Match Reports 2023-2024

Three Bridges 8 Hythe Town 3

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Tuesday 9^th April 2024

 

The Cannons were eventually well beaten despite a breathtaking comeback in the second half as they went down 8-3 at play off chasing Three Bridges.

 

Stand in joint manager Frannie Collin made a number of enforced changes as Josh Vincent played his debut after coming on dual registration from Faversham Town. Also starting were Oscar Webb, Harry Rowland and Kai Garande. They replaced the injured Lex Allan and Jack Steventon, the unavailable Aaron Barnes and Josh Wisson who was on the bench.

 

The first half was a hang over from the Hythe’s weekend loss at Beckenham Town as the early stages were totally dominated by the hosts as the Hythe defence was tortured by former Cannon Noel Leighton. Liam Smith denied Leighton in the third minute with a great challenge and then Ibrahim Jalloh who caused havoc all evening forced a save at full stretch by Cannons keeper Steve Phillips

 

Three Bridges broke the deadlock on twelve minutes as a cross from Jalloh was poked home at the far post by Leighton. The visitors first attack on 33 minutes nearly produced a goal as Sam Itauma crossed from the right but was knocked just wide by Johan Caney-Bryan. However, the first sign of optimism was crushed as Three Bridges got a second on 36 minutes with a cross from Harvey Woollard finding the head of Leighton at the far post who nodded in from close range. Things got worse for Hythe on 40 minutes as Leighton headed his third, again on the far post and this time the cross came from Brannon O’Neill to complete the strikers first half hat trick.

 

One minute into stoppage time Jalloh was brought down in the penalty area and took the kick himself chipping the ball over Phillips.  The first half misery was complete five minutes into injury time as Nabeel Ghannam slotted home to make it five-nil at the break.

 

Whatever, Frannie Collin said at half time there was new life into the Cannons as on 48 minutes Bradley Schafer, out of nowhere unleased a shot from 25 yards that sailed into the net giving home keeper Leo Anderson no chance. They maintained the pressure and pulled another back on 54 minutes as Schafer burst through the Three Bridges defence and finished well to make it 2-5. The home defence was rocking with intense pressure coming from Hythe when two minutes later a cross from Jake Embery found Schafer at the far post who headed home. Was this going to be the great comeback?

 

But on 65 minutes a breakaway by the hosts saw Ghannam unleash a shot from distance that beat Phillips and found the net to make it 6-3. However, Hythe continued to threaten as an effort from Embery drifted wide and then a scissor kick by Schafer was blocked. On 73 minutes Jalloh got his second of the evening as he surged from his own half beating a number of defenders to finish well and make it 7-3.

 

Three Bridges who have now scored 92 goals this season were to get their eighth four minutes into injury time as Kevin Rivera fired home from 20 yards to make the score 8-3. On this performance it is going to be difficult to keep Three Bridges out of the play offs

 

The injury hit Cannons can take some comfort from the second half performance which they regained the spirit that has been sadly lacking in recent weeks. The scintillating hat-trick from Bradley Schafer in only nine minutes was the highlight for Hythe who now entertain Phoenix Sports this coming Saturday with the kick off at 3pm.  

 

Team: Steve Phillips, Sam Itauma (Josh Stirman 89 mins), Kai Garande, Harry Rowland, Liam Smith, Josh Vincent (Josh Wisson 14 mins), Bradley Schafer, Oscar Webb, Johan Caney-Bryan, Jake Embery, Lian Garlinge. Subs Unused: Jarred Trespaderne, Jack Steventon, Ethan Smith.

 

Scorers: Three Bridges - Noel Leighton 13, 36 & 41 mins, Ibrahim Jalloh 45+2 mins (pen) & 79 mins. Nabeel Ghannam 45+6 & 65 mins, Kevin Rivera 90'+4 mins. Hythe Town – Bradley Schafer 48 54 & 57 mins.

 

Yellow Cards: Liam Smith 45 + 4 mins, Oscar Webb 90 +4 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 110

Beckenham Town 5 Hythe Town 2

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 6^th April 2024

 

The Cannons put up a very poor performance on Saturday afternoon as they went down 5-2 at bottom of the table Beckenham Town making it six defeats on the spin.

 

Steve Watt, in what was to prove his last game in charge, recalled the now fit Steve Phillips, Aaron Barnes, who was unavailable over the Easter weekend, and Josh Wisson who was on the bench on Monday. They replaced Jarred Trepaderne, Harry Rowland and Sam Flisher.

 

It was Beckenham who started the brighter as after just two minutes Folarin Awoleke cut in and sent his attempt into the arms of Hythe keeper, Phillips. Hythe had their first effort on eight minutes as a Barnes cross was scooped over by Jake Embery. However, the Cannons were undone on twelve minutes as Louie Theophanous picked up the ball in the Hythe penalty area turning and firing past Phillips into the bottom of the net.

 

On 24 minutes Hythe had an opportunity to equalise as Johan Caney-Bryan created some room and attempted to lob home keeper Nick Blue but the ball bounced wide. A mistake by Phillips led to the second Beckenham goal as he cleared straight to Theophanous who took the ball in and neatly finished. The visitors should have got one back as a great cross from Sam Itauma was headed wide by Embery.

 

Hythe did get a goal back a minute before the break, giving the visiting supporters some hope, as Embery played the ball into the box and Barnes was on hand to back foot the ball over the line to make it 1-2.

 

The hope lasted only four minutes into the second half as the hosts regained their two-goal cushion as Theophanous got his hat trick as he fired the ball across the Hythe goal hitting the far post and going in. More poor defending led to Beckenham’s fourth on 65 minutes as Steven Townsend broke through the Hythe defence and slotted home. Beckenham were now playing with confidence and were unlucky when a melee in the penalty area ended when they were denied when their final effort was blocked. Finlay Roberts was to find the net on 75 minutes as he picked up the ball on the edge of the area to fire home to make it five.

 

Embery had another chance on 81 minutes when he found himself one on one with Nick Blue but he failed to beat the advancing keeper who blocked. There was one late consolation six minutes from time when Itauma again put in a difficult cross which was fired against a home hand in the penalty area. Up stepped Collin who blasted the ball into the roof of the net to make it 5-2.

 

It is difficult to see how a Hythe side who provided the supporters with some excellent performances earlier in the season seemed to lost their mojo. There is a chance to restore some pride on Tuesday evening when the Cannons go to Three Bridges. Kick off is 7:45pm.

 

Team: Steve Phillips, Aaron Barnes, Sam Itauma, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan (Harry Rowland 27 mins), Bradley Schafer, Josh Wisson, Johan Caney-Bryan (Kai Garande 80 mins), Jake Embery, Kian Garlinge (Frannie Collin 58 mins). Subs Unused: Josh Stirman, , Kane Phillip.

 

Scorers: Beckenham Town - Louie Theophanous 12, 26 & 49 mins, Steven Townsend 65 mins, Finley Roberts 75 mins. Hythe Town – Aaron Barnes 44 mins, Frannie Collin 84 mins (Pen).

 

Attendance: 180

Sheppey United 3 Hythe Town 0

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Monday 1^st April 2024

 

Hythe finished Monday afternoon on the end of a 3-0 defeat at Sheppey United meaning they have now lost the last five games on the spin.

 

With Aaron Barnes still unavailable and a number of injuries, manager Steve Watt brought back Bradley Schafer into the team following injury and Liam Smith returning from suspension. He also brought in Josh Stirman, Sam Flisher and Jarred Trespaderne into the starting line up replacing Kai Garande, Kane Phillip, Jake Embery and Frannie Collin who were all on the substitutes bench. Lex Allan was also out due to injury.

 

The game started positively for the Cannons as Bradley Schafer had a shot blocked well by the Sheppey defence with the ball going out for a throw in and then from the throw by Jack Steventon Kian Garlinge had an effort that was also blocked.

 

However, the hosts were soon to take the initiative as Danny Leonard who was ever dangerous, played the ball back to Connor Wilkins whose final effort went just wide and then Leonard himself worked his way into the penalty area, but he also sent his final attempt just the wrong side of the upright.

 

The pressure continued and on 29 minutes former Cannon Jerson Dos Santos broke free and unleashed a shot that gave Hythe keeper Lewis Briggs no chance as it buried in the corner of the net. Sheppey continued to press, and Leonard had a shot from 25 yards that went just over the bar and then Frankie Del Morgan fired just wide. Just before the break Schafer fired in with the ball being spilled by Sheppey goalkeeper and another ex-Cannon in Aidan Prall. Johan Caney-Bryan attempted to pounce on the loose ball, but the referee’s assistant was waving his flag for offside.

 

Early in the second half there were efforts from Garlinge and Schafer that were collected easily by Prall, but then on 55 minutes it was Sheppey who scored their second goal of the game as a cross into the Hythe penalty area found the head of Wilkins who made no mistake to make it 2-0.

 

Schafer, who was probably Hythe’s stand out player, had another opening that he sent over the bar, but it was still the hosts who looked the more dangerous and they affectively put the game out of the reach of the Cannons on 66 minutes as a corner found Dos Santos who headed home for his second and Sheppey’s third.

 

It could have been four as substitute James Taylor fired into the side netting. A couple of chances for Hythe followed as Kane Phillip headed wide from a Sam Itauma cross and then Jake Embery blasted over but it took a superb save from Briggs to save further blushes as Leonard cut in and shot forcing the Hythe keeper to twist to palm the ball wide.

 

It was a real disappointing performance from the Cannons in front of a bumper Bank Holiday crowd of 916. They need to regroup for next Saturday when they travel to bottom of table Beckenham Town. Kick off will be 3pm.

 

Team: Lewis Briggs, Sam Itauma, Sam Flisher, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Harry Rowland, Josh Stirman (Kane Phillip 43 mins), Kian Garlinge, Johan Caney-Bryan (Josh Wisson 74 mins), Bradley Schafer, Jarred Trespaderne (Jake Embery 12 mins) Subs Unused: Kai Garande, Steve Phillips.

 

Scorers: Sheppey United - Jerson Dos Santos 29 & 66 mins, Connor Wilkins

 

 

Attendance: 916

Hythe Town 0 Merstham 1

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 30^th March 2024

 

Hythe lost their fourth successive match as Merstham came away with a 1-0 win at Reachfields.

 

Manager Steve Watt made a trio of changes from the 3-1 defeat to Herne Bay, as Sam Flisher and the unavailable Liam Smith and Aaron Barnes were replaced by the returning Sam Itauma, along with Josh Wisson and Harry Rowland.

 

The visitors took just three minutes to score their goal, as a corner was headed powerfully into the back of the net by captain Dean Gunner. A quiet first half followed, as Hythe were unable to create anything until the 24th minute, when a Frannie Collin free-kick from 30 yards out floated onto the head of Jack Steventon, who glanced it over the bar from close range.

 

Hythe had another chance to level the scores on the brink of half-time when a melee in the box ended up with Frannie Collin getting a shot away, which deflected off a defender and away.

 

The second half began with an opportunity for Merstham when, six minutes in, Dean Gunner could've scored a second, getting a shot in which was just about blocked by Lewis Briggs. Four minutes later, the ball was given away by Jake Embery near the Hythe penalty area, but Lorenzo Lewis glanced his shot wide from a tight angle.

 

On 65 minutes, Hythe gave Lewis far too much space on the right, allowing him to go one-on-one with Lewis Briggs, who deflected the shot away. It wasn't until the 83rd minute that Hythe got their first opportunity of the second half, and it came from a cross from substitute Oscar Webb from the right-hand side, which Jack Steventon failed to control before it went into the path of Kane Phillip, who blasted it wide.

 

On 89 minutes, Merstham almost sealed the three points from a corner from Aaron Lamont, which once again found the head of Dean Gunner, but unlike the first goal, Gunner headed it over on this occasion. The Cannons really should've levelled the scores in stoppage time, as Sam Itauma squared the ball into Johan Caney-Bryan in the penalty area, who dragged the ball over the bar from close range.

 

Having won just one of their last seven games, Hythe will be hoping to put their bad run of form to bed on Easter Monday, as they travel to Sheppey United, with the match kicking off at 3pm.

 

Team: Lewis Briggs, Sam Itauma, Kai Garande, Jack Steventon, Lex Allan (Kane Phillip 36 mins), Harry Rowland, Josh Wisson (Josh Stirman 72 mins), Kian Garlinge, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery (Oscar Webb 58 mins). Subs Unused: Sam Flisher, Jarred Trespaderne.

 

Scorers: Merstham – Dean Gunner 3 mins.

 

Yellow Cars: Oscar Webb 69 mins, Kian Garlinge 90 mins.

 

Attendance: 270

Report by Tom Ellerby 

 

 

Hythe Town 1 Herne Bay 3

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Tuesday 26^th March 2024

 

Hythe were beaten in the rain by Herne Bay at Reachfields on Tuesday evening. Steve Watt made three changes from the 2-0 defeat to Cray Valley PM on Saturday, as Johan Caney-Bryan and Kai Garande returned to the side along with new goalkeeper Lewis Briggs, who came in for Jack West-Astuti, Kane Phillip and Marvin Hamilton.

 

The game began rather evenly - on eight minutes, Herne Bay had the first chance of the night as Sam Flisher gave the ball away to Michael Salako in the box, who sent in a shot which was deflected away by Lewis Briggs. Hythe's first opportunity came on 16 minutes, when Jake Embery picked up a loose ball in the box, which goalkeeper Harry Brooks had to slide in to clear.

 

However, it was the visitors who opened the scoring in the 34th minute, as Gil Carvalho played the ball to his right to Scott Heard on the overlap, who smashed it in. It was almost 1-1 five minutes later, when a long throw from the right resulted in a melee in the penalty area, which culminated with Jake Embery sending an ambitious overhead kick over the crossbar.

 

The second half began in Hythe's favour, as they took the lead six minutes in - Kian Garlinge played a one-two with Johan Caney-Bryan in the middle of the park, running onto it and squaring the ball to Kane Phillip, who hit a shot from a tight angle on the right past everyone and into the net to level the scores.

 

Hythe nearly took the lead a minute later when Harry Brooks came out of his goal to clear the ball away, but it fell to the feet of Kian Garlinge, who smashed a shot from 25 yards towards the open goal.

 

However, it bounced off the post and away before Brooks returned to his net. It was Herne Bay who scored next on 79 minutes, when a long ball forward started a counterattack, with Michael Salako receiving and playing it into the path of Gil Carvalho, who hit a tame shot into an open goal.

 

Hythe could've levelled it on 85 minutes, as a long throw went into the box and was met with a shot from Lex Allan from close range, which Harry Brooks deflected away with his face, meaning he needed some medical treatment.

 

Despite this, it was the visitors who scored again with a minute to go through Tom Hanfrey, who latched onto a ball across from the right, which Hythe had failed to clear, and put it into the net to seal the points.

 

The result sees Hythe drop down a place to ninth in the table, putting a seemingly irreparable dent in their play-off hopes. Hythe are back in action this Saturday as they return to Reachfields to face Merstham at 3pm.

 

Team: Lewis Briggs, Sam Flisher, Kai Garande, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith (Kane Phillip 45 mins), Lex Allan, Aaron Barnes, Kian Garlinge (Josh Wisson 85 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery. Sub unused: Jarred Trespaderne, Harry Rowland, Josh Stirman.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Kane Phillip 51 mins. Herne Bay - Scott Heard 34 mins, Gil Carvalho 79 mins, Tom Hanfrey 89 mins

 

Attendance: 175

 

Report by Tom Ellerby

Cray Valley PM 2 Hythe Town 0

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 23^rd March 2024

 

League leaders Cray Valley PM provided tough opposition for the Cannons on Saturday coming out as 2-0 winners despite Hythe’s defiant defending.

 

Manager Steve Watt made a number of changes with Kane Phillip, Kian Garlinge, Marvin Hamilton, Frannie Collin and Sam Flisher coming in for Josh Wisson, Troy Howard, Bradley Schafer, Kai Garande and Johan Caney-Bryan. Garande and Caney-Bryan were on the bench.

 

It was the hosts who had the first opportunity in the very first minute as a header from Arthur Lee rattled the crossbar. Then followed a spell where both sides battled hard but both teams failed to create an opening until 19 minutes as the impressive Clement Asiedu put in a dangerous cross that was superbly cleared away by Liam Smith before a Cray striker could get to it. The pressure from the hosts continued as a Danny Waldren header forced Hythe keeper Jack West-Astuti to make a great save.

 

The Cannons had to wait until the 23rd minute to have their first real attack as Frannie Collin spooned a free kick high over the bar. On the half hour Hythe had another opportunity as a Collin corner caused a scramble in the penalty area but the ball was cleared away.  Asiedu was in the action again as he broke in from the left but some great defending from Lex Allan forced the winger to skew his shot wide. The pressure continued as on the stroke of half time a shot by Mohammed Idris Oshilaya that was saved well by West-Astuti.

 

The Hythe defence had stood up to intense pressure during the first half but on 52 minutes the game got even harder for the Cannons as captain Liam Smith saw red as he was awarded a second yellow card as he brought down a Cray Valley player who had broken free. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot but Kyrell Lisbie sent his penalty kick high and wide of the target.

 

Hythe now had a mountain to climb to even get a point as Cray Valley laid siege. A cross by Calvin Ekpiteta was headed into the arms of West-Astuti. Both Lisbie and Waldren had efforts that went over the bar and Collin was forced to clear off the Hythe line. Ekpiteta sent in a cross which Lisbie should have done better as with the goal gaping he fired wide.

 

Just as it seemed that the Cannons might hold on, Cray Valley struck. A melee in the 79^th minute in the away penalty area saw the ball end up with Waldren who slammed the ball home. Then on 88 minutes the result was sealed as a cross from substitute Lyle Della-Verde was nodded in by Waldren to make it two.

 

West-Astuti made one save from Lisbie just before the end to save any more damage. Cray Valley now lead the table and look strong contenders for the title. Hythe, meanwhile, remain in eighth place with their play off hopes dented. They now have a “must win” game on Tuesday evening when they entertain Herne Bay with the kick off at Reachfields at 7:45pm.

 

Team: Jack West-Astuti, Aaron Barnes, Sam Flisher, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Jake Embery (Jarred Trespaderne 71 mins) , Marvin Hamilton, Kane Phillip (Kai Garande 55 mins), Frannie Collin, Kian Garlinge (Johan Caney-Bryan 54 mins). Subs Unused: Josh Stirman, Oscar Webb.

 

Scorers: Cray Valley PM – Danny Waldren 79 & 88 mins

 

Cards: Yellow – Liam Smith 27 mins, Lex Allan 58 mins, Sam Flisher 75 mins. Red – Liam Smith 52 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 226

Hythe Town 1 Beckenham Town 2

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Thursday 21^st March 2024

 

An abject Hythe Town were beaten by table-bottomers Beckenham Town on Thursday evening at Reachfields. Steve Watt made three changes from Tuesday night's win over East Grinstead Town, as Jarred Trespaderne, Josh Stirman and Frannie Collin made way for Jake Embery, Kai Garande and Josh Wisson.

 

Despite Hythe's lengthy run of matches preceding this one, they seemed rather energetic at the beginning of the match and got the better start. After 6 minutes, a fine example of a training-ground move was demonstrated, as a Josh Wisson free-kick was played shirt to Troy Howard, who crossed the ball in to Liam Smith, which was knocked over the bar. There was a flurry of corners a few minutes later - the best opportunity to come from them was taken by Troy Howard, crossing it into Liam Smith, who once again put it over the bar.

 

However, another corner on 16 minutes was nodded on by Josh Wisson, with goalkeeper Nick Blue tipping it over the bar. The game began to level out following this - the next major opportunity didn't come until 40 minutes, when Beckenham had their first chance through Finley Roberts, who broke free on the counterattack and beat Kai Garande to get one-on-one with Jack West-Astuti, who grabbed the ball from his feet. However, the Cannons weren't so lucky in stoppage time, as a long ball forward wasn't dealt with by the defence, allowing Jeremiah Frimpong to run through and slot it into the net to make it 1-0 at half-time.

 

The second half began in a worse fashion - whenever Hythe had possession, they were unable to keep it long enough to create anything meaningful. On the hour mark, a corner was played backward by Jake Embery to Kian Garlinge, whose shot from just outside the box was saved by a diving Nick Blue.

 

Beckenham almost made it 2-0 with eleven minutes to go, when Jeremiah Frimpong had another chance on the break, again beating Kai Garande and again sending a shot goalwards - this time, Jack West-Astuti managed to beat it away. Hythe had a stroke of luck on 85 minutes, as Johan Caney-Bryan slipped a ball to Kane Phillip, who managed to lash a first-time shot goalwards, which was palmed away by the keeper. Another stroke of luck led to Hythe winning a penalty - a ball into the box was handled by Nathan Paul, with Frannie Collin stepping up and hammering his spot-kick to the keeper's right to level the scores and give the Hythe fans some hope.

 

Immediately after the kick-off, the ball was played forward, and Folarin Awoleke sent in a shot which was narrowly saved by Jack West-Astuti. However, Hythe's hope was short-lived, as a free-kick on 90 minutes was put past a motionless West-Astuti into the top-right corner to give Beckenham all three points.

 

It was a good result for the visitors, who draw one step closer to those outside the relegation zone. However, for Hythe, it was a frustrating and bitterly disappointing performance which sees them remain in eighth, ten points outside the play-offs. Hythe are back in action at 3pm on Saturday afternoon as they travel to league leaders Cray Valley PM.

 

Team: Jack West-Astuti, Liam Smith, Kai Garande, Jack Steventon, Lex Allan, Josh Wisson (Frannie Collin 69 mins), Troy Howard, Bradley Schafer (Kian Garlinge 43 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan, Jake Embery (Kane Phillip 68 mins), Aaron Barnes. Subs Unused: Josh Stirman, Sam Flisher.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Frannie Collin 87 mins (pen). Beckenham Town - Jeremiah Frimpong 45'+3 mins. Finley Roberts 90 mins.

 

Yellow Cards: Bradley Schafer 29 mins, Johan Caney-Bryan 33 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 176

 

Report by Tom Ellerby

East Grinstead Town 2 Hythe Town 3

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Tuesday 19^th March 2024

 

The Cannons twice came from behind to gain all three points in a 3-2 win at East Grinstead Town on a dry and mild Tuesday evening.

 

Manager, Steve Watt, decided to make some alterations to his starting line-up due to the additional game coming up this Thursday. In came Josh Stirman, Jarred Trespaderne and Troy Howard replacing Kai Garande, Jake Embery and Josh Wisson who were all on the bench.

 

Hythe were first on the attack as a first minute melee in the East Grinstead penalty area ended with Johan Caney-Bryan lifting a shot over the bar. However, it was the hosts who took the lead on eight minutes with their first attack of the game. The ball was fed from the left-hand side finding Matthew Daniel who side footed home. However, their lead only lasted six minutes as a trademark Jack Steventon long throw eventually found its way to Aaron Barnes who calmly tapped in at the far post.

 

The pressure was building on the home defence as a Troy Howard strike stung the hands of East Grinstead keeper Matte Pierson and then Lex Allan blasted over from a corner by Frannie Collin. There were still some chances falling for the hosts as a neat move ended with Daniel firing across the Hythe goal and past the far post. With a minute to go in the half Caney-Bryan rattled the home crossbar with the ball coming out to Bradley Schafer who was denied by a great save from Pierson.

 

The early part of the second period saw the Cannons on the attack and perhaps Schafer should have done better as he took his time to find a shooting opportunity with his final attempt blocked. Caney-Bryan then forced Pierson to punch the ball away. However, as the half progressed East Grinstead were still getting some chances as Connor Tighe sent a shot wide from 25 yards out.

 

Then on 66 minutes, East Grinstead regained the lead as the ball was fired into the Hythe penalty area finding the hand of a defender and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Kiye Martin who sent Hythe keeper Jack West-Astuti the wrong way and it was 2-1 to the hosts. Again, that lead did not last too long as another throw from Steventon this time found Allan who back headed the ball into the East Grinstead net.

 

Then came a controversial moment that could have impacted the game as an East Grinstead striker broke free but was eventually intercepted by Howard with screams from the home supporters for a free kick that could have led to a red card for the Hythe midfielder but the referee who was close to the incident waved away the appeals. Hythe were then to have an opportunity as a Collin free kick from the right-hand side of the box found Allan who headed just over and then right on ninety minutes the Cannons got the winner. Barnes charged down the left-hand flank before crossing over to the far post where Howard was on hand to finish and make it 3-2.

 

The visitors hung on in six minutes of added time to bring all three points back to Reachfields. The win takes Hythe up to eighth place with still a number of games in hand. The next game comes on Thursday night when the Cannons host Beckenham Town in the league. Kick off is 7:45pm.

 

Team: Jack West-Astuti, Liam Smith, Josh Stirman (Kai Garande 66 mins), Jack Steventon, Lex Allan, Jarred Trespaderne (Jake Embery 74 mins), Troy Howard (Josh Wisson 90+1 mins), Bradley Schafer, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Aaron Barnes. Subs Unused: Kane Phillip, Sam Flisher.

 

Scorers: East Grinstead Town - Matthew Daniel 8 mins, Kiye Martin 66 mins (pen). Hythe Town - Aaron Barnes 14 mins, Lex Allan 75 mins, Troy Howard 90 mins.

 

Yellow Cards: Liam Smith 61 mins, Josh Wisson 90+3 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 78

Hythe Town 1 Three Bridges 1

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 16^th March 2024

 

It was a point-a-piece on Saturday afternoon at Reachfields, as Hythe drew 1-1 with Three Bridges. Steve Watt made just one change from the 4-0 defeat against Horndean, as Kane Phillip was replaced by Kai Garande.

 

The first chance of the match went Hythe's way in the twelfth minute, as a long throw-in from the right-hand side by Jack Steventon was headed backwards by ex-Hythe striker Noel Leighton, which keeper Finlay Westen had to jump to catch. However, it was the visitors who broke the deadlock on 22 minutes, when Nabeel Ghannam darted past the Hythe defence and placed a shot into the corner of the net past Jack West-Astuti.

 

Hythe had an opportunity to level the scores on the half-hour mark, as Frannie Collin whipped a curling shot from outside the box just past the keeper's right-hand post. Collin almost turned into the provider ten minutes later, as his free kick was headed on by Josh Wisson, and was narrowly tipped over by Finlay Westen. Hythe had their closest chance of the half in stoppage time, when Jake Embery's shot at goal was saved, and the rebound went to Wisson once again, who managed to deflect the ball off the crossbar before it was dealt with by the Three Bridges backline.

 

The second half began evenly - Hythe did have a slight edge, but their build-up play was unfortunately cancelled out in the final third.

 

On 77 minutes, a melee in the Three Bridges penalty area almost resulted in a goal, but in 83 minutes, Jack West-Astuti had to dive to catch a bullet header by Billy Irving from a Three Bridges corner.

 

Fortunately for Hythe, they were able to draw level with just three minutes remaining of normal time, when Lex Allan's shot resulted in a handball by an opposition defender.

 

Frannie Collin stepped up and calmly slotted the ball into the keeper's left to make it 1-1. Despite this, it was the visitors who came closest to scoring the winner - in stoppage time, Noel Leighton hit a shot which was narrowly caught between the legs of Jack West-Astuti to secure a point for Hythe.

Overall, the result was a fair one, and Hythe now face the prospect of three games in the space of five days, starting with a trip to East Grinstead Town on Tuesday evening, before they face Beckenham Town at Reachfields on Thursday, with the match kicking off at 7:45pm.

 

Team: Jack West-Astuti, Liam Smith, Kai Garande (Kane Phillip 81 mins), Jack Steventon, Lex Allan, Josh Wisson, Aaron Barnes, Bradley Schafer, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery (Josh Stirman 90 mins).  Subs Unused: Jarred Trespaderne, Sam Flisher, Oscar Webb,

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Frannie Collin 87 mins (pen). Three Bridges - Nabeel Ghannan 22 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 178

 

Report by Tom Ellerby

Hythe Town 0 Horndean 4

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 9^th March 2024

 

It was a dreadful afternoon at Reachfields on Saturday, as Hythe were thrashed 4-0 by Horndean. Returning manager Steve Watt made two changes from the 2-1 victory away at Herne Bay last Saturday, as Kane Phillip and Brad Schafer replaced Kai Garande and the injured Ethan Smith.

 

The game got off to the worst possible start, as a ball in from the right by Freddie Chester was tipped away by Jack West-Astuti, with Connor Duffin meeting it with a diving header on the rebound, which flew into an empty net. It wasn't long until Horndean scored their second on 12 minutes, as Chester once again sent a ball in, this time from a tricky angle in the box on the left, which was slammed home by Zack Willett. It was almost 3-0 on 26 minutes, as Connor Duffin blasted a shot over the crossbar.

 

Hythe had a good chance to get themselves back into the game in the 41st minute - Brad Schafer received a long ball and rifled it towards goal, before Cameron Scott made the save, which found Jake Embery on the rebound, who hit his shot from a tight angle, which was just about cleared off the line by a defender. Despite this, the visitors made it three in injury time through Zack Willett, who found himself with all the space in the world on the right-hand side on the counterattack, sending the ball goalwards. Jack West-Astuti appeared to have made contact with the ball but was unable to keep it out, meaning it was 3-0 at the break.

 

Nothing seemed to have changed in the second half, and Horndean were able to score their fourth 17 minutes in, as the Hythe defence switched off, allowing Zack Willett to score his hat-trick. Hythe did have a good opportunity to score a consolation in the 75th minute, when Brad Schafer's cross was knocked onto the bar by Johan Caney-Bryan - the ball fell to Aaron Barnes on the rebound, but he was unable to get the ball out of his feet in a congested penalty area, with it eventually being cleared.

 

Having made all three substitutions, Hythe were reduced to ten men with five minutes remaining of the second half, when Kian Garlinge went down and was unable to continue. However, this did not affect the result, and Hythe slumped to their heaviest home defeat of the season. Steve Watt will be looking for his side to bounce back on Tuesday night as they entertain Beckenham Town, who sit at the bottom of the league, at Reachfields at 7:45pm.

 

Match report by Tom Ellerby

 

Team: Jack West-Astuti, Liam Smith, Aaron Barnes, Jack Steventon, Lex Allan, Josh Wisson, Kane Phillip, Bradley Schafer, Johan Caney-Bryan (Josh Stirman 78 mins), Frannie Collin (Kian Garlinge 70 mins), Jake Embery (Kai Garande 64 mins). Subs Unused: Sam Flisher, Oscar Webb.

 

Scorers: Horndean – Connor Duffin 1 min, Zackery Willett 12, 45+3 & 62 mins.

 

Yellow Cards: Lex Allan 8 mins, Bradley Schafer 45 + 4 mins, Jack Steventon 73 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 210

Herne Bay 1 Hythe Town 2

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 2nd Mach 2024

 

Hythe came out on top away at Herne Bay on Saturday, winning 2-1 against nine men. Steve Watt was once again unable to attend the match but made just one change from the mid-week victory over Littlehampton Town, as Josh Wisson replaced the injured Kian Garlinge.

 

The game started well for the hosts as they took the lead after two minutes, when Scott Heard's cross found Kane Rowland, who tapped it in. Things appeared to be going from bad to worse when Ethan Smith went down injured and had to be replaced by the returning Brad Schafer, shortly before Vance Bola cut inside and slammed a shot wide into the advertising boards. Despite this, Hythe stayed in the game, and they were rewarded with an equaliser on the half-hour mark, as a Frannie Collin free-kick was nodded in by Josh Wisson from close range to level the scores.

 

The Cannons were then able to take the lead on the stroke of half-time, and it came from a set-piece again - Jack Steventon sent in a long throw-in from the right hand-side, which was flicked on by Liam Smith and knocked into the net by Aaron Barnes, much to the delight of the travelling Hythe fans.

 

The Cannons started the second half in the same fashion as they'd finished the first, having the majority of the chances but failing to trouble Harry Brooks in the Herne Bay goal. It was the hosts who had the first major opportunity of the half, as Kane Rowland hit a powerful shot at goal which Jack West-Astuti managed to catch. Hythe had the next chance, with Josh Wisson looking to score a second, taking a shot from range which flew narrowly past the post.

 

The bookings began to take their toll on Herne Bay midway through the half, and they had a man sent off when, on 69 minutes, Kane Rowland committed a foul on Jack West-Astuti, resulting in him getting a second yellow. On 82 minutes, when Brad Schafer was making a run towards goal, defender Liam Friend brought him down and picked up his second yellow card, resulting in Herne Bay being reduced to nine men. Despite the two-man advantage, Hythe were unable to capitalise, and it was the hosts who came closest to scoring on 87 minutes, as ex-Cannon Danny Walder hit a pin-point free-kick towards goal, which Jack West-Astuti managed to tip past his left-hand post to win the game for Hythe.

 

The full-time whistle blew to mark an important three points for Hythe, who moved up to 9th as a result. The Cannons are back in action on Tuesday night as they entertain 2nd placed side Cray Valley PM at Reachfields at 7:45pm.

 

Match report by Tom Ellerby

 

Team: Jack West-Asuti, Liam Smith, Kai Garande (Kane Phillip 69 mins), Jack Steventon, Lex Allan, Josh Wisson, Aaroin Barnes, Ethan Smith (Bradley Schafer 12 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery (Jarred Trespaderne 79 mins). Subs Unused: Josh Stirman, Steve Phillips. 

 

Scorers: Herne Bay - Kane Rowland 2 mins. Hythe Town - Josh Wisson 62 mins, Aaron Barnes 40 mins. 

 

Yellow Cards: Josh Wisson 62 mins, Johan Caney-Bryan 90+6 mins. 

 

Attendance: 536

Hythe Town 1 Littlehampton Town 0

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Tuesday 27^th February 2024

 

Hythe managed to cling on to a narrow lead and take three points at home to Littlehampton Town at Reachfields on Tuesday night. Manager Steve Watt, who was unable to attend the match, made five changes from the 7-2 defeat to Chatham Town in the Kent Senior Cup, as Jake Embery, Frannie Collin, Jack Steventon, Kai Garande and Kian Garlinge all returned to the starting eleven.

 

The game started in Hythe's favour as, in the eighth minute, Johan Caney-Bryan hit a powerful looping shot past the outstretched palm of goalkeeper James Binfield into the top corner, giving Hythe a 1-0 lead. On 23 minutes, a ball was played forward to Jake Embery on the counterattack, before it was squared to Ethan Smith, who burst forward past the Littlehampton defence and hurriedly sent a shot goalwards, dragging it just wide of the post. Chances were at a premium, particularly for the visitors, who struggled to get a foothold in the game. With just a minute of the first half remaining, Hythe almost made it two, as a Frannie Collin free kick was sent in and was headed on, with Jack Steventon sticking a foot out, but he was unable to direct the ball into the back of the net, as it flew wide.

 

The second half began with the visitors dominating and Hythe struggling to get the ball out of their own half. However, the first meaningful chance of the half went Hythe's way when the ball was up in the air in the penalty box. Frannie Collin attempted an ambitious overhead kick, which was eventually blocked and went out for a corner, which came to nothing. The half continued as it had started, with Littlehampton piling on the pressure but not managing to break past the Cannons' defence. It wasn't until injury time that Hythe had another chance to make it 2-0, when Josh Wisson pounced on a loose ball and drove a shot towards goal, which James Binfield managed to get a hand to and send wide. Despite this, the visitors managed to create their best opportunity of the game in the dying moments, as Binfield sent a long free kick into the path of Brad Dolaghan - his shot was met by the hand of Jack West-Astuti, who kept the ball from going in.

 

The full-time whistle blew to mark a much-needed three points for Hythe in their race for the play-offs. The Cannons will face a tough challenge on Saturday as they travel to 5th placed side Herne Bay at 3pm.

 

Team: Jack West-Astuti, Liam Smith, Kai Garande, Jack Steventon. Lex Allan, Ethan Smith, Aaron Barnes, Kian Garlinge (Josh Wisson 36 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery (Kane Phillip 86 mins). Subs Unused: Josh Stirman, Jarred Trespaderne.

 

Scorer: Hythe Town – Johan Caney-Bryan 8 mins.

 

Yellow Card: Ethan Smith 79 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 142

Chatham Town 7 Hythe Town 2

Kent Senior Cup Quarter-Final

Tuesday 20^th February 2024

 

A patched-up Hythe Town team were given a lesson in finishing as they went down 7-2 and were dumped out of the Kent Senior Cup by in-form Chatham Town on a mild Tuesday evening.

 

Steve Watt rested a number of players with Josh Wisson cup tied, Jack Steventon, Frannie Collin and Jake Embery on the bench and Bradley Schafer injured. He brought Josh Stirman and Harry Rowland into the starting line up with Kane Phillip and Ethan Smith returning from suspension. Chatham played a very strong side so things were going to be difficult for the visitors.

 

The first eleven minutes the Isthmian Premier League side bombarded the Hythe goal. On three minutes the taste of things to come as a cross from Miquel Scarlett was headed over by Jamie Yola. They were ahead on five minutes as Jack Evans broke through and slotted the ball past Hythe keeper Jack West-Astuti to make it 1-0. The onslaught continued and one minute later it was two as Jordy Robins unleashed a shot from 25 yards that sailed into the top corner of the net.

 

Things got even worse for Hythe on eleven minutes when Jamie Yila carved through the Hythe defence and buried the ball in the back of the net to make it three. To their credit the shell-shocked Cannons refused to lie down and pulled a goal back when the ever-dangerous Troy Howard broke through and fired home past home keeper Dan Ellis. This started a bright spell for Hythe as they looked to get back in the game. Aaron Barnes was to unleash a shot that at full stretch was palmed wide by Ellis and then Howard stole the ball off a Chatham defender but drilled his effort wide.

 

The continued pressure from Hythe paid off on 31 minutes when Aaron Barnes was brought down in the penalty area. Up stepped Johan Caney-Bryan who sent Ellis the wrong way and the gap was down to one. Howard could have brought the scores level, but his attempt was easily saved by Ellis.

 

Then came the two goals before half time that knock the stuffing out of Hythe as firstly on 38 minutes the away defence failed to clear the ball and Kareem Isiaka was quick to take advantage and hammered the ball home. On the stroke of half time Chatham got their fifth when the ball bounced around the Hythe penalty area finally ending with Reece Butler hooking home to make it 5-2.

 

The second half was quieter but started badly for Hythe as on 48 minutes West-Astuti let the ball under his body from a shot from Yila to make it six. Chatham continued to control the game and had a penalty appeal turned down by the referee and then Ashley Nzala got the ball in the net only to see the referee’s assistant waving his flag for offside.

 

Howard did have an opportunity to get one back for the Cannons, but his effort went just over the bar. The hosts were to rub salt in the Cannons wound in the last minute when the ball found its way to Nzala who thread a shot past West-Astuti to make it 7-2.

 

The result marked the end of Hythe’s Cup season in which they have had their share of success, so it was a little disappointing to finish with such a heavy defeat. As the cliché goes, they can now concentrate on their push for the play-offs beginning on Saturday when they entertain Sittingbourne. Kick off at Reachfields will be 3pm.

 

Team: Jack West-Astuti, Liam Smith (Jack Steventon 80 mins), Josh Stirman (Oscar Webb 76 mins), Jarred Trespaderne, Lex Allan, Harry Rowland, Troy Howard, Ethan Smith, Johan Caney-Bryan (Luke Russell 53 mins), Aaron Barnes, Kane Phillip. Subs Unused: Jake Embery, Frannie Collin.

 

Scorers: Chatham Town - Jack Evans 5 mins, Jordy Robins 6 mins, Jamie Yila 12 & 48 mins, Kareem Isiaka 38 mins, Reece Butler 45 mins, Ashley Nzala 90 mins. Hythe Town – Troy Howard 13 mins, Johan Caney-Bryan 31 min (pen).

 

Yellow Cards: Lex Allan 44 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 302

Burgess Hill Town 1 Hythe Town 2

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 17^th February 2024

 

Two late goals gave the Cannons three points in a 2-1 win on Saturday afternoon at Burgess Hill Town. This was despite being defied many times by the excellent performance of Burgess Hill Town keeper Taylor Seymour who denied Hythe a number of goals earlier in the game.

 

Steve Watt made a couple of changes from the team who played at Littlehampton last week with Liam Smith returning from suspension to replace Kian Garlinge who was unavailable and Bradley Schafer in for Marvin Hamilton.

 

The game started slowly with limited chances in the first half. The first opportunity fell to the hosts on 16 minutes as a shot 25 yards out by Callum Jenkins sailed high over the crossbar. Hythe had their first effort on 26 minutes as Troy Howard sent in the ball from the right hand side which flew over Seymour onto the roof of the net.

 

The deadlock was finally broken on 31 minutes as the hosts took the lead. A cross was swung in from the left, and the Hythe defence failed to clear with the ball falling to Kieron Rowe who fired home from inside the penalty area. Just before the break Seymour was on hand twice in quick succession to maintain the home lead at half-time. Both were from corners by Frannie Collin with the first headed towards goal by Liam Smith and the second sent goalwards by Jack Steventon and in each case Seymour saved well.

 

The Cannons upped the tempo in the second half as they pushed for an equaliser. Liam Smith was to be denied again by Seymour and then on 42 minutes Howard was brought down in the penalty area. Up stepped Collin who sent the ball to Seymour’s left and the keeper duly saved. Howard was involved in the action again as he broke through the Hillians defence only to send his final effort wide.

 

The half was being dominated by the Cannons as they swept forward in numbers but they were nearly caught on the breakaway as Dan Perry worked his way through with his attempt blocked by Hythe keeper Jack West-Astuti who then seemed to bring a Burgess Hill player down but to the relief of the visitors the Referees Assistant was waving his flag for offside. Two more saves followed from Seymour as he saved a shot from Steventon and then from another header from Liam Smith.

 

Just as it felt like it wasn’t Hythe’s day, they got the equaliser on 80 minutes. Aaron Barnes charged down the left to finally cross into Johan Caney-Bryan who side footed home from close range. They did suffer one scare before the end. Harry Lawson crossed into Reece Hallard whose final effort went straight into the arms of West-Astuti.

 

However, it was the Cannons who, two minutes from time, sealed a deserved win as the Hillians failed to clear and Caney-Bryan was on hand to get his second and give Hythe all three points.

 

 

Hythe moved up to tenth place with still plenty of games in hand. They return to cup action on Tuesday as they travel to Chatham Town in the Kent Senior Cup Quarter Final. Kick off at Maidstone Road is 7:45pm.

 

Team: Jack West-Astuti, Liam Smith, Aaron Barnes, Jack Steventon, Lex Allan, Josh Wisson, Troy Howard, Bradley Schafer (Kane Phillip 45 min) (Jarred Trespaderne 87 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery (Josh Stirman 90 mins). Subs Unused: Steve Phillips, Oscar Webb.

 

Scorers: Burgess Hill Town – Kieran Rowe 33 mins. Hythe Town – Johan Caney-Bryan 80 & 88 mins.

 

Yellow Cards: Johan Caney-Bryan 31 mins, Lex Allan 43 mins, Kane Phillip 45 mins, Aaron Barnes 56 mins.  

 

Attendance: 453. 

Littlehampton Town 4 Hythe Town 4

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 10^th February 2024

 

The Cannons were denied all three points as Littlehampton Town snatched a last gasp equaliser in a thrilling 4-4 draw down on the Sussex Coast.

 

Steve Watt had to make a number of enforced changes due to an ever-growing list of injuries as goalkeeper Steve Phillips, Sam Flisher, Bradley Schafer and Kai Garande were all out to be replaced by Jack West-Astuti, Marvin Hamilton and new signing from Lydd, Troy Howard. 

 

The game start with a goal after only two minutes as a Frannie Collin free-kick was whipped into the penalty area to find the head of Johan Caney-Bryan who made no mistake in putting Hythe into a one goal lead. Within six minutes the hosts were level as Jordan Layton fired home from 18 yards.

 

On ten minutes Littlehampton were ahead as Dave Herbert picked up the ball and slammed it into the back of the Hythe net. However, the fast and furious start to the game continued as the Littlehampton lead only lasted six minutes as a cross from the impressive debutant Howard found Caney-Bryan who slid in to put the ball into the net to make it 2-2.

 

The game continued to produced chance after chance at both ends with the hosts going close as the ever-dangerous Nodirbek Bobomurodov cut in and rifled an effort from the edge of the area against the underside of the crossbar. Littlehampton may consider themselves unlucky on half an hour as the referee waved away their appeals for a penalty and salt was rubbed in the wounds when another controversial decision at the other end saw Caney-Bryan sandwiched between two defenders and this time the referee pointed to the spot to the delight of the travelling Cannons. Up stepped the ever-reliable Collin who slotted his penalty into the left-hand corner of the net to make it 3-2.  

 

The second half started again with chances at both ends but it was Littlehampton who brought the scores level on 57 minutes as Bobomurodov finally got his reward as he unleashed an attempt from the right-hand side that flew into the far corner. The game continued to provide entertainment as the Cannons went ahead again on 69 minutes as a long throw from Jack Steventon was nodded on by Lex Allan finding Jake Embery who blasted the ball into the roof of the net from close range.

 

Hythe had a couple of opportunities to put the game out of the reach of Littlehampton as Howard broke through the home defence but sent his final effort over the bar and then Embery had an effort blocked with the rebound coming out to Josh Wisson whose shot rattled the crossbar. However, it was Littlehampton who had the last laugh deep into injury time as the ball came in from the right and was hooked in by Dion Jarvis to bring the scores level at 4-4.

 

Both sides had to settle for a point in what had been a pulsating game full of entertainment, but I think the Hythe players will see this as two points dropped rather than one gained.

 

Hythe are in action in Sussex again on Tuesday night when they visit Three Bridges in a league fixture when they will welcome back captain Liam Smith and Kane Phillip from suspension. Kick off will be 7:45pm.

 

Team: Jack West-Astuti, Troy Howard (Jarred Trespaderne 82 mins), Kian Garlinge, Jack Steventon, Lex Allan, Marvin Hamilton, Aaron Barnes (Luke Russell 56 mins), Josh Wisson, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery (Josh Stirman 89 mins). Subs Unused: Harry Rowland, Oscar Webb.

 

Scorers: Littlehampton Town - Jordan Layton 8 mins, Dave Herbert 10 mins, Nodirbek Bobomurodov 58 mins, Dion Jarvis 90 mins. Hythe Town – Johan Caney-Bryan 2 & 16 mins, Frannie Collin 35 mins (pen), Jake Embery 79 mins,

 

Yellow Cards: Kian Garlinge 79 mins, Johan Caney-Bryan 90 mins.

 

Attendance: 203. 

Hythe Town 1 Erith & Belvedere 3

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Tuesday 6^th February 2024

 

A lacklustre Hythe side were well beaten on a damp Tuesday night at Reachfields, as Erith & Belvedere came away with a 3-1 win. The suspended Steve Watt made one enforced change from the 2-2 draw against Ramsgate on Saturday, as the injured Aaron Barnes was replaced by Kian Garlinge, making his first start for Hythe.

 

The visitors had the first attempt of the match on four minutes, as Macey Malyon was through on goal, before Jack Steventon intercepted and cleared the ball away. On 12 minutes, it was Hythe who scored the opener from a corner, which was sent in from Frannie Collin and met by a diving header from Johan Caney-Bryan. The ball sailed in to make it 1-0 to the Cannons.

 

Unfortunately, things got worse from this point onwards - Erith managed to score three minutes later when Henry Arnold was free on the left wing, making a run forward with the ball. Sam Flisher tried to beat him to the goal but ended up pulling his hamstring, giving Arnold space to cross the ball into the path of Macey Malyon, who knocked the ball in to give the visitors the equaliser.

 

It wasn't long before they took the lead as, in the 19th minute, Henry Arnold received the ball, turned Josh Wisson inside-out and slotted the ball past Steve Phillips. It was almost three on 25 minutes when Hythe left too much space on the left-hand side, allowing Malyon to pick up the ball and dart forward, eventually firing his shot narrowly wide of the post.

 

Despite this, the Deres did make it 3-1 with eight minutes remaining in the first half, as a cross was knocked on by Malyon to Matt Neary, who tapped the ball in to make it 3-1 at half-time.

 

The second half began with a good chance for Hythe - Frannie Collin had the chance to shoot and drove his shot just wide of the target. Apart from this, there were no cutting-edge chances in the second period, as the two teams looked very even but were unable to create opportunities.

 

One positive for Hythe was substitute Luke Russell, who came on in the first half at full-back and played several superb first-time passes and crosses, as well as making some crucial interceptions and making some good runs.

 

The full-time whistle blew, and the Hythe players will surely feel that they had lost a winnable match because of defensive errors. Hythe are back in action on Saturday as they travel to Littlehampton Town, with the match kicking off at 3pm.

 

Team: Steve Phillips, Sam Flisher (Jarred Trespaderne 17 mins), Kai Garande (Luke Russell 30 mins), Jack Steventon, Lex Allan, Josh Wisson, Kian Garlinge (Josh Stirman 73 mins), Bradley Schafer, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery. Subs Unused: Harry Rowland, Oscar Webb.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Johan Caney-Bryan 12 mins. Erith & Belvedere - Macey Malyon 15mins, Henry Arnold 19 mins, Matt Neary 37 mins.

 

Yellow Card: Kian Garlinge 62 mins.

 

Attendance: 115

 

 

Match report by Tom Ellerby

Hythe Town 2 Ramsgate 2

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 3^rd February 2024

 

A depleted Hythe side managed to take a point in a roller coaster of a match, drawing 2-2 against league leaders Ramsgate at Reachfields. Steve Watt, who was suspended for the match, made two changes from the goalless draw at Sevenoaks Town, as new signing Josh Wisson came into the starting eleven for his first start for Hythe along with Aaron Barnes, who replaced Liam and Ethan Smith, who were also suspended.

 

Hythe got off to a dream start and scored the opening goal, as a free kick from Frannie Collin landed on the head of Lex Allan - Tom Hadler was unable to get a hand to it, and the ball rolled into the back of the net. It was almost 2-0 two minutes later, as Kai Garande sent a cross in from the by-line. The ball was initially caught by Tom Hadler, before Johan Caney-Bryan managed to put it into the back of the net. However, the goal was disallowed by referee Ben McDonald.

 

Hythe had another chance to double the lead on 33 minutes as Johan Caney-Bryan slipped the ball through to Frannie Collin, whose shot was deflected away for a corner, which Collin took himself, with Jack Steventon heading it narrowly over the bar. Two minutes later, Jake Embery had an excellent opportunity as he went one-on-one with Tom Hadler, who managed to deflect the ball away. It was collected by Aaron Barnes, who curled a shot towards the top corner, before it was tipped away by Hadler. Despite Hythe's clear dominance, it was the Rams who scored the next goal, which came just before half-time, as Jack S Paxman weaved his way past the Hythe defence and hit a shot past Steve Phillips to level the scores at the break.

 

The second half began in Ramsgate's favour - on 54 minutes, Wes Hennessey was set free and hit a powerful shot goalwards, which Steve Phillips managed to catch. However, it wasn't long before the visitors took the lead as, on 69 minutes, the ball was deflected into the path of Alfie Paxman, who slammed the ball in at the near post, much to the delight of the visiting supporters. Despite this, it was Hythe who had the final word - they managed to break through the Ramsgate defence, before Jake Embery smashed the ball in to make it 2-2.

 

The full-time whistle blew to mark a well-earned point for Hythe against a difficult opponent. The Cannons will be in action again on Tuesday night as they take on Erith & Belvedere at Reachfields - kick-off is at 7:45pm.

  

Team: Steve Phillips, Sam Flisher, Kai Garande, Jack Steventon, Lex Allan, Josh Wisson, Aaron Barnes (Kian Garlinge 49 mins), Bradley Schafer, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery. Subs Unused: Jarred Trespaderne, Oscar Webb, Harry Rowland, Josh Stirman.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Lex Allan 14 mins, Jake Embery 79 mins. Ramsgate – Jack S Paxman 44 mins, Alfie Paxman 69 mins.

 

Attendance: 517

 

 

Match report by Tom Ellerby

Sevenoaks Town 0 Hythe Town 0

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 27^th January 2024

 

Both sides failed to take their chances as the Cannons drew 0-0 at Sevenoaks Town on Saturday afternoon.

 

Manager, Steve Watt has the benefit of Frannie Collin returning from injury and Sam Flisher came in for Marcus Goldsmith who has moved onto Crowborough Town.

 

The Cannons started the best with Johan Caney-Bryan, after two minutes, forcing Sevenoaks keeper Daniel Comer to palm the ball wide for a corner and then a cross from Jack Steventon was headed wide by Ethan Smith. The hosts had to wait until the tenth minute for their first effort as Matthew Attenborough-Warren drove a shot straight into the arms of Steve Phillips in the Hythe goal. It was Hythe who at this stage of the game were looking the more likely to break the deadlock but there were few real openings.

 

On 31 minutes Phillips was forced to parry the ball away for a corner from a shot by Kieron Cadogan. There were a couple of chances for the Cannons as the game approached the break with firstly Kai Garande volleying a shot wide of the target and then Bradley Schafer sent a chance wide.

 

The second half started with a chance as Caney-Bryan turned and shot over. As the half progressed it was the hosts who started to take the initiative, but they too were to spurn some good opportunities. On 51 minutes Sevenoaks had a great chance as Cadogan pulled the ball back across the penalty area only to see Jahmal Howlett-Mundle who sent his final effort into the side netting.

 

There followed four clear openings where Sevenoaks failed to take advantage as Howlett-Mundle fired wide and then Attenborough-Warren sent an over the bar.  Emmanuel Mensah sent a weak shot that was easily collected by Phillips and then a free kick on the edge of the area from Cadogan was deflected over the bar. There were few more chances although the visitors did have one opportunity in injury time as a Collin corner found the head of Lex Allan, but his effort went wide.

 

Both sides were to rue missed chances and they had to settle for one point each. Hythe are back in action on Tuesday evening as they entertain Herne Bay in another league game. Kick off is 7:45pm at Reachfields.

 

Team: Steve Phillips, Sam Flisher, Kai Garande, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Bradley Schafer, Ethan Smith (Josh Wisson 70 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery (Josh Stirman 90 mins). Subs not used: Jarred Trespaderne, Kane Phillip, Oscar Webb.

 

Yellow Cards: Sam Flisher 62 mins, Liam Smith 68 mins, Ethan Smith 82 mins, Josh Wisson 90 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 128

Hythe Town 2 Sittingbourne 1

Kent Senior Cup 2^nd Round

Tuesday 23^rd January 2024

 

Hythe reached the Kent Senior Cup quarter-final on a damp Tuesday night at Reachfields, narrowly beating Sittingbourne 2-1. Steve Watt made a total of seven changes from the 2-1 defeat to Lancing, as Josh Stirman, Jarred Trespaderne, Ethan Smith, Kane Phillip, Harry Rowland, Jack West-Astuti and Robbie Dolan all came into the side.

 

The first half began without either side having any notable opportunities. On 30 minutes, it was Sittingbourne who had the first major chance of the game, as Stefan Illic darted into the box on the left-hand side, firing a shot goalwards which Robbie Dolan blocked with his leg for a corner. Two minutes later, Hythe had their first opportunity when Josh Stirman recieved the ball on the edge of the box and hit a shot which forced Bobby Mason to get down low to his right to make the save. At the other end, Donvieve Jones received the ball on the right on 34 minutes and slammed a shot into the side netting.

 

However, it was Hythe who managed to convert with nine minutes remaining in the first half, when Kane Phillip tapped the ball towards the goal - the keeper got a touch, but it trickled in to give Hythe a 1-0 lead. On 41 minutes, Stefan Illic once again weaved his way into the penalty area and hit a dipping shot just over the crossbar. Four minutes later, Sam Flisher poked a powerful shot well over, before the Brickies had a good chance to level the scores on the brink of half-time, as Illic hit a 25-yard free kick towards goal, which was caught by Jack West-Astuti.

 

Just like the first half, the second period began very quietly. The first major chance of the half was a goal for the visitors - Gabriel Piorkowski swung a ball into the box from the by-line, before it was guided in by the head of Mitchell May. The Brickies almost scored the winner on 87 minutes, when a shot from Michael Turner looked as though it was heading in, before it was blocked by the foot of Jack West-Astuti. Despite this, it was the Cannons who scored the winner, and it came in the final minute of normal time, as Jarred Trespaderne sent a free-kick into the box and, following a melee, was slammed in by substitute Jake Embery.

 

The full-time whistle blew to mark Hythe's first win of 2024. They will now go on to play Chatham Town in the quarter-final of the competition. However, Hythe have a whole host of league games to think about first - Steve Watt's men travel to Sevenoaks Town next Saturday at 3pm, before they host Herne Bay on Tuesday 30th at Reachfields at 7:45pm.

 

Match report by Tom Ellerby

 

Team: Jack West-Astuti, Robbie Dolan, Kai Garande, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Harry Rowland (Connor Cheek 77mins), Sam Flisher, Jarred Trespaderne, Kane Phillip (Jake Embery 70 mins), Ethan Smith, Josh Stirman (Johan Caney-Bryan 70 mins). Subs Not Used: Lex Allan, Bradley Schafer.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Kane Phillip 36 mins, Jake Embery 90 mins. Sittingbourne – Mitchell May 69 mins.

 

Yellow Cards – Jarred Trespaderne 16 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 93.

Lancing 2 Hythe Town 1

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Tuesday 16^th January 2024

 

A disappointing night out in chilly Lancing as an off-colour Cannons fell to a 2-1 defeat on Tuesday evening.

 

There were two enforced changes in the Hythe line up as Kai Garande returned to replace the injured Ethan Smith and Sam Flisher came in for Frannie Collin.

 

It was the visitors who started the brighter with their first opening on a minute as a cross from Marcus Goldsmith found the head of Johan Caney-Bryan, but his effort flew straight into the arms of home keeper Louis Rogers. The first attempt from the hosts saw George Taggart shoot wide. Hythe’s Bradley Schafer had a similar effort that also went wide.

 

There then came a long period that saw both sides looking for openings but without creating any meaningful chances before in the 36^th minute Schafer whipped in a free kick that was headed over by Liam Smith and then Schafer blasted over from just outside the penalty area. Lancing thought they had taken the lead two minutes before the break as Ben Pope fired home only to see the referee’s assistant waving his flag for offside.

 

However, it only took a minute for Lancing to break the deadlock after the break as Alex Laing crossed into Pope who laid it back to Taggart who tapped it in at the far post. Only nine minutes later it was two as Laing passed the ball out to Lukas Franzen-Jones who finished neatly.

 

On 58 minutes the Cannons narrowed the gap as a pinpoint cross from Jake Embery found the head of Caney-Bryan who made no mistake to pull a goal back. There were only a couple more chances for Lancing as Jack Meeres headed over from a corner and then three minutes from time Dan Howick broke through forcing a Hythe keeper Steve Phillips to save well.

 

It was not a good night for the Cannons who now entertain Erith & Belvedere on Saturday 20^th January 2024. Kick off is 3pm.

 

Team: Steve Phillips, Marcus Goldsmith (Jarred Trespaderne 89 mins), Kai Garande, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Aaron Barnes (Kane Phillip 54 mins), Sam Flisher, Johan Caney-Bryan, Jake Embery, Bradley Schafer.

 

Scorers: Lancing - George Taggart 46 mins, Lukas Franzen-Jones 55 mins. Hythe Town – Johan Caney-Bryan 58 mins.

 

Yellow Cards: Liam Smith, Jack Steventon.

 

 Attendance: 185

Hythe Town 1 Chorley 2

Isuzu FA Trophy 4th Round

Saturday 13th January 2024

 

Hythe's historic FA Trophy run came to an end at the last 32 stage, as the Cannons were beaten 2-1 by National League North side Chorley. Steve Watt made just one change from the last match on New Year's Day, as Kai Garande was replaced by Ethan Smith.

 

The first half began very evenly, and the first major chance of the game was for Hythe and Ethan Smith, who squared the ball into the box from the by-line to Johan Caney-Bryan, who tapped the ball towards goal, but goalkeeper Matt Urwin made an excellent save with his leg to keep it away. However, he wasn't so lucky on 31 minutes - Aaron Barnes sent a ball to the near post post to Jake Embery, who slid the ball past Urwin and put Hythe into an unlikely lead, much to the delight of the Hythe fans. Chorley had a good chance to make it 1-1 on 40 minutes through Oliver Shenton, who made a good run to the edge of the box and fired the ball just over the bar.

 

Two minutes later, a firm header from Mark Ellis was palmed away by Steve Phillips, but the visitors did indeed manage to level the scores on the stroke of half-time, when Jack Hazlehurst got himself into a good position and placed his shot perfectly. Steve Phillips managed to get a touch on it but was unable to keep it out.

 

The second half began in similar fashion to the first, with both teams putting up a strong fight. Chorley had a good chance on the hour mark, as Mike Calveley played the ball into Justin Johnson, who cut inside and blazed his shot wide of the post and crossbar. Hythe also had a near miss on 67 minutes, as Aaron Barnes played a back-heeled pass to Brad Schafer on the left-hand side. Schafer whipped a cross into the box onto the head of Johan Caney-Bryan, whose header was caught by Matt Urwin. It was the visitors who managed to take the lead in the second half on 73 minutes, as a free-kick was sent into the box and was nodded in by Jack Sampson past a blindsided Steve Phillips.

 

Hythe continued to fight for their lives in the final stages of the game but were unable to create any cutting-edge chances to make it 2-2. The full-time whistle blew to mark the end of an FA Trophy run which saw Hythe beat three teams from leagues above them.

 

Steve Watt's side are back in action on Tuesday 16th as they travel to Lancing in the Isthmian League South-East Division at 7:45pm, before they return to Reachfields on Saturday 20th to face Erith & Belvedere at 3pm.

 

 

Team: Steve Phillips, Marcus Goldsmith, Bradley Schafer, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Aaron Barnes (Ollie Gray 90 mins), Ethan Smith (Jarred Trespaderne 57 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin (Kane Phillip 84 mins), Jake Embery. Subs Unused: Josh Stirman, Oscar Webb, Sam Flisher, Kai Garande, 

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Jake Embery 32 mins. Chorley - Jack Hazlehurst 44 mins, Jack Sampson 73 mins. 

 

Yellow Cards: Bradley Schafer 84 mins, Aaron Barnes 90 mins

 

Attendance: 730

Hythe Town 2 Sheppey United 2

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Monday 1^st January 2024

 

Hythe were held to a 2-2 draw on New Year's Day at Reachfields by Sheppey United. Steve Watt made just one change from the 1-0 win against Ashford United on Boxing Day, as Jake Embery replaced the injured Ethan Smith.

 

The first major chance of the game resulted in a goal for Hythe, as a short throw found Marcus Goldsmith, who crossed the ball onto the head of Lex Allan who, following the recent birth of his son, had something else to celebrate, as he gave the Cannons the lead. Two minutes later, a cross from the byline from Johan Caney-Bryan was found by a tame header from Aaron Barnes, which went wide.

 

On 32 minutes the goal scorer on Boxing Day, Brad Schafer, brought the ball forward and lined up a shot, however he dragged it wide of the post. Luckily for Hythe, they managed to score another before half-time, when Frannie Collin hit a free kick towards goal, which was parried away by the goalkeeper, with the ball rolling to the feet of Jack Steventon, who played it into Jake Embery, with the number 11 tapping the ball into an open goal.

 

Within the first six minutes of the second half, Sheppey managed to halve the deficit thanks to Dan Bradshaw, who capitalised when Hythe failed to clear a cross into the penalty area, resulting in Bradshaw slotting the ball in. On 65 minutes, it was 2-2, as a lifted cross found Frankie Del Morgan, who lashed a volley in past Steve Phillips. Despite this, Hythe managed to get back on top in terms of chances, but their attempts were not clinical enough. In the 70th minute, a cross in from the right was once again met by a header from Aaron Barnes which, like his first attempt, went wide of the goal.

 

Three minutes after, Jake Embery squared the ball to Barnes, whose shot went straight at the goalkeeper, with the rebound going to Johan Caney-Bryan, and his shot also found the hands of Aiden Prall. Hythe had their best opportunity of the half, as Jake Embery was set free on the counterattack, laying the ball off to Brad Schafer, who tried to lift his shot over the goalkeeper - however, he was able to lift it over the bar to keep the scores level.

The full-time whistle blew to mark a disappointing but, overall, deserved draw.

 

Hythe are back in action on Saturday afternoon at Reachfields, as they face Cray Valley PM at 3pm.

 

Team: Steve Phillips, Marcus Goldsmith, Kai Garande, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Aaron Barnes, Bradley Schafer (Jarred Trespaderne 89 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery (Josh Stirman 89 mins). Subs Unused: Ollie Gray, Kane Phillip, Sam Flisher.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Lex Allan 16 mins, Jake Embery 45 mins. Sheppey United – Dan Bradshaw 51 mins, Frankie Del Morgan 65 mins.

 

Yellow Card: Jake Embery 55 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 361

Report by Tom Ellerby

Ashford United 0 Hythe Town 1

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Tuesday 26^th December 2023

 

The Cannons came away with a fine 1-0 win in the Boxing Day Derby on a mild afternoon at Ashford United.

 

There was one change in the Hythe team with Kai Garande coming in to replace Jake Embery who was on the bench.

 

It was Ashford who had the better of the early exchanges creating the first chances. They came very close on six minutes as Harvey Brand cut in and sent a shot against the upright and then Anthony Edgar unleashed a dipping strike that just cleared the crossbar. Whilst Hythe attempted to press it was still the hosts who were creating the better chances as Danny Parish curled an effort wide.

 

Hythe were to get their first real opening on 29 minutes as a Frannie Collin corner eventually found the outstretched shin of Lex Allan, but the ball hit the upright, but any goal would have been disallowed as the referee spotted an infringement. The Cannons were beginning to threaten, and Bradley Schafer hit a shot on the edge of the penalty area that sailed over.

 

Straight after the break it was the Cannons who were to take the lead as the ball bounced around the penalty area and eventually came out to Schafer who blasted his effort past Ashford keeper Chris Lewington and into the back of the Ashford net. The hosts nearly got level within two minutes as a shot from Edgar was directed straight at Hythe keeper Steve Phillips. If he had picked any other part of the goal surely Ashford would have been level.

 

As the game went into the final third both sides were held by some great defending. On 61 minutes Parish sent a shot over the bar. There were very few further chances during the game as attacks were snuffed out at both ends with special mention of Phillips whose handing of a number of crosses was impeccable. One opportunity in injury time for Ashford’s Tariq Ossei was off target and eventually the Cannons held on for three welcome three points that takes then up to seventh place in the table.

 

Hythe are on the road again on Saturday when they visit East Grinstead Town. The game kicks off at 3:00pm.

 

Team: Steve Phillips, Marcus Goldsmith, Kai Garande (Jarred Trespaderne 81 mins), Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Aaron Barnes, Ethan Smith (Jake Embery 66 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Bradley Schafer (Kane Phillip 90 mins)  Subs not Used: Sam Flisher, Josh Stirman.

 

Scorer: Hythe Town – Bradley Schafer 47 mins.

 

Yellow Cards: Bradley Schafer 30 mins, Jack Steventon 69 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 466. 

Hythe Town 0 Chichester City 2

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 16^th December 2023

 

It was a disappointing day at Reachfields on Saturday, as Hythe sunk to a 2-0 loss against 9-man Chichester City. Steve Watt made just one change from Tuesday night's historic win over Whitehawk in the FA Trophy, as Johan Caney-Bryan returned from suspension, replacing Kai Garande.

 

The first half began very quietly, but the ball was shared rather equally between the two sides. On 25 minutes, Hythe had their first major chance of the game, as Frannie Collin sent a free-kick long into the penalty area, which was met by a powerful header from Lex Allan which went just over the bar. A minute later, Hythe should have scored when Marcus Goldsmith sent a dangerous cross into the path of Johan Caney-Bryan, who volleyed the ball above the crossbar. However, with just a minute of the half remaining, the visitors took the lead, when Isaac Bello was set loose, beating his man and slamming the shot past Steve Phillips to give Chichester the lead at half-time.

 

The second half began in similar fashion, with Hythe failing to create any cutting edge chances. On 57 minutes, a slight advantage was given to the Cannons when Curtis Da Costa was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Brad Schafer. Despite this, the visitors remained on top, and they managed to double their advantage on 71 minutes, when Hythe's defenders failed to track Josh Clack, who ran past them and slotted home. Soon after, Chichester had yet another player sent off, as Rob Hutchings recieved a second yellow for a foul. Hythe had several chances after this - on 73 minutes, a cross from the left was met by a looping header from substitute Kane Phillip, before the ball was caught by the keeper. On 87 minutes, the ball came into the box, with Brad Schafer sending a piledriver over the bar. Another shot went over the bar a few minutes later, this time by Kane Phillip. Hythe did have a good chance to pull one back in the dying moments of stoppage time, when Johan Caney-Bryan sent a lethal shot towards the top corner, but goalkeeper Kieran Magee dived to his right to palm the ball away at the last moment.

 

The full-time whistle blew to mark a tough defeat for Hythe, who dropped down to 8th in the table, four points outside of the play-offs with games in hand over the majority of the sides above. Steve Watt's men will look to go back to winning ways on Tuesday evening, as they host Beckenham Town at Reachfields in the league, with the match kicking off at 7:45pm.

 

Team: Steve Phillips, Marcus Goldsmith (Kane Phillip 68 mins), Bradley Schafer, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Aaron Barnes (Kai Garande 43 mins), Ethan Smith (Jarred Trespaderne 87 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery.  Subs Unused: Ollie Gray, Sam Flisher.

 

Goal Scorers: Chichester City - Isaac Bello 44 mins, Josh Clack 71 mins.

 

Yellow Cards: Marcus Goldsmith 28 mins, Johan Caney-Bryan 41 mins, Ethan Smith 85 mins, Jake Embery 90 mins, Jarred Trespaderne 90 mins.

 

Attendance: 192 

Report by Tom Ellerby

Hythe Town 3 Whitehawk 2

Isuzu FA Trophy 3^rd Round

Tuesday 12^th December 2023

 

Hythe came out on top in the FA Trophy Third Round Proper at Reachfields on Tuesday night, beating Whitehawk 3-2. Steve Watt made one enforced change from the 2-1 win against Broadbridge Heath, as the suspended Johan Caney-Bryan was replaced by Kai Garande.

 

The Cannons started the game on the front foot when, after just two minutes, a ball was played forward, with Frannie Collin running onto it before the keeper arrived. However, Mitch Walker mis-kicked it and, as the ball ran back towards his own goal, he was just about able to clear it off the line for a corner. Two minutes later, the visitors had their first chance of the game through Dom Johnson-Fisher, who drove a shot over the bar from just outside the box. It was very nearly 1-0 to Hythe on 13 minutes, as Ethan Smith picked up a loose ball and hit a powerful shot towards the top left-hand corner - however, the keeper dived towards the ball and managed to palm it away. On 28 minutes, the Cannons took the lead, when a free-kick found Frannie Collin, who hit a shot which was saved by the legs of the keeper, before Aaron Barnes hit the rebound shot into the corner of the net.

 

Hythe managed to maintain their advantage in an uneventful final fifteen minutes of the first half, and they had the first chance of the second period, as Jake Embery received the ball on the left-hand side of the box, hitting a looping shot which was parried away by the goalkeeper, before Aaron Barnes' rebound shot was deflected away by a defender. On 51 minutes, a shot by Ethan Smith was deflected away by a defender before, a minute later, Lex Allan hit a curling effort from distance, which was tipped over by Mitch Walker. It wasn't long until Hythe doubled their advantage on 57 minutes through Jake Embery, who backheeled a shot into the back of the net to send the Hythe fans wild.

 

It looked as though the Cannons would comfortably win the game, but the visitors managed to change the match on 81 minutes, when Josh Nandhra knocked the ball in past Steve Phillips to half the deficit. Despite this, Steve Watt's men didn't give up, and they were rewarded just three minutes later, as a cross found Bradley Schafer who tapped the ball in from close range. However, Whitehawk wouldn't go down without a fight - on 87 minutes, they made it 3-2 through Charlie Walker, who poked the ball in to make it a nervy end to the match.

 

Luckily for the Hythe fans, there were no major threats to the lead until the full-time whistle blew to mark an extension to the Cannons' historic FA Trophy run, and a deserved victory against the victors of last year's Isthmian League South-East play-off final. Hythe will now play National League South side Chorley in the Fourth Round on Saturday 13th January at Reachfields but, before that, Steve Watt's side will be back in action at Reachfields on Saturday afternoon at 3pm as they play Chichester City in the Isthmian League South-East Division.

 

Team: Steve Phillips, Marcus Goldsmith, Kai Garande, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Aaron Barnes, Ethan Smith (Jarred Trespaderne 77 mins), Jake Embery (Sam Flisher 90 mins), Frannie Collin, Bradley Schafer. Subs not used: Josh Stirman, Charles Noyelle, Harry Rowland, Oscar Webb.

 

Goals: Hythe Town - Aaron Barnes 28 mins, Jake Embery 57 mins, Bradley Schafer 84 mins. Whitehawk - Josh Nandhra 81 mins, Charlie Walker 87 mins.

 

Yellow Cards: Marcus Goldsmith 45 mins, Ethan Smith 69 mins, Jarred Trespaderne 79 mins.

 

Attendance: 166

 

Report by Tom Ellerby

Hythe Town 2 Broadbridge Heath 1

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 2^nd December 2023

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Attendance: 217

Sittingbourne 0 Hythe Town 1

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Tuesday 28^th November 2023

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Goal scorer: Hythe Town - Aaron Barnes 92

 

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

 

Yellow Card: Frannie Collin 69 mins

 

 

Attendance: 142

Phoenix Sports 0 Hythe Town 4

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 25^th November 2023

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Attendance: 79

Ramsgate 3 Hythe Town 1

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Wednesday 22^nd November 2023

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Attendance: 757.  

Hythe Town 0 Tonbridge Angels 0

Hythe won 3-1 on Pens.

Isuzu FA Trophy 2^nd Round

Saturday 18^th November 2023

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Yellow Card: Liam Smith 90 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 385.

Horndean 0 Hythe Town 4

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 11^th November 2023

 

After an even first half the Cannons steam rollered Horndean in the second half as they ran out comfortable 4-0 winners on Saturday afternoon.

 

Manager, Steve Watt brought back a number of the first regulars to change the team that played against Ashford United in the Velocity Trophy on Tuesday evening.

 

Hythe were kicking up the steep slope in the first half but did create the first opportunity after two minutes as a deep cross from Jack Steventon found Lex Allan who headed over. Then on nine minutes Horndean created their first effort as Zachery Willett picked up the ball on the left-hand side but sent his final shot high over the bar. At the other end as Steventon headed over from a Collin cross.  

 

As the half progressed the hosts were looking dangerous playing down the slope but weren’t really creating many opportunities as the Hythe defence stood strong including an excellent challenge by Steventon. Against the run of play at this stage it was a shot from Jake Embery halfway through the first half that was saved well by home keeper Cameron Scott. Willett did cause some concern for the visitors as he got in a shooting position but the Hythe back-four blocked and the chance was gone. On the stroke of half time Cade Dyer stole the ball from Kane Phillip but his final attempt was well saved by away keeper Steve Phillips ensuring both sides were level at the break.

 

With one change at the break as Kai Garnde replaced the injured Lex Allan, it was Hythe who made full use of the slope as they were ahead on 49 minutes. Embery picked up the ball on the left-hand side and skilfully side footed home past Scott to making it 1-0. A minute later he was in the same position but sent this effort wide.

 

However, the Cannons were not to be denied as after 57 minutes Ethan Smith stole the ball and surged through the middle beating off a couple of challenges to slot the ball home to increase Hythe’s lead.  The visitors were now in full control as they got a third on 62 minutes as Johan Caney-Bryan was on hand to stoke the ball home for his first league goal of the season to add to his six in cup competitions.

 

On 64 minutes the only nasty incident in the game as a reckless challenge from Jordan Pile on Ethan Smith saw the home midfielder deservedly sent for an early bath. It was substitute Kai Garande who put the icing on the Cannons cake as on 79 minutes he sent a shot from the left hand side into far corner of the net to make it 4-0.

 

With only four minutes of the game to go Phillips was to deny the hosts any consolation as he saved at full stretch from an attempt from Samuel Hook. It was an excellent away performance from Hythe as the climb up the table and sets them up for the home Kent Senior Cup tie against Sittingbourne on Tuesday night.

 

Team: Steve Phillips, Kane Phillip (Charles Noyelle 89 mins), Bradley Schafer, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan (Kai Garande 45 mins), Ethan Smith, Aaron Barnes, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery (Jarred Trespaderne 79 mins). Subs unused: Sam Flisher, Josh Stirman.

 

Goal Scorers: Hythe Town: Jake Embery 49 mins, Ethan Smith 57 mins, Jordan Caney-Bryan 62 mins, Kai Garande 79 mins.

 

Attendance: 165

Hythe Town 3 Ramsgate 1

Isuzu FA Trophy 1^st Round

Tuesday 31^st October 2023

 

Hythe won comfortably against Ramsgate in the FA Trophy on a rainy Tuesday night at Reachfields. Steve Watt made just one change from the 2-2 draw against Burgess Hill Town, as Jarred Trespaderne replaced the unavailable Brad Schafer.

 

The Cannons got off to a dream start as, straight from the kick-off, the ball was worked out to Ethan Smith on the right-hand side of the pitch, who hit a shot from a tight angle which deflected against the goalkeeper and trickled into the net. Hythe had several chances to make it 2-0 in quick succession - on 28 minutes, Frannie Collin slipped the ball through to the onrushing Jake Embery, who struck to the ball home before the linesman held up his flag to show that Embery was offside.

 

A minute later, Jarred Trespaderne laid the ball off to Liam Smith, who hit a shot from range which flew just over the crossbar. On 30 minutes, the Cannons had a golden opportunity to double their advantage, as Jake Embery backheeled the ball towards goal, with the goalkeeper deflecting it to Aaron Barnes, who hit the rebound wide from close range. However, Barnes managed to get on the scoresheet on the stroke of half-time, picking up a loose ball and striking it home from inside the box.

 

23 minutes into the second half, there was a foul outside the box from Ramsgate's Finley Bough, who received a booking, however, after saying a few words to the referee, he was given a second yellow card, reducing the visitors to ten men. Immediately after the dismissal, Frannie Collin stepped up to take a free-kick, which Johan Caney-Bryan met with a diving header to seal the win for Hythe. However, the Rams managed to score a consolation in injury time, as a corner was deflected in by a Hythe player just before the full-time whistle blew.

 

Following this result, the Cannons will go on to face Tonbridge Angels in the Second Round of the competition. Before that, they will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, as they take on Herne Bay at Reachfields in the Isthmian South-East Division at 3pm.

 

Team: Steve Phillips, Marcus Goldsmith (Sam Flisher 63 mins), Jarred Trespaderne (Kane Phillip 80 mins), Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Aaron Barnes, Ethan Smith, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin (Charles Noyelle 80 mins), Jake Embery.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Ethan Smith 1 min, Aaron Barnes 45 mins, Johan Caney-Bryan 70 mins. Ramsgate – Own Goal 90 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 205

Hythe Town 2 Burgess Hill Town 2

Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 21st October 2023

 

Hythe were held to a draw by Burgess Hill Town on a wet and windy Saturday afternoon at Reachfields. Steve Watt named an unchanged lineup from the 4-0 win over Sevenoaks Town.

 

The game started very brightly for the visitors, who took the lead on five minutes, as Kieron Pamment darted down the right-hand side, unleashing a shot which was cleared by Lex Allan, straight into the path of Rob O'Toole, who slotted home to give the Hillians an early lead. It was almost 2-0 in the eighth minute, when Kieron Pamment once again made a run down the right, hitting a shot which Steve Phillips managed to grab. Hythe managed to level the scores in the 16th minute through Jake Embery, who recieved the ball from Johan Caney-Bryan and stuck the ball past James Shaw. Two minutes later, the Hillians were causing danger once again, when Mo Jammeh hit a shot against the post, before it was cleared. Barely a minute after, it was Hythe on the attack, with Jake Embery hitting a shot against the onrushing goalkeeper, before the ball landed at the feet of Ethan Smith, who struck the ball into an empty net to give the Cannons the lead.

 

The first half continued to be fairly even, as did the start of the second half, with no cutting-edge chances for either side. 20 minutes into the second half, Hythe could've had a third, when Johan Caney-Bryan made a run into the box down the right-hand side, dragging his shot across the face of goal. Unfortunately for the Cannons, the scores were levelled once again on 77 minutes, when Rob O'Toole's free-kick into the box was blasted into the net by Dan Perry. The visitors looked the most likely to score, until injury time, when Hythe had one more big opportunity, as Lex Allan made an excellent run forward, beating two men and playing it out to Marcus Goldsmith on the right-hand side, who crossed into the box, with Johan Caney-Bryan unable to make enough contact with the ball to trouble the goalkeeper.

 

The full-time whistle blew, and Hythe came away with one point, putting them 8th in the table after seven matches. The Cannons are back in action on Saturday to take on Ramsgate in the FA Trophy.

 

 

Report by Tom Ellerby

 

Team: Steve Phillips, Marcus Goldsmith, Bradley Schafer (Jarred Trespaderne 79 mins), Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Aaron Barnes (Sam Flisher 70 mins), Ethan Smith, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery (Kane Phillip 88 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Jake Embery 16 mins, Ethan Smith 19 mins). Burgess Hill Town - Rob O'Toole 5 mins, Dan Perry 77 mins.

 

Yellow Cards: Johan Caney-Bryan 

 

Attendance: 168

Hythe Town 4-0 Sevenoaks Town

Isthmian League South-East Division

Tuesday 10th October 2023

 

Hythe managed a comfortable 4-0 victory on Tuesday night against Sevenoaks Town at Reachfields. Steve Watt made just one change from Saturday's FA Trophy win against Concord Rangers, as Jake Embery replaced Charles Noyelle.

 

It was the visitors who had the first chance of the game as, on 8 minutes, Rowan Liburd hit a scuffed shot which almost got the better of Steve Phillips, but he managed to leap to his right and palm the shot away at the last moment. The Cannons managed to score their opener on 17 minutes, when Aaron Barnes beat his man in the box and hit a weak but accurate shot past the Sevenoaks goalkeeper to make it 1-0. The visitors almost made it 1-1 on 26 minutes, when a shot was saved by Steve Phillips, with the rebound going straight to Daniel Carr, which was saved once again by Phillips. It was Hythe on the attack a minute later, as Aaron Barnes hit a pinpoint cross from the right-hand side of the pitch, which Johan Caney-Bryan nodded straight at Sevenoaks goalkeeper Amadou Tangara. The final opportunity of the half went to the visitors, when the ball flew into the path of Rowan Liburd inside the penalty area, with the striker turning and striking the ball with an overhead kick which sailed over the crossbar.

 

The second half began with an immediate goal for Hythe, when Ethan Smith hit a shot against the goalkeeper, with the ball spilling to Jake Embery, who turned and shot into an empty net to double the advantage for the Cannons. It could've been three on 56 minutes, as Aaron Barnes darted forward into the box and hit a powerful shot, which Amadou Tangara got down to his feet to grab. On 62 minutes, a clever set-piece put Hythe in a good position again, as Frannie Collin played a free-kick short to Ethan Smith, who was making an overlapping run, with the latter striking the ball goalwards from a tight angle, before the goalkeeper deflected the ball away with his foot. Fortunately for Hythe, their dominance was rewarded with a third in the 72nd minute, when a long throw-in from Jack Steventon was headed on by Liam Smith into the path of Jake Embery, who backheeled the ball into the net for his second of the match. With just two minutes remaining, Aaron Barnes was brought down by Corey Holder inside the Sevenoaks penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot, and Frannie Collin slotted his penalty to the keeper's left, sending him the wrong way and putting the icing on the cake for Hythe.

 

The Cannons will now have ten days to prepare themselves for their next match, which takes place on Saturday 21st October at Reachfields, as they take on Burgess Hill Town at 3pm.

 

Team: Steve Phillips, Marcus Goldsmith, Brad Schafer, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Aaron Barnes, Ethan Smith (Charles Noyelle 89 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan (Kane Phillip 90 mins), Frannie Collin, Jake Embery (Josh Stirman 83mins). Sub not used: Sam Flisher, Harry Rowland

 

Goals: Hythe Town - Aaron Barnes 17 mins, Jake Embery 46 & 72 mins, Frannie Collin 88 mins ( pen)

 

Yellow cards: Hythe Town - Liam Smith, Jake Embery. Sevenoaks Town - Ricardo Thompson

 

 

Attendance: 170

Concord Rangers 2 Hythe Town 3

Isuzu FA Trophy 3^rd Qualifying Round

Saturday 7^th October 2023

 

The Cannons were grateful for an injury time penalty from Frannie Collin to secure their place in the 1^st Round Proper of the FA Trophy. To do this they sealed a 3-2 win in an exciting encounter at Concord Rangers on Saturday afternoon.

 

Manager, Steve Watt made two changes to the team that drew with Ashford United with Charles Noyelle coming in for the unavailable Jake Embery and Bradley Schafer replacing Jarred Trespaderne in the starting lineup.

 

It was Concord who were first to threaten as Freddie Price broke free on the left looping his final cross just past the far post. Hythe had their first opportunity on ten minutes as a Collin deep free kick was headed wide by Liam Smith. The visitors were beginning to take control and were rewarded on a quarter of an hour as Marcus Goldsmith chased down the right delivering a pinpoint deep cross to find Johan Caney-Bryan who headed home at the far post.

 

However, the lead was only too last for ten minutes as Eren Kanali raced down the right putting a cross to the far post where Price was on hand to tap home. There were a couple of chances at both ends before a moment of skill and determination by Ethan Smith was rewarded with a second Hythe goal. The youngster won a challenge with a home defender and then ran to the ball to plant his shot across Concord keeper Mason Terry into the far corner of the net to give the Cannons a 41^st minute lead.

 

After the break there was a long spell where both sides were trying to get the initiative without creating any clear-cut chances. In the 71^st minute a deep cross from Kinali found Tahje Anderson whose strike went over the bar and Caney-Bryan in the penalty-box got a shot away that was superbly saved by Terry. The keeper was to save again from an effort from Aaron Barnes.

 

Former Dover Athletic striker Ricky Modeste was to bring the scores level on 83 minutes as a cross from the right touch line sailed over Hythe keeper Steve Phillips and into the far top corner of the net.  Ethan Smith was to nearly equalise on 85 minutes as he blasted wide but finally two minutes into injury time the Cannons were to get the winner. The ball was bouncing about in the Concord penalty area finally hitting the arm of a home defender. After a second to think the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped Collin to bury his kick into the corner of the net just out of the reach of Terry bring relief to the travelling Hythe supporters.

 

The hosts looked for the equaliser but could breakthrough in remaining eight minutes of injury time and it is Hythe who go through to the next round draw that will be announced at 1pm on Monday. The hosts will be at home to Sevenoaks Town at Reachfields on Tuesday evening. Kick off is 7:45pm.

 

Team: Steve Phillips, Marcus Goldsmith, Bradley Schafer (Kane Phillip 88 mins), Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Aaron Barnes (Josh Stirman 88 mins), Ethan Smith, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Charles Noyelle (Jarred Trespaderne 76 mins). Subs not used: Sam Flisher, Kai Garande.

 

Scorers: Concord Rangers - Freddie Price 26 mins, Ricky Modeste 83 mins. Hythe Town - Johan Caney-Bryan 15 mins, Ethan Smith 41 mins, Frannie Collin 90 mins (pen)

 

Yellow Card: Josh Stirman 90 mins

 

Attendance: 129

Hythe Town 2 Ashford United 2

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Tuesday 3^rd October 2023

 

Hythe came away with a 2-2 draw in Tuesday night's local derby against Ashford United at Reachfields. Manager Steve Watt made two changes from Saturday's narrow defeat at Erith & Belvedere, with Jarred Trespaderne and Liam Smith replacing Kane Phillip and Brad Schafer, who both dropped to the bench.

 

Within six minutes, the Cannons were in front, as a looping cross into the box was deflected onto the head of Lex Allan, who nodded the ball into the bottom corner of the net to give Hythe the lead. Six minutes later, the visitors almost levelled the scores, when Danny Parish hit a shot towards goal, which Steve Phillips got down to save comfortably. However, on 31 minutes, the visitors managed to secure an equaliser, as one of their players was brought down by Marcus Goldsmith in the box. The referee pointed to the spot, and Danny Parish stepped up, firing the ball past Steve Phillips, who incorrectly dived to his left.

 

A fairly even first half was replicated after the break. Twelve minutes into the half, Danny Parish had a chance to score his second of the game, dashing past the defence and firing just wide of Steve Phillips' left-hand post. Luckily for Hythe, with just 15 minutes left to play in the match, Hythe retook the lead, as Aaron Barnes made a darting run down the left wing, beating several Ashford players, before finishing superbly by knocking a dipping shot over the outstretched palms of Ashford goalkeeper Jacob Russell, much to the delight of the Hythe supporters. However, just when everybody thought that the three points had been secured, Ashford scored a stoppage time equaliser, when Steve Phillips came off his line to parry a shot away from his goal. The ball then fell to substitute Lewis Knight, who stuck the rebound past an unprepared Phillips to snatch a point for the visitors.

 

The full time whistle blew to mark a competitive local derby, which saw Hythe finish the evening 8th in the table, having played five league games. The Cannons are back in action this Saturday, as they travel to Concord Rangers in the FA Trophy, with the match kicking off at 3pm, before Hythe return to Reachfields next Tuesday evening as they entertain Sevenoaks Town, with that game kicking off at 7:45pm.

 

Team: Steve Phillips, Marcus Goldsmith, Jarred Trespaderne (Brad Schafer 72'), Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Aaron Barnes, Ethan Smith, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery (Charles Noyelle 80') Unused substitutes: Josh Stirman, Sam Flisher, Kane Phillip.

 

Goalscorers: Hythe Town - Lex Allan 6 mins, Aaron Barnes 75 mins. Ashford United - Danny Parish 31 mins (pen), Lewis Knight 90 mins

 

Yellow cards: Jonah Tolulope 38 mins, Harvey Brand 58 mins, Ethan Smith 81 mins, Bradley Simms 87 mins, Anthony Edgar 90 mins.

 

Attendance: 228

Erith & Belvedere 1 Hythe Town 0

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 30^th September 2023

 

The Cannons can feel a little aggrieved at coming away from Erith & Belvedere with nothing as they went down 1-0 being sunk by a late goal and having and injury time equaliser controversially disallowed.

 

Hythe had the best of the first half and had they taken their chances they could well have been well ahead at the break. They continued to look the more likely side but were stunned in the 81^st minute as Erith substitute Kian Garlinge laid the ball off to Chris Dickson who buried his 25-yard shot high into the top corner to give Hythe keeper Steve Phillips no chance.

 

Then came the moment when the Cannons looked to have brought the scores level as a typical Frannie Collin free kick eventually found Jack Steventon who scrambled over the line. The referees assistant after a short time was waving his flag for offside and the goal was ruled out to the disappointment of the travelling away support.

 

The Cannons came away wondering how they did not get anything out of the game.

 

Team: Steve Phillips, Kane Phillip (Sam Flisher 78 mins), Marcus Goldsmith, Jack Steventon, Aaron Barnes, Lex Allan, Bradley Schafer (Jarred Trespaderne 69 mins), Ethan Smith (Charles Noyelle 89 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery.  Subs not used: Josh Stirman & Liam Smith.

 

Scorer: Erith & Belvedere – Chris Dickson 81 mins)

 

Yellow Card: Frannie Collin 89 mins

 

 

Attendance: 250

Hythe Town 2 Margate 1

Kent Senior Cup 1^st Round

Tuesday 26^th September 2023

 

Hythe were victorious on Tuesday night in the opening round of the Kent Senior Cup, as they secured a 2-1 win over competition holders Margate at Reachfields. Steve Watt made five changes from Saturday’s victory over Chertsey Town, as Liam Smith, Frannie Collin, Brad Schafer,  Jake Embery and Aaron Barnes made way for Harry Rowland, Jarred Trespaderne, Johan Caney-Bryan, Charles Noyelle and Josh Stirman.

 

The Cannons took just eight minutes to take the lead, as Marcus Goldsmith ran down the left-hand side of the pitch and sent the ball onto the head of Johan Caney-Bryan, who made no mistake. On 20 minutes, the visitors had their first major chance of the match, as Mo Cham rushed forward on the counter-attack, firing a shot which beat Steve Phillips but drifted wide of the post. On 28 minutes, Hythe almost made it 2-0, as the provider of the opener, Marcus Goldsmith, headed over the bar from close range. Unfortunately for Hythe, their advantage was stolen from them, as a long ball found Phil Roberts, who headed home to level the scores. However, Steve Watt’s men re-took the lead with three minutes to go in the first half, as Johan Caney-Bryan scored his second, hitting a right footed shot into the bottom corner.

 

The third quarter of the match was rather quiet, with both sides struggling to get any cutting-edge chances. However, as the half went on, the visitors became more dangerous. On 68 minutes, substitute Antonis Vasiliou blazed a shot over the bar from close range before, three minutes later, Phil Roberts attempted to score his second, skipping past the Hythe defence and firing a shot towards goal, which Steve Phillips had to get down to save.

 

On 74 minutes, Hythe had their first major opportunity of the half, when Ethan Smith drove a powerful shot from outside the box towards goal, which goalkeeper Harry Seaden dived to tip away from the net. Three minutes after, the Cannons almost sealed the three points from a free-kick, which Charles Noyelle played short into the feet of Jack Steventon, who drove his shot over the crossbar.

 

Margate failed to secure an equaliser in the dying minutes of the game, and the full-time whistle blew to mark an unexpected, but well deserved, victory for the Cannons. They will face Sittingbourne in the 2nd Round of the competition at Reachfields, with the date yet to be announced. 

 

Team: Steve Phillips, Kane Phillip, Marcus Goldsmith, Jack Steventon, Harry Rowland, Lex Allan (Aaron Barnes 63 mins), Jarred Trespaderne, Ethan Smith (Luke Russell 84 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan, Charles Noyelle, Josh Stirman (Oscar Webb 69 mins)

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Johan Caney-Byran 8 & 42 mins. Margate - Phil Roberts 33 mins

 

Attendance: 130

 

Match report by Tom Ellerby

Chertsey Town 2 Hythe Town 4

FA Trophy 2^nd Qualifying Round

Saturday 23^rd September 2023

 

The Cannons had to endure a late comeback as they ran out 4-2 winners in a thoroughly entertaining game against ten-man Chertsey Town on Saturday.

 

There were a number of changes to the side who won on penalties on Tuesday night at Sittingbourne in the Velocity Trophy.

 

The hosts edged the first quarter of an hour without creating any real opportunities and it was in fact Hythe who were first to create as on 17 minutes a trademark long throw from Jack Steventon was nodded on by Frannie Collin finding Liam Smith who forced home goalkeeper Nicholas Jupp to stretch to hold on to the ball. Jupp was to deny the visitors again 60 seconds later as Kane Phillip crossed into Collin, and he did well to get down to push the ball wide. Chertsey came close to taking the lead as Conor Lee sent the ball into Ben Mendoza who sneaked in front of Steventon but he sent his header just wide.

 

On 21 minutes Bradley Schafer broke through the home defence only to be tugged back by Rob Sheridan before he could a shot away. The referee reached for his red card and pointed to the penalty spot. Up stepped Collin who sent Jupp the wrong way to give the Cannons the lead. Two minutes later Hythe extended their lead as Ethan Smith turned and slammed the ball into the Chertsey net.

 

Chertsey were denied by Steve Phillips in the Hythe goal as a looping cross from Wayne Ridgley found Gareth Chendick but his effort was saved. The Cannons were playing some neat and impressive football as the ever-dangerous Ethan Smith came in from the right, but Jupp was on hand to save and then at the other end substitute Gianluca Botti pulled the ball wide.

 

On the stroke of half time Phillip was to rub salt in the home wounds as he drove the ball home from the right-hand side to reward the visitors with a deserved three-nil half time lead. This had been an impressive half from the Cannons where they had played some scintillating football.

 

Hythe seemed to have sealed the result on 51 minutes as an Aaron Barnes cross eventually found Steventon who planted the ball into the Chertsey goal to make it four-nil and soon Ethan could have made it five but sent his effort wide.

 

To their credit the hosts never gave up despite having a mountain to climb. On 79 minutes Botti, who was proving to be a handful, forced a save from Phillips and then two minutes later he turned the ball into the net from a cross by Ridgley and then on the stroke of full time Chendilk fired home to make injury time a little tense but it was too little too late and it is the Cannons who into the draw on Monday when the Step Three sides come in.  

 

Hythe are back Cup Action on Tuesday night when they entertain Margate in the Kent Senior Cup 1^st Round. Kick off at Reachfields is 7:45pm.

 

Team: Steve Phiilips, Kane Phillip (Oscar Webb 73 mins), Marcus Goldsmith (Charles Noyelle 55 mins), Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Aaron Barnes (Johan Caney-Bryan 62 mins), Ethan Smith, Jake Embery, Frannie Collin, Bradley Schafer. Subs not used: Josh Stirman, Jarred Trespaderne.

 

Scorers: Chertsey Town - Gianluca Botti 81 mins, Gareth Chendlik 90 mins. Hythe Town - Frannie Collin 21 mins (pen), Ethan Smith 23 mins, Kane Phillip 45 mins, Jack Steventon 51 mins.

 

Yellow Card: Marcus Goldsmith 33 mins, Kane Phillip 86 mins, Bradley Schafer 90 mins, Johan Caney-Bryan 90 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 410

Sittingbourne 1 Hythe Town 1

(Hythe won 4-3 on penalties)

Velocity Trophy 2^nd Round

Tuesday 19^th September 2023

 

With a number of injuries and unavailability’s to contend with Steve Watt chose to reinforce his squad numbers, signing youngsters Harry Rowland, Luke Russell and Oscar Webb all of whom contributed well, in joining the slightly older Kai Garande and Charles Noyelle who were given places in the starting line-up.

 

Keeper West-Astuti was retained in the team following his personal Chichester nightmare whilst the home side selected from a far larger pool of players.

 

Despite the Velocity Trophy being a sometimes-low-key affair, early exchanges were typical of a local derby where several cannons have "history" at this very rural setting.

 

Sittingbourne took a 15-minute lead when Jean-Baptiste Fischer drove a 20 yard free kick into the net with the help of a deflection.

 

On 25 minutes young Kai Garande seemed to be selected for a couple of hefty challenges and left the battle to be replaced by the recently signed Kane Phillip, but with the combative Jarred Trespaderne breaking up play in midfield and then advancing to shoot just over on 45 minutes, the Cannons continued to threaten.

 

The lively action continued into the second half and when a Trespaderne foul presented the hosts with another free kick at the edge of the area, this time the Hythe keeper stretched to make a good save.

 

Ethan Smith, Jake Embery and Marcus Goldsmith all had good attempts just off-target but at 1-0 and with all of the Hythe youngsters now on the pitch it seemed that the writing was on the wall. However, in the 90th minute up popped Oscar Webb on the left of the area from where he calmly slotted past keeper Bobby Mason for Hythe’s leveller.

 

The match now went into a penalty shoot-out that with Hythe’s near-perfect past record was surely only a formality and sure enough both Liam and Ethan Smith kept their heads before Trespaderne blasted home an unstoppable effort and young Charles Noyelle coolly stepped up to make it four out of four. The pressure duly got to the home side who blasted their last two attempts well into the Woodstock countryside and Hythe entered the third-round draw.

 

Team:  Jack West-Astuti, Marcus Goldsmith, Kai Garande (Kane Phillip 26), Charles Noyelle, Liam Smith. Jarred Trespaderne, Ethan Smith, Jack Steventon, Johan Caney-Bryan (Luke Russell 90), Jake Embery (Oscar Webb 83), Aaron Barnes (Harry Rowland 90), Sub unused Frannie Collin.

 

Scorers: Sittingbourne - Jean-Baptiste Fischer 15 mins, Hythe Town - Oscar Webb 90 mins.

 

Yellow Cards: Jarred Trespaderne 42 mins, Jack Embery 65 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 102

Chichester City 5 Hythe Town 0

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 16^th September 2023

 

Following last week's successful Sussex expedition, the Cannons ventured further westwards when they took on unbeaten Chichester City who are ground-sharing at the impressive Bognor Regis stadium whilst yet another artificial surface is being installed at their own place. Perhaps the "home" team will be having a few doubts about future plans as they certainly performed well on this excellent natural surface, attacking at speed and in numbers, and playing in a way that will surely lead to end-of-season success if this current form can be maintained.

 

Both sides showed each other due respect in a cagey opening 15 minutes, but apart from this spell and a similar period after half-time, Town were second best all over the park and eventually had to settle for damage limitation as the game progressed. 

 

Things started to go downhill on 17 minutes when a furious home attack left both Brad Schafer and Ethan Smith down injured but with no free kicks awarded by the referee who then cautioned Frannie Collin for his observations on the matter. 

 

Town escaped this time with their defences intact but just three minutes later dangerous home forward Ethan Prichard broke free from his own half to run through unchallenged for his side's opening goal. 10 minutes later burly centre forward Steve Hutchings used his body to turn a defender and fire home an unstoppable shot past stand-in Hythe keeper Jack West-Astuti. Jack had been brought in to cover for the returning Steve Phillips who was always going to be unavailable for this match. 

 

The deputy could not be blamed for either goal and indeed prevented another by diving full length to push another shot round his goalpost. However, he rather foolishly got involved when challenged by the very lively Seok-Jae Lee and both went head-to-head in a rather comical way that saw each of them cautioned. 

 

As half-time approached the hard-working Caney-Bryan who had spent the half mostly in splendid isolation was the recipient of what seemed to be a totally unjustified yellow card when he accidentally caught a defender who was approaching him unseen from behind. 

 

Hythe started the second half in determined fashion with Jake Embery on to partner Caney-Bryan up front and the home bench now suddenly looking a little concerned, but when City broke free on 56 minutes Prichard found himself in space inside the area and fired home his side's third and deciding strike. Three became four minutes later when Lee planted another accurate attempt into the net and now it seemed that keeping the scoreline respectable had become the game-plan. 

 

The rampant home side were not finished yet though and the again exposed West-Astuti left the attacking Conrad Honore in a crumpled heap as he homed in on goal. As the keeper ruefully departed the scene, oft-time sub keeper Liam Smith stepped into the fray and at last gave the travelling supporters something to cheer about when he dived brilliantly to save the resultant penalty. The Hythe captain then came out confidently to save at the feet of Prichard but was eventually undone when Honore squeezed in a sneaky low shot just inside the foot of the post. 

 

It was apparent from quite early on that this young Chichester side were going to be a handful and so they were. Way back in last season Chatham inflicted a similar scoreline on these Cannons who responded in fine fashion from then on so let's hope that history will be repeated. 

 

Hythe play a Velocity Cup match at Sittingbourne on Tuesday evening before preparing for a difficult FA Trophy tie on Saturday(23rd) away to Chertsey Town in leafy Surrey.

 

Team: Jack West-Astuti, Sam Flisher, Marcus Goldsmith, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Aaron Barnes, Ethan Smith, Johan Caney-Bryan (Kane Phillip 66 mins), Frannie Collin (Jarred Trespaderne 76 mins), Bradley Schafer (Jake Embery 46 mins). Subs Unused: Kai Garande, Charles Noyelle.

 

Scorers: Chichester City - Ethan Prichard 20 & 56 mins, Steve Hutchings 29 mins, Seok-Jae Lee 63 mins, Conrad Honore 90 mins.

 

Red Card: Jack West-Astuti 72 mins - Yellow Cards: Frannie Collin 17 mins, Jack West-Astuti 38 mins, Johan Caney-Bryan 45 mins, Aaron Barnes 59 mins, Sam Flisher 68 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 148

Burgess Hill Town 1 Hythe Town 3

FA Trophy 1st Qualifying Round

Saturday 9th September 2023

 

Following last week's disappointing FA Cup exit, the Cannons had another opportunity to win some FA money when they lined up against a Burgess Hill side who had previously dumped Premier Division Bognor Regis out of the same competition on the same day.

 

Both sides showed an admirable level of fitness throughout the match on what was a lush and true playing surface, and this was a fine advertisement for the step four non-league game.

 

As early as the opening five minutes Hythe were showing their attacking intentions with a series of long throws and corners. Jake Embery and Johan Caney-Bryan both had fine runs from the off and the former had a good attempt deflected wide by a defender before Jack Steventon headed over from the resulting corner.

 

Manager Steve Watt had chosen to give starts to young defender Kai Garande and the reliable Sam Flisher and both fully justified the manager's faith in them. Behind them the returning fans favourite Steven Phillips was soon back into the old routine despite a couple of very understandable early "moments".

 

However, this match was largely won by the likes of brothers Liam and Ethan Smith, the evergreen Frannie Collin, the sheer class of Aaron Barnes and finally the big two of Jack Steventon and Lex Allan, the latter of whom who contrived to be prominent at the back, in midfield, and in most attacks--capping his display with a fine Harry Kane style goal.

 

For the hosts, Lewis Finney initially took the eye, and it was he who popped up at the edge of the area on the 17th minute to work just enough space for himself to chip in an excellent shot that gave Phillps no chance and so give his side the lead.

 

Hythe though were totally unfazed by this clearly unexpected setback, and continued to dominate the match with the powerful running of Ethan Smith and Jake Embery causing real problems for the home side who clearly WANTED to play their football but were not being allowed to do so.

 

It was no surprise then in the 35th minute when Jack Steventon--still up field from a previous attack, accepted Liam Smith's pass to calmly slot home past home keeper James Shaw. The Cannons went for the kill now and a lung-bursting run from the deep by Ethan Smith ended with a fine shot and a good save by Shaw. 

 

Buoyed by this and with some Hythe officials still contemplating their melting chocolate biscuits in the furnace of the Boardroom, Town started the second period in the same way they had the first, and there was another Steventon throw, a nod down in the box, and the huge Lex Allen cracking home a spectacular shot to give his side a much-deserved lead.

 

Of course, the "Hillians" were not beaten yet and despite the 33 degree heat they put up a good response with some fine footwork on a surface they know well. A couple of shots threatened but in truth Hythe were reverting back to the "they shall not pass" heroics of last season. Steve Watt was able to introduce three decent substitutes into the action in Brad Shafer, Marcus Goldsmith and Jarred Trespaderne and all three blended in seamlessly. before the icing was put onto the cake and Aaron Barnes chipped in a fine goal from close range via Steventon and Liam Smith.

 

Last week's Cup defeat, although against a well-drilled side, had led to a few ruffled feathers off-field, but the good folk of Burgess Hill are a better-behaved crowd and they rose as one as the final whistle sounded to appreciate the players efforts in the searing heat.

 

Team: Steve Phillips, Sam Flisher, Kai Garande (Marcus Goldsmith 75 mins), Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allen, Aaron Barnes, Ethan Smith, Johan Caney-Bryan (Bradley Schafer 70 mins), Frannie Collin, Jake Embery (Jarred Trespaderne 84 mins). Sub Unused Charles Noyelle. 

 

Scorers: Burgess Hill Town - Lewis Finney 16 mins. Hythe Town - Jack Steventon 36 mins, Lex Allan 47 mins, Aaron Barnes 88 mins. 

 

Yellow Card: Bradley Schafer 82 mins.

 

Attendance: 260

Hythe Town 0 Hanworth Villa 2

Emitrates FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round

Saturday 2nd September 2023

 

Hythe suffered their first home defeat of 2023 on Saturday, as they were knocked out of the FA Cup in the first qualifying round by Hanworth Villa. Manager Steve Watt made two changes to his starting lineup from Monday's abandoned match against Ashford United, as Marcus Goldsmith and Jack Steventon returned to the side, replacing Sam Flisher and Marvin Hamilton.

 

The first 15 minutes were difficult for Hythe, with the visitors dominating possession and playing a good passing game. However, on 13 minutes Hythe had the first major opportunity of the match, as Jake Embery hit a powerful shot from outside the box which flew just over the crossbar. Three minutes later, a free-kick from Frannie Collin was nodded wide of the post by Liam Smith.

 

As the half went on, the 'Villains' managed to have more chances on goal - on 28 minutes, Bruno Robertson-Tingle managed to make his way past the Hythe backline, firing a shot towards goal which was eventually picked up by Adam Molloy. In the 35th minute, the deadlock was broken, as a cross came in from the right hand side of the pitch, which was slotted home by Seanen McKillop.

 

With seven minutes remaining until half-time, the ball was fired into the box by Brad Schafer, before Jake Embery gained possession, hitting a shot from a tight angle which deflected against a Hanworth player and went out for a corner, which was eventually cleared.

 

The second half began in similar fashion to the first, with Hythe struggling to create opportunities from their limited possession. Six minutes in, Bruno Robertson-Tingle rolled the ball over to Kyen Nicholas, who hit a shot towards an open goal which was narrowly cleared off the line by Liam Smith. Five minutes later, George Wells fired the ball towards goal from outside the box, before it was palmed away for a corner by Adam Molloy. As the game drew to a close, the visitors managed to score their second - substitute Sam Mead played the ball across goal to Sam Merson, who slotted home into an empty net to seal the victory.

  

Hythe supporters and players can be forgiven for feeling a little dissapointed - after all, it had been a long time since the Cannons had lost at Reachfields, and Hanworth Villa can be pleased with the performance they put in. The Cannons will need to pick themselves up and prepare for their FA Trophy game, as they travel to Burgess Hill Town on Saturday 9th September, with the match kicking off at 3pm.

 

Team: Adam Molloy, Marcus Goldsmith (Sam Flisher 83 mins), Bradley Schafer, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Aaron Barnes, Ethan Smith (Charles Noyelle 71 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan (Kai Garande 79 mins) , Frannie Collin, Jake Embery. Sub Not Used Jarred Treparderne.

 

Scorers: Hanworth Villa  - Seanen McKillop 35 mins, Sam Merson 78 mins)

 

Yellow Card: Bradley Schafer 40 mins. 

 

Attendance: 319

Hythe Town 0 Ashford United 0

Pitching in Isthmian League South-East

Monday 28th August 2023

Match abandoned due to serious player injury

 

On Bank Holiday Monday, the Cannons played out a 0-0 draw with Ashford United in their local derby, before the match was eventually abandoned. Manager Steve Watt made two changes from Saturday's 2-0 win over Merstham, as Jarred Trespaderne and injured Sam Itauma made way for Marvin Hamilton, who returned to the club on a one-match basis, and Sam Flisher, who made his first start for the club.

 

Hythe were on top in the opening minutes of the game, and came close to scoring on four minutes, when Aaron Barnes sent in a cross from the left-hand corner of the pitch, which the outstretched leg of Jake Embery made a poor connection with the ball, which bounced away from the goal. On 26 minutes, the visitors had their best chance so far when Danny Parish hit a powerful shot from outside the box, which went just wide of the post. On 33 minutes, the Cannons almost scored an outstanding goal, as a Frannie Collin free-kick was cleared away, before Brad Schafer stuck his foot in the air, using the back of his heel to send the ball towards Jake Embery, who sent an overhead kick towards the top of the goal, before it was tipped over the crossbar by Ashford goalkeeper Jacob Russell. Finally, with three minutes to go of the first half, Danny Parish hit a shot towards the top corner of Adam Molloy's net, which the Cannons stopper saved in superb fashion, clawing the ball away from goal to keep the scores level going into the break.

 

A quiet first 15 minutes of the second half followed, before Adem Ramadan went down after a challenge on a Hythe player. As the player was clearly in a lot of pain, both teams sent to the dressing rooms, with Ramadan being given as much medical treatment as possible before an ambulance arrived to take him away before the match was eventually abandoned. Ashford United manager Kevin Watson confirmed that Ramadan has suffered a broken leg.

 

Despite the result now being voided, Steve Watt's men can be pleased with their performance. The club also give their best wishes to Adem Ramadan and hope that he makes a speedy recovery. The Cannons are back in action on Saturday 2nd September at Reachfields, as they take on Hanworth Villa in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup at 3pm.

 

Team: Adam Molloy, Sam Flisher, Brad Schafer, Marvin Hamilton, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Aaron Barnes, Ethan Smith, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery.  Subs Unused: Shad Ngandu, Jarred Trespaderne, Charles Noyelle, Kai Garande.

 

Attendance: 460

Merstham 0 Hythe Town 2

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 26^th August 2023

 

The Cannons came away with a fully deserved victory in a 2-0 win at Merstham on Saturday afternoon. In fact, if all their chances had been taken, they could have had a hat full.

 

Manager, Steve Watt made two enforced changes from the side that beat East Grinstead Town in the FA Cup last Saturday with Jake Embery and Jarred Trespaderne coming in for the unavailable Jack Steventon and Marcus Goldsmith.

 

Merstham actually started the brighter and had the first chance within the first minute as a Peter Wedgeworth free-kick was headed wide by Dean Gunner. The visitors had to wait twelve minutes for their first opening as Johan Caney-Bryan had two attempts from close range with the second one being deflected wide for a corner. Frannie Collin took the resultant kick which he played into the near post to find captain Liam Smith who headed in at the near post to give Hythe the lead.

 

As the half progressed the Cannons increased their control of the game as Trespaderne sent a wild shot over the bar and then he headed over from a Collin corner. Collin continued to create chances from dead ball situations as he sent in a free kick deep into the penalty area finding Caney-Bryan whose attempt lacked power and the ball was easily collected by Merstham keeper Zack Basey. Just before half-time a curling free kick from Collin forced Basey to parry the ball around the upright.

 

The second period started with Hythe still on top as a shot from Ethan Smith was pushed round the post again by Basey and then another Collin free-kick was headed over by Caney-Bryan. A rare opportunity came for the hosts as Michael Dixon rounded Hythe keeper Adam Molloy but his final attempt from a tight angle went across the mouth of the goal and away for a goal kick. For a period, the Hythe defence prevented any moves developing into goal scoring opportunities.

 

Finally with six minutes left of normal time Hythe got the goal that sealed the victory. A poor clearance from Basey was intercepted by Ethan Smith who pulled the ball back to Brad Schafer who made no mistake as he buried the ball in the back of the net to make it 2-0. Schafer had another chance before the end as he pulled a shot wide and then deep in injury time substitute Kai Garande came in from the left and despite being under pressure got his shot away only for Basey to block.

 

This was the third victory on the spin for Hythe and they now sit in second place in the early table and now face a challenging league fixture on Bank Holiday Monday (28^th August 2023) as they entertain Ashford United. Kick off at Reachfields is 3pm.

 

Team: Adam Molloy, Sam Ituama (Sam Flisher 18 mins), Bradley Schafer, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Ethan Smith, Jarred Trespaderne (Charles Noyelle 90 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery (Kai Garande 80 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Liam Smith 13 mins, Bradley Schafer 84 mins.

 

Yellow Cards: Jarred Trespaderne 26 mins, Ethan Smith 68 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 201

East Grinstead Town 1 Hythe Town 3

Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round

Saturday 19^th August 2023

 

The Cannons came away victorious from East Grinstead Town with a 3-1 win on Saturday afternoon to move into the 1^st Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.

 

Manager, Steve Watt made one change to his starting line up from last week’s league home fixture against today’s opponents bringing in Sam Itauma to replace Jake Embery who was on the bench.

 

The first quarter of an hour saw Hythe continue where they left off last Saturday with a chance after only 16 seconds as Bradley Schafer drove the ball just wide of the target. East Grinstead had their first chance on 19 minutes as Kiye Martin scuffed a shot high and wide.

 

Whilst the hosts were looking more dangerous, they were struggling to create chances and the next opportunity came for Hythe as a Jack Steventon long throw was met by a over head kick by Johan Caney-Bryan that sailed into the arms of home keeper Matte Pierson.

 

The Wasps were looking the more likely as the ever-dangerous Connor Tighe was blocked well by defender Lex Allan and eight minutes before half time the hosts had their best chance of the game as Kiye Martin got one on one with Adam Molloy, but the Hythe keeper was quickly off his line to snuff out the chance.

 

The second period saw the Cannons go quickly into a two-goal lead as on 48 minutes they went ahead from a trademark long throw from Jack Steventon that found its way to Johan Caney-Bryan who managed to get his knee to the ball diverting it into the net.  

 

Five minutes later Hythe went further ahead as Pierson blocked a shot from Ethan Smith with Caney-Bryan on hand to send the rebound home to make it 2-0.  There was a fright for the visitors as Marcus Goldsmith brought down Martin in the penalty area with the referee immediately pointing to the spot. Up stepped East Grinstead skipper Glenn Wilson who drilled his spot kick home.

 

However, the Cannons were looking for a third as Schafer drilled a shot straight at Pierson, but he was not to be denied with seven minutes to go as he broke through stretching to lob the ball over the keeper and into the far corner of the net.

 

East Grinstead did have a couple of chances to narrow the gap as firstly from a free kick from Max Walsh on the edge of the area, but his effort sailed over the bar and then two minutes into injury time Molley produced a great save from Ryan Green. The Cannons were to comfortably hold on to their 3-1 win and will be in the draw for the next round on Monday.

 

They are next in action on Saturday 26^th August 2023 when they travel to Merstham in the league. Kick off is 3pm.

 

Team: Adam Molloy, Sam Itauma, Marcus Goldsmith (Kai Garande 83 mins), Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Aaron Barnes, Ethan Smith (Jake Embery 59 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan (Jarred Trespaderne 80 mins), Frannie Collin, Bradley Schafer.  Subs Unused: Sam Flisher Leo Vowles.

 

Scorers: East Grinstead Town - Glenn Wilson 68 mins (Pen). Hythe Town – Johan Caney-Bryan 48 & 54 mins, Bradley Schafer 83 mins.

 

Yellow Cards: Ethan Smith 38 mins, Jake Embery 64 mins, Marcus Goldsmith 67 mins

 

 

Attendance: 142

Hythe Town 4 East Grinstead Town 0

Pitching In Isthmian League South-East

Saturday 12^th August 2023

 

Hythe were victorious on the opening day of the season as they comfortably beat East Grinstead Town 4-0 at Reachfields. The Cannons lined up with a fairly similar team to last season, as seven players from last season's play-off final started the match, along with new signings Adam Molloy, Brad Schafer, Aaron Barnes and Jake Embery.

 

It was a perfect start for the Cannons, as they took the lead after just two minutes, with Jack Steventon's long throw in being knocked onto Aaron Barnes, who guided the ball into an empty goal. The visitors very nearly made it 1-1 on 21 minutes, as Max Walsh darted forward on the counterattack, squaring it to Kiye Martin, who blasted his shot wide of the post from close range. Hythe managed to score their second on 33 minutes, when Ethan Smith rushed forward on the counterattack and slotted past Matte Pierson in the East Grinstead goal. It was Ethan's brother Liam who put the Cannons 3-0 up in the fourth minute of added time, glancing a header in from a Frannie Collin corner.

 

In the very first minute of the second half, the visitors had a good chance to get back into the game, as Connor Tighe strode forward and lifted his shot above Adam Molloy and onto the crossbar. However, it didn't take long for Hythe to extend their lead, as Brad Schafer recieved the ball on the edge of the box on 53 minutes, skipping past the defenders and hitting a pinpoint shot past the goalkeeper. On 63 minutes, the Cannons had a chance to make it five, when Frannie Collin stepped up to take a free kick, which he drove past the wall before it was tipped away by Matte Pierson. On 83 minutes, Hythe had one final chance to add to the goals, when Johan Caney-Bryan had the ball in the box, firing his shot over the bar from close range.

 

Speaking after the match, manager Steve Watt said 'East Grinstead are a good side, they've made some good additions to their team this year and they always pose a threat. I just thought today our intensity was too much for them at times with the way we set the tone, particularly from the front players, and how they pressed from the front. East Grinstead couldn't get a foothold in the game - we scored in key moments, and we obviously got the goal straight away, but we kept pushing and I thought in the end we ran over them a bit, with no disrespect to East Grinstead. I thought everyone was outstanding, if I was to mark all of our players out of ten I'd struggle to mark anyone below eight. I thought the front three were outstanding, I really feel for Jake [Embery] and Johan [Caney-Bryan] because I think they deserved a goal. Ethan [Smith] was Ethan, he was everywhere, Brad Schafer playing out of position got his goal that he deserved, and we have seen what he will offer to the team. Aaron Barnes is just class, he's as smooth as silk, and he gave us that element of calmness and quality on the ball today. It was a great performance, but it's just one performance.'

 

The Cannons are back in action on Saturday 19th August as they face East Grinstead once again, this time away in the FA Cup, with the match kicking off at 3pm.

 

Team: Adam Molloy, Liam Smith, Marcus Goldsmith, Jack Steventon, Lex Allan (Sam Itauma 61 mins), Bradley Schafer, Aaron Barnes (Jarred Trespaderne 81 mins), Ethan Smith (Sam Flisher 81 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Aaron Barnes 2 mins, Ethan Smith 33mins, Liam Smith 45 mins, Bradley Schafer 53 mins.

 

Attendance: 271.

 

Match report by Tom Ellerby

 

 

Hastings United 1 Hythe Town 1

Pre-Season Friendly

Tuesday 1^st August 2023

 

The Cannons put up an encouraging performance in their final pre-season fixture as they came away with a 1-1 draw from Isthmian Premier Division Hastings United on Tuesday evening.

 

The game started slowly with both sides not making any clear cut  chances until the 26^th minute when Hythe keeper Adam Molloy was forced to dive to his left to push the ball around the upright and out for a corner. Hastings continued to edge the game at the stage as Tayo Oyebola drove the ball into the side netting. On the stroke of half time the hosts took the lead as Davide Rodari flicked the ball home to make it 1-0.

 

The second period started with Hythe on the attack and on 52 minutes Johan Caney-Bryan forced a save from Hastings keeper Harry Howes. Hastings were still looking dangerous as Femi Akinwande rifled a free kick against the cross bar and then former Cannon Jason Fregene showed his class but he  was a denied by a fine save from Molloy.

 

Hythe who defended well got their just reward on 80 minutes as the ball found its way to Jake Embery who forced the ball home from close range to bring scores level.

 

Hythe now have ten days off before the opening league game of the season as they entertain East Grinstead Town on the first league game of the season on Saturday 12^th August 2023. Kick off is 3pm.

 

Team: Adam Molloy, Liam Smith, Sam Flisher, Charles Noyelle, Lex Allan, Jack Steventon, Ethan Smith, Marcus Goldsmith, Johan Caney-Bryan, Bradley Schafer, Aaron Barnes.  Subs All Used: Jake Embery, Jarred Tresparderne, Harry Rowland, Connor Cheek.

 

Scorers: Hastings United – Davide Rodari 44 mins.  Hythe Town – Jake Embery 80 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 227.  

Folkestone Invicta 5 Hythe Town 1

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 29^th July 2023

 

Hythe were beaten comfortably by Folkestone Invicta on Saturday afternoon. The Cannons were without manager Steve Watt, who was on holiday, and assistant Darren Blackburn, who has recently left the club, with former Ashford United manager Tommy Warrilow in the dugout for the match.

 

The game began very evenly, with both sides showing good potential. Hythe's best opportunity of the half came after 12 minutes, when Liam Smith recieved a long ball in Invicta's half, playing it to Jake Embery, who in turn gave it to Marcus Goldsmith, who squared the ball across to Tuesday's hat-trick hero Brad Schafer, with his powerful shot from range being caught by Folkestone's goalkeeper. Unfortunately for the Cannons, the hosts began to show their superiority, and on 17 minutes, a shot was deflected into the path of Ade Cole, who hit a good shot past Adam Molloy to break the deadlock.

 

It was very nearly 2-0 on 25 minutes, when David Smith received the ball on the counterattack, skipping past Adam Molloy, before an exceptional tackle was put in by Jack Steventon at the very last moment to guide the ball away from goal. However, it didn't take long for Folkestone to double their advantage, as Molloy failed to collect a loose ball in the penalty area, which fell to Ibrahim Olatude, who played the ball into the feet of David Smith, who slotted the ball into an empty net. On the brink of half-time, things got worse for Tommy Warrilow's men, when Ibrahim Olatude received the ball on the right-hand side and guided his shot into the net to make it 3-0 at the break.

 

Chances were at a premium in the second half, however the hosts managed to capitalise on their opportunities. In the 69th minute, David Smith made a run with the ball into the box, hitting a pinpoint shot home for his second goal of the game. With just eight minutes remaining, Folkestone completed their five-star performance with a fifth goal, when Jordan Ababio hit a looping shot past a stationary Adam Molloy to further extend their lead. However, Jake Embery managed to score a late consolation for Hythe in the dying moments of the match, skipping past Invicta's backline and sending a shot past the Folkestone goalkeeper to give Hythe fans some positivity.

 

The full-time whistle blew soon afterwards, marking a difficult defeat for the Cannons at the hands of a deadly Folkestone Invicta side. The Cannons return to action on Tuesday 1st August as they travel to face another Isthmian League side in Hastings United, with the match kicking off at 7:45pm.

 

Starting lineup: Adam Molloy, Liam Smith, Ethan Smith, Jack Steventon, Lex Allan, Brad Schafer, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jarred Trespaderne, Marcus Goldsmith, Jake Embery.

 

Substitutes: Sam Flisher, Aaron Barnes, Miles Cornwell, Ryan Godding

 

 

Match report by Tom Ellerby

Hythe Town 2-1 Kennington

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 22nd July 2023

 

Hythe emerged victorious on Saturday afternoon as they beat Kennington 2-1.

 

The match began with the visitors on top and the Cannons struggling to have a sustained period of possession. However, Steve Watt's men managed to get themselves into the game after about half an hour. On 28 minutes, a glancing header from Aaron Barnes from a corner was tipped over the bar by former Hythe stopper Joe Mant, before Charles Noyelle was through on goal three minutes later, hitting his shot just wide from close range. On 37 minutes, substitute Jake Embery was set free on the right-hand side and hit a shot from a tight angle, with Joe Mant diving to the floor to collect the ball. With just six minutes to go, Ethan Smith had an excellent opportunity as he was put one-on-one with Mant, however the keeper managed to deflect Smith's shot away to keep the game at 0-0.

 

It took just three minutes of the second half for the Cannons to gain an advantage. A shot goalwards was parried away by Joe Mant, allowing Johan Caney-Bryan to slot his shot into an open goal and give Hythe the lead. It was almost two on 57 minutes, as Charles Noyelle's cross from the left wing was recieved by Leo Vowles, who set up a shot for Jake Embery which was blazed over the crossbar. As the game drew to a close, the visitors managed to equalise, as Marcus Goldsmith was dispossessed by Ryan Philpott inside the penalty area, leaving the Kennington striker to hit his shot past an unprepared Adam Molloy to level the scores. However, the Cannons managed to retake the lead, as Sam Flisher squared the ball from the byline into the path of Duane Acheampong, who drove his shot into the back of the net.

 

Overall, Steve Watt's side will be happy to have taken a win, even if the performance wasn't perfect. Hythe fans will have to wait until the season starts for the Cannons to return to Reachfields, but pre-season is far from over, as Hythe are back in action on Tuesday evening away at Canterbury City, with the match kicking off at 7:45pm.

 

Lineup: Adam Molloy, Liam Smith, Leo Vowles, Charles Noyelle, Lex Allan, Jack Steventon, Ethan Smith, Marcus Goldsmith, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Aaron Barnes

 

Substitutes used: Jake Embery, Sam Flisher, Emmanuel Dasho, Jarred Trespaderne, Josh Stirman, Duane Acheampong Substitutes not used: Christopher Swift.

 

Goalscorers: Hythe Town - Johan Caney-Bryan (48 mins), Duane Acheampong (83 mins). Kennington - Ryan Philpott (81 mins)

 

Attendance: 100

 

 

Match report by Tom Ellerby

Rochester United 1 Hythe Town 1

Pre-Season Fixture

Tuesday 11^th July 2023

 

The Cannons came away with a draw in their first away pre-season fixture.

 

They started the game with a number of youngsters looking to impress manager Steve Watt and they did themselves proud.

 

Hythe went ahead with their first real opportunity on nine minutes as Johan Caney-Bryan pulled the ball back across goal to find Ethan Smith who side footed home. The lead was only too last seven minutes as a breakaway found Rochester striker Harrison Hume who neatly finished to bring the scores level. The visitors were unlucky on 37 minutes as a Frannie Collin free-kick was played off to Oscar Webb whose long range shot brushed the top of the cross bar.

 

There were opportunities at both ends in the second half with the hosts denied by some great saves from Hythe keeper Adam Molloy. Eventually the game petered out into a 1-1 draw.

 

The Cannons will face tougher opposition on Saturday (15^th July 2023) when they visit National League South Tonbridge Angels. Kick Off is 3pm.

 

Team: Adam Molly, Liam Smith, Leo Vowles, Jack Steventon, Harry Rowland, Jarred Trespaderne, Ethan Smith, Aaron Barnes, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Oscar Webb.  Subs Used: Josh Stirman, A Trialist, A Trialist, Josh Oluwafola, Jake Embery, Trialist, Luke Russell, Harry Miller. Sub Unused: Christopher Swift.

 

Scorers: Rochester United – Harrison Hume 16 mins. Hythe Town – Ethan Smith 9 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 80

Hythe Town 3 Lordwood 0

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 8th July 2023

 

Hythe took their first victory of pre-season on Saturday as they put three past Lordswood at Reachfields. The Cannons made just four changes from their draw against Faversham, with Luke Russell, Sam Flisher, Brad Schafer and Harry Miller all coming into the eleven, with a number of trialists starting on the bench. Lordswood's lineup contained one former Cannon, as James Jeffrey started up front having spent time with the club last season.

 

After just eight minutes, the Cannons gained the advantage through Liam Smith, who headed the ball towards goal as it evaded the Lordswood defence and trickled in. The lead was almost doubled on 28 minutes, as a Frannie Collin corner was nodded towards the top of the goal by Harry Miller, with Lords keeper Tom Crump tipping the ball over the bar. With ten minutes remaining of the half, the advantage was doubled through Johan Caney-Bryan, who ran onto the ball, rolling his shot past the onrushing goalkeeper. 

 

The Cannons began to make changes during the second half, and this allowed the visitors to get themselves back into the game, and their best chance came on 54 minutes, as Josh Reid fired a powerful shot towards the goal which went just wide of the post. However, Hythe continued to have opportunities, and on 71 minutes, Johan Caney-Bryan was brought down in the box, with the referee blowing the whistle for a penalty. Frannie Collin stepped up, slotting the ball into the middle of the goal to secure the victory.

 

The Cannons will be back in action on Tuesday night, as they travel to Rochester United at 7:45pm.

 

Team: Adam Molloy, Sam Flisher, Luke Russell, Liam Smith, Harry Miller, Jake Embery, Brad Schafer, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Aaron Barnes, Jack Steventon

 

Substitutes used: Josh Stirman, Oscar Webb, Harry Rowland, Josh Oluwafola, Will Barber

Substitutes not used: Christopher Swift (GK)

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Liam Smith 8 mins, Johan Caney-Bryan 35 mins, Farnnie Collin 71 mins (pen)

 

Attendance:112

 

Match report by Tom Ellerby 

Hythe Town 0-0 Faversham Town

Pre-Season Friendly

Tuesday 4th July 2023

 

Hythe began their pre-season schedule on a rainy Tuesday evening at Reachfields, as they drew 0-0 with Faversham Town. The visitors, who were relegated from the Isthmian South-East Division the previous season, had strengthened adequately since the end of the 2022/23 campaign, with several big names from the South-East League stepping down a division to join Sammy Moore's side.

 

As far as Hythe were concerned, their lineup contained eight players from last season, with three retained players on the bench. New signings Aaron Barnes and Adam Molloy started the match, along with a trialist, with Christopher Swift, Oscar Webb, Daniel Lewis and a trialist getting their first taste of action for the Cannons, starting on the bench.

 

As the rain poured down and the pitch grew boggier, there were few major chances for either side. However, the Cannons had an opportunity on 27 minutes, as Johan Caney-Bryan was tackled just outside the box, with the ball drifting into the path of Sam Itauma, who layed it off to a trialist, with his shot going just wide of the post. Moments later, Hythe had their only other major chance of the half, as the same trialist fired another shot over the crossbar.

 

The weather began to calm down over the course of the second half, making it easier for both sides to play their usual style of football. On 58 minutes, Hythe came close to scoring when Charles Noyelle, who had signed for the club last season but failed to make an appearance, sent a looping cross into the path of Johan Caney-Bryan, which was headed onto the crossbar and was dealt with by the Faversham backline. The rest of the match contained very few chances, but the majority of possession was had by the visitors inside Hythe's half of the field.

 

The full-time whistle blew to mark the beginning of Steve Watt's side's season. Overall, the match was a quiet one, but there were very few bad words to be said for either team's performance. Hythe will be back in action at Reachfields on Saturday 8th July as they take on Lordswood at 3pm, as the Cannons look to take their first win of the 2023/24 season.

 

Team: Adam Molloy, Liam Smith, Morgan Williamson, Jack Steventon, Sam Itauma, Lex Allan, Charles Noyelle, Aaron Barnes, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, A Trialist

 

Used substitutes: A Trialist, Jarred Trespaderne, Josh Stirman, Oscar Webb, Harry Miller, Daniel Lewis

 

Unused substitutes: Christopher Swift (GK)

 

 

Attendance: 154

Report by Tom Ellerby