful chances and Greenwich were the happier team at the break.

 

The balance of play did not change in the second half but Hythe were to have the first opportunity as on 50 minutes Ansah sent a free kick from twenty yards high over the bar. Kamurasi was to deny Greenwich as Beati Valler fed Leppard but the keeper was quickly off his line to prevent a shot. A long-range effort followed from Hythe new signing Joey Taylor but it  flew into Webber’s arms and then at the other end a dipping shot from Reece Cave sailed just over the bar.

 

Greenwich were to put the game out of the reach of the visitors on 62 minutes as Kamurasi firstly denied Leppard as the striker broke in but his second tackle was adjudged to have been unfair and a second penalty was awarded. This time Kayne Roberts was given the responsibility and he sent Kamurasi the wrong way to make it 2-0. Hythe had their best opportunity to get back in the game on 69 minutes as Webber blocked a shot from Neita with his legs and then at the other end a long-range effort from Rhys Paul sailed into Kamurasi’s arms. Hythe had their last serious attack ten minutes from time as they had a couple of shots before Neita’s final attempt was blocked.

 

It was a poor afternoon for Hythe who will have an opportunity to put things right next Saturday (23^rd February 2019) as they entertain Guernsey at Reachfields. Kick off is 12:45pm. 

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Joey Taylor, Charlie Webster (Chris Kinnear 52 mins), Ollie Rowe (Jack Sammoutis 65 mins), Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer, Elliot Capel (Zach Fagan 60 mins), Zak Ansah, Nigel Neita, Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Greenwich Borough Luke Leppard 17 mins, Kayne Roberts 62 mins (pen).

 

 

Attendance: 107.

Hythe Town 5 Phoenix Sports 1

Bostik League South East

Saturday 9^th February 2019

 

Hat-trick hero Zak Ansah ended his goal scoring drought as he produced his three goals in the second half as Hythe Town cruised to a 5-1 win at home to Phoenix Sports on Saturday afternoon.

 

The first half started evenly with both sides having early chances. Nigel Neita was to have the first opportunity for the Cannons on five minutes as he shot over from 20 yards and then a minute later a cross from Ashley Probets found Alex Teniola whose effort was blocked by Hythe keeper George Kamurasi.  Hythe were looking the more likely as Elliot Capel, who impressed in midfield, forced Phoenix keeper Steven Phillips to block and then a Ryan Palmer free kick from 40 yards was met by Ollie Rowe who headed over. The pressure told on 14 minutes as Hythe took the lead. The ball came across from a cross from Palmer eventually finding Neita who slammed the ball home.

 

Phoenix were still creating opportunities as Teniola drove a shot through a crowd of players but it was easily collected by Kamurasi. This was followed quickly at the other end as a neat interchange between Palmer and Kieron Campbell was eventually played through to Ansah who forced Phillips to save. Phoenix’s Kineku Ansah was then to create two attempts as firstly he cut in and shot forcing Kamurasi to save to his left and then on 34 minutes he lifted a ball over the bar. However, the Cannons were to increase their lead a minute into injury time as the ever-dangerous Campbell who tormented the Phoenix defence all afternoon had a shot blocked. The ball came out to Mitchell Dickenson who couldn’t find a way through but it came back to Salvyn Kisitu who fired home his second goal of the season.

 

The second-half started with Hythe on the attack and on 52 minutes Campbell played the ball into Palmer who shot wide of the target and then at the other end Solomon Taiwo’s free kick sailed just over the bar from 25 yards. A poor clearance from Phillips followed which was intercepted by Campbell who threaded the ball through to Ansah but Phillips made amends by coming off his line quickly and blocking. Hythe deservedly increased their lead on 61 minutes as Kisitu crossed into Ansah who was in the open. He placed his shot past Phillips to make it 3-0. Within two minutes, at the other end, a free kick from Lewis Clark into Jack Hopkins with the final effort producing a good save from Kamurasi.

 

On 66 minutes, it should have been four for Hythe as Jack Barry brought down Campbell inside the penalty area. Up stepped Ansah who blasted his kick high over the bar and the chance was gone. Within three minutes, Ansah made amends as he made it 4-0. Neita lobbed the ball over the defence into the path of Ansah who clinically slotted the ball home from close range. The visitors did produce a scare on 78 minutes as they pulled a goal back. Jeff Kessie-Duah forced his way in from the right sending his shot past Kamurasi into the far corner of the net. However, Hythe were to reinstate their four-goal lead straight from the kick off. Palmer moved down the right crossing into Ansah who diverted the ball into the net to complete his hat trick. That was the end of the chances for the afternoon as the Cannons closed the game out.

 

Hythe can be really satisfied with their afternoon’s work that resulted in a comfortable win that sees them remain in seventh place just out side the play off zone as they travel next Saturday (16^th February) to Greenwich Borough for their next fixture.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Jack Smith (Aziz Lyoubi 40 mins), Charlie Webster, Ollie Rowe, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer, Elliot Capel, Zak Ansah, Nigel Neita, Kieron Campbell (James Nurden 83 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Nigel Neita 14 mins, Salvyn Kisitu 45 mins, Zak Ansah 61, 69 & 78 mins. Phoenix Sports – Jeff Duah-Kessie 78 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 277

Faversham Town 2 Hythe Town 1

Bostik League South East

Tuesday 5^th February 2019

 

Hythe Town sunk to a depressing 2-1 defeat at Faversham Town on Tuesday evening.

 

Right from the off, the Lilywhites looked more up for the game and had a number of early attacks as firstly ex-Cannon Liam King had shot deflected away by Salvyn Kisitu for a corner. This was quickly followed by a free header by Matt Bourne from a corner that went wide. The pressure continued with another ex-Cannon, Ashley Miller firing wide from twenty yards and then George Monger lifted the ball over the bar. The chances kept coming and with better finishing the hosts would have been out of sight. Two opportunities then fell to King as he firstly pulled a shot wide and then sent another one high and wide. Jamie Maxted was next to threaten as he sent a shot straight at Hythe keeper George Kamurasi.

 

Jack Sammoutis had the first effort for Hythe on 24 minutes but his effort also missed the target going over the top. However, this was a brief respite for the Cannons as Monger got a shot away that went straight at Kamurasi. Faversham finally took the lead on 33 minutes as Ben Chapman was brought down in the penalty area. Up stepped Danny Walder who sent Kamurasi the wrong way to make it 1-0. This seemed to spark some reaction from Hythe as they came more into the game. On 37 minutes Zak Ansah had a shot easily held by former Hythe keeper Will Godmon.

 

Hythe were to sneak an equaliser on 41 minutes as Elliot Capel played in Ryan Palmer who placed his shot to perfection into the corner of the net to bring the scores level. Parity lasted only five minutes as sixty seconds into injury time Miller fired home after the Hythe defence had failed to clear.

 

The second half was more even with both sides having opportunities but failing to take advantage. Miller had a speculative shot that was pushed around the post by Kamurasi and at the other end Charlie Webster shot straight into the arms of Godmon. Ansah forced Godmon to smother the ball but there will still chances coming for the hosts as a curling shot from Chapman went just the wrong side of the post. Palmer did have a free-kick on 70 minutes but his attempt lacked power and did not test Godmon. There were few opportunities that followed and the game ended with a deserved home victory.

 

All in all, it was a very gloomy evening for Hythe as they remain in seventh place as they await a home game on Saturday (9^th February 2019) when Phoenix Sports are the visitors.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Elliot Capel (Jack Smith 87 mins), Charlie Webster, Mitchell Dickenson, Ollie Rowe, Aziz Lyoubi (Kane Phillip 56 mins), Jack Sammoutis (Nigel Neita 56 mins), Zak Ansah, Ryan Palmer, Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Faversham Town - Danny Walder 33 mins (pen), Ashley Miller 45 mins. Hythe Town - Ryan Palmer 41 mins.

 

Attendance: 195

 

Hythe Town 1 Three Bridges 0

Bostik League South-East

Saturday 2^nd February 2019

 

Hythe Town came away with their first win of 2019 thanks to a wonder second-half goal from Elliot Capel as they won 1-0 at home to Three Bridges on Saturday afternoon.

 

The game started slowly with the first opportunity coming in the ninth minute as Jack Sammoutis laid the ball off to Ryan Palmer whose shot was tipped over by Bridges’ keeper James Shaw. The visitors had to wait until the 12^th minute to first threaten as Alex Clark played the ball across but Connor French sent the ball wide with his knee and then Clark, who started brightly was involved again as he passed to John Ufuah who shot straight at Hythe keeper, George Kamurasi. Clark this time put in an effort of his own but the ball went straight into the side netting. Hythe were having their share of the action as a Palmer free kick from just outside the area was saved at the near post by Shaw and then twenty minutes Kamurasi had to be alert as he saved with his legs from a shot by Ibby Akanbi.

 

Hythe then began to look the more likely as Salvyn Kisitu crossed in from the right to Ansah who sent his side footed effort the wrong side of the post. Aziz Lyoubi who was playing in midfield also got the ball into Ansah but his attempt went just over. Charlie Webster was the next to create as he fed Palmer but he shot straight at the arms of Shaw. Bridges were still creating some of their own chances as Akanbi worked his way through but Kamurasi was quick to block and then at the other end Sammoutis neatly chipped the ball through to Ansah whose final effort went wide. As the half came towards its close Bridges had two opportunities as Akanbi charged in with his final effort forcing Kamurasi to save to his left at full stretch and then Lyoubi failed to clear but Brannon O’Neill failed to test Kamurasi with his final attempt as the keeper saved easily.

 

The second half started as the first with few opportunities until 52 minutes as Ansah turned and shot forcing Shaw to block sending the ball away for a corner and then at the other end French put Ufuah away but his final angle was too tight and he sent the ball over the bar. A neat one-two between Sammoutis and Ansah followed with the latter side footing over the bar. Then, on 71 minutes, the moment came that gave the Cannons all three points as a neat passing movement ended with Elliot Capel who from the edge of the area looped a perfect ball over Shaw and into far side of the net to give him his first goal in a Hythe shirt.

 

A long period followed where neither side threatened with two chances for Bridges to get an equaliser as firstly French had a shot from close range but Kamurasi saved well and then a melee in the Hythe penalty area ended with Kamurasi smothering the ball. In between a moment of indiscipline from Bridges’ Joe Tennant led to a second yellow card and an early exit from the game.

 

Hythe held on for the three points that takes them up to seventh place with a visit coming up to Faversham Town on Tuesday evening with a 7:45pm kick off.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Elliot Capel, Charlie Webster, Ollie Rowe, Mitchell Dickenson, Aziz Lyoubi (Kane Phillip 62 mins), Jack Sammoutis, Zak Ansah, Ryan Palmer, Kieron Campbell (Nigel Neita 82 mins).  

 

Scorer: Hythe Town – Elliot Capel 71 mins.

 

Attendance: 208

  

VCD Athletic 2 Hythe Town 2

Bostik League South-East

Saturday 26^th January 2019

 

Hythe Town sensationally grabbed a point deep into injury time with the goal coming from a most unlikely scorer as goalkeeper George Kamurasi bundled in an equaliser in a 2-2 draw at VCD Athletic on Saturday afternoon.

 

The Cannons edged the first half but it was the hosts who created the first opportunity as after only two minutes Aymun El-Moyhalbel played the ball into Joe Denny whose stooping header went just wide and then at the other end, on five minutes, the hard-working Charlie Webster cut in from the right but he scuffed his shot straight at VCD Athletic and former Hythe keeper, Joe Mant. Within a minute El-Moyhalbel had a similar attempt for VCD with the same result with Kamurasi collecting the ball easily. Zak Ansah then got into the action for Hythe as he broke through the offside trap attempting to lob the ball over Mant who managed to get his fingers to the ball to prevent a goal. The game was going from end to end with Kieron Campbell looking particularly dangerous for the visitors. He got the ball over to Chris Kinnear but his header looped over.

 

Kamurasi, who was to become the hero of the afternoon, tipped over a header from Denny from a Dominic Odusanya corner. Then came a moment of genius from Campbell on 26 minutes as he gave the Cannons the lead. Aziz Lyoubi played the ball out to the Hythe winger, who deep in his own area charged forward dribbling through the VCD defence beating at least three defenders before slotting the ball home to make it 1-0. Hythe could have been two ahead two minutes later as Campbell chipped neatly into the path of Ansah who forced Mant to save at his near post.  With ten minutes to go until the break Kamurasi had to tip over again for the second time as Baker headed on a free kick. There was one more chance for Hythe right on the stroke of half-time as an Ansah free kick from twenty yards out drifted over the wall but also over the bar.

 

The first attack of the second period came from Hythe as Nassim Dukali put Ansah away but he didn’t test Mant and then at the other end a dangerous cross from Bradley Simms was headed wide by Baker. Chances were coming at both ends as Jack Sammoutis sent in a corner that was met by the head of Kinnear but it went straight into Mant’s arms. Then, as Hythe seemed in control, the game was turned on its head as firstly on 68 minutes a break by Alex Gaggin saw the midfielder brought down in the penalty area by Lyoubi. Up stepped Jake McIntyre who buried his kick into the corner of the net just out of the reach of Kamurasi. Within two minutes VCD were ahead as El Moyhalbel poked the ball over the line after a melee in the Hythe penalty area where a number of efforts were blocked.

 

Hythe quickly had an opportunity to bring the scores level as a Campbell corner was met by Kinnear at the near post but he headed over. It seemed that the two goals had given VCD confidence and it was them who went up the gears and looked the more likely. With a quarter of an hour to go a shot from El Moyhalbel was parried by Kamurasi but he was quick to recover and save again, this time from Baker. Then, he made two saves in quick succession followed by Sammoutis clearing off the line as VCD bombarded the Hythe goal. He was then to block again from El Moyhalbel. As the game appeared to moving towards a home win up stepped Kamurasi who joined the attack at a Webster corner. He managed to bundle the ball over the line to give the Cannons a point when it looked unlikely. The drama didn’t end there as with the last action of the match Kinnear was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on VCD captain, Jack Steventon.

 

A point was the reward for the Cannons who sit in eighth place in the table with a home fixture coming up next Saturday (2^nd February 2019) against Three Bridges.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Aziz Lyoubi, Chris Kinnear, Ollie Rowe, Mitchell Dickenson, Nassim Dukali (Elliot Capel 55 mins), Jack Sammoutis, Zak Ansah, Charlie Webster, Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: VCD Athletic – Jake McIntyre 68 mins (pen), Aymun El-Moyhalbel 70 mins. Hythe Town – Kieron Campbell 26 mins, George Kamurasi 90 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 107

Hythe Town 0 Sevenoaks Town 0

Bostik League South East

Saturday 19^th January 2019

 

For the second week running the Cannons, despite keeping another clean sheet, failed to find the visitors net as they drew 0-0 with Sevenoaks Town at Reachfields on Saturday afternoon.

 

It was the hosts who had the majority of the opportunities in the first period but they failed to break down a resolute Sevenoaks defence. Hythe had their first attack on three minutes as Zak Ansah played the ball off to Kieron Campbell who screwed his final shot wide. Chris Kinnear then had a long-range shot that drifted wide. Sevenoaks did create their first chance on ten minutes as Alec Fiddes crossed into former Hythe favourite Kenny Pogue who looped his header into the arms of Hythe keeper George Kamurasi. The pressure was still mainly coming from Hythe as Sevenoaks keeper Ben Bridle-Card managed to save in quick succession from Junior Aikhionbare and Ryan Palmer. The Cannons continued to press but their final efforts didn’t test Bridle-Card as Campbell fed Palmer but his shot was scuffed and was easily collect by the keeper.

 

Sevenoaks did have the occasional openings as the half progressed with Ryan Fowler pressing but his attempt went over the bar and then another former Hythe star Frankie Sawyer broke through but his final effort, off balance, went wide. Hythe had their best attempt of the half on 34 minutes as Campbell threaded a ball through to Ansah who with the outside of his right foot forced Bridle-Card to tip the ball over the bar. This was followed by Nassim Dukali slamming the ball wide of the target. Kamurasi had to be at his best to prevent Sevenoaks sneaking a goal as he saved full stretch from Dan Parkinson pushing the ball around the post. Deep into injury time Campbell had a shot that went straight at Bridle-Card.

 

The early pressure in the second half came from the visitors as Khanyne Makhojini pulled back from the left but he shot over and then at the other end Kinnear hit another long-range effort that didn’t test Bridle-Card. Hythe were unlucky on 59 minutes as a cross from Palmer was headed down by Ollie Rowe but the defence blocked. Sevenoaks were then put on the back foot on 62 minutes as former Cannon, Dan Parkinson inexplicably kicked the ball away whilst on a yellow card. The referee produced another card and his afternoon was over and Sevenoaks were down to ten men. However, Hythe continued to struggle to find openings but they did have a number of attempts on 76 minutes as several players had shots blocked before Jack Sammoutis fired wide in the end.

 

Ansah was to have one more shot for the Cannons but consistent with the rest of the afternoon the effort did not test Bridle-Card. As the game went into injury time Hythe were also reduced to ten men as Ryan Palmer was shown a second yellow card and any prospect of either side getting a winner was gone as the game petered out into a scoreless draw. The continued strong performance from the defence is a real positive but the team must now look and reignite the goal scoring form from earlier in the season which has disappeared of late. They will have an opportunity to put things right as the team travels to VCD Athletic next Saturday. The game kicks off at 3pm.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Charlie Webster, Chris Kinnear, Ollie Rowe, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer, Jack Sammoutis, Zak Ansah, Junior Aikhionbare (Nassim Dukali 12 mins), Kieron Campbell.

 

 

Attendance: 253    

Hythe Town 0 Haywards Heath Town 0

Bostik League South East

Saturday 12th January 2019

 

Both teams cancelled each other as Hythe drew 0-0 with Haywards Heath Town on a mild Saturday afternoon at Reachfields.

 

The game started slowly with few early opportunities and it was not until the eleventh minute that Hythe’s Zak Ansah looped a shot over the bar. The ever-dangerous Alex Laing gave the hosts some concerns throughout the afternoon and was involved in three moves in quick succession. Firstly, he fired a free-kick that was blocked by Mitchell Dickenson and then he hit a long-range shot that sailed over the bar. He was then to break free but his final attempt flew straight into the arms of Hythe keeper, George Kamurasi.

 

Junior Aikhionbare then got involved in two attacks for the Cannons as he firstly played a neat ball into Ansah whose final attempt was easily collected by Haywards Heath keeper Josh Heyburn and then worked his way through the visiting defence but his effort was again stopped by Heyburn. Both teams continued to look for the breakthrough with the more meaningful chances coming for the visitors. Max Miller broke down the right and his final shot was well saved by Kamurasi and then on 32 minutes the Cannons can consider themselves lucky as Melford Simpson rattled the upright with the ball coming out to Laing who stroked the ball home. However, the referee’s assistant was flagging for offside and the goal was ruled out.  One real positive of the half was the solid defensive performance from the new look back four including an impressive debut from new signing Ollie Rowe who dispossessed Simpson five minutes before half-time preventing an attempt on goal.

 

The second-half started with the hosts on the attack. The lively Kieron Campbell laid the ball off to Ansah on the left but Heyburn was quickly off his line to close down the attack. A great clearance followed from Dickenson setting Aikhionbare free but he couldn’t get the ball under control and the chance was gone. Whilst the second period saw more chances for Hythe, Haywards Heath still threatened as on 56 minutes a shot from Miller was deflected and was easily saved by Kamurasi.

 

However, at this stage of the game Hythe looked the more likely as substitute Jack Sammoutis played the ball through to Ansah but his final effort went wide and then at the other end Kane Louis got onto a loose ball but also fired wide. On 72 minutes Hythe got the ball into the visitor’s net as Sammoutis played the ball through to Ansah who finished clinically but again the goal was ruled out for offside. Another Dickenson clearance followed finding Ansah whose attempt drifted wide.

 

The visitors had the final two chances of the game as Laing curled a shot into Kamurasi’s arms and then the Hythe keeper had to be at his best to tip the ball over the bar from a dipping shot from Callum Saunders.

 

The game ended with both sides getting a point which was a fair reflection of the game. Hythe remain in seventh place as they prepare to entertain ninth placed Sevenoaks Town next Saturday. Kick off at Reachfields is 3pm.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Charlie Webster, Chris Kinnear, Ollie Rowe, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer (Nigel Neita 73 mins), Zach Fagan (Aziz Lyoubi 90 mins), Zak Ansah, Junior Aikhionbare (Jack Sammoutis 58 mins), Keiron Campbell.

 

Attendance: 189 

  

Hythe Town 2 Whitstable Town 0

Bostik League South-East

Saturday 29^th December 2018

 

This wasn’t the prettiest three points that will be won this season but the Cannons had to battle hard to win 2-0 at home on Saturday afternoon against a Whitstable Town team who ended the game with only nine men.

 

It was Hythe who started very brightly with Junior Aikhionbare causing real problems for the Whitstable defence. He was to create Hythe’s first goal with their first attack of the game after just five minutes. He laid the ball off to Zak Ansah who sweetly curled the ball from the edge of the area into the top right-hand corner of the net. Aikhionbare continued as he fed the ball to Kieron Campbell but his attempt went the wrong side of the post. Aikhionbare then had his own opportunity on 18 minutes as he worked his way in from the left and fired a shot that Whitstable keeper, Dan Eason pushed around the post and away for a corner.

 

The visitors had to wait until the twentieth minute for their first effort as former Hythe favourite James Morrish played the ball to another ex-Cannon Louis Sporson but his attempt was blocked by Hythe keeper George Kamurasi who was returning from injury. Danny Williams got onto the resultant loose ball but Kamurasi saved again. In the confusion that followed Whitstable’s Stephen Smith saw red for adjudged violent conduct. Hythe tried to make use of the man advantage as Ryan Palmer forced a save from Eason and then he played the ball across to Aikhionbare whose header was blocked by a defender.

 

Hythe continued to dominate without breaking down a stoic Whitstable defence and on 34 minutes an Ansah shot was blocked by Eason.  The hard-working Charlie Webster sent in a drive that forced Eason to push the ball over the bar. Whitstable did have an opportunity on 37 minutes but Williams pulled a shot well wide. However, the last two chances of the half came from Ansah as he firstly side-footed a shot into the arms of Eason and then on the stroke of half-time he lifted the ball over the bar.

 

The pattern of the second half started with Hythe on the attack as Campbell sent a shot wide and then a Dickenson long ball through found Palmer but he too sent the ball wide of the target. The pressure continued with Chris Kinnear hitting a shot straight at Eason and then Campbell forced his way through but again sent his effort wide. On 67 minutes Webster played the ball through to Ansah who attempted to lob Eason but the ball also went over the cross bar. Whitstable were packing the defence and looking to catch Hythe on the break but the home defence dealt well with these attacks. Morrish looked dangerous as he sent in a header but Webster did well to get himself in the way.

 

However, the chances were mainly coming for Hythe as Eason who had an excellent game denied Campbell, Ansah and Jack Sammoutis in quick succession. With seven minutes left things were made even more difficult for the Oystermen as a reckless challenge from behind from Morrish on Kinnear saw him receive a second yellow card and Whitstable were reduced to nine men. There was one more chance for Whitstable to get back in the game as Charlie Smith curled a free-kick from five yards outside the penalty area but it went well wide of the target.

 

Then, with the last move of the game Hythe got their second as Salvyn Kisitu sent a long clearance out of defence finding Campbell who headed over Eason and followed the ball tapping it into an empty net.

 

This was a deserved victory as Hythe ended their poor recent run and remain in seventh place. They now have a two week break until their next game at home to Haywards Heath Town on Saturday 12^th January 2019.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Elliott Capel, Chris Kinnear, Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer (Jack Sammoutis 67 mins), Charlie Webster, Zak Ansah, Junior Aikhionbare (Nassim Dukali 79 mins), Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Zak Ansah 5 mins, Kieron Campbell 90 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 407

Herne Bay 3 Hythe Town 1

Bostik League South East

Saturday 22^nd December 2018

 

The Cannons supporters who travelled to Herne Bay were left scratching their head wondering what has gone wrong as Hythe went down 3-1 at bottom of the table Herne Bay on Saturday afternoon.

 

Hythe did start off the livelier and had two free kicks in the first ten minutes as firstly Jack Sammoutis sent the ball into the penalty area but it was cleared away and then Zak Ansah placed his attempt wide of the target. However, the visitors were to fall behind on 17 minutes as Danny Leonard sent a shot from the right-hand side which was blocked by Hythe keeper Henry Newcombe who parried but the ball came back to Leonard who fired home. This seemed to fire the hosts with confidence and they pressed to increase their advantage. A dangerous cross from Tom Carlton failed to find a home attacker to convert and then Newcombe saved well from an attempt by Bay skipper Bradley Schaffer.

 

The home pressure continued as Simon Kambamba side footed the ball over the bar. Hythe had their first attempt on target as a cross from Sammoutis was met by Junior Aikhionbare who headed into the arms of Bay keeper Simon Overland. Hythe were then probably in their brightest period of the game as Chris Kinnear fired wide and then the ever-busy Charlie Webster played the ball onto Sammoutis who lifted it over the bar. One more opportunity for the Cannons as Kieron Campbell under pressure sent a long ball onto Aikhionbare who passed to Ansah but the Cannons leading scorers sent the ball just the wrong side of the post.

 

The second half started off badly for Hythe as they fell two behind on 49 minutes as Nathan Wood placed the ball under Newcombe and into the net. Again Hythe, who looked “punch drunk”, continued to come under pressure. Carlton was to turn in and hook the ball over the bar. In between the Bay pressure Kinnear did have an effort from long range but that went wide. However, things were to get even worse for the Cannons as they went three down on 65 minutes. This time it was a moment of genius from Jake Embury that sealed the three points as he picked up a loose ball and in space sent in a swerving shot that gave Newcombe no chance.

 

The Cannons did start to look for some consolation as Aikhionbare played the ball into Ansah but he scooped it over the bar and then Campbell worked his way into the area and tested Overland for the first time who blocked well. Kabamba did have a chance to pile the agony on Hythe as he worked his way in but sent his final attempt wide. Two chances fell to Hythe in the dying minutes as an attempt from Ansah shaved the outside of the post and then he played the ball through to Ryan Palmer whose effort also went wide. Deep into injury time Hythe finally got on the scoresheet as substitute Nigel Neita played the ball across to Kinnear who shot home from the middle of the penalty area but as in the last game at Whyteleafe it was far too little too late as Bay claimed their first home points of the season.

 

The Cannons, who looked very disjointed through out the game must now look what changes need to be made to ensure they return to winning ways as soon as possible. With four defeats now on the spin as Hythe remain in seventh place. They must up their game before the vital league fixture next Saturday (29^th December 2018) at Reachfields against Whitstable Town.

 

Team: Henry Newcombe, Nathan Daly (Ryan Palmer 63 mins), Elliot Capel, Chris Kinnear, Zach Fagan (Salvyn Kisitu 72 mins), Mitchell Dickenson, Charlie Webster, Junior Aikhionbare (Nigel Neita 75 mins), Zak Ansah, Jack Sammoutis, Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Herne Bay - Danny Leonard 17 mins, Nathan Wood 49 mins, Jake Embery 65 mins. Hythe Town – Chris Kinnear 90 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 251 

Whyteleafe 4 Hythe Town 3

Bostik League South East

Saturday 15th December 2018

 

Hythe left it too late to stage a comeback in atrocious weather conditions as they went down 4-3 at Whyteleafe on Saturday afternoon.

 

As the rain poured down throughout the game, the Cannons were blown away in the first half. Whyteleafe carved through the Hythe defence causing regular problems as firstly the ever-dangerous Marvin Armstrong pulled an early shot wide. Hythe’s first opening came on eleven minutes as Kieron Campbell sent a dangerous cross that was missed by Charlie Webster and Zak Ansah as it went across the penalty area. However, it was the hosts who were to take the lead on 13 minutes as Matthew O’Donoghue broke through the Hythe defence and slotted the ball home.

 

Hythe did have an opportunity to bring the scores level as a Nigel Neita cross was cleared by the defence to Chris Kinnear who lifted the ball over the bar. However, it was the hosts who were tormenting the Hythe back four as after 24 minutes Lauris Chin fed the ball out to Harvey Brand who was in the clear and ran in to place the ball in the far corner of the net. Three minutes later it got even worse for the Cannons as Chin worked his way through to finish easily to make it 3-0. 

 

Hythe were now “all at sea” as Whyteleafe looked for their fourth. On the half hour Chin played the ball into Valentino Carpene but he looped the ball into the arms of Hythe debutant goalkeeper Henry Newcombe. The keeper did well to block Carpene in another attack as the threats kept coming. Ansah did have an effort at the other end as he sent a free kick from the edge of the area well wide of the post. Newcombe had to be at his best as he smothered an attempt from Armstrong. However, against the run of play, Hythe were given a life-line deep into first half injury time as a Campbell cross was headed by Kinnear against the underside of the bar dropping down over the line to get a goal back.

 

The start of the second half was delayed as an injury to one of the assistant referees meant there was an urgent search for a replacement. Eventually our own Barry Vincer offered to run the line and the second period started fifteen minutes late. The second period began with Whyteleafe on the attack as a corner from Bradley Wilson was met by Jamie McGeorghegan but Newcombe did well to save. Kinnear had the first attempt of the half for the Cannons as blasted wide and then on 59 minutes things got worse for Hythe as Whyteleafe extended their lead. Hythe lost the ball and O’Donaghue pounced and went through to slam the ball home and put the game out of the reach of the visitors.

 

This seemed to spark a reaction from Hythe who upped the gears and began to look dangerous. On 68 minutes Campbell sent in a corner from the left-hand side that was met by the head of substitute Junior Aikhionbare who converted at the near post to make it 2-4. Hythe were now looking the more likely as Aikhionbare burst in from the left and forced Whyteleafe keeper Todd McCarthy to save well and then Ansah sent in a shot that drifted wide. However, there were still some threats from the hosts as Armstrong found himself in the clear but he poked the ball wide and then Newcombe saved well from Joshua Malcolm.

 

Deep into injury time Zak Ansah got another goal back as he fired in across the goal and into the far corner. With the ball going through the side netting it was not clear that he had scored but the goal was awarded but it was “too little too late” for the Cannons who must now look at addressing the defensive frailties before they visit Herne Bay next Saturday.  

 

Team: Harry Newcombe, Salvyn Kisitu, Aziz Lyoubi, Chris Kinnear, Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Nigel Neita (Jack Sammoutis 62 mins), Zach Fagan (Junior Aikhionbare 45 mins), Zak Ansah, Charlie Webster, Keiron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Whyteleafe - Matthew O'Donoghue 13 & 59 mins, Harvey Brand 24 mins, Lauris Chin 27 mins. Hythe Town - Chris Kinnear 45 mins, Junior Aikhionbare 68 mins, Zak Ansah 90 mins

 

 

Attendance: 123. 

Hythe Town 1 Greenwich Borough 2

Bostik League South East

Tuesday 11^th December 2018

 

Lowly Greenwich Borough provided an uncomfortable shock to Hythe Town as they came from behind to deservedly win 2-1 at Reachfields on Tuesday evening.

 

Things did start brightly for Hythe as they produced the first attack of the game after just two minutes as Nathan Daly headed wide from a Kieron Campbell free-kick. Almost immediately at the other end Teshuane Tyreece Walters worked his way into a shooting position and sent his attempt wide. The hosts continued to look dangerous as Junior Aikhionbare forced Greenwich keeper Thomas McGill to push the ball around the post from a shot on the left-hand side.

 

Chances were coming at both ends as Laurent Mendy got onto a loose ball as the Hythe defence failed to clear but his final attempt was deflected wide. From the resultant corner Reece Cave forced a save from point blank range by Hythe keeper, Ryan Nicholls and then Nicholls smothered a shot from distance from Reece Deakin.  As the half progressed it was Hythe who began to take control of the game. Campbell had a shot come cross that drifted just over the bar and then he laid the ball off to Zak Ansah who lifted the ball over the bar.

 

On 29 minutes Hythe took a deserved lead as Mitchell Dickenson sent in a long ball to Zak Ansah who neatly fed Charlie Webster who swept the ball past McGill into the corner of the net. This was the start of Hythe brightest period of the game as Webster was involved again as he played the ball in to Akhionbare who headed into the arms of McGill and then with five minutes to go until the break Campbell crossed from the left to Ansah who scooped his effort over the bar. One chance for the visitors on the stroke of half time saw Cave shoot straight at Nicholls.

 

Greenwich up the gears in the second half and took the initiative as five minutes in Kayne Roberts forced Nicholls to push the ball around the post. At the other end Webster fed the ball to Ansah but he was denied by the outstretched foot of McGill. However, then came the four minutes that turned the game around.  Firstly, on the hour, Connor sent in a cross from the left  into the penalty area. The ball was met by Mendy who passed onto Ryan King-Elliott whose shot went into the bottom far corner of the net. Then Greenwich completed their deserved come back as Tyreece-Walters delivered a free-kick from the right into Tyreece Owen who fed Mendy who finished neatly.

 

Hythe did look for the equaliser but were unable to breakdown the resolute Greenwich defence and actually the visitors could have extended their lead on 83 minutes as Owen headed over from a Roberts cross. Owen was able to clear an Ansah looping header and then in the dying minutes Webster played the ball into Dickenson but his effort went straight at McGill and Greenwich held onto to their three well earned points.

 

Hythe, who have now lost the last two home league games, must regroup before Saturday’s vital league game at Whyteleafe.

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Salvyn Kisitu, Aziz Lyoubi, Zach Fagan, Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Charlie Webster, Nigel Neita (Chris Kinnear 64 mins), Zak Ansah, Junior Aikhionbare (Jack Sammoutis 45 mins), Kieron Campbell.  

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Charlie Webster 29 mins. Greenwich Borough – Ryan Elliott-King 60 mins, Laurent Mendy 64 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 130

Hythe Town 2 Horsham 4

Bostik League South East

Saturday 8^th December 2018

 

Hythe were eventually well beaten 4-2 by in-form Horsham on a wet Saturday afternoon at Reachfields.

 

In fact, the visitors were very fast “out of the blocks” as they took the lead after only four minutes. The Hythe defence failed to clear the ball and it came out to Tyrell Richardson-Brown who made no mistake slamming home past Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls. Hythe’s first effort came four minutes later as the ball came out to Zach Fagan who sliced his attempt wide of the target. However, it was Horsham who were in control as Charlie Harris pulled a shot from the edge of the area wide of the target.  The pressure continued and Horsham were rewarded on twenty minutes as Jack Bravio neatly placed his shot into the corner of the net giving Nicholls no chance.

 

Hythe, who looked off-colour, continued on the back foot as Harvey Sparkes had a shot from the left deflected wide by Sylvan Kisitu and then on 35 minutes a cross from Richardson-Brown found Rob O’Toole but his header from close range went straight at Nicholls who held on well. Then against the run of play the host narrowed the gap with another piece of Zak Ansah brilliance. Fagan played the ball through to the Cannons leading scorer who struck it over Horsham keeper Josh Pelling and into the back of the net.

 

There were a couple of efforts from Horsham before the break as firstly Harris scuffed his shot into the arms of Nicholls and then just on the stroke of half-time Bravio had an effort deflected away for a corner. On the balance of the play, Hythe could probably have counted themselves fortunate to only be one goal behind at the interval.

 

As the rain intensified at the start of the second period, it was Horsham who were first to show as a free-kick from Harris which was flicked wide by Joe Shelley and then Nicholls blocked well from Kieron Lavery. As the half progressed the Cannons began to look brighter. Jack Sammoutis had a shot that drifted well wide and this was followed by a Kieron Campbell effort that he skewed the wrong side of the post. Horsham remained dangerous on the break and Nathan Daly had to be at his best to intercept the ball from O’Toole.  Eventually, however, Hythe found themselves on level terms on 62 minutes as Campbell forced his way in down the right-hand by-line and played the ball into substitute Junior Aikhionbare who made no mistake from close range.

 

Just as the hosts began to look the more likely they were brought down to earth on 79 minutes as the ball came in from the right and was unluckily deflected into his own net by Daly under pressure from O’Toole. Horsham put the icing on their cake with six minutes remaining on the clock. They were awarded a free kick about 25 yards out. Harris unleashed a rocket shot that went like a tracer bullet into the corner of the net bringing great celebrations from the visiting supporters who were delighted with their well-earned three points.

 

Hythe drop down to fifth place but have a quick opportunity to get back to winning ways as they entertain Greenwich Borough on Tuesday evening with a 7:45 pm kick off at Reachfields.

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Salvyn Kisitu, Elliott Capel (Junior Aikhionbare 54 mins), Zach Fagan, Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Nigel Neita, Charlie Webster, Zak Ansah, Jack Sammoutis, Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Zak Ansah 38 mins, Junior Aikhionbare 62 mins. Horsham - Tyrell Richardson-Brown, Jack Brivio 20 mins, Nathan Daly (OG) 79 mins, Charlie Harris 84 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 241

Guernsey 0 Hythe Town 2

Bostik League South East

Saturday 1^st December 2018

 

Hythe Town flew home on Saturday evening with all three points in the bag as they won 2-0 on a damp Guernsey.

 

The Cannons took an early ninth-minute lead with a typical piece of Zak Ansah magic as Jack Sammoutis laid off a free kick from 25 yards. He unleashed a dipping shot that came off the underneath of the crossbar and into the net giving Guernsey keeper Callum Stanton no chance.  Ansah was then to have another effort from distance but this time it was easily blocked by Stanton. Hythe were very unlucky on 18 minutes as Charlie Webster hit a shot from the edge of the penalty area that rattled against the cross-bar.

 

The Islanders had to wait until the twentieth minute for their first attempt on goal as Matt Loaring picked up the ball and got himself into a shooting position but his effort went straight at Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls. Soon after a shot from Charlton Gauvain didn’t do enough to test Nicholls. There were opportunities coming at both ends as Sammoutis laid the ball off again to Ansah whose placed shot was pushed around the post by Stanton’s outstretched arm. Another home attack saw a Gauvain shot deflected by some good defending from Elliot Capel sending the ball away for a corner and then a Seb Skillen corner found William Fazakerly but he bundled the ball over the bar from close range.

 

Guernsey continued to threaten but lacked a cutting edge with their final ball as Loaring pounced on an error from Capel but he failed to beat Nicholls with his final effort. At the other end, Ansah tested Stanton again but the keeper saved well. Nicholls was also to produce an excellent save on the stroke of half-time as he tipped a Skillen shot from the left over the bar.

 

Hythe started the second period the brighter as a neat one-two between Kieron Campbell and Webster ended with the latter sending his shot wide. However, Guernsey continued to have opportunities to get back into the game as Thomas Dodds crossed into the penalty area with Gauvain heading down at the far post but the ball easily collected by Nicholls. Mitchell Dickenson was then to do well to block an attempt from Green Lions substitute Kyle Smith.

 

As the half progressed, Hythe looked the more dangerous with Nigel Neita pouncing on a defensive error. He raced through but side-footed over the bar and then Ansah sent a free kick straight at Stanton. The result was sealed on 62 minutes as Neita played the ball into Sammoutis who curled his shot majestically into the corner of the net again giving Stanton no chance. Guernsey did have a chance to strike back on 64 minutes as a speculative effort from captain Jamie Dodd went just wide of the target.

 

Ansah had another attempt for the Cannons on 66 minutes but his shot was blocked by a defender. The Hythe defence remained resolute preventing any home comeback and they really should have extended their lead as Ansah found himself one on one with Stanton but the keeper blocked. Guernsey did have a couple of chances in injury time as Nicholls again saved and then a free kick from Gauvain was headed over by Fazakerley.

 

The three points were well deserved as the Cannons remain in third place now only one point behind Hastings United. They now wait until next Saturday when they entertain Horsham at Reachfields. Kick-off will be 3 pm.

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Salvyn Kisitu, Elliott Capel, Charlie Webster, Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Nigel Neita (Billy Lewins 90 mins), Zach Fagan (Aziz Lyoubi 80 mins), Zak Ansah, Jack Sammoutis (Charlie Owen 90 mins), Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Zak Ansah 9 mins, Jack Sammoutis 63 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 643

Hythe Town 0 Burgess Hill Town 2

Velocity Trophy 3^rd Round

Tuesday 27^th November 2018

 

A make shift Hythe Town team depleted by injuries and unavailability were knocked out of the Velocity Trophy 3^rd Round by Burgess Hill Town on Tuesday evening.

 

On an awful evening with the rain and wind swirling around Reachfields it took time for both sides to settle and it wasn’t until the 17^th minute that the first effort from Hythe saw Kieron Campbell cut in and shoot wide from the edge of the penalty area. With their first attempt on 19 minutes Burgess Hill were to take the lead as the ball found its way into the penalty area finding Ben Pope who slammed the ball past Hythe keeper Ryan Nicholls from the middle of the penalty area.

 

On 25 minutes, the Cannons were reduced to ten men as James Nurden, who had returned to the club from Canterbury City for the match, was adjudged to have been the last man as he brought down a Burgess Hill striker. Referee, Simon Finnigan had no hesitation in reaching for his red card. This would make the task of getting back into the game far more difficult. The goal mouth action was limited and it was Hythe who had the next attempt as another Campbell effort from outside the area failed to test Hillians keeper Mitch Bromage.

 

At the other end Burgess Hill did create an opportunity as Pat Harding curled a shot wide. This was followed on the stroke of half time by another Campbell shot that this time was deflected wide for a corner.

 

The second half started with visitors in the ascendency as a cross from Brian Galach was lifted over the bar by Farrell Ryder from close range. Hythe’s best attack of the game came on 52 minutes as Charlie Owen sent a long ball down the right-hand touch line finding Nigel Neita who cut in from the by-line forcing a good save from Bromage. Chances remained few and far between as the visitors’ Andre McCollin took his time to get ready to shoot but his attempt drifted wide. Nicholls was then to produce a fine save on 64 minutes as Farrell ran in and forced the Hythe keeper to push the ball around the post.

 

It was only a temporary respite for the Cannons as they were to find themselves two behind a minute later as Galach took his chance and slotted home. That put the game out of the reach of the Cannons as the Hillians had the last two attacks of the games as firstly Tom Cadman broke down the left and crossed into McCollin who scooped the ball over and then Harding curled a shot over the bar.

 

Burgess Hill will now play Enfield Town in the next round and the Cannons return to league action on Saturday with the long trip to Guernsey hoping that a number of the missing players will be fit.

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Jack Negus (Bill Lewins 27 mins) (Zach Fagan 77 mins), James Nurden, Elliott Capel, Salvyn Kisitu, Mitchell Dickenson, Aziz Lyoubi, Charlie Webster, Nigel Neita, Charlie Owen (Jack Sammoutis 60 mins), Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Burgess Hill Town - Ben Pope 19 mins, Brian Galach 65 mins.

 

 

Attendance 115

Phoenix Sports 3 Hythe Town 3

Bostik League South East

Saturday 17^th November 2018

 

With 35 minutes left on the clock, the Cannons looked dead and buried as they found themselves three down and very much dead and buried in this league fixture. But an amazing fightback saw them grab a point in a 3-3 draw at Phoenix Sports on a cold Saturday afternoon.

 

It was, in fact, Hythe who were first to settle in a lively start to the game. On seven minutes they had their first opportunity as Junior Aikhionbare pounced on a defensive muddle but fired wide of the target. Phoenix only had to wait another two minutes to threaten as Alex Teniola curled a shot straight into the arms of Cannons keeper Ryan Nicholls. At the other end, Jack Sammoutis who returned from injury for this afternoon’s game hit a shot from the edge of the area that was easily collected by Phoenix keeper, Steve Phillips.

 

On 25 minutes Hythe were unlucky not to take the lead as Zak Ansah played the ball into Keiron Campbell who unleashed a shot that stung the hands of Phillips as he pushed it over the bar. With 30 minutes gone on the clock, the hosts were to take the lead as a neat piece of skill by Teniola wrong-footed the Hythe defence and Kweku Ansah planted the ball in the net. Within a minute Zak Ansah attempted a lob over Phillips but he mistimed his effort and didn’t test the keeper.

 

The game continued to flow from end to end as Kweku Ansah had an effort deflected wide for a corner and then Campbell who was proving a handful for the home defence came in from the left and forced Phillips to smother the ball. The Cannons continued to look for the equalizer as Zach Fagan laid the ball off to Zak Ansah. His attempt was pushed wide by Phillips in the Phoenix goal. On 44 minutes the hosts increased their lead as a deep corner from Ryan Andrews saw Teniola rise unchallenged to head the ball in at the far post. There was an attempt just before the break from Zak Ansah as he sent in a swerving shot that was blocked by Phillips.

 

The second half started with Phoenix looking more likely to increase their lead. A free kick by Ashley Probets on the edge of the area flew into the arms of Nicholls and then Jeff Duah-Kessie ran through on the break to fire his final shot wide. On 55 minutes a great move from the visitors ended with Nigel Neita curling a shot against the upright. However, it was Phoenix who appeared to seal the game as they took a three-goal lead. A cross by Lewis Clark found Teniola who bundled the ball home. The game looked dead and buried for Hythe but their fightback was inspired by a break from Aikhionbare who on 63 minutes ran forward and placed the ball under the body of Phillips and into the Phoenix net to narrow the gap. Nicholls was to block well from Duah-Kessie but it was now the Cannons who had gone up the gears and were in the ascendency.

 

Neita, for the second time, hit the left hand upright as he had shot deflected but Hythe were not to be denied as they pulled another goal back on 78 minutes. Campbell got in a ball from the left-hand side with his right foot that found Zak Ansah who finished neatly for his 22nd goal of the season. The comeback was on and it was Hythe who were in total control as the swept forward.  On 81 minutes Campbell sent in a dipping shot that superbly saved by Phillips. However, as the game went into injury time Aikhionbare chased a ball down the right from Billy Lewins. He managed to get it into Neita who curled the ball into the top corner to reward Hythe with a point that earlier had looked so unlikely.  The Cannons did have an opportunity six minutes into stoppage time as Neita pulled a shot just wide.

 

The point was just reward for Hythe who go up to fourth place but now have two weeks to wait for their next league fixture. However, they do have friendly at home to Tunbridge Wells next Saturday followed by a Velocity Trophy tie at home to Burgess Hill Town on Tuesday week (27th November 2018).

 

Team: Ryan Nicholls, Salvyn Kisitu, Elliott Capel, Zach Fagan (Aziz Lyoubi 66 mins), Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Nigel Neita, Junior Aikhionbare, Zak Ansah, Jack Sammoutis (Billy Lewins 89 mins), Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Phoenix Sports - Kweku Ansah 30 mins, Alex Teniola 44 & 58 mins. Hythe Town – Junior Aikhionbare 63 mins, Zak Ansah 78 mins, Nigel Neita 90 mins.

 

Attendance 135.

Hythe Town 0 Tunbridge Wells 2

Friendly

Saturday 24^th August 2018

 

Hythe were humbled by a 2-0 defeat at home to Tunbridge Wells in a friendly fixture at Reachfields on Saturday afternoon.

 

Tunbridge Wells seemed to show more desire in the game and were ahead on seven minutes as Jamie Humphris was brought down in the Hythe penalty area. He got up and slammed home the resultant penalty sending Stefan Lawrence who was covering for Ryan Nicholls in the home goal the wrong way. Hythe did have their closet opportunity of the game on twenty minutes as Junior Aikhionbare headed a Keiron Campbell cross onto the top of the cross bar. It was however Lawrence who denied the Wells strike force as in the 33^rd minute he made a great save from an attempt from Nassim Ducali.

 

The pattern of the game in the second half did not change and it was the Southern Counties East outfit who looked the more likely. Lawrence made another great save on 50 minutes from substitute Steve Harper with the rebound blasted over by Josh Biddlecombe and then the keeper blocked well an attempt from Ola Williams. The hosts best effort of the half came from Salvyn Kisitu who fired an attempt just wide. However, it was the Wells who sealed the win on 77 minutes as Harper slammed home from a cross to make it 2-0.  

 

The game was a useful training exercise and the Cannons must now concentrate on serious cup action on Tuesday evening (27^th August 2018) as they entertain Burgess Hill Town in the Velocity Trophy 3^rd Round. Kick off at Reachfields is 7:45 pm.

 

Team: Stefan Lawrence (Alistair Carney 84 mins), Jack Negus (Charlie Owen 56 mins), Aziz Lyoubi, Charlie Webster (Joe Theze 89 mins), Salvyn Kisitu, Mitchell Dickenson (Nathan Daly 45 mins), Nigel Neita, Elliott Capel, Junior Aikhionbare (Billy Lewins 62 mins), Zak Ansah, Keiron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Jamie Humphris 7 mins (pen), Steve Harper 77 mins.

 

Attendance 125

Ramsgate 1 Hythe Town 1

Bostik League South East

Saturday 10^th December 2018

 

After a morning of torrential rainfall, a sizeable number of Cannons supporters made their way to Southwood to be greeted by clearing skies and a rather better playing surface then had been expected. What they did not get to see though was much of the flowing football that their team seem unable to export from Reachfields to away grounds.

 

New in the Town line up was Corinthian and ex-Charlton youth keeper Aiden Prall who became the fifth Hythe keeper to be used in four games (including the Gillingham friendly) and he was soon to be in action making two early saves from Rams danger man Tom Chapman. During the opening half hour, he would surely have been worried at what he was witnessing though as wave after wave of home attacks were only halted by a series of fouls and corners being conceded by his defence and midfield.  Newly promoted lady official Kirsty Dowle did have a few shaky moments early on but the main reason for Hythe frustration was surely the inability to move meaningfully out of defence and instead to rely on aimless punts upfield which all too often were swiftly returned.

 

Then all of a sudden, the home defence conceded a free kick just outside the area, Zak Ansah was the appointed taker, and Ramsgate custodian Luke Watkins became just another spectator as the ball flew into the top of his net. 

 

Joy soon became despair though for Hythe as influential vice-captain Ryan Palmer stretched for a tackle in midfield and had to leave the fray. Nevertheless, the sight of a fit-again Charlie Webster coming off the bench warmed Hythe hearts in preparation for the second half. 

 

Sure enough, Town started the second period brightly and the previously quiet Kieron Campbell soon had an early deflected attempt well saved.

 

However, on 50 minutes Nathan Daly was adjudged to have committed a foul tackle in the area and up stepped Aaron Millbank to blast in a spot-kick that would have needed all five Hythe goalies to keep out.

 

As well as keeper Prall, Sam Denly had moved in the week to re-sign youngster Elliot Capel, one of a handful of junior players that had been brought in on his appointment last season to boost numbers at a difficult time. After a good display against Gillingham the manager decided he was worthy of a start and his belief was rewarded when after a hesitant early few minutes the new boy became the new man and quite possibly even the man of the match with a series of strong and speedy overlapping runs, linking well with the tricky Campbell. 

 

After one such run on the hour Chris Kinnear fired over from distance and then Nigel Neita produced a dangerous cross that just evaded the incoming Junior Akhionbare.  Now at last Hythe were looking the part but then a critical moment went against them when Kinnear released Akhionbare on the right to remind Hythe folk of his 30 second goal against Sittingbourne the previous week. This time there was to be no scoring glory though as the talented but inconsistent forward made space for himself only to steer his effort wide of the post.

 

Another Campbell/Capel move caused near panic in the home defence and a Neita cross was just a shade to high for Charlie Webster to get over but although the home side had employed a packed defence at times they were, unlike their opponents in the first half, always ready to break out in an organised and threatening manner and this was shown when Aidan Prall found himself being challenged by not one but two unmarked home forwards. As he came outside his area the keeper managed to foil one attacker but then tangled with the second who predictably collapsed as if being shot by a sniper. Now the game had reached it's flashpoint with both benches in uproar and one side calling for a red card and the other claiming gross over-reaction. As the home terraces bayed for blood and players milled around, Referee Dowle came of age with the only obvious call there was to be made. The keeper had fouled his man in an honest attempt to get the ball away. and there was to be a free kick for the home side and a caution for the keeper. 

 

Although nothing else ensued from this late incident there was still time for Chapman to miss a chance when well-placed and for Kieron Campbell to get in one last attempt for his side.

 

For a Hythe team looking to make a championship challenge this was a disappointing display generally but for a team only positioning itself for the play-offs it should be remembered that Lloyd Blackman-managed Ramsgate are no mugs and have their own play-off ambitions too. Plus points for the Cannons were the sight of Elliot Capel and substitute Charlie Webster making those powerful forward runs and the reassuringly huge figure of Zach Fagan striding nonchalantly on for the final minutes and seemingly clear of his injury worries. 

 

Team: Aiden Prall, Salvyn Kisitu, Elliot Capel, Chris Kinnear, Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer (Charlie Webster 38 mins), Junior Aikhionbare (Zach Fagan 80 mins), Zak Ansah, Nigel Neita, Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Ramsgate - Aaron Millbank 50 mins (pen). Hythe Town – Zak Ansah 29 mins.

 

Attendance: 229

Hythe Town 3 Gillingham XI 2

Friendly

Tuesday 6^th November 2018

 

A good crowd of 168 took the opportunity of “in for a quid” to see an entertaining 3-2 victory for the Cannons against a Gillingham XI at Reachfields on Tuesday evening.

 

Hythe started the game with mainly a young team but included veteran local goalkeeper David White as cover for the injured George Kamurasi and Ryan Nicholls. The game started evenly with both sides having chances to take the lead but it was the Cannons who got their “noses in front” after 23 minutes as a neat one-two between Euan Sahadow and Josh Stirman ended with the latter firing past Gillingham goalkeeper Louie Catherall.  Sahadow, who was looking very lively, got a second as Ryan Palmer played the ball through and the young striker lobbed the ball over Catherall and into the net.  Gillingham did have the ball cleared off the line towards the end of the half but it was Hythe who held a 2-0 lead at the break.

 

The Gills produced the early pressure in the second half but it was Hythe who were to increase their lead on 55 minutes as Sahadow played the ball into Palmer who side-footed the ball home. Within a minute Gillingham had narrowed the gap as Roman Campbell crossed to Oscar Borg who slotted home. Gillingham did get another back on 66 minutes as Henry Woods drove the ball home from outside the penalty area but the Gills were unable to get the equaliser as the game ended in 3-2 win for Hythe.

 

Hythe go back to league action on Saturday as they visit Ramsgate in a local derby. Kick-off will be 3pm at Southwood.

 

Team: David White, Jack Negus, Elliot Capel, Charlie Owen, Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer, Josh Stirman, Euan Sahadow, Billy Lewins, Junior Aikhionbare. Subs Used: Zak Ansah, Kieron Campbell, Salvyn Kisitu, Aziz Lyoubi, Nigel Neita, Alistair Carney, Joe Theze.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Josh Stirman 23 mins, Euan Sahadow 27 mins, Ryan Palmer 55 mins. Gillingham XI – Oscar Borg 56 mins, Henry Woods 66 mins.

 

Attendance 168

 

Hythe Town 3 Sittingbourne 2

Bostik League South East

Saturday 3^rd November 2018

 

The Cannons impressive unbeaten home league record continued despite some scares in a 3-2 win at Reachfields on Saturday.

 

Hythe started the game at high speed and were ahead after only 30 seconds as a Chris Kinnear clearance fell to Junior Aikhionbare who burst through and blasted the ball home from the edge of the penalty area. The Cannons continued to dominate as a Ryan Palmer cross caused havoc in the Sittingbourne defence but Akhionbare couldn’t quite get enough on the ball to divert it towards goal. Kieron Campbell was next to create an opportunity as he too crossed to Aikhionbare but his final attempt went into the arms of Sittingbourne keeper, Patrick Lee.

 

Aikhionbare continued to be involved as he crossed into the penalty box where both Zak Ansah and Campbell had shots blocked. The game then settled with Sittingbourne looking more dangerous but it was Hythe who were still creating the chances as Nigel Neita blasted over the bar. On 28 minutes a mistake by Lee, who came out but failed to connect as he attempted to clear, left Aikhionbare clear and he walked the ball into the empty net to increase the hosts lead.

 

The goal seemed to motivate the Brickies and they came more into the game as after 36 minutes a long-range effort by former Hythe midfielder Dan Parkinson was held by keeper Ryan Nicholls who had just joined the club to cover as George Kamurasi recovers from a broken wrist.  Parkinson was to have a slice of luck two minutes later as he had a 25-yard free-kick that was deflected on its way into the Hythe net to narrow the gap. It was now Sittingbourne who were looking the more likely as a snapshot from Tommie Fagg went into Nicholls' arms. Sittingbourne were level on 40 minutes as the ball found its way into another ex-Hythe player Tom Loynes who finished smartly.

 

Hythe did have an opportunity on 42 minutes as a cross from Palmer was met by Mitchell Dickenson who headed over and then at the other end Reiss Crimmen blasted a shot high over the bar. Aikhionbare nearly got his hat-trick two minutes into injury time as he cut in but Lee saved at his near post.

 

It was the visitors who started the second half the brighter as Parkinson hit a free kick from the edge of the area straight into the wall and then Ira Jackson jinked his way into the penalty area and forced a fine save from Nicholls who tipped the ball over the bar. As the half progressed the balance of the game began to change and it was Hythe who started to look the more dangerous. On the hour, Campbell got the ball into Ansah whose attempt was deflected wide and then Hythe’s leading scorer sent another attempt just wide.

 

On 74 minutes Hythe were ahead as a poor clearance from Lee found its way to Kinnear who saw the keeper off his line and he sent a perfectly timed lob over Lee and into the net to make it 3-2. Nicholls was to deny the Brickies twice soon after as firstly Mobolaji Dawodu turned and shot straight into his arms and then the keeper was to tip a dipping shot from Gil Carvalho over the bar.  As the game moved towards its conclusion Palmer crossed to Ansah whose effort was deflected for a corner.

 

Then came a sour moment in the game as Brickies substitute Carvalho inexplicably committed a reckless challenge on the touchline and was deservedly shown a straight red card. Hythe did have one more opportunity on 89 minutes as Akhionbare fed the ball to Ansah whose shot was deflected over. Sittingbourne did look for a late equaliser but the Hythe defence led by Nathan Daly and Dickenson stood firm and held onto all three points.

 

The Cannons move into third place with their next game away at Ramsgate next Saturday (10th November 2018). In the meantime, they have a friendly at home to a Gillingham XI on Tuesday evening (6^th October 2018). Kick-off is 7:30 pm with entrance for all for £1.

 

Team Ryan Nicholls, Salvyn Kisitu, Aziz Lyoubi, Chris Kinnear, Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer (Josh Stirman 83 mins), Junior Aikhionbare (Billy Lewins 90 mins), Zak Ansah, Nigel Neita, Keiron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Junior Aikhionbare 1 & 28 mins, Chris Kinnear 74 mins. Sittingbourne – Dan Parkinson 38 mins, Tom Loynes 40 mins.

 

Attendance 262.

  

Hythe Town 1 Bishop’s Stortford 2

Buildbase FA Trophy 1^st Qualifying Round

Saturday 27^th October 2018

 

The Cannons interest in the FA Trophy came to end for this season as they beaten 2-1 at home to Bostik Premier Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday afternoon.

 

Hythe started brightly but failed to create any early chances and it was the visitors who were first to threaten as after five minutes Jordan Westcott pulled a shot wide. Bishop’s Stortford took an early lead on ten minutes as the dangerous Johnville Renee crossed into ex-Norwich City and veteran striker Jamie Cureton who side-footed home into an empty net.  The threats continued as again Renee this time fed the ball to Alfie Mason whose shot was deflected wide.

 

Hythe had to wait until the 27th minute for their first clear-cut opportunity as Charlie Webster played the ball to Chris Kinnear who curled a shot just wide. Renee continued to test the home defence as he played the ball into Cureton whose final attempt rolled into the arms of Hythe keeper, George Kamurasi.  A neat move followed for the hosts and Kieron Campbell sent a pinpoint ball from the right over to the left wing to Salvyn Kisitu whose cross was headed over by Junior Aikhionbare.

 

Bishop’s Stortford were to increase their lead on 32 minutes as Renee sent in a deep cross from the right-hand side finding Mason at the far post who headed the ball home. However, the lead was narrowed on 36 minutes as Zak Ansah fed the ball to Nigel Neita who tucked the ball inside the right- hand post to make it 2-1.

 

The second half started slowly but after 52 minutes the referee waived away Hythe appeals for a penalty as Aikhionbare appeared to be brought down in the penalty area. At the other end a great interception by Aziz Lyoubi prevented a Stortford attack and then Kamurasi superbly blocked Cureton as the striker broke free. This was quickly followed by an attempt by Chris Gregan whose shot was lifted over the bar.  The game at this stage was going from end to end as Hythe’s Campbell picked up on the ball just outside the penalty area but his final effort flew over the bar.

 

Bishop’s Stortford were very unlucky on 67 minutes not to increase their lead as a Renee cross was headed onto the top of the crossbar by Cureton. Two minutes later Ansah attempted a lob as the saw Stortford keeper Calum Kitscha off his line but the ball drifted wide. Stortford’s Ryan Charles then came into the game firstly having a shot blocked by Kamurasi and then playing the ball into Cureton who was also denied by the Hythe keeper.

 

There were two late opportunities for the hosts to earn a replay as firstly Aikhionbare, Neita and Mitchell Dickenson had shots that were blocked in a melee in the Stortford penalty area and then Ansah turned in and shot but his effort slid wide. Bishop’s Stortford held onto to progress into the next round and Hythe return to league action next Saturday as they host Sittingbourne at Reachfields with a 3 pm kick-off.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Charlie Webster (Aziz Lyoubi 50 mins), Chris Kinnear (Jack Negus 67 mins), Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Nigel Neita (Josh Stirman 88 mins), Junior Aikhionbare, Zak Ansah, Jack Sammoutis, Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Nigel Neita 36 mins.  Bishop’s Stortford – Jamie Cureton 10 mins, Alfie Mason 32 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 242. 

Hythe Town 2 Bognor Regis Town 1

Velocity Trophy 2^nd Round

Tuesday 23^rd October 2018

 

Hythe Town came from behind to force their way through to the next round of the Velocity Trophy in an extremely entertaining 2-1 win against high flying Premier Division Bognor Regis Town on Tuesday evening at Reachfields.

 

The game started brightly with both sides threatening but it was the visitors who had the first effort after six minutes as Joe Tomlinson blasted over from just outside the area. Hythe only had to wait another two minutes for their first attack as a neat one-two between Zak Ansah and Junior Aikhionbare ended with the former sliding the ball wide with the outside of his foot. The Rooks were to take the lead on ten minutes as Tommy Scutt stole the ball from the Hythe defence and neatly finished the opportunity by stroking the ball home.

 

There followed a bright spell for the hosts as they were denied a number of time by the excellent goal keeping of Dan Lincoln. Firstly Jack Sammoutis, who seems to be getting better with each game, laid the ball off to Kieron Campbell whose shot was palmed away by Lincoln. He was to save well again from a downward header from Aikhionbare who received the ball from Ansah. Yet again he was to deny the Cannons as a surging run from Sammoutis ended with a shot that was tipped over the bar. Hythe continued to press for an equaliser as an Ansah shot drifted over the bar.

 

However, as the half progressed it was Bognor who began to regain control. Scutt was to force a good save from Hythe keeper George Kamurasi and then Jimmy Muitt broke through but under pressure he fired wide. Scutt then got the ball into Harvey Whyte but that also went the wrong side of the upright. The pressure continued as Muitt had two opportunities as he found himself one on one with Kamurasi who came out quickly and blocked with his legs and then shot wide. One more chance deep into injury time saw Tomlinson cut in and shoot but this was collected easily by Kamurasi.

 

Hythe started the second half on the front foot with a piece of Ansah magic seeing the striker clip the ball towards goal forcing Lincoln to tip the ball over again. At the other end it was Kamurasi’s turn to save well as Whyte was played in but the keeper was again quickly out to block. However, the majority of the threat continued to come from the Cannons. Campbell played a dangerous ball into Aikhionbare but he could not get a shot away and then on 61 minutes Hythe got the equaliser that their pressure deserved. Campbell got the ball into Sammoutis who forced the ball home for his eighth goal of the season.

 

This seemed to spark Bognor into attack as they looked to regain the lead. Muitt forced Kamurasi into a block and then Whyte drove the ball wide from 20 yards. A cross from Whyte went right across the penalty area with nobody able to clear finding Mason Walsh at the far post but he blasted straight at Kamurasi.

 

However, the balance of the game changed as Hythe grabbed the ascendency. On 72 minutes Sammoutis coming in from the left put in a cross that went across the face of the goal but nobody was on hand to convert and then Ansah broke through and with options available decided to shoot with the ball drifting just wide. On 82 minutes Hythe were to finally take the lead. Aikhionbare broke in from the left playing ball across to Ansah who finished well for his twentieth goal of the season.

 

There were a couple of scares for the hosts in the last five minutes as Doug Tuck had a shot deflected wide for a corner and Calvin Davies drove the ball wide. Deep into injury time Kamurasi came off his line again to deny Whyte and the Cannons held on for an excellent win in a game that was a credit to both sides.

 

Hythe will now entertain Burgess Hill Town in the next round with the date to be advised. They are in FA Trophy action again on Saturday as they are at home to Bishop’s Stortford in the 1^st Qualifying Round. Kick-off is 3 pm.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Jack Negus (Salvyn Kisitu 77 mins), Charlie Webster, Chris Kinnear (Billy Lewins 81 mins), Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Nigel Neita (Josh Stirman 56 mins), Junior Aikhionbare, Zak Ansah, Jack Sammoutis, Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Jack Sammoutis 61 mins, Zak Ansah 82 mins. Bognor Regis Town – Tommy Scutt 10 mins.

 

 

Attendance 168. 

Three Bridges 2 Hythe Town 3

Bostik League South East

Saturday 20^th October 2018

 

Hythe Town made a slow start but eventually ended up deserved 3-2 winners at Three Bridges thanks to three fine goals on a sunny Saturday afternoon in West Sussex.

 

The hosts were the first to show as after just six minutes Brannon O’Neill turned and shot straight at Hythe keeper George Kamurasi and then Ibby Akanbi played the ball into O’Neill who again turned but this time scuffed his shot. The majority of the early pressure continued to come from Bridges as a dangerous cross from Nathan Simpson fell at the feet of O’Neill but the ball appeared to get stuck between his feet and he was unable to get his shot away. Another opportunity for Bridges saw Olu Oluwwatimilehin scoop the ball over the bar.

 

The Cannons had to wait until the 26th minute for their first effort as Jack Sammoutis, who is in a rich vein of form, blasted a free kick into a group of defenders and the ball went out for a corner. Zak Ansah was then to create two chances just before the interval as firstly he moved in and shot straight at Bridges keeper Giovanni Porciatti and then he pounced onto a loose ball and forced Porciatti to tip the ball over the bar.

 

Hythe came into the second half with a new lease of life and were ahead on 47 minutes as a quick corner was played to Ansah who fed Sammoutis on the left-hand side of the penalty area. He fired the ball into the far corner from a very narrow-angle with his left foot. Hythe looked far more dangerous at this stage as Nigel Neita jinked into the penalty area and shot just over the target. However, Bridges did not lay down and die and were level on 58 minutes. Ibby came in from the right and chipped the ball over Kamurasi into the net.

 

The goal revived the hosts as on the hour a corner from O’Neill went through the defence to Bradley Peters who blasted over.  Then came a piece of Ansah magic on 69 minutes as from 35 yards the league’s leading scorer saw Porciatti off his line. He played a majestic lob that flew over the keeper and dipped under the bar and into the net to restore Hythe’s lead. The Cannons were now in control as Charlie Webster forced his way through but his final attempt was blocked by the Bridges keeper. On 77 minutes Hythe increased their lead as a neat ball from Kieron Campbell was played into Sammoutis who was in the same position as he was for the first goal but this time he used his right foot to slot the ball into the far corner.

 

Webster tried to emulate the earlier Ansah magic as he attempted a lob but his effort went just wide. Bridges did cause a scare five minutes into injury time as substitute Alex Laing was brought down in the Hythe penalty area. Up stepped Connor French who buried his kick into the corner just out of the reach of Kamurasi.  However, it was too little, too late and the Cannons held on for all three points. 

 

The win takes Hythe up to third place as they now take a break from league action with a Velocity Trophy tie against Bognor Regis Town on Tuesday evening (23rd October 2018) at Reachfields with a 7:45 pm kick-off.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Charlie Webster (Josh Stirman 90 mins), Chris Kinnear, Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Nigel Neita (Junior Aikhionbare 67 mins), Zach Fagan (Aziz Lyoubi 8 mins), Zak Ansah, Jack Sammoutis, Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Three Bridges – Ibby Akanbi 58 mins Connor French 90 mins (pen). Hythe Town – Jack Sammoutis 47 & 77 mins, Zak Ansah 69 mins.

 

Attendance: 71

Hythe Town 2 FC Romania 0

Buildbase FA Trophy Preliminary Round

Saturday 13^th October 2018

 

Hythe Town eventually took the initiative with two second-half goals to progress to the next round of the FA Trophy as they beat FC Romania 2-0 at a warm and sunny Reachfields on Saturday afternoon.

 

The Cannons were first to show as their first effort came on just one minute with Zak Ansah laying the ball off to Kieron Campbell who drove the ball wide. FC Romania were fast to react with a speculative lob by Oliver Cleaver who saw Hythe keeper George Kamurasi off his line but the ball drifted over the bar. The busy Jack Sammoutis was next to threaten as he cut in from the left but his shot was deflected wide.

 

There followed a period where both sides had attacks without creating any meaningful opportunities. Cleaver was to get into a dangerous position on 20 minutes but his attempt drifted wide. Almost immediately a further opportunity fell to the visitors as a corner from Dumitru Chriac was headed goal bound but Aziz Lyoubi was on the line to clear the ball away.

 

However, Hythe continued to create the more meaningful chances as Salvyn Kisitu picked up the ball on the right-hand side and forced his way forward but his final shot was blocked away for a corner and then Ansah rattled the crossbar as he got on the end of a ball from Ryan Palmer. At the other end, Kamurasi had to be at his best to save from a long-range effort from Gabriel Ghinea but it was the hosts who continued to press as Junior Aikhionbare played the ball back to Sammoutis who curled his shot wide. Sammoutis was in the action again on 37 minutes as he played a short free-kick into the path of Ansah who blasted over.

 

Ansah was then to force a great save from FC Romania keeper Adrian Darabant as Hythe’s leading scorer rifled a shot from 25 yards. He was then to turn creator as he fed Aikhionbare who rounded the keeper but was too wide to threaten the away goal.

 

The second half started with the Romanians picking up a free kick on the edge of the penalty area.  Ghinea looped his effort over the bar creating no threat to the Hythe goal. Finally, on 55 minutes the Cannons took a deserved lead as Aikhionbare had a shot blocked but it came out to Sammoutis who slammed the ball home. The chances were now coming thick and fast for Hythe as Campbell clipped the ball onto Ansah who forced another fine save from Darabant. The keeper was then to deny Ansah again as the striker forced his way into the penalty area. The rebound came to Palmer who fired wide.

 

Another run from Sammoutis ended with his effort smothered by Darabant. While it was 1-0 there was still a chance that FC Romania could get an equalizer and they came close as a Chriac corner was headed over by Henry Mabassa. However, Hythe sealed the win after 74 minutes as Campbell forced his way through passing to Ansah who clinically slammed the ball home for his eighteenth goal of the season.  With five minutes left on the clock Cleaver drilled a shot straight into the arms of Kamurasi.

 

There were two more opportunities for the Cannons in the dying minutes as firstly Sammoutis broke through and forced another save from Darabant and then deep into injury time Josh Stirman played the ball into Nigel Neita whose shot was also saved.

 

The Cannons held out to go through to the 1st Qualifying Round which will be drawn on Monday (at 1 pm). Hythe return to league action next Saturday (20th October 2018) as they visit Three Bridges.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu (Jack Negus 88 mins), Aziz Lyoubi, Zach Fagan, Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer (Nigel Neita 66 mins), Jack Sammoutis, Zak Ansah, Junior Aikhionbare (Josh Stirman 73 mins), Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Jack Sammoutis 55 mins, Zak Ansah 74 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 175

Hythe Town 3 VCD Athletic 0

Bostik League South-East

Saturday 6^th October 2018

 

The Cannons took their chances as they ended up comfortable 3-0 winners at a damp Reachfields on Saturday afternoon.

 

It was the Cannons who were first to create as after only one minute Ryan Palmer lobbed the ball over the VCD defence into the path of Zak Ansah but the league’s leading scorer miss hit his attempt wide of the target. VCD had to wait five minutes for their first opportunity as Tyrone Guthrie hit a long shot straight into the arms of Hythe keeper George Kamurasi.

 

There then followed a midfield battle which led to very little goalmouth action until the 23^rd minute when the dangerous Alex Gaggin broke free and played the ball into Jonathan Adebayo whose shot on the turn was superbly tipped over by Kamurasi.

 

VCD continued to press and Ali Fuseini shot on the turn straight at Kamurasi. Hythe were then to have a bright spell as Palmer put through Ansah but he couldn’t get enough on the ball to trouble former Hythe keeper Joe Mant. Ansah was then to return the favour and fed the ball to Palmer who side-footed just wide.  

 

However, Hythe were to be awarded a penalty on 35 minutes as Kieron Campbell cut back in and was brought down with the referee pointing straight at the spot. Up stepped Ansah who planted his penalty just out of the reach of Mant to give the Cannons the lead.

 

Jack Sammoutis, who had an excellent game in midfield, broke through and laid the ball off to Palmer whose attempt went just over and then a minute before the break VCD’s Fuseini turned in and shot over the bar.

 

It was VCD who were fastest out of the blocks in the second half as they went in search of an equalizer.  Substitute Aymun El-Moyhabel jinked his way into the penalty area before feeding Alastair Gordon whose final shot was easily saved by Kamurasi and then El-Moyhabel played the ball into Fuseini who forced Kamurasi to tip the ball over again.

 

The pressure continued with persistence from El-Moyhabel ending with a shot that went over the bar and then Fiseini shot from the edge of the area but it was held Kamurasi. A couple of chances followed at the other end as Sammoutis broke in from the left but his attempt went wide followed by a Campbell shot that also missed the target.

 

However, a three-minute spell followed that saw Hythe secure all three points. On 70 minutes Campbell pounced on a defensive error and played a pinpoint ball to Ansah who calmly buried his shot into the net to make it 2-0. On 73 minutes Hythe got their third as Ansah played the ball off to Sammoutis who finished his chance off clinically into the corner of the net.

 

Credit to the visitors who continued to look to narrow the deficit. With a quarter of an hour to go Gordon crossed into Junior Baker who scooped the ball over the bar and then Gordon had a shot saved at the second attempt by Kamurasi. Gordon continued in the action as he let loose a shot that was headed over by the dependable Nathan Daly before it could get close to the goal. One more chance for VCD saw a Gaggin cross ending with Courtney Barrington shooting wide.

 

It was Hythe who were to end with a clean sheet and all three points as they move into second place in the table. The Cannons take a break from the league next Saturday as they entertain FC Romania in the Preliminary Round of the Buildbase FA Trophy. Kick-off at Reachfields is 3 pm.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Aziz Lyoubi, Jack Sammoutis, Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer (Josh Stirman 82 mins), Charlie Webster, Zak Ansah (Billy Lewins 90 mins), Junior Aikhionbare (Nigel Neita 67 mins), Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Zak Ansah 35 (pen) & 70 mins, Jack Sammoutis 73 mins

 

 

Attendance: 229 

Sevenoaks Town 2 Hythe Town 0

Bostik League South East

Saturday 29^th September 2018

 

A really disappointing afternoon for the Cannons as they went down 2-0 at Sevenoaks Town on Saturday.

 

There was one chance each within the first minute as firstly ex-Hythe striker, Frankie Sawyer had an effort from the edge of the Hythe penalty area but it went straight into the arms of visiting keeper, George Kamurasi and then at the other end Zak Ansah curled a shot just over the bar. The game at this stage was going from end to end as another ex Hythe striker Kenny Pogue found himself with the ball on the far post but Kamurasi was quick to block. On five minutes Chris Kinnear had another opportunity for the Cannons as he got onto a loose ball but blasted wide.

 

Ryan Palmer, who had returned to the side replacing injured midfielder Jack Sammoutis, played the ball into Nathan Daly whose header was saved and then at the other end a corner was flicked on by Pogue onto Sawyer who lifted the ball over the bar. Hythe did have an opportunity to take the lead as a high, deep cross from Salvyn Kisitu found Keiron Campbell on the far post but he spooned the ball over. At this stage of the game, it was Hythe who were creating the more meaningful chances with Palmer sending a free kick from the edge of the area just over the bar and then Charlie Webster sent in a bullet that was well tipped over by Sevenoaks keeper Ben Bridle-Card.

 

Bridle-Card was then to deny Hythe again as Ansah played the ball across to Kinnear whose rifled shot was turned around the post by the keeper.  Aziz Lyoubi charged down the right-hand side playing the ball across to Ansah but Bridle-Card was again on hand to push the ball wide. There was an opportunity for the hosts two minutes before the break that saw Alec Fiddes get through but his final shot did not test Kamurasi.

 

The second-half saw Sevenoaks grow in ambition and confidence as substitute William Johnson-Cole crossed to Pogue who lifted his shot over the bar. On 62 minutes a spectacular overhead kick was attempted by Jack Miles but it went straight at Kamurasi. However, Sevenoaks capitalized on their second-period pressure as on 63 minutes Pogue crossed into Johnson-Cole who headed home from close-range. The Oaks continued to press and were unlucky not to increase their lead on 70 minutes when a cross by Sawyer was headed against the underside of the crossbar and appeared to bounce away but there were claims from Sevenoaks that the ball had crossed the line.

 

Two minutes later, Sevenoaks were to get the second goal that their second-half performance had deserved. Johnson-Cole got the ball back into Sawyer who finished off neatly. With a two-goal deficit, the Cannons had a mountain to climb. Nigel Neita was to put a shot over the bar and then Webster sent another dipping shot just over the bar. Palmer was then to put in a looping cross that dropped at the feet of Lyoubi who couldn’t quite get enough contact on the ball to threaten. However, Hythe couldn’t get the goal that may spark a late fightback and in fact were lucky not to go further behind a minute from time as Johnson-Cole worked his way inside and his final effort rapped against the upright.

 

Hythe move down sixth place and must now regroup before next Saturday’s home game against VCD Athletic.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Aziz Lyoubi (Billy Lewins 84 mins), Chris Kinnear (Junior Aikhionbare 61 mins), Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer, Charlie Webster, Zak Ansah, Nigel Neita, Kieron Campbell.    

 

Scorers: Sevenoaks Town: William Johnson-Cole 63 mins, Frankie Sawyer 72 mins.

 

Attendance: 143

Hythe Town 5 Faversham Town 4

Bostik League South East

Tuesday 25^th September 2018

 

Hythe turned out 5-4 winners against Faversham Town in an amazing game at Reachfields on Tuesday night.

 

The first three attacks of the game produced three goals as the Cannons took the lead after only one minute. Salvyn Kisitu broke down the right and crossed into Jack Sammoutis who stroked the ball home. Within four minutes the scores were level as former Hythe striker Dean Grant rose to glance a header from a corner into the net. However, Hythe were back in front on seven minutes when Kieron Campbell picked up the ball on the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a magnificent shot that curled into the top right-hand corner of the net. 

 

Within a minute Faversham could have equalized again as Ashley Miller saw his shot sail over the crossbar. The game was going from end to end as the Cannons captain Chris Kinnear blasted a shot that was well held by the Lilywhites keeper Thomas Benham. However, the visitors continued to threaten as George Monger fed the ball to Jack Harris who forced Hythe keeper George Kamurasi to save.

 

Faversham, who contained six ex-Hythe players had a period of pressure as Grant drilled a shot for the left across the face of the goal and then he was put through but was denied by Kamurasi. From the resultant Miller corner, Harry Goodger headed over the bar. However, the Cannons were to extend their lead on 31 minutes as a Sammoutis corner was tapped onto Nigel Neita who finished off nicely from close range. However, the visitors did not give up and Miller was to weave his way through the Hythe defence before he forced Kamurasi to save with his legs.

 

The latter part of the half saw Hythe in the ascendancy as Sammoutis forced a save from Benham. Three minutes from half-time, Hythe should have increased their lead as Ansah broke through with the Faversham defence claiming offside but the Hythe leading scorer uncharacteristically stumbled over the ball when it looked easier to score.

 

The second period started with more pressure from Faversham. On 49 minutes Grant broke through but his final effort drifted wide and then Miller picked up the ball but curled it wide of the target. Faversham were, however, to narrow the gap on 55 minutes as a cross from Ryan Cooper was met by Goodger who bundled the ball over the line. This seemed to spark the hosts into life as Campbell broke in from the left but fired wide and then the ball came out to Charlie Webster who rifled a shot just wide of the upright. The Cannons were to restore their two-goal advantage on 64 minutes as Sammoutis surged down the by-line crossing into Ansah who finished with aplomb for his 15^th goal of the season.

 

The game continued at frenetic pace with chances still coming at either end. Neita played into Kisitu whose final attempt was deflected into the arms of the Benham and then substitute Ryan Palmer played into Ansah who with his back to goal turned but was off balance and the ball went wide.

 

Faversham were to pull a goal back again on 74 minutes. Michael Jenner crossed into Cooper who fired home. At the other end Ansah forced his way in and forced Benham to save but the Cannons were not to be denied and restored their two goal lead on 81 minutes as Kinnear picked up the ball on the edge of the area and blasted it home to make the score 5-3.

 

Full credit to the Lilywhites who refused to be beaten as on 87 minutes there was an infringement in the area and a penalty was awarded. Up stepped Goodger whose spot-kick sent Kamurasi the wrong way to make it 5-4.

 

Hythe managed to hold on for all three points in this breathtaking encounter that took them up into third place in the table, Could there be as much action as Hythe travel to Sevenoaks Town next Saturday?  

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Aziz Lyoubi, Chris Kinnear, Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Jack Sammoutis (Junior Aikhionbare 67 mins) , Charlie Webster, Zak Ansah, Nigel Neita (Ryan Palmer 68 mins), Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Jack Sammoutis 1 min, Kieron Campbell 7 mins, Nigel Neita 31 mins, Zak Ansah 64 mins, Chris Kinnear 81 mins. Faversham Town – Dean Grant 5 mins, Harry Goodger 55 & 87 (pen) mins, Ryan Cooper 74 mins.

 

Attendance 200

Cray Wanderers 4 Hythe Town 3

Bostik League South-East

Saturday 22^nd September 2018

 

Hythe were unlucky not to come away with a point in a thrilling 4-3 defeat at Cray Wanderers on a damp Saturday afternoon.

 

Cray were the first to settle and had their first opportunity on four minutes as Aaron Rhule charged through but Hythe keeper George Kamurasi was swift to come off his line to spread his body to block. Hythe did have an effort on nine minutes as Salvyn Kisitu played the ball into Charlie Webster whose shot was pushed around the upright by Cray keeper, Nick Blue. However, the vast majority of the pressure was coming from the hosts and it was no surprise when they took the lead on 15 minutes. Bradley Pritchard sent in a corner that saw Jay Leader rise above the Cannons defence to head home. 

 

At the other end, Jack Sammoutis played the ball into Zak Ansah but it was Cray who continued to press and on 22 minutes they were two ahead as Freddie Parker turned in and out and then once he was in a shooting position he curled the ball into the bottom corner of the net giving Kamurasi no chance. Just after the goal, there was another opportunity for Cray as Tom Phipp fired wide.

 

However, on 32 minutes a piece of magic from Kieron Campbell on the right saw the winger cut in and shoot into the right-hand corner of the net to narrow the gap between the teams. The balance of the game had now changed and it was Hythe who were now in the ascendancy and they were back on level terms on 35 minutes. Aziz Lyoubi broke down the left wing and crossed into the penalty area. The ball went round like a “pinball” before falling to Chris Kinnear who slammed in for his second goal of the season.  The Cannons could have been ahead deep into injury time as Ansah played the ball off to Nigel Neita but he stubbed his shot which made it easy for Blue to collect.

 

The pattern of the game changed again after the break as Cray piled on the pressure. On 53 minutes Sean Roberts hit a snapshot just wide and then Jerome Fernando crossed into Parker who pulled his attempt the wrong side of the post. Archie Johnson was then to break in from the left and forced Kamurasi to save.  It was no surprise when the hosts regained the lead on 68 minutes as Roberts picked up the ball and blasted a shot through a crowd of players and into the net. Hythe were now dependent on breakaways and Campbell was to unleash a shot that went wide.

 

Substitute Junior Dadson was proving a handful for the visitors as he found himself one on one with Kamurasi who saved the day by getting his body in the way. However, Hythe were to draw level on 80 minutes as a pinpoint long ball from the back from Mitchell Dickenson found Ansah who finished neatly for his fourteenth goal of the season. However, Cray were to have the last laugh when on 87 minutes they were to get the winner. A corner from Pritchard again found Leader and in a carbon copy of the first goal, he rose to head home to seal the point for the league leaders.

 

Hythe had played their part in an exciting game but came away with nothing that resulted in them dropping down to sixth place as they now prepare for Tuesday night's fixture at home to Faversham Town with a 7:45 pm kick-off.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Aziz Lyoubi, Chris Kinnear (Euan Sahadow 88 mins), Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Jack Sammoutis (Junior Aikhionbare 60 mins), Charlie Webster, Zak Ansah, Nigel Neita, Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Cray Wanderers - Jay Leader 15 & 87 mins, Freddie Parker 22 mins, Sean Roberts 68 mins. Hythe Town – Kieron Campbell 32 mins, Chris Kinnear 35 mins, Zak Ansah 80 mins.

 

Attendance: 208.

Herne Bay 0 Hythe Town 6

Velocity Trophy 1st Round

Tuesday 18th September 2018

 

Hythe Town cruised through to the second round of the Velocity Trophy as they thrashed Herne Bay in a 6-0 win at Winch’s Field on Tuesday evening.

 

It was Hythe who dominated the game throughout putting behind them their defeat against Herne Bay last week in the Kent Senior Cup. The Cannons had a golden opportunity to take the lead as early as the ninth minute when Charlie Webster was crudely brought down in the penalty area. Up stepped Nigel Neita who sent his kick wide of the upright. The Bay did have their first opportunity on twelve minutes when Jake Embury headed into the arms of keeper George Kamurasi. Neita had another effort for the visitors when he got on the end of a neat interchange between Keiron Campbell and Zak Ansah but his shot lacked power.

 

Hythe were in the ascendency as Campbell played the ball back to Jack Sammoutis but he shot straight at Bay keeper Jordan Beeney. The Cannons finally deservedly took the lead on 34 minutes as captain, Chris Kinnear threaded a ball neatly through to Ansah who nonchalantly stroked the ball home. Herne Bay did have a couple of chances in quick succession as firstly a Danny Rumbol shot was blocked well by Kamurasi and then, immediately after, a Tom Carlton cross to Embery was held by the Hythe keeper.  However it was Hythe who continued to dominate as a Sammoutis free kick was headed wide by Kinnear.  One more chance for the Bay before the break saw a Bradley Schaffer cross headed over by Raphe Brown.

 

The second half was one-way traffic as Sammoutis had a shot easily gathered by Beeney but on 50 minutes Hythe were two up as Campbell fed Neita who slammed the ball home to make up for his earlier missed penalty. Ansah then played the ball to Salvyn Kisitu who blasted a shot into a crowd of players followed by Sammoutis forcing Beeny to push the ball around the upright for a corner. Sammoutis, who was growing in confidence as the game progressed, put in substitute Junior Aikhionbare whose placed shot went just the wrong side of the post.

 

However Hythe were to increase their lead on 67 minutes and effectively seal the win as there was great run was made by Sammoutis. He fed the ball to Aikhionbare who found Kisitu who blasted home from close range.  A couple of chances for Bay to narrow the lead followed as firstly Carlton unleashed a shot that drifted wide and then Schaffer crossed into ex-Hythe midfielder Alex Mulrooney-Skinner who hooked the ball over the bar. The Herne Bay defence crumbled in the last ten minutes as the Cannons ran riot. Firstly Aikhionbare moved and slotted the ball home after 80 minutes. Herne Bay did have a couple of further chances as Sami Mezaine was dispossessed brilliantly by Mitchell Dickenson before he could get his attempt away and then he slammed the ball into the side netting.

 

But Hythe were to continue their goal feast as on 87 minutes Aikhionbare picked up the ball on the edge of the area and sent his effort into the corner of the net and then Sammoutis had a shot well saved by Beeney. The icing on the cake came a minute into injury time as Sammoutis was rewarded for his efforts as he raced through and slammed his shot home.

 

It was magnificent team performance from the Cannons where every player played their part in the result that takes them through to a home fixture against Bognor Regis Town in the 2nd Round. 

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Aziz Lyoubi, Chris Kinnear (Charlie Owen 70 mins), Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Jack Sammoutis, Charlie Webster, Zak Ansah (Junior Aikionbare 58 mins), Nigel Neita (Euan Sahadow 68 mins), Keiron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Zak Ansah 35 mins, Nigel Neita 51 mins, Salvyn Kisitu 67 mins, Junior Aikhionbare 80 &87 mins, Jack Sammoutis 90 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 155

Hythe Town 3 Hastings United 1

Bostik League South East

Saturday 15^th September 2018

 

Whatever manager Sam Denly said to the team following the poor performance last Tuesday certainly had a massive impact as Hythe ran out 3-1 winners at home to league leaders Hastings United on Saturday afternoon.

 

The Cannons were put under severe pressure right from the start as Hastings were certainly first out of the blocks. Dajon Golding was the instigator behind the early chances as he shot over the bar after seven minutes and then he charged through the Hythe defence down the right hand side but he was blocked by the advancing Hythe keeper, George Kamurasi. Kamurasi was to deny him again when he blocked a side-footed shot. However with their very first attack the Cannons were to take the lead. Zak Ansah pounced on a poor back pass from Sam Beale that was not cleared by Hastings keeper Charlie Horlock. Ansah took the ball from his feet and walked it into the net.

 

This certainly inspired the Cannons as they were unlucky not to increase their lead on 22 minutes as Charlie Webster unleashed a speculative shot that drifted just wide with Horlock beaten. However, they did go 2-0 up on 25 minutes as more hesitation in the Hastings defence led to Ansah stealing the ball and slamming the ball home.  Hastings did threaten but were superbly held by the Cannons defence with both centre backs Nathan Daly and Mitchell Dickenson dominant. Hastings were limited to one chance before the break as a Sonny Dullaway effort was headed over by Jack Dixon. One more effort just before the break saw Kieron Campbell force his way into the penalty area but his final attempt was blocked.

 

Then second period started with Hythe on the front foot as Nigel Nieta played the ball into Ansah who launched the ball over the bar. On 54 minutes Hythe sealed the points as they went three up. Webster fired a shot that forced Horlock to save. The ball was pushed out to Sylvan Kisitu who played the ball into Ansah who stroked the ball home for his hat-trick. Hastings did look to get back in the game and were awarded a free kick in a very dangerous position on the edge of the penalty area but Sam Cruttwell had his kick deflected wide for a corner. Any attack from the visitors was easily snuffed out by the resolute Hythe defence.

 

As the game went into injury time Hythe’s Jack Sammoutis had a shot blocked and then immediately at the other end Hastings got a late consolation with an excellent strike from 25 yards from Hassan Ibrahim that sailed into the net giving Kamurasi no chance. It was too little, too late as the Cannons held onto all three points.  

 

The win has taken Hythe into fifth place in the league but the next game will take them back into Cup action on Tuesday evening (18^th September 2018) as they visit Herne Bay again but this time in the Velocity Trophy.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Aziz Lyoubi, Chris Kinnear, Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Jack Sammoutis (Euan Sahadow 90 mins), Charlie Webster, Zak Ansah, Nigel Neita, Kieron Campbell (Junior Aikhionbare 62 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Zak Ansah 19, 24, & 54 mins. Hastings United – Hassan Ibrahim 90 mins

 

 

Attendance 332. 

Herne Bay 3 Hythe Town 0

Kent Reliance Senior Cup 2^nd Round

Tuesday 11^th September 2018

 

The Cannons were understandably less inhibited on Tuesday night in Herne Bay than they had been against Premier Division table-toppers Tonbridge Angels at Reachfields on the previous Saturday. Despite that the result was similar as Town made their second Cup exit in four days, thus spurning the chance to reach the Quarter-Finals of this year's Kent Senior Cup.

 

Sam Denly brought in Jack Negus at the back and Charlie Owen in midfield and gave new signing Euan Sahadow his first start, and the line-up seemed strong enough to achieve a result if only the home defence could be breached. Breached it was on several occasions but getting the ball over that final line was as difficult here as it had been in the first 95 minutes in the last league match at Haywards Heath.

 

No such problems for the Bay though as an eighth minute free kick from the left corner had the Hythe defence static and Luis Medina swept the ball home for the opening goal. 

 

Hythe hit back quickly with Zak Ansah running in clear from the left on Jordan Beeney only to see his attempt saved by the impressive home keeper. Mitchell Chapman then fired fiercely from close range but his attempt was just over. Both sides were committed to the attack but it was noticeable that the hosts were both quicker and less wasteful with their work. 

 

On 35 minutes home danger man Tom Carlton crashed a tremendous 30 yarder at George Kamurasi that was well saved by the keeper onto the bar and out. The same man went close with a drive just a few seconds later, whilst at the other end Sahadow released Ansah to fire over. 

 

As the petty foul count rose Carlton was Bay's dead ball man and Jake Embery was the beneficiary as he headed in from close range to make it 2-0.

 

There was still time for a chance for Hythe to get back when a penalty was awarded for handball but Zak Ansah's effort was well saved by Beeney diving low to his left. 

 

Hythe upped the ante in the second period and ex-Bay man Junior Akhionbare was having some fine runs down the right wing, but the home threat was ever-present and a free kick from the right was bundled away as it deflected off the woodwork and out to safety. On 55 minutes Charlie Owen and Euan Sahadow were replaced by Kieron Campbell and Nigel Neita but there was little change in the shape of a game that continued to be punctuated by a series of petty fouls and yellow cards. That was until misunderstanding in the Hythe defence led to a chance for Carlton to gleefully pounce and place the ball into the open goal.

 

With the game now apparently lost Hythe attacks were becoming more frenzied but as when Ansah was put well clear on the left, the final cross or pass was lacking in accuracy. 

 

Mitchell Chapman produced a pin-point cross from the touchline that Neita  headed just over but this merely served to remind Hythe supporters of the many scoring chances that have been squandered in the opening weeks of the new season.

 

Mitchell Dickenson pulled off a tremendous last ditch tackle to deny a fourth goal and Nathan Daly was thankful to escape when he was closed down as he prepared to kick up field but the last chances in the game fell to Akhionbare who went just wide with an overhead attempt and to Ansah who had another attempt smothered by Beeney. 

 

All in all a fast-paced Kent cup tie but with no real doubt about the result from the opening minutes. The other main talking point was the number of cautions handed out by referee Richard Joss some of which were totally justified--perhaps a few others less so. In the rather patchy lighting it was difficult to be certain of the count, but safe to say the KFA will have been duly grateful. Perhaps these two sides can learn to get on a little better when they meet again next Tuesday in the League Cup.

 

In the meantime there is the tasty challenge from Hastings United to be witnessed at Reachfields on Saturday (15th).

 

Team: George Kasmurasi, Jack Negus (Aziz Lyoubi 75 mins), Salvyn Kisitu, Mitchell Chapman, Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Junior Akhionbare, Charlie Owen (Nigel Neita 55 mins), Zak Ansah, Jack Sammoutis, Euan Sahadow (Kieron Campbell 55 mins)

 

Scorers: Herne Bay – Luis Medina 7 mins, Jake Embery 40 mins, Tom Carlton 62 mins.

 

Attendance 169

Hythe Town 0 Tonbridge Angels 2

Emirates FA Cup 1^st Qualifying Round

Saturday 8^th September 2018

 

Bostik League Premier, Tonbridge Angels ran out deserved winners as they showed their superior status in a 2-0 win at Hythe Town on Saturday afternoon.

 

The early pressure came from the visitors as they had their first attack 30 seconds after the start with Adem Ramadan sending a dipping shot just over the bar. Hythe did have their first opportunity on four minutes as Kieron Campbell played in Zak Ansah whose shot on the turn went into the arms of Angel’s keeper Jon Henly. Tonbridge looked the more dangerous and were ahead on seven minutes. Ramadan sent in a cross from the right that was met by Alex Read who bundled the ball over the line. The pressure was maintained on the Hythe defence as they had two attacks blocked by the Cannons. Firstly Nathan Daly blocked an attempt from Joe Turner and then Ansah got in the way of a Tommy Whitnell effort.

 

Hythe did have a bright spell when they had three consecutive corners in a short period of time but were unable to capitalise and it was Angels who took back the initiative as Turner crossed to Whitnell in a threatening position but the visiting striker got the ball stuck between his feet and was unable to get an effort away. Hythe keeper, George Kamurasi had to be at this best as he blocked an effort from ex-Hythe player Tom Parkinson and then Ramadan sent in another looping shot that went just over. Kamurasi was forced into the action again on 28 minutes as Jack Parter played the ball into Turner who drive flew into the keeper’s arms.

 

A rare Cannons attack on half an hour saw Nigel Neita force his way into the penalty area but Henly was to save well. The Cannons had absorbed a lot of pressure throughout the half and maybe consider themselves fortunate to go in only one down.

 

The second half again saw Angels dominant. Whitnell was to have an early effort that looped over the bar and then the ever dangerous Ramadan played the ball into Whitnell forcing Charlie Webster to block well. Whitnell was then to cross to Arthur Lee but the defender headed wide at the far post. There was then a long period of Tonbridge pressure but few chances were created. Hythe were restricted to the odd breakaway as Webster passed to Ryan Palmer whose cross found debutant Euan Sahadow who headed just over.

 

However Tonbridge were to get the goal that was to seal the tie on 81 minutes as another former Cannon, Liam King played the ball back to Read who slammed it home. A minute later Read nearly completed his hat-trick as his bullet shot went straight at Kamurasi who held onto the ball. Kamurasi then saved well as he pushed the ball around the post from a Turner shot. 

 

It was never to be for the Cannons who were beaten by the better side on the day and now have another Cup Tie to look forward at Herne Bay in the 2^nd Round of the Kent Reliance Senior Cup at Herne Bay on Tuesday evening (11^th September 2018).

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Charlie Webster, Aziz Lyoubi, Chris Kinnear, Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer, Nigel Neita (Junior Aikionbare 67 mins), Zak Ansah, Jack Sammoutis (Salvyn Kisitu 85 mins), Kieron Campbell (Euan Sahadow 67 mins).

 

Scorers: Tonbridge Angels-Alex Read 7 & 81 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 502

Haywards Heath Town 0 Hythe Town 1

Bostik League South East

Saturday 1^st September 2018

 

Hythe Town performed a classic “Smash & Grab” raid as Zak Ansah stole the points with a goal deep into injury time as they won 1-0 at Haywards Heath Town on Saturday afternoon.

 

The first half was very much one way traffic as Hythe, who were without injured players Jack Sammoutis, Aziz Lyoubi and Kieron Campbell, dominated the half although the hosts did have the first two opportunities as firstly on six minutes a long ball to Karl Akehurst saw the home midfielder head straight into the arms of Hythe keeper, George Kamurasi. Then two minutes later Lewis Finney found Nathan Cooper who wasted a chance as he too fired directly at Kamurasi. Hythe then took control as Ryan Palmer sent in a dangerous deep cross which drifted past the far post with no one on hand to convert.

 

Haywards Heath Town were getting as many bodies back behind the ball as they defended as if their lives depended on it. Junior Aikhionbare played Mitchell Chapman whose final shot looped over. Haywards Heath did have the odd effort during the rest of the half as Finney hit a low drive which was collected at the second attempt by Kamurasi. However, Hythe continued to press with a Palmer free-kick just out of the reach of Chris Kinnear who was attempting to divert the ball towards goal. Nathan Daly then played the ball through to Aikionbare but he was dispossessed before he could get a shot away.

 

Again the odd chance was coming at the other end as a 25 yard shot from Akehurst was deflected just over the bar but Hythe were still in the ascendancy as Palmer fired wide. Neither side were able to break the deadlock as the half drew to a close.

 

The second period saw an early chance for Ansah but he fired straight into the arms of Haywards Heath keeper Josh Heyburn and then a long range effort from Charlie Webster went wide. However the hosts seemed to have more belief in the second half and began to threaten as Kane Louis had a shot deflected over the bar and then were unlucky not to take the lead on 67 minutes as an exquisite lob from Nathan Cooper from the edge of the area was tipped over superbly by Kamurasi onto the top of the cross bar and over. Their confidence was growing with a cross from Max Miller that found Akehurst whose effort with the outside of his left foot went just wide.

 

Hythe were still creating as Webster moved in and unleashed an effort that rattled the cross bar and then an Ansah free-kick was deflected into the arms of Heyburn. With a minute of normal time to go Kinnear crashed a shot that forced Heyburn to parry the ball away.  As it seemed that the game was bound for a scoreless draw, Hythe, deep into injury time, were to get the goal that would bring all three points home. Palmer picked up the ball on the left. His cross pin-balled around the penalty area before falling to Ansah to fire the ball home. There was no time for Haywards Heath to respond and it was the Cannons who were to take the win.

 

Hythe now move up to seventh place but take another break from league football as they entertain Tonbridge Angels in 1^st Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup next Saturday at Reachfields.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Charlie Webster, Chris Kinnear, Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer, Nigel Neita, Zak Ansah, Mitchell Chapman (Charlie Owen 76 mins), Junior Aikionbare.

 

Scorer: Hythe Town – Zak Ansah 90 mins.

 

Attendance: 104

  

Hythe Town 2 Herne Bay 2

Bostik League South East

Monday 27^th August 2018

 

Honours were even in the Bank Holiday Monday local derby as Hythe Town drew 2-2 with Herne Bay at Reachfields in what proved to be an exciting nail biting fixture.

 

The Bay were the first on the attack after only a minute as Thomas Carlton lofted a shot that was off target and went out for a throw-in. However, Hythe’s first threat came on eleven minutes and saw them take the lead. Jack Sammoutis played the ball out to Ryan Palmer. He passed back to Zak Ansah who stroked the ball home for his seventh goal of the season. However, whilst the Cannons had the greater possession it was Herne Bay who looked the more likely as Carlton played the ball into Jake Embery whose attempt was blocked by Hythe keeper, George Kamurasi and then Danny Leonard played the ball back to Connor Wilkins who side footed over.

 

The hosts then had three opportunities within a minute as they began to look more dangerous. Ansah turned and played the ball to Nigel Neita whose shot was held by Bay keeper Jordan Beeney. The same combination then saw Neita not test Beeney with his next attempt. Sammoutis surged through from his own half but his final shot went just wide. Beeney was then to deny Kieron Campbell as he got on the end of a Palmer cross. Herne Bay were still creating chances and with ten minutes until the break Bradley Schaffer blasted over at the far post and then Wilkins had a shot deflected into the arms of Kamurasi. One more opportunity for the Cannons before half-time saw Charlie Webster get the ball into Ansah who with his back to goal turned and sent his effort just wide.

 

The second half saw the Bay pressing hard as Leonard curled a shot wide. At the other end Chris Kinnear found Ansah who also curled the ball just wide. Bay however were having a period in the ascendency and were level on 54 minutes as a low drive from Carlton was deflected past Kamurasi and into the net. Within three minutes Bay turned the game on its head as they took the lead. Miles Cornwell ran in from the right and slotted the ball past Kamurasi into the net. Things could have got worse for Hythe as Danny Rumbol played the ball into Cornwell who forced Kamurasi into a fine save from his header.

 

The Cannons had a chance after 75 minutes as Ansah played in Junior Aikionbare who shot straight at Beeney and then at the other end a deep free-kick by Carlton was headed over by Schaffer. However another moment of magic from Ansah on 81 minutes saw him thread a shot from the edge of the area into the corner of the net to bring Hythe a share of the points. Both sides looked for the winner but neither were able to break the deadlock and the game ended in a draw that was a fair reflection of the game.

 

Hythe are back in league action on Saturday (1^st September 2018) as they travel to League newcomers Haywards Heath Town.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Charlie Webster, Aziz Lyoubi, Chris Kinnear, Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer, Nigel Neita, Zak Ansah, Jack Sammoutis (Junior Aikhionbare 62 mins), Kieron Campbell (Salvyn Kisitu 37 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Zak Ansah 11 & 81 mins. Herne Bay-Thomas Carlton 54 mins, Miles Cornwell 57 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 303

Hythe Town 3 Worthing United 0

Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round

Saturday 25th August 2018

 

Hythe Town eventually broke down a stubborn Worthing United defence to win 3-0 to go through to the next round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday at Reachfields.

 

Hythe piled on the pressure but found it difficult to get the vital break through. In the first period they had numerous chances and dominated the play. They created the first opportunity on ten minutes as Kieron Campbell got the ball into Zak Ansah who miscued his attempt into the path of Charlie Webster who drove the ball over the bar. A long range effort from Ansah followed but it went straight into the arms of the busy Worthing keeper and manager Matt Evans. Jack Sammoutis then had a free kick which he rolled to Ansah who fired wide. The chances kept coming with Campbell driving the ball from the left straight at Evans and then Nigel Neita pounced on a loose ball but his effort was deflected to be caught by Evans.  

 

Sammoutis was then to have a free kick which looped just over the bar. Evans was on hand again to deny Campbell as he worked his way along the by-line and then another free-kick from Sammoutis was headed over by Chris Kinnear. Worthing had to wait until the 41^st minute to threaten for the first time as Toby Funnell had a shot from the left easily held by Hythe keeper George Kamurasi who had a very quiet half.

 

The Cannons continued their domination at the start of the second half as Campbell played the ball onto Ansah but his effort was easily saved by Evans and then the same combination ended with Ansah heading the ball straight at the visiting keeper. Funnell was to have only the second effort on target for the visitors on 63 minutes as he hit a long range drive but Kamurasi saved easily. The hosts had to wait until the 73rd minutes to breakdown the solid Worthing defence as Ansah got onto the ball and unleashed a shot that was buried into the net to give Hythe the lead.  A second came only three minutes later as Jack Sammoutis got onto a loose ball and placed his shot in the corner of the net leaving Evans rooted to the spot.

 

Campbell ran onto a ball from Neita and unleashed a shot that was saved at full stretch but the third goal and Ansah's second came nine minutes from time as a sublime lob from the edge of the area found its way into the net to make it 3-0.  A neat one-two between Ryan Palmer and Webster followed with the former curling a shot wide and then the Cannons had a golden opportunity to put the icing on the cake as Neita got on the end of a Josh Stirman cross but he spooned the ball over from close range.

 

Hythe's superiority told in the end but it was credit to the visitors that it took so long to seal the victory. The draw follows on Wednesday next week to find out who Hythe will face in the 1^st Qualifying Round but before them they have to host Herne Bay in a league fixture on Monday with a 3pm kick-off.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu (Ryan Palmer 62 mins), Aziz Lyoubi, Chris Kinnear (Mitchell Chapman 84 mins), Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Charlie Webster, Nigel Neita, Zak Ansah, Jack Sammoutis (Josh Stirman 84 mins), Keiron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Zak Ansah 73 & 81 mins, Jack Sammoutis 76 mins

 

 

Attendance: 191

 

Hythe Town 3 Margate 1

Kent Reliance Senior Cup 1^st Round

Tuesday 21^st August 2018

 

The Cannons eased through to next round of the Kent Reliance Senior Cup as they eventually comfortably won 3-1 at Reachfields against a young Margate side who had made a number of changes from their game on Saturday.

 

It was Hythe who were first out of the blocks piling pressure on the Margate goal as on eight minutes Ryan Palmer put in a cross to Mitchell Dickenson who got the ball back to Mitchell Chapman but his attempt went straight into the arms of Margate keeper Henry Newcombe.  Hythe keeper, George Kamurasi then sent out a long clearance that found Junior Aikhionbare running through but his final effort was fired wide. The Cannons continued to press as a Palmer curling shot went straight to Newcombe. Josh Stirman was next to create a chance as he put in a cross that saw Nigel Neita blast over.

 

Hythe scored the inevitable goal after thirteen minutes as Aikionbare played the ball into Neita who buried the ball in the net from close range to give the Cannons the lead. Aikhionbare threatened again as he blasted a shot that was just too close to Newcombe who saved well. Margate were to equalise against the run of play on 20 minutes as Aristride Basselle broke in following a defensive mix-up and lobbed the ball over the advancing Kamurasi and into the far corner of the net.

 

The game that was lively throughout seemed to calm down with only a couple more chances in the half as firstly Palmer picked up the ball on the left, jinked into the area and shot just over the bar. Then on the stroke of half-time Neita surged in down the right hand by-line and forced Newcombe to push the ball into the side netting.

 

The second half started brightly with Aikhionbare having two opportunities. Firstly he cut in and shot straight at Newcombe and then he leapt on a defensive mistake but his final effort was deflected away for a corner. A neat move from Josh Stirman followed which ended with a cross into Charlie Owen but his excellent looping header was tipped away by Newcombe at full stretch.

 

Margate were looking dangerous on the break and created a good opportunity on 53 minutes as a cross from Lee Prescott went across the face of the goal but went away for a goal kick as nobody could capitalise on the chance to give the visitors an unlikely lead. The hosts still looked the more likely but despite having chances, were not hitting the target. Palmer sent in a cross to Neita but his attempt was deflected wide and then substitute Zak Ansah fed the ball to Kieron Campbell but he blasted over.

 

The deadlock was finally broken on 78 minutes as a Charlie Webster attempt was blocked. The rebound came out to Palmer who made no mistake to give Hythe the lead. Within six minutes the Cannons had sealed the game as Campbell had an attempt blocked. It came out to Ansah who nodded the ball home to make it 3-1. There was no way back for Margate and it is the Cannons who go through to the next round and await to hear who their opponents will be in Round Two.

 

Hythe have more Cup action on Saturday (25^th August 2018) as they entertain Worthing United in the Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round. Kick-off is 3pm.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Jack Negus, Aziz Lyoubi, Mitchell Chapman, Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer, Charlie Owen (Kieron Campbell 58 mins), Junior Aikhionbare, Nigel Neita (Zak Ansah 67 mins), Josh Stirman (Charlie Webster 58 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Nigel Neita 13 mins, Ryan Palmer 78 mins, Zak Ansah 84 mins. Margate- Aristride Baselle 20 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 162

Hythe Town 3 East Grinstead Town 0

Bostik League South-East

Saturday 18^th August 2018

 

Hythe Town deservedly took all three points in a 3-0 win against East Grinstead Town on Saturday afternoon as a stunning first half hat-trick from Zak Ansah blew the visitors away. 

 

Hythe soon took control of the game and after six minutes a Jack Sammoutis corner saw Ansah have a shot blocked and when it came back to Nigel Neita, he fired wide. Ansah opened the scoring after only seven minutes as Nieta pushed the ball onto the Hythe talisman who stroked the ball home. East Grinstead had to wait until the ninth minute for their first attack when a long range effort from Michael Wilson sailed over the bar. However it was the hosts who continued to threaten as a Sammoutis free kick from the edge of the area drifted over the bar.

 

Sammoutis was in the action again as his deep corner found Mitchell Dickenson on the far but the defenders header was cleared off the line. However on seventeen minutes, Hythe went further ahead as a Campbell shot was met by Ansah who redirected the ball with his head into the net and made it two-nil. Former Hythe striker Sid Sollis broke and played the ball in with it finally ending up with another ex-Cannon Callum Emptage who could not get his attempt away.  

 

A mix up in the home defence left Anthony Everett with an open goal but he spooned the ball over the bar and then on 25 minutes Emptage had another effort that this time went over the bar.  The game was as good as over after 33 minutes as Ansah completed his hat-trick. A clearance from Mitchell Dickenson went straight into the path of Ansah who ran on and placed his shot neatly and calmly into the corner of the net to make it 3-0. 

 

Hythe seemed to take their foot off the pedal at the start of the second half. The first fifteen minutes of the second period saw few chances with both team threatening but not creating any meaningful opportunities. On 66 minutes Sollis was unlucky not to narrow the gap as he unleashed a shot from 25 yards that slammed against the top of the cross bar and over and then Everett forced Hythe keeper George Kamurasi to block well.

 

At this stage the visitors looked the more likely to score as Sollis fired wide but on 77 minutes Ansah, at the other end, broke through but his attempt was blocked. The ball came out to Kieron Campbell who forced a save from East Grinstead keeper Sheikh Cassay. There was one more chance for the Wasps as a long range effort from 30 yards by Karn Miller-Neave drifted wide. Throughout the game the Hythe back four stayed firm to prevent any damage giving the Cannons a firm foundation.  

 

Hythe in the end were comfortable winners and move up to eighth place with a Kent Senior Cup tie at home to Margate on Tuesday evening with 7:45pm kick-off.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Aziz Lyoubi, Chris Kinnear (Mitchell Chapman 72 mins), Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Charlie Webster, Nigel Neita, Zak Ansah (Charlie Owen 90 mins), Jack Sammoutis (Josh Stirman 45 mins), Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Zak Ansah 7, 17, & 33 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 233

Ashford United 3 Hythe Town 1

Bostik League South East

Saturday 11^th August 2018

 

The season started poorly for Cannons with as they were deservedly beaten 3-1 at Ashford United on Saturday afternoon.

 

Ashford were first to create an opportunity on three minutes as the busy Ambrose Gnahore had an early shot from the left that sailed over the top. However it was the Cannons that settled the quicker and were ahead on six minutes as a long ball from Mitchell Chapman found Zak Ansah in the penalty area. Ansah and Kieron Campbell had a couple of attempts before the ball came out to Charlie Webster who slotted home.

 

However it was the “Nuts and Bolts” who began to take control of the game as Gnahore crossed to Lanre Azeez but he couldn’t get an effort in from a dangerous position. The hosts drew level on 32 minutes when Harry Ottaway pounced on confusion in the Hythe defence. The ball was played in to Azeez who tapped the ball home from close range. The pressure on the Cannons continued as Gnahore sent a shot again over the bar and then former Hythe midfielder Jordan Johnson-Palmer played the ball into Ollie Rowe who pulled his attempt wide.

 

Two efforts followed involving Azez who twice fed the ball into Ottaway who firstly pushed the ball the wrong side of the upright and then looped his effort into the arms of Hythe keeper, George Kamurasi. The Cannons did have one effort on the stroke of half-time as a Salvyn Kisitu corner nearly found Webster who was dispossessed in a dangerous position.

 

The second half began with Ashford continuing to look the more likely with Johnson-Palmer having a free-kick from the edge of the area cleared away for a corner. Ashford took the lead on 53 minutes as a mistake by Chapman saw Gnahore steal the ball and fire home. Hythe did then create some opportunities to get the equaliser with a Campbell free kick from 25 yards being deflected for a corner and then on the hour Jack Sammoutis had another free-kick from roughly the same place and this one sailed just over the cross bar.

 

Hythe were unlucky with a quarter of an hour to go when Campbell pushed a free kick into the path of Ansah whose shot ricocheted off the outside of the upright. However, Ashford’s Gnahore forced Kamurasi to push a rasping shot up into the air and then collected the ball at the second attempt. The hosts took the game out of the Cannons reach on 83 minutes as Sam Corne picked up the ball in the penalty area and fired home to make it 3-1.  Ansah was denied as he had a shot blocked in the last minute but the game was already gone.

 

The Cannons will need now to re-group before next Saturday’s home game against East Grinstead Town.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Aziz Lyoubi, Chris Kinnear, Nathan Daly, Mitchell Dickenson, Charlie Webster  (Josh Stirman 81 mins), Mitchell Chapman (Nigel Nieta 59 mins), Zak Ansah, Jack Sammoutis, Kieron Campbell.   

 

Scorers: Ashford United - Lanre Azeez 32 mins, Ambrose Gnahore 56 mins, Sam Corne 83 mins). Hythe Town – Charlie Webster 6 mins.

 

Attendance 429.

Tilbury 1 Hythe Town 2

Pre-season Friendly

Saturday 4th August 2018 

 

 

Hythe Town had to work hard for their 2-1 win at a sweltering Tilbury on Saturday afternoon in a game that was an excellent test for the Cannons as they start their league season next week.

 

It was Hythe who were first to show and on six minutes Jack Sammoutis fed the ball out to Kieron Campbell coming in from the right but he side footed the ball over the bar.  The Dockers created their first effort on ten minutes as Toby Aromolaran surged through but he was closed down well by the advancing Hythe keeper George Kumarasi. However it was the Cannons who took the lead on twelve minutes as Zak Ansah fed the ball through to trialist Nigel Neita who curled the ball into the net.

 

The goal seemed to spark the hosts to go looking for an equaliser. Aromolaran, who was a thorn in Hythe’s side all afternoon, managed to get a shot away under pressure but his attempt went just over. On seventeen minutes, Tilbury were deservedly level as Joe Paxman put in a cross from the right.

 

His ball was played back and was eventually finished off by Siju Odelusi. Aromoloran was in the action again on 20 minutes as he hooked the ball over.

 

A long period followed as both sides felt each other out without creating any genuine chances. Just before the break Odelusi forced Kamurasi to come off his line and block and then right on the stroke of half time Sammoutis put in a deep cross from the right that ricocheted off Mitchell Dickenson and onto the base of the post.

 

Hythe looked the more likely early in the second half as Ansah had a shot blocked by two defenders and then Chris Kinnear drove the ball from 25 yards forcing a save from the home keeper. There was an opportunity for Tilbury as at the end of a melee in the Hythe penalty area the ball hit the post. A couple of chances followed for the Cannons as Campbell curled a shot wide and then Ansah got through but he also fired wide. As the game progressed it became a little tetchy in the sun. It was Hythe who finally sealed the game with five minutes to go. Sammoutis broke free and charged in slamming his attempt wide of the keeper and into the net.

 

There was one more effort for the hosts that went off target but it was the Cannons who edged the game and held on for their win. With pre-season now over Hythe can look forward to their first league fixture next Saturday as they travel to Ashford United.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Sylvan Kisitu, Aziz Lyoubi, Chris Kinnear, Ben Gorham, Mitchell Dickenson, Charlie Webster, Nigel Neita, Zak Ansah, Jack Sammoutis, Keiron Campbell. Subs: Ryan Palmer, Mitchell Chapman, Josh Stirman, Charlie Owen, Chris Arthur, Kane Phillip, Bola Danudee, Jack Negas, Junior Aikionbare.

 

Scorers: Tilbury - Siju Odelusi 17 mins. Hythe Town – Nigel Neita 12 mins, Jack Sammoutis 85 mins.

 

Attendance: 75

   

Romford 2 Hythe Town 1

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 28^th July 2018

 

The Cannons were pegged back as Bostik League North, Romford came from a goal behind to win 2-1 on a blustery afternoon in Essex on Saturday.

 

It was Hythe, who were with four key players away, started the brighter and created the first chance as Aziz Lyoubi played the ball through to Kane Phillip but the final strike went straight at the Romford keeper. The visitors continued to press as a dangerous Sylvan Kisitu corner was just out of the reach of Zak Ansah in the penalty area. Romford had to wait until the 16^th minute for their first threat as Greg Akpela fired an attempt around the post and then an opportunity saw a shot go just wide. On 28 minutes a strike from Romford forced Hythe keeper George Kamurasi to smother the ball but within a minute Hythe took the lead as Jack Sammoutis surged through the Romford defence to bury his final effort into the bottom corner of the net.

 

As the half entered its last ten minutes it was the hosts who looked the more likely. Kamurasi was forced into a good save but had no chance on 37 minutes as John Nzengo picked up the ball 25 yards out and unleashed a shot that gave the Hythe keeper no chance as it flew into the net. Romford took the lead on the stroke of half-time as Nzeng had a shot blocked by Kamurasi but Akpela followed up to plant the ball in the net.

 

The second half started with an early opportunity for Romford as they headed wide. Charlie Webster, who was outstanding all afternoon, was becoming more influential as firstly a neat move started with him as he threaded the ball to Ansah who fed Sammoutis whose attempt went wide and then he tried to loop the ball over the keeper but it landed on top of the cross-bar. Chances were coming at both ends as Kamurasi saved well and then with five minutes remaining a neat interchange as Hythe attacked ended with Ansah lofting the final ball over the bar.

 

As the game progressed into injury time Kamurasi was on hand to block a shot and then at the other end Webster was unlucky not to equalise as he rifled an effort against the underside of the bar and away. One more effort from Hythe saw Lyoubi shoot over.

 

It was a good test for the Cannons against a side at the same level and will give manager Sam Denly some pointers to any adjustments that need to be made before the season proper kicks off in two weeks-time at Ashford United. In the meantime Hythe travel back to Essex next Saturday as they visit Bostik North,Tilbury, in their final pre-season fixture.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Sylvan Kisitu, Aziz Lyoubi, Charlie Owen, Ben Gorham, Mitchell Dickenson, Josh Stirman, Charlie Webster, Zak Ansah, Jack Sammoutis, Kane Phillip. Subs Used: Michell Chapman, Michael Turner, Chris Arthur.

 

Scorers: Romford-John Nzengo 37 mins, Greg Akpela 45 mins. Hythe Town-Jack Sammoutis 29 mins.

 

 

Attendance: Approx 55 

Hythe Town 1 Canterbury City 3

Pre-Season Friendly

Tuesday 24th July 2018

 

The Cannons were “brought down to earth with a bang” on Tuesday evening as they met a well organised Canterbury City who deservedly won 3-1 at a very warm Reachfields.

 

Hythe started brightly as a neat interchange on four minutes ended with Zak Ansah shooting over the target. However it was Canterbury who began to take the initiative as James Turner turned and shot but his close range attempt was blocked by Hythe keeper Tommy Taylor. Canterbury were ahead on 14 minutes as former Hythe midfielder Dave Pilcher unleashed a shot from 20 yards that flew into the top corner giving Taylor no chance.

 

With Canterbury without usual keeper Jack Delo, stand-in Tom Benham had an excellent evening as he saved at full stretch from Ansah after he received the ball from Ryan Palmer. Kieron Campbell was then denied by Canterbury’s defence, well marshalled by ex Hythe favourite Laurence Harvey and Gary Sayer, as he had a shot deflected away for a corner. On 29 minutes the visitors should have been two ahead as a mix-up in the Hythe defence ended with a shot from Rob Lawrence, who was clear, directed straight at Taylor.

 

Jack Sammoutis did threaten for the Cannons but he shot straight at Benham and then at the other end Turner looped the ball onto the top of the Hythe cross bar. Benham was then to deny Sammoutis before Canterbury went further ahead on 39 minutes as a Turner corner was met by Harvey who slammed his header into the net.

 

There was further woe for the hosts eight minutes into the second half as Josh Froggatt picked up a loose ball and fired an excellent shot into the Hythe net. With the game now almost out of reach for the Cannons they did improve with two chances in quick succession for Ansah. He firstly broke in from the right but curled his attempt the wrong side of the upright and then he turned and lifted the ball over the bar. Chances were coming and going for Hythe as Sammoutis forced a save from Benham with the follow up being headed against the post by Mitchell Chapman.

 

The Canterbury defence remained solid as Benham was forced into another fine reaction save as Charlie Webster headed towards goal. The hosts were to get a consolation on 81 minutes as defender Mitchell Dickenson met a corner and headed home to narrow the deficit. There were two more chances to narrow the gap as Dickenson landed a shot over the bar and then Ansah fed the ball to Charlie Owen whose attempt went wide.

 

It had been a “rude awakening” for Hythe following the excellent win the previous Saturday but his game will provide useful learning points as they move onto an away game at Romford on Saturday afternoon.

 

Team: Tommy Taylor, Michael Turner, Charlie Webster, Chris Kinnear, Mitchell Chapman, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer, Junior Aikhionbare, Zak Ansah, Jack Sammoutis, Keiron Campbell. Subs: Ben Gorham, Salvyn Kisitu, Josh Stirman, Charlie Owen, Kane Phillip, Aziz Lyoubi, Jack Negas.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Mitchell Dickenson 81 mins. Canterbury City-Dave Pilcher 14 mins, Laurence Harvey 39 mins, Josh Froggatt 53 mins.

 

 

Attendance 141. 

Hythe Town 8 Crawley Down Gatwick 0

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 21^st July 2018

 

Hythe Town started like an express train as they stormed to 6-0 half-time lead and then added two goals in the second period as they won 8-0 at home to Southern Combination Premier Division, Crawley Down Gatwick at a scorching Reachfields on Saturday afternoon.

 

The early stages of the game saw Hythe straight into top gear as on three minutes Ryan Palmer, who tormented the Crawley Down defence throughout, side footed the ball towards the goal but couldn’t bundle the ball into the net. On eight minutes Zak Ansah picked up the ball 25 yards out and sent a shot just wide. Palmer was in the action again as he threaded the ball through to Ansah who moved in and lifted the ball just over the bar.  The inevitable happened on a quarter of an hour as the Cannons took the lead with Ansah playing the ball back to Charlie Webster who slammed home from the middle of the penalty area.

 

It was all now one way traffic as the hosts attacked in waves. Palmer got the ball through to Jack Sammoutis whose final attempt was blocked well by Crawley Down keeper Andy Greaves who saved from a follow up effort from Ansah. The visitors had to wait until the 23^rd minute before creating their first meaningful effort as a Billy Wraight cross found Michael Ball but his attempt was deflected over. However Hythe were deservedly two ahead on 24 minutes as Palmer played across to Ansah who calmly collected the ball and sent his effort into the far side of the net.  This kicked off an avalanche as Aziz Lyoubi fed the ball into Ansah on 27 minutes. Hythe’s prolific striker placed his shot to perfection just out on the grasp of Greaves and into the net.

 

On a half an hour Hythe went further ahead as Sammoutis got the ball over to Kieron Campbell who curled his shot into the corner of the goal. There was a Crawley Down threat on 31 minutes as Lewis Croal sent a shot straight at Hythe keeper George Kamurasi. However the visitors pain continued on 32  minutes as Salvyn Kisitu picked up a loose ball and found Ansah who side-footed the ball home to complete his hat-trick. On 38 minutes it was six as Palmer fed Sammoutis who buried the ball in the back of the net. With a minute until the break, Crawley Down had their best opportunity of the half as George Wallis fed the ball through to Sonny Barton who attempted to lob Kamurasi but the big keeper stretched to tip the ball over the bar.   

 

Fair play to the Southern Combination Premier League visitors, they never gave up and started brightly in the second half. Two shots followed in quick succession as firstly Sam Cane and Barton shot straight at Kamurasi. At the other end Sammoutis worked his way in from the left to force Greaves to save. Cane threatened again for Crawley Down as he pounced on error by Mitchell Chapman but did not test Kamusari. Eventually the Cannons added a seventh on 77 minutes as Palmer put in a cross that was met by the diving Webster whose bullet header flew into the net.

 

On 79 minutes Michael Turner skilfully found Charlie Owen whose attempt was blocked and then with nine minutes to go a determined run ended with a sublime chip from Webster that completed the midfielder’s hat-trick put the icing on the cake for the Cannons in an 8-0 win.

 

It was an encouraging performance that produced more optimism for the season ahead. Hythe have another pre-season friendly on Tuesday evening (24^th July 2018) as they entertain Southern Counties East, Canterbury City - Kick-off at Reachfields is 7:45pm.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Aziz Lyoubi, Chris Kinnear, Ben Gorham, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer, Charlie Webster, Zak Ansah, Jack Sammoutis, Kieron Campbell.  Subs all used: Mitchell Chapman, Chris Arthur, Kane Phillip, Josh Stirman, Charlie Owen, Jack Negus, Michael Turner, Jude Harding, Arthur Pickering

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Charlie Webster 15 71 & 81 mins, Zak Ansah 24 27 & 32 mins, Kieron Campbell 30 mins, Jack Sammoutis 38 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 129

 

Lydd Town 0 Hythe Town 4

Pre-Season Friendly

Tuesday 17th July 2018

 

Following two tough home games against Dover Athletic and Dorking Wanderers the Cannons eased up a little with a short trip across the Marsh to meet Southern Counties East side Lydd Town who play two levels below Hythe in football's pyramid. 

 

Lydd had at least two recognisable faces in their line up in old Reachfields favourite Sam Marsh and young Harry Carr and although Hythe understandably dominated a lively first half they were also guilty of over-playing their attacks and often over-hitting their passes and crosses. That said the Marsh side more than played their part in the game by closing down many flowing attacks and defending in numbers as Ryan Palmer and Salvyn Kisitu threatened from the flanks and Kane Phillip and Josh Stirman made strong forward runs supported by a focused Charlie Webster from deep. 

 

Hythe had to settle for just Junior Aikhionbare's 17th minute tap-in goal but with many of the "big-guns" sitting on the bench, the sizeable away support awaited the second period with some optimism.

 

Sure enough Kieron Campbell soon became the main threat from the left supported by Jack Sammoutis and the prolific Zak Ansah and with Palmer continuing to figure strongly from the right Hythe were looking the part at last.  As the half progressed though chances continued to be wasted and the home side's huge effort looked like it might be rewarded with a shock equaliser. Sammoutis and Ansah were both denied by either the home keeper or by some occasionally dubious off-side calls whilst others fired high and wide rather than composing themselves.

 

Then with ten minutes to go suddenly it seemed to dawn on some that there really was no need to be trying to break the goal netting and Sammoutis made space for himself at the edge of the area and fired home a well-placed ground shot to put the result beyond doubt. 

 

With a tiring home side visibly wilting a poor challenge led to a free kick from Campbell going in off a post and at the death a clinical Ansah danced clear to round the keeper and place the ball into an empty goal.

 

All in all a good workout for both sides at a venue that has been impressively improved in the last couple of years. With both sides looking for promotion into their successive Premier divisions it could well be that each will be having an exciting time come next Spring. 

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kisitu, Charlie Webster, Marcel Lallas Mitchell Chapman, Ben Gorham Ryan Palmer, Charlie Owen, Junior Aikionbare, Josh Stirman, Kane Phillip. Subs used: Kieron Campbell, Aziz Lyoubi, Chris  Kinnear, Jack Sammoutis, Mitchell Dickenson, Jack Negus, Zak Ansah.

 

Scorers: Junior Aikhionbare 16 mins, Jack Sammoutis 80 mins, Kieron Campbell 89 mins, Zak Ansah 90 mins.

 

Attendance: 70 

Hythe Town 1-1 Dorking Wanderers 

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 14^th July 2018

 

Hythe Town continued their pre-season programme as they drew 1-1 with Bostik Premier, Dorking Wanderers, at a sultry Reachfields on Saturday afternoon.

 

The visitors were first to attack after six minutes as Sam Beard played the ball into Luke Moore but he spooned the ball over the bar. However it was the Cannons who looked the more dangerous as after eleven minutes Kieron Campbell played the ball into Zak Ansah who passed back to Campbell whose final attempt went over the target. Mitchell Chapman then came into the action as he slotted the ball through to Jack Sammoutis whose attempt was side-footed into the side netting.

 

Campbell and Ansah teamed up again as the former played the ball into Hythe’s prolific striker with it ending up with Josh Stirman whose final attempt was blocked by Dorking keeper Huk Slavomir. Hythe finally took a deserved lead on sixteen minutes as Sammoutis had a couple of attempts blocked before the ball fell to Ansah who finished off from close range.

 

Dorking were creating the odd opportunity during the rest of the half as a Moore corner was spooned over by James McShane. Ansah then cut in from the left but his effort was blocked. As the half progressed Dorking began to look more threatening as Beard moved in and shot wide and then with four minutes until the break Niall McManus was denied by a great block from Hythe keeper George Kamurasi.  

 

The heat was definitely taking its toll with the second half providing less opportunities. On 50 minutes however the visitors really should have been level as the prolific striker Keiron Lavery wasted an opportunity from point blank range and then JJ O’Sullivan launched the ball over the bar. On 55 minutes Wanderers got their equaliser with Tom Tolfrey working himself free and placing the ball in the far corner.

 

Hythe had a couple of chances to retake the lead as firstly Junior Aikhionbare collected the ball and moved forward but drove just wide and then Charlie Webster found Ryan Palmer but Slavomir was quick to block. One more opportunity for the visitors with eleven minutes to go as Lavery crossed to Guiseppe Sole who headed over. The game petered out into a one all draw that was a fair reflection of the afternoon’s entertainment.

 

Hythe now look forward to their next pre-season game as they travel the short distance down to Lydd Town on Tuesday evening for a 7:45pm kick off.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Salvyn Kistiu, Aziz Lyoubi, Chris Kinnear, Mitchell Chapman, Mitchell Dickenson, Josh Stirman, Charlie Webster, Zak Ansah, Jack Sammoutis, Kieron Campbell. Subs Used Ryan Palmer, Junior Aikhionbare, Charlie Owen, Ben Gorham, Marcel Lalas, Emmanuel Ndaw, Kane Phiilip.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Zak Ansah 16 mins. Dorking Wanderers – Tom Tolfrey 55 mins.

 

Attendance 100

 

Hythe Town 0-1 Dover Athletic

Pre-Season Friendly

Monday 9^th July 2018

 

Hythe Town put up an impressive performance as they lost 1-0 to National League Dover Athletic at Reachfields on Monday evening.

 

It was the visitors who created the early chances when a trialist curled a free kick just wide after six minutes. Dover continued to press as Jamie Allen turned but his shot was blocked well by Chris Arthur and the ball went away for a corner. Another attack followed as Inih Effione stole the ball from Jack Sammoutis and moved in on Hythe keeper George Kamurasi but sent the final effort wide of the target. Despite the chances coming for Dover, Hythe continued to look impressive playing the ball well in midfield and looking defensively sound.

 

The chances however were falling at the other end. On 18 minutes Kamurasi saved well from Tobi Sha Silva and then saw a determined run by Allen as he weaved in but his final attempt went wide when it looked easier to hit the target and then a long range shot from another trialist went high over the bar. The impressive Kamurasi tipped the ball over from Effione and then he denied Effione again as he pushed the ball around the post from close range. On 41 minutes Hythe were unlucky not to take the lead as Kieron Campbell picked the ball and unleashed a curling shot that slammed against the upright.

 

The second period started in a similar pattern to the first as Aziz Lyoubi cleared the ball off the Hythe line from a close range Effione shot and soon after a melee in the Hythe penalty area saw a Kadell Daniel shot blocked and then Sho Silva had his attempt brilliantly saved by Kamurasi. Hythe then created a couple of good chances as Ryan Palmer played the ball into Zak Ansah but his effort was blocked and then Campbell moved onto the ball and struck the ball just wide of the target.

 

Finally the deadlock was broken on 62 minutes as Dover were awarded a free kick just outside the area and Daniel curled the ball into the corner of the net. Dover could have increased their lead three minutes later as Lou Fazakerly headed the ball into Kamurasi’s arms. The game then had a period of little goal mouth action until ten minutes from time when Kamurasi saved well from a trialist.  The Cannons did have one last gasp effort as deep injury time Palmer struck a long range shot that was parried away by the Dover keeper.  

 

It was a great work out for the Cannons and gives great encouragement for the season ahead. Hythe are back in action at Reachfields on Saturday afternoon in another pre-season friendly this time against Bostik Premier Dorking Wanderers with a 3pm kick off.

 

Team: George Kamurasi, Chris Arthur, Aziz Lyoubi, Chris Kinnear, Mitchell Chapman, Ben Gorham, Ryan Palmer, Junior Aikhionbare, Zak Ansah, Jack Sammoutis, Kieron Campbell.  Subs all used: Mitchell Dickenson, Kane Phillip, Salvyn Kisitu, Josh Stirman, James Nurden, Charlie Webster, Marcel Lalas, Charlie Owen.

 

Scorer: Dover Athletic Kadell Daniel 62 mins.

 

Attendance: 305