Match Reports 2016-2017.......


Hythe snatch all three points..........

Horsham 0 Hythe Town 1

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 22nd April 2017

 

A 73rd minute Dean Grant goal was enough for Hythe Town to come home with three points in a 1-0 win at Horsham in the last game of the season on Saturday.

 

Both sides had an even share of the first half with Sam Adams having the first effort for the Cannons on two minutes as he hit a shot from 20 yards straight into the arms of Horsham keeper Josh Pelling. Within a minute the hosts forced a save from Hythe keeper Joe Mant as he tipped the ball round the post from Scott Kirkwood. Tom Lawley was denied on seven minutes with Craig Cloke clearing off the line from a lob by the Horsham striker.

 

Both sides were creating an equal share of the opportunities in the early part of the first half. Ben Wilson sent in a corner from the right which Cloke sliced wide and then at the other end James Thurgar flicked the ball onto Lewis Hyde who forced Mant to tip the ball over the bar.  As the half progressed the more meaningful chances were coming for the visitors. On 20 minutes Wilson put through an accurate ball to Kieron Campbell who firstly stumbled but recovered to shoot just wide. This was followed quickly from a dangerous break from Alex Mulrooney-Skinner down the right which ended with a cross ball which Grant was unlucky not to convert. The favour was returned on the stroke of half-time as this time Grant fed the ball into Mulrooney-Skinner who could not quite get enough on the ball to re-direct it home.

 

The second half started slowly with limited action but it was Horsham who were first to threaten as Kirkwood drove the ball in from 20 yards only for the ball to be blocked by Mant and then another home attack saw Alex Duncan cross to Darren Boswell who headed over. However it was Hythe who began to take control as the half progressed. Campbell was first to have an attempt for the Cannons as he had a 25 yard shot deflected wide. Adams then hit a looping shot into the arms of Pelling.

 

The decisive moment of the half and the game came on 73 minutes as Campbell threaded the ball through to Grant who beat the offside trap moving in and slotting the ball neatly into the corner of the net to give Hythe all three points. There was only one clear chance five minutes from time as Boswell shot into the arms of Mant but there was little else to threaten Hythe’s lead.

 

The Cannons ended up in seventh place in the table and now must look forward to next season to push on.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Ben Wilson, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Mitchell Chapman (Matt Newman 64 mins), Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Dean Grant (Kenny Pogue 80 mins), Kieron Campbell, Alex Mulrooney-Skinner (Jay May 45 mins)

 

Scorer: Hythe Town Dean Grant 73 mins

 

Attendance 317.

 

 

Grant hat-trick helps Hythe humble Chatham......

Hythe Town 6 Chatham Town 1

Ryman League Division One (South)

Monday 17th April 2017

 

Hythe Town rubbed salt into the wounds of already relegated Chatham Town in a 6-1 win at Reachfields on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon.

 

Hythe were quickly out of the blocks as Sam Adams sent a curling free-kick into the arms of Chatham keeper Louis Lawlor. However it was the visitors who took the lead on two minutes as Leonardo Mazzone at the far post drove home a Justin Ascheri corner. However the Cannons only had to wait three minutes to bring the scores level  as Dean Grant stole the ball and surged forward slotting the ball past Lawlor. The lively start to game continued as on eight minutes Ascheri beat Hythe keeper, Joe Mant to the ball but could only get the ball to cannon off the upright.

 

Hythe were now taking greater control of the game as Alex Mulrooney-Skinner broke quickly but his final effort was directed straight at Lawlor. Hythe were to take the lead on 16 minutes as Grant cut in a cross from the left finding Adams to tap the ball home. The hosts continued to apply the pressure as Adams blasted over from the centre of the penalty area and then an Adams corner saw Dave Cook head wide. Chatham were restricted to odd break as Nick Reeves was forced to make a last ditch tackle to prevent Ricky Gundry from bringing the scores level. 

 

There followed four very dangerous Ben Wilson corners with the first one headed over by Cook and then Craig Cloke headed into the arms of Lawlor. This was followed by a corner that found Reeves on the far post but his shot was deflected wide. The last one saw Cloke head over the bar.

 

The second half was almost one way traffic as Hythe encamped in the Chatham half. Wilson sent in the first attempt as he hit in a dipping free kick that was tipped over the bar by Lawlor. Adams then put in a dangerous corner but Reeves put the ball into the side-netting.  Two goals in two minutes saw the Cannons seal the points as firstly on the hour Mulrooney-Skinner got on the end of a through ball from Grant racing through to put Hythe 3-1 up and then Grant himself broke through to slot home on 61 minutes.

 

Hythe continued to dominate with a curling shot from the edge of the area by Grant  going into Lawlor’s arms and then finally a rare Chatham attack saw Ascheri cross into Gundry who headed down but the ball was held by Mant. Hythe had the ball in the net again on 76 minutes as Kenny Pogue tapped in from a Jerald Aboagye cross but the attempt was ruled out for off side. The last ten minutes saw two more goals for the hosts as a Pogue cross found Grant who redirected the ball into the net to give the striker his hat-trick. Then on 84 minutes Pogue beat the offside trap to see the ball home despite defensive cover.

 

The score lifts Hythe into seventh place as they look to finish off the season with a win at Horsham in the final game of the season next Saturday.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Ben Wilson, Mitchell Chapman (Harry Carr 77 mins), Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Dean Grant, Kieron Campbell (Kenny Pogue 65 mins), Alex Mulrooney-Skinner (Tom Loynes 82 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Dean Grant 5, 62 & 81 mins, Sam Adams 16 mins,  Alex Mulrooney- Skinner 61 mins, Kenny Pogue 84 mins.  Chatham Town - Leonardo Mazzone 2 mins.  

 

Attendance: 227

Hythe Town slip to late defeat......

Dorking Wanderers 1 Hythe Town 0

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 15th April 2017

 

Hythe’s very minute mathematical chances of making the play-offs evaporated as they went down 1-0 at Dorking Wanderers on Saturday afternoon.

 

It was the hosts who started the more positive as after three minutes a dangerous cross from Matt Briggs went straight across the goal mouth but there was no one there to convert. Hythe keeper Joe Mant was called into action as he saved from a shot by Giuseppe Sole. Hythe had their first attack after 23 minutes as Kieron Campbell crossed over to Sam Adams whose shot went over the bar.

 

Ben Wilson was next to threaten as he mishit a free-kick from 25 yards straight into the arms of Dorking keeper Slavomir Huk. In a half lacking in goal mouth action Ryan Johnson surged through for the Cannons six minutes before the break but drove his final attempt just wide.

 

The second half was very much of the same nature as the first. On 48 minutes Briggs broke through but his final effort under pressure was saved by Mant with the Dorking team baying for a penalty which was turned down by the referee. At the other end Matt Newman flicked the ball to Adams who slammed his shot just wide. On the hour Dorking were awarded a penalty as Craig Cloke was adjudged to have pushed over James McShane but Sole blasted the resultant kick high over the bar.

 

The Cannons then had a period where they threatened three times. Firstly Wilson sent in a deep corner that was met by Cloke at the far post but he tapped the ball just wide and then Kenny Pogue fed the ball to Ryan Johnson who fired over the bar. With eleven minutes to go Alex Mulrooney-Skinner surged down the right hand side crossing the ball into Kenny Pogue whose side-footed attempt was blocked. However it was Dorking who broke the deadlock with five minutes to go as McShane swept the ball home from inside the penalty area to ensure Wanderers got the three points.

 

Hythe slip down to ninth place as they prepare to entertain already relegated Chatham Town on Monday afternoon.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Ben Wilson, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Chris Saunders, (Matt Newman 45 mins), Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Dean Grant (Kenny Pogue 69 mins), Kieron Campbell, Alex Mulrooney-Skinner.

 

Scorers: Dorking Wanderers – James McShane 85 mins.  

 

Attendance: 179

Hythe Town XI win friendly fixture.....

Hythe Town XI 3 Ashford United Under 18s 1

Friendly Fixture

Wednesday 12th April 2017

 

A Hythe Town team consisting of a mixture of first team squad players and a number of youngsters eventually overcame a very talented Ashford United Under 18s 3-1 in a friendly fixture at Reachfields on Wednesday evening.

 

It was in fact Ashford who took a 1-0 lead into the break following a 16th minute goal that saw Matt Day break free in the penalty area putting the ball past Hythe keeper Joe Mant.

 

Hythe brought on a number of the experienced first team players in the second period and were able to draw level on 58 minutes as Alex Mulrooney-Skinner pulled the ball back with Sam Adams pouncing on a goalkeeping error to slot the ball home from close range. The Cannons were ahead on 67 minutes as a Ben Wilson free kick was played into Adams who tapped the ball home for his second. The third came on 70 minutes as Mulrooney-Skinner pounced on a defensive error and surged through to fire the ball home.

 

It was a useful workout for Hythe with Ashford putting an impressive performance in front of a crowd of 80. 

Leafe steal a point with last kick..............

Hythe Town 1 Whyteleafe 1

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 8th April 2017

 

Hythe eventually succumbed to a last gasp equaliser as they drew 1-1 with Whyteleafe at Reachfields on Saturday afternoon.

 

The first period of the game saw both sides testing each other out without creating any clear cut opportunities. The first chance came for Hythe on 13 minutes as Sam Adams sent a free kick from the edge of the area curling wide. Adams then sent in a deep cross that was headed wide of the target by Craig Cloke. Hythe continued on the attack as Dean Grant then sent in a cross tight to the by-line but Matt Newman blasted high over the bar.

 

Whyteleafe had their first effort on 25 minutes as Sam Clayton eased his way into the area before pulling his shot wide. They followed that up with a golden opportunity as Liam Collins put in a cross that was headed over by Tyler Brown when it seemed easier to hit the target.  The rest of the half passed without incident.

 

The second half started with Hythe on the attack as Newman crossed to Cloke who headed wide. Whyteleafe threatened after 56 minutes as substitute Kelvin Ogboe had a double chance but his second attempt eventually ended in the arms of Hythe keeper Joe Mant. Leafe had another attack on 70 minutes as Clayton sent in a deep corner that was headed wide by Olumide Oluwatimilehin and then Daniel Ajakaiye forced a save from Mant as he broke in from the left. Hythe eventually broke the deadlock on 75 minutes as a Ben Wilson free kick was neatly headed home by Cloke.

 

Whyteleafe did threaten to get back in the game as Oluwatimilehin shot straight at Mant from 20 yards. And then three minutes from time a Bentley Graham corner was headed over by John Scarborough. The pressure finally led to an equaliser as Shawn Clement-Peter hooked home with the very last kick of the game to give Leafe a share of the points.

 

The Cannons remain only three points outside the play-off's but with games running out. They have a tough trip to high-flying Dorking Wanderers next Saturday. 

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson (Kenny Pogue 67 mins), Craig Cloke , Matt Newman, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Dean Grant, Ben Wilson, Chris Saunders (Alex Mulrooney-Skinner 61 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Craig Cloke 75 mins. Whyteleafe-Shawn Clement-Peter 90 mins.

 

Attendance: 129

 

Hythe Town 0 Corinthian-Casuals 5

Ryman League Division (One) South

Saturday 1st April 2017

 

Hythe’s chances of a play-off place took a huge blow as they were hammered 5-0 at home to Corinthian Casuals on Saturday afternoon.  

 

The first attack came for Hythe on two minutes as Jerald Aboagye crossed in from the by-line with Craig Cloke producing a scissor kick that went over the bar. Sam Adams then fed the ball through to Dean Grant who tried to beat the keeper but his final attempt ball went wide of the target. Grant had another opportunity as Josh Burchell threaded through a neat ball but the striker elected to cross rather than go for goal. Grant was in the thick of the action again as he had a shot that forced a save out of Casuals keeper Danny Bracken.

 

Casuals had to wait until 25 minutes for their first threat as Jordan Clarke sent a free kick well over the bar. The Cannons were back on the attack as Bracken, coming out from his goal, prevented Grant putting the Cannons ahead. Casuals attacked again after half an hour as Clarke crossed into Danny Dudley who fired over from the middle of the penalty area. At the other end Aboagye put in a cross that was tapped round the post by Jay May. Disaster came for the Cannons on 40 minutes as Jay May was sent off for a retaliation on a Casuals player following a challenge. Two opportunities then came for the visitors as firstly Clarke broke through and fired over but deep into injury time he picked up the ball and fired a volley into the corner of the net giving Hythe keeper Joe Mant no chance.  

 

Worse was to come for Hythe at the start of the second half as Mahrez Bettache flicked the ball onto Shaun Okojie who fired home from close range. Casuals continued to attack as Okojie hit a shot that was well palmed over the bar by Mant. Man of the match Clarke then curled a shot just wide of the target as Casuals continued to dominate. Things got worse for the Cannons as Casuals added a third after 78 minutes as Josh Gallagher forced the ball past Joe Mant and then followed it in to seal the game.

 

Another nail in the coffin for Hythe came on 82 minutes as Okojie rose unchallenged in the penalty area to fire a header home. There was still time for another away goal as Gallagher beat the offside trap  and ran in on goal to fire home on 89 minutes.

 

The Cannons remain in eighth place still three points outside the play off places but they will need a huge rebound at home to Whyteleafe next Saturday.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Matt Newman (Kenny Pogue 66 mins), Dave Cook, Sam Adams (Alex Mulrooney-Skinner 50mins), Jay May, Dean Grant, Chris Saunders.

 

Scorers: Corinthian-Casuals- Jordan Clark 45 mins,  Shaun Okojie 47& 82 mins,  Josh Gallagher 76 & 89 mins

 

Attendance: 189

 

An early Adams penalty is enough for the win.......

South Park 0 Hythe Town 1

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 25th March 2017

 

Hythe Town got their first away win in 2017 as they came away from South Park with a one-nil victory on Saturday thanks to a Sam Adams penalty.

 

It was the hosts who were first to attack as on four minutes a Dean Lovegrove free-kick from the edge of the area went over the Hythe bar. However the Cannons took the lead with their first threat on ten minutes as Dean Grant was brought down along the by-line with the referee immediately pointing to the penalty spot. Up stepped Adams who sent South Park keeper Callum Thomas the wrong way. South Park were quick to attempt a fight back as Ben King put in a deep cross to the far post where Chris Smith spooned the ball over the bar.

 

At the other end an Adams cross found Jay May but he couldn’t get enough of the ball to threaten. The game was going from end to end as Alex Mulrooney-Skinner, who returned to the club this week from East Grinstead Town, crossed into Grant who hooked the ball just past the post. South Park did create two chances before the break as firstly Lovegrove hit another free kick high over the bar and five minutes before half-time Smith hooked the ball over from the centre of the penalty area.

 

It was Hythe who were first out of the blocks in the second period as Jerald Aboagye crossed into Grant who forced the ball wide. Hythe continued to press as Mulrooney-Skinner broke through on the right-hand side but pulled his final shot wide of the target. On the hour May had an effort that also went wide. A couple of attempts by South Park’s Smith as firstly beat Matt Newman to the ball but the ball slid past the target and then he broke through but sent the ball over the bar.

 

With a quarter of an hour to go Ben Wilson had an effort as he moved in from the left but he too sent the ball wide. There were limited attacks in the last quarter of hour until South Park substitute Nathan Ayling hit a dipping and swerving shot that went straight at Hythe keeper Joe Mant.

 

Hythe were able to hold on for all the points which keeps them in eighth place, three points outside the play-off places as they prepare for next Saturday’s home game to Corinthian-Casuals.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Josh Burchell, Chris Saunders, Matt Newman, Ben Wilson (Nick Reeves 84 mins), Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Jay May (Kenny Pogue 65 mins), Dean Grant, Alex Mulrooney-Skinner (Owen Price 72 mins).

 

Scorer: Sam Adams 10 mins (pen)

 

 

Attendance: 110

Hythe pegged back.......

Guernsey 2 Hythe Town 2

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 18th March 2017

 

Hythe Town must look on this as two points dropped as ten man Guernsey came back to draw 2-2 on the island on Saturday.

 

Guernsey were the first to attack as Tom Martin shot straight at Hythe keeper Joe Mant on three minutes. On five minutes Kieron Campbell threaded the ball through to Dean Grant who finished the chance by planting the ball in the corner of the net to give the Cannons the lead. Soon after, Dave Rihoy had a golden opportunity to bring the scores level but scuffed his attempt with out threatening the Cannons goal. Further success came for Hythe as they were to increase their lead on 31 minutes as Wilson fed the ball into Kenny Pogue who calmly put the ball into the corner of the net at the near post.

 

Guernsey then reacted and Rihoy on a run into the box but his final shot lacked pace. At the other end a Wilson corner found Dave Cook but he headed into the arms of Guernsey keeper Leroi Riley. On the stroke of half time Rihoy hooked the ball home from ten yards to narrow the lead.

 

Hythe had the first chance of the second half after 47 minutes as Sam Adams blasted a dipping free kick over the bar and then immediately at the other end Rihoy forced Mant into a save as he broke through. The next effort saw the ball come to Ryan Zico-Black who sent his shot curling well wide. Guernsey were reduced to ten men as Angus Mackay was sent off for a second yellow card in 58 minutes as he brought down Campbell. Wilson sent the resultant free kick over the bar. 

 

Despite being down to ten men, Guernsey continued to press as Zico-Black sent over a corner which was met by Dom Heaume who headed wide after 61 minutes. Guernsey kept up the pressure as Keanu Marsh headed over from a Zico-Black free kick. Another Zico-Black free kick was headed just wide by Heaume. Grant did have a chance as he tried to place the ball past Riley but miss hit his attempt into the arms the keeper. Grant had another chance from the right hand side but his shot was deflected as it went through to Riley. Dave Rihoy then threatened as he rifled a dipping shot that was punched over by Mant. However Guernsey continued to press and on 82 minutes a speculative shot Seb Skillen found its way into the corner of Mant’s net to bring the scores level. Wilson nearly regained the lead as a dipping cross come shot went just over the bar. However that was the last of the goal mouth action as both sides had to settle for a point.

 

Hythe will need to get back to winning ways to get themselves back into form to challenge for the play-offs as they travel next Saturday to South Park in what will be a difficult fixture. 

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Josh Burchell, Mitchell Chapman, Matt Newman, Ben Wilson (Tom Loynes 84 mins), Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Kenny Pogue, Dean Grant, Kieron Campbell.

Scorers: Guernsey:-Dave Rihoy 45 mins, Seb Skillen 82mins Hythe Town:- Dean Grant 5 mins, Kenny Pogue 31 mins,

 

Attendance 544

 

Molesey 3 Hythe Town 1

Ryman League Division One (South)

Tuesday 14th March 2017

 

It was a dark night for the Cannons on Tuesday evening as they were deservedly beaten 3-1 by lowly Molesey.

 

It was Hythe who created the first opportunity on five minutes as Dean Grant picked up the ball on the edge of the area. He curled a shot which was pushed around the post by Molesey keeper, Liam Allen. However that seemed to kick start the hosts as they piled the pressure on the Hythe defence. A melee in the Hythe penalty area ended with Tom Windsor sending a shot that was blocked by Hythe keeper Joe Mant. From the resultant corner Ashley Lodge headed just wide. Molesey were rewarded for their efforts on 16 minutes as Ross Chalke headed home from a deep cross to give the hosts the lead.

 

Molesey captain, Craig Lewington fed the ball into Windsor who shot went into a crowd of defenders. It was the hosts who were giving an off-colour Hythe a lesson as Ashley Lodge who pounced on a loose ball which was cleared off the line by Craig Cloke and then Lodge again threatened as he shot just wide of the target. Things got worse for the Cannons on 27 minutes as Molesey increased their lead. The ball came into Ronald Sobowale who side footed home. There was little respite for Hythe as Chalke fired just wide of the target and then a Lewington cross was headed down by Dre Grobler only to be smothered by Mant. Sam Adams had a shot for Hythe four minutes before half time but the ball went wide of the target.

 

Hythe came out in the second half with an energy that was lacking in the first 45 minutes. They had their first attack of the half on 50 minutes as Josh Burchell fed the ball into Kieron Campbell who slammed his shot just wide. Hythe got back into the game on 57 minutes as Matt Newman got the ball through to Kenny Pogue who took his time and lobbed the ball over Allen into the back of the net. It was now Hythe who looked the more likely as Adams sent in a corner which Cloke headed back towards the near side of the goal only for the ball to be cleared off the line.

 

Cloke was then to force a save from Allen as he again got in a header. The final nail in the coffin came for the visitors on 81 minutes as Sobowale was brought down by Burchell in the Hythe penalty area. Up stepped Joe Nwoko who slammed his penalty into the middle of the net to give the hosts all three points. The game finished in controversy as both Kieron Campbell and Mitchell Chapman reacted to an incident and were both sent off to take The Cannons down to nine men.

 

It was a bad night that put a huge dent in Hythe’s play-off hopes and they must bounce back in Guernsey on Saturday.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson (Kenny Pogue 54 mins), Craig Cloke, Matt Newman, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Kieron Campbell, Dean Grant (Mitchell Chapman 76 mins), Ben Wilson.

 

Scorers: Molesey – Ross Chalke 17 mins, Robert Sobowale 28 mins, Joe Nowko 82 mins (pen).  Hythe Town – Kenny Pogue 58 mins.

Attendance 52.

 

 

Hythe settle for a point...............

Hythe Town 2 Carshalton Athletic 2

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 11th March 2017

 

Hythe Town and Carshalton Athletic shared the points on Saturday as they drew 2-2 at Reachfields.

 

The early exchanges were even with both sides testing each other out without any clear cut chances. Hythe created their first effort on twenty minutes as Ben Wilson pulled the ball back to Sam Adams who miss hit his shot wide from 15 yards. Carshalton had to wait until 23 minutes for their first opportunity as Kalvin Morath-Gibbs pulled a shot wide. At the other end Wilson was next to attack but his effort lacked power and went into Carshalton keeper Joe Tupper’s arms.

 

Wilson then weaved his way into the penalty area but got the ball onto his wrong foot and could not get enough power on the ball to test Carshalton keeper Joe Tupper. The Cannons were to break the deadlock on 40 minutes as Mitchell Chapman crossed the ball over to Ben Wilson whose shot was buried into the corner of the net. Jordan Hibbert then broke into the Hythe penalty area but fired well wide. Carshalton were to draw level as Ryan Gondoh crossed to Bobby Price who headed home from seven yards unopposed in the second minute of added time.

 

The second half started with an early chance for Kieron Campbell as he fired from the edge of the area straight at Tupper. Dean Grant was next to threaten as he received the ball deep in the penalty area but he hooked his shot straight at Tupper. Morath-Gibbs had the first attempt of the half for the visitors as he pulled a shot wide on 52 minutes. Wilson was back in the action to threaten as received the ball on the edge of the area but his shot went wide. Ryan was then to weave his way into the penalty area but his final shot was easily collected by Hythe keeper Joe Mant.

Hythe continued on the attack as Adams got the ball into Grant who pulled it around the near post on 72 minutes.  On 76 minutes a Ben Wilson free kick from the right beat everybody and ended up in the far side of the goal to give Hythe the lead again.  However, Carshalton didn’t wait long to get even again as Kingsley Aikhionbare slammed in from ten yards out on 82 minutes. Omari Hibbert had a golden opportunity to give the game to the visitors as he worked his way free in the penalty area but launched his shot from ten yards high over the bar. Gondoh had another chance deep into injury time as he also shot over and then at the other end Kieron Campbell was denied right on time as Ricardo Panton made a great clearance to prevent Hythe getting a late winner.  

A point a piece was a fair reflection of the game as both sides remain in the race for the play-offs with the Cannons eager to get back on the winning trail at Molesey on Tuesday evening.  

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Matt Newman, Mitchell Chapman (Frankie Sawyer 84 mins), Sam Adams, Kieron Campbell, Dean Grant (Kenny Pogue 73 mins), Ben Wilson.

Scorers: Hythe Town – Ben Wilson 40 & 76 mins  Carshalton Athletic – Bobby Price 45 mins, Kingsley Aikhionbare 82 mins.

 

Attendance 191.

 

Hythe fail to impress......

Lewes 1 Hythe Town 0

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 4th March 2017

 

The Cannons came away from the Dripping Pan with nothing as they deservedly went down 1-0 to play-off chasing Lewes on Saturday afternoon.

 

Hythe were first on the attack after one minute as a Ben Wilson cross was spooned over by Kenny Pogue from ten yards out. Six minutes in and Lewes created their first chance as Stephen Okoh broke through on the right but Hythe Town keeper Joe Mant was out quickly to block. Another home effort came as Ghassimu Sow hit a weak side footed shot straight at Mant. At the other end Hythe debutant Mitchell Chapman who signed this week on loan from Ebbsfleet United played the ball into Pogue at near post but he pulled the chance around the post.

 

Hythe continued to attack as Dean Grant fed the ball back to Craig Cloke who headed into the side netting.  There then came a period of stalemate where both sides tested each other out without creating any real opportunities. However Lewes were eventually to take the lead on 33 minutes as a Sow corner was headed on by Stacey Freeman to Alex Malins who used his head to fire home.  On 36 minutes Hythe’s Kieron Campbell spooned a shot from 25 yards over the bar.

 

The second half started with Hythe on the attack as on 50 minutes they had their first chance of the half as an Adams free kick found Cloke who pulled his shot wide. On 56 minutes the Rooks were pushing forward as Jack Dixon on the attack broke through but sent the ball wide of the target. There followed a speculative shot for the Cannons by Campbell but it went wide.  There were limited opportunities for both sides in the second half.  Okoh did well for Lewes as he cut around the defence forcing save out of Mant.

 

The hosts came close as Dixon slammed a shot against the upright and then following quickly Freeman hit a shot over the bar.  Grant was next to threaten the home goal as he attempted a shot from a narrow angle but it went well wide.  Hythe’s best chance came a minute before the end of normal time as Jerald Aboagye put in a deep cross to the far post where Josh Burchell headed down but Lewes keeper Chris Winterton was able to block.

 

It was poor performance from Hythe and they will have to improve quickly if they wish to challenge for the play-offs this season starting with the game against Carshalton Athletic next Saturday.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Ben Wilson ( Callum Wraight 76 mins), Mitchell Chapman, Sam Adams, Kenny Pogue (Frankie Sawyer 64 mins), Dean Grant, Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Lewes – Alexander Malins 33 minutes.

Attendance: 544 

Honours even................

Hythe Town 1 Hastings United 1

Ryman League Division One (South)

Tuesday 28th February 2017

 

 

It was stalemate in the battle of the play-off hopefuls as Hythe drew 1-1 with Hastings at Reachfields on Tuesday evening.

 

A quiet opening to the game as both sides tested each other out for the first quarter of an hour with limited chances. The first opportunity came for the visitors after 15 minutes as Frannie Collin had a free kick deflected wide. From the resultant corner Jack Evans fired across and Collin hooked his shot wide. Hythe had their first meaningful attack on 34 minutes as Jerald Aboagye put in a deep cross that was nudged away by Hastings United keeper Lenny Pidgeley under pressure from two Hythe strikers.

 

Hastings took the lead on 37 minutes as Simon Johnson got onto a loose ball in the penalty area and planted his shot past Hythe keeper Joe Mant. Just on the stroke of half time Sam Cruttell put in a dangerous cross for Hastings but it was headed away well by Josh Burchell.

 

The second half started with Hythe on the attack as Craig Cloke hit a long range drive which went just wide. At the other end Bradley Stevenson moved in and hit a well placed shot which was tipped round the post by Mant at full strength. Hastings continued to look the more likely as Matt Bodkin headed into Mant’s arms. Hastings had another chance on 65 minutes as they stole the ball from Mant on the by line and got it into Harry Stannard whose tame shot was cleared off the line by Ryan Johnson.

 

 

Hythe were to draw level on 67 minutes as Kieron Campbell picked up the ball just outside the penalty area and drilled his effort into the corner of the net. Hythe were now looking more positive as Ben Wilson shot in from the left forcing a finger tip save from Pidgeley. Hythe were now taking control as Kenny Pogue beat the offside trap and attempted to lob Pidgeley but the keeper was able to grab the ball. Wilson then put in a free kick that reached Pogue but the ball was collected by Pidgeley

 

Aboagye created the next chance as he crossed into Kieron Campbell who headed down to force another save from Pidgeley. Hastings were next to attack as Bodkin tapped the ball over to Jerome Sobers whose header was held by Mant and then at the other end Sam Adams stubbed a shot straight at Pidgeley.

 

The result in the end was a fair reflection of the game leaving both sides on the same number of points. Hythe will be hoping to build on this performance as they travel to Lewes on Saturday.

 

Team :Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Matt Newman, Dave Cook (Ben Wilson 60 mins), Sam Adams, Jay May (Kenny Pogue 34mins), Dean Grant, Owen Price (Keiron Campbell 45 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Kieron Campbell 67 mins – Hastings United - Simon Johnson 37 mins

 

Attendance: 243

 

 


Hythe get three points ...........

Hythe Town 2 Sittingbourne 1

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 25th February 2017

 

Hythe Town eventually held on to take all three points in a 2-1 win at home to Sittingbourne on Saturday afternoon.

 

The Cannons dominated the first half but a combination of some poor finishing, lack of luck and great goal keeping kept the half-time score down to 1-0. Within the first five minutes the hosts created three chances as firstly Ben Wilson curled a free kick over the bar and then Jay May looped high towards Dean Grant who scooped the ball also over the cross bar. Jerald Aboagye was then to pull the ball back to Matt Newman who fired just over. The pressure continued as Wilson sent in a shot they produced the first great save from Sittingbourne keeper Simon Overland who pushed the ball around the post. The pressure was rewarded on 19 minutes as The Cannons took the lead. A Sam Adams corner found Craig Cloke who directed the ball towards goal and May was on hand to ensure the ball crossed the line.

 

At this stage of the game it was one way traffic as on 26 minutes Aboagye delivered another cross that found May whose header was blocked by Overland. Grant was next to threaten as he broke in from the left but he pulled his attempt wide. Sittingbourne had to wait until 31 minutes for their first goal scoring opportunity as Jono Richardson headed wide from a Josh Wisson cross. However that was a rare attack from the visitors as a long range dipping shot from Newman went just over the bar. Overland was again to deny Hythe as Adams delivered in a free kick that found Grant who had his header tipped over the bar.  Sittingbourne had their second chance on 36 minutes as Gil Carvelho broke through but Dave Cook did well to block.  One more chance for Hythe before the interval as an Aboagye centre found Adams who pulled his shot wide.

 

The second half started in the same fashion as Hythe should have been two up after 46 minutes. Aboagye sent in a deep cross that found Wilson but he fired wide from close range. Wilson was then to send in a free kick that was headed over by Cook. Sittingbourne had an attempt as Carvelho hit a long range shot wide of the target. However the chances were still falling for the hosts as Wilson sent in a cross finding Adams to side footed against the cross bar. The pressure turned into a second goal on 61 minutes as Ryan Johnson fed the ball into Grant who slotted home.

 

Overland was back in the action on 65 minutes as substitute Frankie Sawyer passed into May whose rifled shot was well saved. Josh Burchell was next to threaten as he ran onto the ball and fired high over the bar.  Sittingbourne were to narrow the gap with ten minutes to go as substitute Jason Ngandu hooked the ball home from the far post. As the visitors looked for an equaliser, Hythe were reduced to ten men as Cook was sent off for a second yellow card.  Sittingbourne pressed for a late equaliser but a breakaway from Kieron Campbell ended with another fine save from Overland.

 

Hythe held on for the three points that takes them one place outside the play-off as they prepare for Tuesday night’s game at Reachfields against Hastings United.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Matt Newman (Kieron Campbell 75 mins), Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Jay May, Dean Grant (Frankie Sawyer 64 mins), Ben Wilson.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Jay May 19 mins, Dean Grant 61 mins. Sittingbourne – Jason Ngandu 80 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 204.

One goal is enough to defeat Cannons.......

Greenwich Borough 1 Hythe Town 0

Ryman League Division One (South)

Tuesday 21st February 2017

 

Hythe returned from Greenwich Borough with nothing as they lost 1-0 in a dour game on Tuesday evening.

 

The first twenty minutes were very even with neither team really creating many chances. Hythe did force a couple of corners which came to nothing. The Cannons then had their first chance as Kieron Campbell crossed to Jay May who rose above the defence but his header was easily saved by Greenwich Borough keeper Craig Holloway. Greenwich then had to wait another three minutes before they threatened. Lewis Clark sent in a free-kick that hit the legs of Liam Hickey and the ball rolled into Hythe keeper Joe Mant’s arms.

 

The only other chance within the first half came on the half-hour. Bradley Pritchard sent in a ball from the right forcing Mant to palm it up to Charlie MacDonald whose header was clawed away by Mant and eventually Mohamed Eisa had a shot that was cleared off the line by Josh Burchell.

 

The second half started slowly with May having the first opportunity as he mistimed a shot just wide. Again chances were at a premium as Greenwich threatened on 57 minutes as former Sittingbourne midfielder Stefan Wright pulled the ball wide. The Cannons then had their best effort of the game as Campbell forced Holloway into a save with a drive from the edge of the area. Greenwich were beginning to look the more likely to break the deadlock as Glenn Wilson hit a free kick from the edge of the area high over the bar and then MacDonald turned and shot wide. There was only really one more chance created for the Cannons on 70 minutes as Dean Grant fired over.

 

The winner for Greenwich came fifteen minutes from time as Eisa broke though and fired home past Mant to give the hosts all three points.  The remaining chances came for Greenwich as firstly Rob Denness broke through but Mant was quickly off his line to block and finally Mant had to be at his best to palm a Wilson shot around the post.

 

It was a difficult evening for Hythe as they dropped down to seventh place in the table. They must now regroup ready for the visit of Sittingbourne to Reachfields on Saturday afternoon.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Frankie Sawyer (Matt Newman 79 mins), Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Jay May, Dean Grant (Kenny Pogue 84 mins), Kieron Campbell.

 

Scorers: Greenwich Borough – Mohamed Eisa 75 mins

 

Attendance: 141

 

 


Hythe disappoint in the mist.....

Hythe Town 1 Three Bridges 1

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 18th February 2017

 

Hythe Town had a disappointing afternoon as they gave a lack lustre performance in a 1-1 draw against struggling Three Bridges at a misty Reachfields on Saturday afternoon.

 

It was Hythe who started the better as Sam Adams hit a long distance drive which was saved well by Three Bridges keeper Martin Grant high to his left. Grant was to save again from a free kick from Ben Wilson as Hythe pressed. The Cannons were rewarded for their early pressure on 13 minutes as Adams crossed for Dean Grant to head neatly home from close range. Bridges had their first opportunity only a minute after they went behind as Tony Garrod got a foot to the ball which rolled against the post and away. Martin Grant was called into action again as a Ben Wilson free-kick forced the keeper into another save.

 

Hythe were to continue to dominate the first half as Dean Grant hit a shot which was blocked by Martin Grant with the ball going back to the Hythe striker who hit his second attempt wide. As the mist fell Three Bridges with their second attack of the game drew level after 35 minutes as Tim Cook slammed the ball home from a cross to bring the scores level.  Hythe winger Kieron Campbell was next to threaten as he hit a shot straight at Martin Grant and then at the other end a cross from Tim Cook found Kieran Allen-Djilali who hit the ball over the bar. With two minutes to go until the interval, an Adams cross found Jay May who headed wide. With Three Bridges now looking more dangerous Garrod turned and shot over.  

 

Three Bridges started the second half on the front foot and during the next 45 minutes looked the more likely to get the winner. On 50 minutes Lee Hall shot high over the Hythe bar and then a corner from Alex Rose forced a dangerous clearance from Dave Cook which went out for a corner. This was followed by a Jensen Grant header from the resultant kick that went over the bar when it looked easier to score. The hosts were having a few opportunities on the break and Wilson hit a free kick onto Martin Grant’s arms.  However it was the visitors who were looking more dangerous as Garrod had two chances in quick succession as firstly he broke through but fired and then he headed over the bar. Hythe did have a golden opportunity on 66 minutes as Dean Grant pulled the ball back to Cook who lobbed the ball wide.

 

Three Bridges were very unlucky on 76 minutes as Allen-Djilali slammed a free-kick against the upright with Jensen Grant blasting the rebound over the bar. As time ran down it was Hythe who began creating more chances as firstly Dean Grant tried to round the Bridges keeper but was blocked and then a deep cross from Wilson was met with a diving header from Adams that went just wide. Frankie Sawyer then came into the action as he pulled a shot wide and finally Dean Grant fed the ball into Sawyer who passed onto Wilson who rifled his shot into the side netting.

 

Hythe had to settle for a point which must be regarded as two dropped rather than one gained. They will need to up their game for Tuesday’s trip to high flying Greenwich Borough as they remain in fifth place.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Ben Wilson, Matt Newman, Craig Cloke, Callum Wraight, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Jay May (Kenny Pogue 59 mins), Dean Grant, Kieron Campbell (Frankie Sawyer 66 mins)

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Dean Grant 13 mins Three Bridges-Tim Cook 35 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 226

Hythe ease to win.......................

Hythe  Town  2  Godalming Town 0

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 4th February 2017

 

Hythe Town comfortably won 2-0 at home to bottom side Godalming Town on Saturday afternoon in a scrappy game.

 

The  first effort on goal for Hythe came after four minutes as Jerald Aboagye broke down the right and crossed to Jay May at the far post who put the ball just wide. Godalming had to wait nine minutes before they threatened the Hythe goal as William Afambe shot and Aboagaye cleared off the line . They threatened again as Darren Wheeler sent over a free kick which was met by Chris Wales who fired over.  At the other end, Dean Grant was next to have an effort as he tried to curl the ball from the edge of the area around Godalming keeper Oneal Garnes who was able to palm the ball wide.

 

The crowd had to wait until the 38th minute before the next opportunity as Jay May hit a weak shot at Garnes and then soon after Aobagye broke again down the right feeding the ball into Frankie Sawyer who had two bites of the cherry which were both blocked. Hythe finally took the lead on the stroke of half time with Craig Cloke hitting his header against the woodwork and Ben Wilson powered in from ten yards.

 

The second half started with Hythe increasing their lead after 47 minutes as the ever dangerous Aobagye crossed in from the by-line finding  May who forced the ball home from close range. Godalming had their first effort of the half as after 51 minutes Sean Mason fired well over the bar. At the other end Grant broke free but pulled his shot wide.  Hythe were now taking control as a Ben Wilson free kick eventually found its way to Sam Adams whose shot was smothered by Garnes.  The visitors were creating chances on the break as Afambe crossed to Matthew Bunyan who headed wide when it seemed easier to score. Godalming did create an opportunity after Wheeler crossed into Afambe who couldn't get enough power on his header.

 

Cannon's substitute Kieron Campbell jinked his way in and shot wide from the edge of the area. Wilson then put Kenny Pogue through but he pulled his effort wide. The pressure continued as Campbell received the ball and sent a shot just wide from 25 yards. 

 

It was a useful three points for the Cannons as they move up to fourth place and look forward to the trip to Molesey next Saturday for their next fixture.

 

Team:  Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Callum Wraight, Matt Newman, Craig Cloke, Ben Wilson, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Jay May (Kenny Pogue 67 mins), Dean Grant, Frankie Sawyer (Kieron Campbell 71 mins).

 

Scorers Ben Wilson 45 mins, Jay May 47 mins.

Attendance:227

 

 

Hythe go down to narrow defeat........

Hastings United 2 Hythe Town 1

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 28th January 2017

 

Hythe Town went down 2-1 in a tightly fought contest at Hastings United on Saturday afternoon.

 

It was the Cannons who were first to show as after only two minutes Ben Wilson had a shot from the left deflected wide for a corner. Hythe had the ball in the net on six minutes as Dean Grant broke through and fired home but the referee’s assistant was flagging for offside. Hastings had to wait twelve minutes for their first effort when a mix up in the Hythe defence saw the ball come to Frannie Collin but he side-footed his attempt over the bar. The game was going from end to end as a first time shot by Grant was saved by Hastings keeper Lenny Pidgeley with the ball coming out to Jay May whose follow-up was blocked.

 

The hosts were next to attack as ex-Hythe defender Stephen Butcher hit in a deep cross to Harry Stannard who was unmarked on the far post but he shot wide of the target. Hythe were to hit the woodwork on 23 minutes as Matt Newman side footed the ball against the upright. Hastings were now looking the more likely to break the deadlock as Matt Bodkin cut in but his shot was blocked and then Stannard went down the left but his effort went wide. Hastings got the break through goal two minutes before the interval as the ball found its way into the box to the unmarked Stannard who side footed home from close range. One chance for the visitors on the stroke of half-time saw a Sam Adams free-kick from the edge of the area was easily caught by Pidgeley.

 

The second period started off with Hythe on the attack as Jerald Aboagye crossed into Grant who got a touch which went wide. On 50 minutes Hastings had their first opportunity of the half as Butcher shot over from long range. The Cannons were to draw level on 53 minutes as Adams, one of five ex-Hastings players in the Hythe line-up, crossed over to Grant who nodded home. Both sides continued to look for a winner with chances coming at each end. Adams put in another cross this time to Wilson who blasted over and then a melee in the Hastings penalty area ended with Jay May blasting a point blank range shot straight at Pidgeley. Hastings were next to attack as Bodkin crossed into Collin who headed into Hythe keeper Joe Mant’s arms.

 

Hythe were next to threaten as May juggled with the ball with his final effort being blocked by Pidgeley. However, on 78 minutes Hastings were to get the winner with a superb goal as substitute Bradley Stephenson picked up the ball and jinked past a couple of defenders before planting the ball into the corner of the net from the edge of the area giving Mant no chance. There were few more opportunities in the rest of the game as Hastings saw out the last period of the match securing their 2-1 win.

 

The defeat saw the Cannons drop to fifth place just inside the play-off zone as they look forward to    next Saturday’s game at home to struggling Godalming Town.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Ben Wilson (Kieron Campbell 72 mins), Ryan Johnson, Callum Wraight, Matt Newman, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Jay May (Kenny Pogue 87 mins), Dean Grant, Owen Price (Frankie Sawyer 83 mins).

 

Scorers: Hastings United – Harry Stannard 43 mins, Bradley Stephenson 78 mins. Hythe Town – Dean Grant 53 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 368

Hythe record win......

Hythe Town 8 Guernsey 1

Ryman League Division One (South)

Tuesday 17th January 2017

 

The Cannons cruised to an easy 8-1 win against Guernsey at a very chilly Reachfields on Tuesday evening. 

 

Hythe started quickly and were ahead on five minutes as Jay May put in a cross that was diverted into the net by Guernsey defender Jacob Fallaize. Guernsey had their first attack on seven minutes as Jake Andrews fired over. There followed a period of few chances until Guernsey were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Hythe area and Fallaize sent his shot into the arms of Hythe keeper Joe Mant. Hythe were to increase their lead on 25 minutes as Sam Adams hit a free kick that curled into the corner of the net with Guernsey keeper Jordan Kelly stretching to try to get a hand to the ball. 

 

Hythe kept up the pressure as Ben Wilson sent in a corner that fell to Dean Grant but he couldn't get a shot away. Grant then broke through on 33 minutes but blasted his final effort against the right hand upright. Hythe continued to apply the pressure as an Adams free kick was nodded on by Grant just over the bar and then on 44 minutes the Cannons made it three as Grant again burst through and this time placed his shot into the corner of the net. 

 

Guernsey were first on the attack in the second half as Andrews fired wide. However Hythe made it four five minutes into the half as Ryan Johnson drove the ball in taking a wicked deflection into the corner of the net. Further salt was put into Islanders wounds on 55 minutes as a Ben Wilson corner found Jay May who headed home. Hythe made in six on 62 minutes as Chris Saunders fed the ball to Sam Adams who side footed his attempt from the edge of the area into the net. Guernesey did have an opportunity on 65 minutes as Andrews shot straight at Mant. Guernesey were getting the odd chance a Andrew drifted another ball over the bar. 

 

The Cannons who were still in control as they had two opportunities as firstly Wilson hit a shot into Kelly's arms and then Grant laid the ball back to Frankie Sawyer who rifled a shot just wide. Hythe were to get their seventh as Sawyer got the ball back to Grant who fired home for his second of the evening. Guernsey then tested Hythe defence as Joshua Steel forced Mant into a full stretch save. The Cannons were riding high as Grant crossed to Sawyer who side footed home on 87 minutes. Guernsey got a consolation with a minute of normal time to go as they firstly hit the post and then Andrews looped a shot into the net from a narrow angle. 

 

The result marked a record win in the Ryman League and ensured Hythe maintain the pressure on those above the table giving the team great confidence for the top of the table clash at Greenwich Borough on Saturday afternoon. 

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Callum Wraight, Ryan Johnson (Chris Saunders 52 mins), Ben Wilson, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams (Keane Gillett 62mins), Jay May (Frankie Sawyer 55 mins), Dean Grant, Matt Newman.

 

Scorers: Jacob Fallaize (OG) 5mins. Sam Adams 25 & 62 mins, Dean Grant 44 & 81 mins, Ryan Johnson 50, Jay May 55 mins, Frankie Sawyer 87 mins  

Attendance: 135

 

 

Hythe hit Casuals for six....

 

Hythe Town 6 Walton Casuals 1

Ryman League Division One South

Saturday 14th January 2017

 

Hythe bounced back from the woes of two heavy defeats to hammer Walton Casuals 6-1 at Reachfields on Saturday afternoon. 

 

Walton Casuals were first into the action as an early shot after five minutes saw Daryl Coleman shoot wide. Hythe had to wait until the tenth minute for their first attack when Dean Grant broke down the right but shot past the left hand post. Hythe were to take the lead after 13 minutes as Jerald Aboagye broke down the right crossing over to Ben Wilson whose shot was blocked.The rebound came to Jay May who slotted home from close range. Another attack on 16 minutes as a Sam Adams corner was met by Craig Cloke who headed wide. Casuals had an opportunity after 29 minutes as Jake Nicholson hit a long range shot which Hythe keeper Joe Mant pushed around the post.

 

Hythe were to have an attack on 35 minutes as Grant pulled the ball back to Adams whose shot was blocked by the Casuals defence. Aboagye, who was causing havoc down the right, crossed into May whose attempt to send the ball towards goal but it was deflected wide for a corner.  A melee in the Casuals penalty area finally saw Dave Cook take a close range shot that was blocked. Joe Mant had to be at his best to spread his body as Gabriel Odunaike broke through into the penalty area  just before the break. 

 

Casuals were first out of the blocks in the second half as Sol Pinnock got onto the ball but side footed wide when it seemed easier to hit the target and then at the other end Grant found himself free but fired wide. Casuals were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area but the attempt by Jordan Cheadle drifted over the bar. Hythe were to increase their lead on 56 minutes as a deep Wilson free kick found it's way to Craig Cloke who headed in at the far post. 

 

Casuals were then to get a goal back on 61 minutes. as a Dominic Ogun who crossed into Daryl Coleman who slammed home. In the aftermath a fracas led to two Casuals players receiving red cards as scorer Coleman and Roscoe D'Sane were sent off for violent conduct. Despite being reduced to nine men it was Casuals who had the next attack as Malachi Hudson cut across but hit his shot off balance and wide.  Hythe were then to make the numerical advantage pay on 81 minutes as Chris Saunders pulled the ball back to Sam Adams who slammed the ball home. Casuals didn't give up and a Jordan Cheadle free kick forced a save out of Mant. Hythe were to rub salt in the Casuals wounds as Aboagye hustled Casuals keeper off the ball and passed to Kenny Pogue who had the easiest of chances to make it four in the last minute of normal time. Two more goals in injury time saw Adams fire home from a Saunders cross and then Pogue got another with virtually the last kick of the game.

 

It was a great to bounce back from the recent poor performances and Hythe can now look forward with confidence to their game at home to Guernsey on Tuesday evening. 

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Callum Wraight, Ryan Johnson (Chris Saunders 73 mins), Craig Cloke, Ben Wilson, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Jay May, Dean Grant (Kenny Pogue 84 mins), Matt Newman (Frankie Sawyer 83 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Jay May 13 mins Craig Cloke 56 mins Sam Adams 81 & 90 mins Kenny Pogue 90 & 90 mins. Walton Casuals-Daryl Coleman 61 mins

 

Attendance: 216

 

Hythe humbled..............

Hythe Town 0 Tooting & Mitcham United 4

Ryman Football League Division One (South)

Tuesday 10th January 2017

 

Hythe's poor run continued with another disappointing performance on Tuesday as they fell to another heavy defeat losing 4-0 at home to Tooting & Mitcham United.

 

The first opportunity came for Hythe on ten minutes as Jay May pounced on a loose ball in the area. He managed to get his toe to it but the ball was palmed wide by Tooting keeper Kyle Merson. Tooting created their first opportunity after 13 minutes as a shot by Michael Dixon was fired straight at Hythe keeper Joe Mant. Tooting had another effort shortly afterwards but Jordan Wilson's shot deflected off a defender into Mant's arms. Hythe then had some misfortune as Merson tried to clear but the ball rebounded off May wide of the target. Tooting were to take the lead on 22 minutes when a corner found its way to Sandy Cunningham who slammed in at the far post. 

 

Hythe then had the next chance after 34 minutes as Dean Grant burst through. He cut in but fired into a crowd of players. Tooting were unlucky on 39 minutes as firstly Danny Bassett had a shot blocked. The rebound came out to Cunningham who blasted a effort that was cleared off the line by Callum Wraight. The visitors were to increase their lead on 39 minutes as Michael Dixon threaded though the Hythe defence feeding the ball to Bassett who planted the ball home. Things got even worse for the hosts a minute later as Dixon broke through and was brought down by Craig Cloke in the penalty area. Up stepped Bassett who sent Mant the wrong way to make it three.

 

Tooting were on the attack early in the second half as a dangerous cross came in from Bassett but Mant was able to get his hand to the ball to avert the danger. On 54 minutes a Matt Newman free kick found May who headed down but Merson was able to collect. Newman was then unlucky as he fired a ball across the goal mouth and wide. Tooting were to rub the salt into the Hythe wounds on 59 minutes as Bassett cut back and fired into the corner of the net to give him his hat-trick.  

 

Things got even worse for Hythe as Cloke received a second yellow card for deliberate handball on 62 minutes. Hythe had their first attack of the half as Sam Adams sent a free kick into the wall with the rebound coming to Wraight who fired wide. Tooting were unlucky not to increase their lead on 67 minutes as Bassett flicked the ball onto Claudiu Hoban who clipped the ball just wide. Hoban then broke in and fired straight at Mant. Ashley Robinson was next to threaten charged forward and blasted over.  Tooting were now looking rampant as Taurean Roberts crossed in to Bassett who side footed over. The game then petered out and Tooting took deservedly took away all three points. 

 

It was a very disappointing evening for the Cannons who must now fire on Saturday as they entertain Walton Casuals at Reachfields.

 

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Charlie Webster (Callum Wraight 24 mins), Matt Newman, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Jay May, Frankie Sawyer (Chris Saunders 65 mins), Dean Grant (Liam King 74 mins).

 

Scorers: Tooting & Mitcham United-Sandy Cunningham 22 mins, Danny Bassett 43, 45 (pen), 59 mins 

 

Attendance: 180

 

 

Hythe's poor display at Whyteleafe.......

Whyteleafe 3 Hythe Town 0

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 7th January 2017

 

Hythe Town put up a very poor performance on Saturday afternoon as they were deservedly beaten 3-0 at Whyteleafe.  

 

It was Hythe who were the first to create an opportunity as Sam Adams sent in a curling free kick that was pushed wide by Whyteleafe keeper Ben Bridle-Card after four minutes. Hythe did have the ball in the net three minutes later as Bridle-Card dropped the ball under a challenge from Jay May but as Dean Grant tapped the ball home the whistle blew for the infringement. Whyteleafe had their first attack on twelve minutes as Sam Clayton curled a free-kick into the arms of Hythe keeper Joe Mant. Clayton was again in the action on 17 minutes as he hit a 30 yard shot which was deflected wide for a corner. Very soon afterwards a shot by Andrew Musungu was pushed over by Mant.

 

Hythe were unlucky when a Jerald Aboagye cross saw Grant head just wide of the target and then Adams turned and shot but his attempt was deflected wide. There was a long period of stalemate until a minute before the interval. Whyteleafe attacked as Shawn Clement-Peter fed the ball through to Reyon Dillon but he fired wide.

 

The second half started badly for the Cannons as on 49 minutes Bradley Graham surged through the Hythe defence to slot the ball past Mant and give the hosts the lead. Whyteleafe were now dominating and on 64 minutes Dillon slammed a shot straight at Mant and then Graham shot wide. It was now one way traffic with the Cannons not producing anything threatening except for a long range shot from Jay May on 69 minutes which was easily saved by Bridle-Card.

 

On 72 minutes a mistake by Ben Wilson allowed Daniel Ajakaiye to break through but his shot was blocked and then Graham had three attempts in a melee in the Hythe penalty area that saw his first shot blocked by Mant and then by the defence before he sent his final effort wide.  With ten minutes to go Whyteleafe sealed their win as Clayton sent in a looping cross from the right to find Tyler Brown on the far post who nodded into an empty net.  Salt was rubbed in the wounds deep into stoppage time when Ajakaiye broke through the defence and slammed the ball home.

 

The Cannons will need to re-group before taking on second placed Tooting & Mitcham United on Tuesday evening.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Ben Wilson, Matt Newman (Alex Mulrooney-Skinner 57 mins), Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams (Chris Saunders 50 mins) , Jay May, Frankie Sawyer, Dean Grant (Liam King 70 mins).

 

Scorers: Whyteleafe- Bentley Graham 49 mins, Tyler Brown 80 mins, Daniel Ajakaiye 90 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 186

Sawyer goal is enough for all three points..........

Hythe Town 1 Ramsgate 0

Ryman Football League Division One (South)

Monday 2nd January 2017

 

Hythe Town managed to take all three points in a scrappy 1-0 win against Ramsgate on Monday afternoon.

 

It was the hosts who were quickly into the action as after one minute Ryan Johnson played the ball into Dean Grant at the near post but he scooped his attempt over the bar. Ramsgate had to wait until the sixth minute to create their first opportunity as Aaron Millbank hit a free kick which was spilled by Hythe keeper Joe Mant but he was able to block the follow up. The Cannons then broke as Charlie Webster put in a dangerous cross that Dean Grant couldn’t get a foot on to threaten the goal. Hythe continued to press as Frankie Sawyer fed the ball through to Grant whose shot was blocked away for a corner. Sawyer then pulled the ball back from the by-line to Johnson who spooned the ball over.

 

Ramsgate were still creating some chances as Luke Girt cut in but shot high and wide and then Alfie Foster hooked the ball straight into Mant’s arms. At the other end Grant fed the ball to Webster whose attempt was easily held by Ramsgate keeper Luke Watkins.  Then on 41 minutes came the decisive moment in the game as a Josh Burchell cross found Sawyer whose stooping header gave the Cannons a half time lead.

 

The second half started slowly with neither side creating any early opportunities. Hythe were first to threaten as they were awarded a free-Kick on the edge of the area but a Sam Adams effort was deflected wide for a corner. Ramsgate still looked dangerous on occasions as they looked for an equaliser with Tom Chapman having a shot blocked by Mant. At the other end Grant crossed into substitute Alex Mulrooney-Skinner who slid in but his effort went over the bar. The Rams were next to attack as Jack Penny crossed into George Crimmen but his header was collected by Mant.

 

The Cannons went close to increasing their lead as on 68 minutes Mulrooney-Skinner crossed into Grant who headed just wide at the near post. It was Hythe who finished the stronger with an Adams free-kick finding Jay May but his header went wide and then May threaded the ball through to Sawyer whose shot was well saved by Watkins. One more attack in injury saw Liam King surge through the Rams defence only to be denied by a Watkins block.

 

Hythe were to hang on to take all three points which takes them up a place into fourth position. They now await the next fixture away at Whyteleafe on Saturday afternoon.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Josh Burchell (Alex Mulrooney-Skinner 51 mins), Ryan Johnson, Matt Newman (Jay May 52 mins), Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer, Dean Grant (Liam King 78 mins), Charlie Webster.

 

Scorer: Hythe Town-Frankie Sawyer 41 mins)

 

Attendance 203

 

Hythe and Faversham each take a point......

Hythe Town Faversham Town

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 31st December 2016

 

Hythe and Faversham fought out 1-1 draw at Reachfields on Saturday afternoon.

 

The early exchanges saw both team creating some long range opportunities with Hythe’s first attempt coming on four minutes when Sam Adams picked up the ball just outside the area but fired wide. Matt Newman was next to attack but his effort was blasted over. Faversham also had an early effort on seven minutes as Luke Harvey turned but shot straight at Joe Mant. Hythe were having the majority of the chances as another shot by Adams was held by Faversham keeper Will Godman. Another drive from long distance saw Faversham’s George Monger again fire into Mant’s arms.

 

A neat move by Dean Grant saw him feed the ball to Frankie Sawyer who shot was well saved by Godman. Hythe were finally to take the lead on 34 minutes as the departing Alfie May slotted the ball through to Sawyer who planted his shot into the far side of the net. One more opportunity for May when he curled a free kick that forced Godman into a good save.

 

Hythe were first to show in the second period as on 54 minutes Jerald Aboagye crossed the ball in from the left into Sawyer whose attempt was deflected over. A couple of chances at either end as firstly a Luke Harvey free-kick went straight at Mant and then at the other end Alfie May broke through but was denied by the advancing Godman. The game carried on going from end to end as on 59 minutes Grant turned and rattled the upright. Faversham were next to threaten as George Monger hit a shot from distance that was easily held by Mant.

 

Adams was then in the action as he crossed to substitute Jay May who headed down but the ball was collected easily by Godman. On 67 minutes Harvey broke through the Hythe defence but was unable to test Mant. Faversham were now looking the more likely as Monger again broke through but stubbed his shot wide. With eleven minutes to go Josh Burchell sent a cross deep into the Faversham area and Sawyer looped a header just over the top. Within a minute Faversham were level as Ryan Johnson attempted to clear but his shot deflected off Jordan Casey into the net.

 

Faversham were then reduced to ten men when Sam Bewick was sent off for a reckless challenge. One more chance for Hythe as Burchell put in another deep cross to Liam King but his attempt was blocked by the Faversham keeper. One more moment of madness saw Johnson sent off after receiving two yellow cards in the same incident.

 

Both teams deserved a point at the end of the game and now Hythe must press forward on Monday as they take on Ramsgate at Reachfields.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Matt Newman (Dave Cook 84 mins), Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer, Alfie May (Jay May 62 mins), Dean Grant (Liam King 73 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Frankie Sawyer 34 mins. Faversham Town- Jordan Casey 80mins.

 

Attendance: 326

 

Hythe come away with win.....

Chatham Town 1 Hythe Town 3

Ryman League Division One (South)

Tuesday 27th December 2016

 

Hythe Town survived a second half onslaught from Chatham Town to run out 3-1 winners on Tuesday afternoon.

 

It was Hythe who had much the better of the first-half as after five minutes Alex Mulrooney-Skinner broke down the right hand side going round Chatham goalkeeper Alex Hyde. He passed into debutant Dean Grant but the striker could not quite get a foot in to divert the ball towards goal. Chatham had to wait until the 14th minute for their first effort as Luke Medley crossed into Ryan Flack whose shot was blocked by the Hythe defence. Josh Burchell was next to threaten for the visitors as he ran in and fired an attempt wide from long distance. Hythe continued to press as on 22 minutes Sam Adams threaded the ball through to Grant who bulleted a left foot shot wide.

 

Hythe were to take a deserved lead after 32 minutes as Grant got his first goal for the Cannons firing in from a narrow angle to plant the ball in the far side of the net. Chatham were quick to respond as another Medley cross found Flack whose attempt was pushed wide by Hythe keeper, Joe  Mant. The Cannons were two up on 38 minutes as Adams collected the ball on the edge of the area. He paused and placed his shot into the left hand corner of the net. Chatham now looked to cut the deficit as Medley shot straight at Mant and then after 44 minutes they got a vital goal as Cameron Heffernan put in a cross that found Flack who headed home.

 

Chatham came out with a new lease of life in the second period as Medley fired in a shot that was collected by Mant and then Heffernan crossed into Enoch Adjei who hit the ball over the bar from close range. Hythe then had a couple of chances as firstly Adams hit a free kick into the arms of Hyde and then he had a cross deflected to Craig Cloke who fired over. The pressure increased from the hosts as on the hour firstly Owen Price rattled a shot against the upright and then Freeman Rogers headed wide. The ever dangerous Medley was causing problems for the Cannons defence as he firstly slammed in a shot that was pushed around the post by Mant and then with ten minutes from full time he headed wide.

 

However Hythe were to relieve the nerves on 86 minutes as they increased their lead against the run of play.  Adams fed the ball through to Alfie May who was playing his penultimate game for Hythe before his move up north. The Hythe striker calmly slid the ball past Hyde to make it 3-1. With the cushion of a two goal lead a couple more chances for the visitors saw Chris Saunders curl a shot just wide and then May lobbed the ball over Hyde but also over the bar.

 

The win that was Hythe’s fourth league victory on the spin and takes them back in to the play-off positions. Hythe will be back in action on Saturday as they entertain Faversham Town at Reachfields.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Matt Newman, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Dean Grant (Chris Saunders 83 mins), Liam King (Frankie Sawyer 67 mins), Alex Mulrooney-Skinner (Alfie May 61 mins).

 

Scorers: Chatham Town-Ryan Flack 44 mins. Hythe Town-Dean Grant 32 mins, Sam Adams 39 mins, Alfie May 86 mins.

 

 

Attendance 313.


Cannons back with a comfortable win..........

Carshalton Athletic 0 Hythe Town 3

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 17th December 2016

 

Hythe Town recovered from the disastrous performance at Welling last week to produce a quality 3-0 win away at Carshalton Athletic on Saturday afternoon.

 

Both sides spent the first 20 minutes settling down before the first opportunity came for the hosts as Tommy Bradford sent a twenty yard free-kick wide of the target. Hythe were to have their first effort on 22 minutes as a Dave Cook header looped into the Carshalton goalkeeper, Alexandros Kozakis’ arms. Another Bradford free kick went weakly at Hythe keeper Joe Mant who collected the ball easily. The game continued with chances at both ends as Matt Newman pulled the ball back to Sam Adams who shot straight at Kozakis.

 

Carshalton were having their fair share of the game as a quick interchange saw Mickel Miller spoon the ball over the bar and then on 33 minutes Carshalton had their best move of the game as Peter Adeniyi curled his effort towards the top corner of the net but Mant at full stretch made a fantastic fingertip save to push the ball wide for a corner. Hythe were also continuing to create chances as Jerald Aboagye put in a dangerous cross that tested Kozakis. The deadlock was finally broken on 37 minutes as Adams blasted a shot from 25 yards that was deflected wide of Kozakis to give the Cannons the lead. On the stroke of half time the visitors were unlucky as Craig Cloke pulled the ball back to Cook who flicked on to Ryan Johnson whose final attempt went wide.

 

The second half started with the Cannons on the attack as an Adams corner was headed over by Nick Reeves and then came a moment of controversy on 53 minutes as Liam King collected the ball in the penalty area but was impeded by Kozakis who was shown a red card for his efforts. Up stepped Adams who sent stand-in goalkeeper Kalvin Morath-Gibbs the wrong way from the penalty spot to give the Cannons a two goal lead.

 

The Robins did have two opportunities to narrow the gap as a Bradford free kick was headed over by Joshua Phillips and then on 65 minutes Ronald Sobowale shot into Mant’s arms. However Hythe were now comfortable and should have gone further ahead on 70 minutes as Kenny Pogue nodded the ball onto Matt Newman but he shot wide. However within a minute they finally got the third goal as King held on to the ball under pressure and finally slotted the ball home for his first Cannons goal. One more opportunity for Carshalton for a consolation as Jahmahl headed straight at Mant.

 

Hythe held on for an impressive win to put them back in touch with the play-off positions as they now look forward to the Christmas programme that starts at Chatham Town on Tuesday 27th December 2016.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams (Charlie Webster 88 mins), Kenny Pogue (Alfie May 85 mins), Liam King (Alex Mulrooney-Skinner 85 mins), Matt Newman.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town- Sam Adams 37 & 53 (pen) mins, Liam King 71 mins

 

 

Attendance: 206

Cannons given lesson..................

Welling United 8 Hythe Town 1

The Buildbase FA Trophy 1st Round

Saturday 10th December 2016

 

The early stages of the game saw both teams feeling each other out and it wasn’t until the eleventh minute that Welling created the first opportunity as Christian Nanetti crossed into Danny Waldren heading straight into Hythe keeper Joe Mant’s arms. Within a minute the hosts pressed again as George Oakley shot straight again into the Mant’s arms. The game was now being controlled by the National South team as Adam Coombes broke through but was superbly dispossessed by Ryan Johnson. In the 18th minute Welling were awarded a penalty for Frankie Sawyer’s challenge on Nanetti. Up stepped Coombes who slammed the ball to Mant’s right to make it 1-0.  Hythe had to wait until the 32nd minute for their first chance as Sam Adams sent in a shot that fired straight into the belly of team mate Liam King and away.

 

On 34 minutes Welling went further ahead as Coombes crossed over to Nanetti who headed in at the far post with a number of Hythe players trying to clear. Within four minutes Welling were three up as a Sam Hatton free kick found Waldren’s head who planted his effort in the net. It was now all Welling as Matt Fish put in a dangerous cross which was pushed away by Mant. Things got worse for the Cannons on 42 minutes as Dave Cook was robbed of the ball and Coombes surged forward to plant the ball home.  With a minute to go until the break Hythe gave themselves a glimmer of hope as a Johnson cross found Alfie May at the far post and he tapped the ball home.

 

With Kenny Pogue replacing Sawyer at half time, Hythe started the second periodf on the front foot as King cut in and shot from distance wide of the target. Hythe continued to press but were caught on the break after 53 minutes as a Sam Hatton corner was headed home by Waldren. Nanetti, who was a thorn in the Cannons’ side all afternoon, brought the ball out from the by-line but shot over. A couple of chances for Hythe followed as Pogue firstly headed an Adams cross against the bar and then got on the end of a Cook flick-on but the ball went straight at Welling keeper, Chris Lewington. Hythe were to be reduced to ten men as Chris Saunders received a second yellow card after 65 minutes.

 

Welling were back in the driving seat as Trey Williams crossed but George Oakley mis-timed his attempt wide. Another Wings attack saw Matt Fish cross which was fired across the goal by Sam Hatton. Within a minute a shot from 20 yards from Fisk was saved at full strength by Mant. However on 82 minutes Fish got another for Welling as he cut in and shot home.  Welling were to make it seven on 87 minutes as Nanetti threaded the ball through to Williams whose shot was blocked by Mant but the rebound came out to Williams who fired home. The final “salt to be put in the Cannons’ wounds” saw Oakley break through on the stroke full time to slide the ball past Mant.

 

It was a chastening experience for Hythe but must not deflect from their achievement to get this far in the FA Trophy this season. Hythe can now re-group over the week as they are without a fixture in midweek and will travel to Carshalton Athletic next Saturday.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Charlie Webster, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Chris Saunders, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer (Kenny Pogue 46 mins), Alfie May, Liam King (Alex Mulrooney-Skinner 56 mins).

 

Scorers: Welling United- Adam Coombes 18 (pen) & 42 mins, Christian Nanetti 34 mins, Danny Waldren 38 & 53 mins, Matt Fish 82 mins, Trey Williams 87 mins, George Oakley 90 mins. Hythe Town- Alfie May 44 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 355

Hythe storm to victory..........................

Hythe Town 4 Lewes 0

Ryman League Division One South

Tuesday 6th December 2016

 

What might have been a tight contest between two play-off rivals turned into a rout at a damp and misty Reachfields on Tuesday evening.  

 

Greater credit still should be given to a Hythe side that included at least a couple of players affected by illness and without the two defensive rocks of captain, Craig Cloke (away) and Nick Reeves (ill). Manager Clive Cook played Ryan Johnson and Dave Cook in their place and handed a rare start to Chris Saunders in midfield and the entire team were able to put in such a strong first hour that the quiet final 30 minutes were an irrelevance. 

 

Looking big and strong Lewes started brightly and threatened briefly with Duncan Culley and Charles Coppola prominent in early attacks on a cautious Hythe defence. They were also close on 18 minutes when Joe Mant pulled off a fine save from Jack Dixon, but even before that the attacking trio of Alfie May , Frankie Sawyer and Liam King were drawing the first of a series of rash challenges from the visitors. That had Cannons supporters recalling the Bishops Stortford cup tie. 

 

On 19 minutes new man Jerald Aboagye had an excellent surging run forward only to put his low shot wide and then Liam King saw his fine shot rebound off keeper and captain Chris Winterton before his second headed attempt was palmed away.  On 20 minutes Ryan Johnson rose high and headed home from a corner to put Hythe 1-0 up and this was followed by near misses from both Johnson and Alfie May, both of whom vied for Man of the match. As Hythe wove intricate patterns around the pitch it was clear that they were in no mood to allow any comeback for the visitors whose supporters were already praying that the slight mist might get worse and come to their rescue. They were ambitious enough to attack in numbers though but in doing so were leaving the Hythe forwards plenty of space to run into. 

 

Jack Dixon and Arinse Uade picked up cautions for fouls on May and Aboagye, and Culley made it three away yellows before Chris Saunders was also booked for a crunching tackle in the centre circle. With home supporters recalling the Stortford match Jack Dixon then launched into Aboagye and although the new man rode the challenge to an extent, both intent and impact were clearly visible and the well-placed  referee Matt Goldsmith had no hesitation in showing him a second yellow. 

 

With the clock approaching half-time an Alfie May cross was deflected off for a corner via the crossbar and when the ball came right across and out of the area there was the leading scorer on hand to blast it back across goal and into the far corner of the net for a 2-0 lead.

As in the first period Lewes started well again after the break and the dangerous Coppola had a good run although the resultant shot did little to trouble a confident Mant, but within a few minutes there was Alfie May dancing into the area, looking up, and curling a low shot round Winterton and into the net for his second and Hythe's third. Facing ten men that was probably enough,but Aboagye made another good run down the wing and centred into a crowded box where May rammed home the fourth and  thus completed his second hat-trick in 11 days.

 

Both teams made full use of their substitutes as the second period progressed but in reality the game was over on the hour and, with one eye on future games and the other on possible injuries Hythe wound the clock down playing keep-ball in their own half for lengthy periods. Subs Charlie Webster and Ben Wilson were able to cause a few more problems for the away side but the clock steadily ticked away until a near-perfect display from Ryan Johnson was so nearly spoiled when he got in a tangle with himself and presented Lewes with a glorious chance of a consolation goal. It was not to be though as Mant rushed out to save the day and his clean sheet. 

 

Lewes will no doubt have many better days out and almost certainly will maintain their challenge, but this was not their match and leaving aside the dismissal of Dixon they were outfought and outplayed and to their credit, happy to admit it. Hythe will hope their yo-yo form does not desert them at Welling on Saturday and if they were to get a replay it will be on Tuesday (13th) at Reachfields.

 

Team: Joe Mant,  Jerald Aboagye,  Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Matt Newman, Chris Saunders (Ben Wilson 60 mins), Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer, Alfie May (Alex Mulrooney-Skinner 82 mins), Liam King (Charlie Webster 63 mins).   

 

Scorers: Hythe Town- Ryan Johnson 20 mins, Alfie May 45, 55 & 58 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 168

 


Last Gasp Cannons steal all three points.............

East Grinstead Town 2 Hythe Town 3

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 3rd December 2016

 

Hythe Town staged a remarkable second-half fight back to take all three points at East Grinstead Town on Saturday afternoon as they came back from 2-0 down at the break to win 3-2 with a late winner.

 

The game started with Hythe on the front foot as Alfie May broke in from the left but his final attempt went over the bar. East Grinstead took the lead with their first attack of the half after six minutes as Tashi Kwayle got on to the ball in the penalty area and fired past Hythe keeper Joe Mant. With a quarter of an hour on the clock East Grinstead keeper, Chris Haigh was to deny the visitors twice as he saved from May with ball going out to Sam Adams who also had his effort blocked by the keeper.

 

The hosts were next to attack as Marcus Elliott crossed into Alex Gaggin but he could only send the ball high and wide. May was proving a handful for the home defence as firstly he shot just wide and then in a similar move blasted the ball against the far upright. Whilst Hythe were unable to draw even, East Grinstead extended their lead on 37 minutes as a ball came into the Hythe penalty area and Jerome Roseji rose to head home. The hosts could have extended the lead as Kwayle shot wide and then May broke through but his attempt was neatly saved by Haigh.

 

Whatever Hythe manager, Clive Cook, said at half-time, it had an immediate effect as after 46 minutes May surged into the penalty area and fired home. Within a couple of minutes May had another chance as he sent a free kick towards goal but it was held by Haigh. Hythe were now pressing hard for an equaliser as substitute Frankie Sawyer had a shot that sailed wide. The chances were coming regularly as debutant Jerald Aboagye crossed into the home penalty area with the ball being cleared out to Josh Burchell who drove his effort just past the post. The pressure paid off on 71 minutes as an Adams free kick slammed against the post, rebounding out to May whose attempt was blocked in the melee. The ball eventually came out to Sawyer who slammed the ball home to bring the scores level.

 

Both sides then went in search of the winner as East Grinstead’s former Hythe player Will Thomas shot wide. Hythe were to hit the woodwork for the third time as Sawyer put May through but his attempt across goal slammed against the inside of the upright. May then provided a cross to Liam King but he misdirected his effort wide. East Grinstead pressed but only really created one more scoring opportunity as James Fitchett provided the cross and Michael Salako headed wide. Hythe eventually sealed the points in the 89th minute as Craig Cloke picked the ball up on the left hand side of the penalty area lobbing the ball over to May who headed home.

 

It was a great fight back from the Cannons who remain in sixth place. They can now look forward to the home game on Tuesday against Lewes with a win in their pocket.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Jerald Aboagye (Charlie Webster 87 mins), Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Kenny Pogue (Frankie Sawyer 45 mins), Alfie May, Alex Mulrooney-Skinner (Liam King 45 mins)

 

Scorers:  East Grinstead Town-Tashi Kwayle 6 mins, Jerome Roseje 36 mins. Hythe Town-Alfie May 46 & 89 mins, Frankie Sawyer 71 mins.

 

Attendance: 83. 

 

Disappointing Evening for Cannons....

Hythe Town 2 Cray Wanderers 3

Ryman League Division One (South)

Tuesday 29th November 2016

 

Hythe Town were disappointingly beaten 3-2 at home to Cray Wanderers on Tuesday evening.

 

It was Cray who were first to show as after four minutes they created their first opportunity as Adetsyo Osifuwa played the ball into Sherwin Stanley who used the outside of his foot to send his attempt wide from close range. Within 60 seconds Danny Haynes moved into the Hythe penalty area but shot wide. Hythe’s first effort came on seven minutes as Alfie May pounced on a poor clearance from Cray keeper Sam Roach but he was to block May’s resultant shot. Cray were creating the better chances as the ever dangerous Brandon Scott surged into the area but shot straight at Hythe keeper Joe Mant.

 

On a quarter of an hour Scott was in the action again as he sent in a deep cross that was headed wide by Stanley. Hythe did produce some chances as Alex Mulrooney-Skinner broke down the left. He cut in but his attempt went over the bar from 25 yards. The visitors were unlucky as a Haynes shot was deflected over Mant onto the top of the cross bar and over.  Hythe were now creating more chances and it was Sam Adams who surged forward but his final lob looped just over the bar.

 

On 29 minutes Mulrooney-Skinner hit a long range shot that was easily collected by Cray keeper Sam Roach. Hythe were to take the lead on 39 minutes as a dangerous Ben Wilson cross was met by the head of Dave Cook. The ball was deflected onto the underside of the cross-bar by Roach but the ball bounced down and went in off the back of the goalkeeper. However the lead only lasted a minute as Haynes slotted the ball past Mant to bring the scores level.

 

The early chances at the start of the second period fell to the hosts as Craig Cloke crossed into the area finding Kenny Pogue who headed into Roach’s arms and then Pogue stole the ball just on the edge of the area but this time his side footed shot was easily saved by Roach. Hythe were unlucky not to take the lead on 62 minutes as Mulrooney-Skinner put in a deep cross that found Pogue who headed home only to be adjudged to have been offside.

 

Cray took the lead on 69 minutes as Scott slid the ball under Mant into the net. Hythe did fight back but May’s attempt from a Wilson corner was lifted over the bar and Hythe were further punished with 14 minutes left as Karl Dent surged forward through the Hythe defence to finally slam the ball home. Hythe then had an opportunity to get a goal back as Ryan Johnson put May through but Roach was able to block. However Cray substitute then had a shot held by Mant.

 

With time running out Adams sent in a curling free-kick that slammed against the post and then with the very last kick of the game Hythe did get a consolation when Frankie Sawyer hit an exquisite shot that flew into the top right hand corner but it was too late to get anything from the game.

 

Hythe will be disappointed that they were not able to threaten more as Cray deservedly took the points. They must now regroup before the trip to East Grinstead Town on Saturday afternoon.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Matt Newman (Frankie Sawyer 75 mins), Ben Wilson, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Kenny Pogue, Alfie May, Alex Mulrooney-Skinner (Liam King 81 mins)

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Dave Cook 39 mins, Frankie Sawyer 90 mins. Cray Wanderers-Danny Haynes 40 mins, Brandon Scott 69 mins, Karl Dent 76 mins.

 

Attendance 151 


Hythe through in Trophy......

Hythe Town 4 Bishop’s Stortford 2

Buildbase FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round

Saturday 26th November 2016

 

Hythe Town overcame a slow start to win 4-2 against Bishop’s Stortford in the Buildbase FA Trophy at Reachfields on Saturday afternoon.

 

It was the visitors who were first to show as they took the lead after only six minutes in their first attack. Jon Nouble pushed the ball into Femi Akinwande who slotted home past Hythe keeper Joe Mant. Bishop’s Stortford continued to press and three minutes later Aaron Greene forced Mant to push the ball round the post for a corner. However a pivotal moment in the game as Alfie May got in a tangle with Bishop’s Stortford defender Marvel Ekpiteta. As both players got up Ekpiteta took a kick at May and deservedly was given a red card. This seemed to spark the Cannons into action and they had their first attack on 13 minutes as firstly May hit the post and following up, Alex Mulrooney-Skinner had his shot cleared off the line.

 

The rest of the half was totally dominated by the hosts. Ryan Johnson sent in a deep cross that was headed down by Kenny Pogue but Tom Lovelock, Bishop’s Stortford keeper saved easily. On 25 minutes Hythe got their reward as May curled a shot into the top corner to bring the scores level. Lovelock then denied Craig Cloke as the Hythe centre-back headed towards goals from a Sam Adams cross. However the host’s pressure resulted in another goal on 35 minutes as a Johnson cross was headed home by Pogue as he rose above the defence. Within four minutes Hythe went further ahead as Josh Burchell sent a cross that was flicked onto May who fired home. One more opportunity for the Cannons before half-time saw May break through pushing the ball onto Pogue who shot over.  

 

Hythe started the second period on the front foot and Adams fired a shot from distance that was easily caught by Lovelock. However after 52 minutes Bishop’s Stortford narrowed the gap as they were awarded a penalty that appeared harsh. Up stepped Freddy Moncur who slammed the ball into the middle of the net. Hythe, however, were to continue to create the better chances as Adams fired a shot straight at Lovelock. The visitors’ lack of discipline was to be highlighted after substitute Lee Sawyer was shown a second yellow card in the eleven minutes he had been on the pitch and Stortford were reduced to nine men.

 

The rest of the chances in the game came for the Cannons starting with a looping shot from Cloke which went just over the bar. On 61 minutes Johnson pushed the ball into Mulrooney-Skinner on the far post but his header went over the bar. Ben Wilson then put in two dangerous corners as firstly he found May at the far post but his header was easily collected by Lovelock and then Cloke headed over at the far post.

 

With ten minutes to go Hythe sealed the win as Frankie Sawyer crossed over to May who side footed home for his hat-trick. Bishop’s Stortford were reduced to eight men with six minutes to go as Harry Hickford was shown a straight red card for a reckless and crude challenge on May putting further salt in the National League South team’s wounds.  One more chance for Hythe deep into injury time as Johnson crossed into Adams who flicked onto to Pogue but his final shot went wide.

 

It was an excellent win for the Cannons against a side who must be rueing the lack of discipline which cost them dearly. Hythe now look forward to Tuesday night’s league game at home to Cray Wanderers with confidence from this win against a team two levels higher.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Matt Newman, Josh Burchell (Ben Wilson 58 mins), Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Kenny Pogue, Alfie May (Liam King 85 mins), Alex Mulrooney-Skinner (Frankie Sawyer 67 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town- Alfie May 25, 39, 80 mins Kenny Pogue 35 mins. Bishop’s Stortford-Femi Akinwande 6 mins Freddy Moncur 52 mins (pen)

 

Attendance: 234

 

Link to report on Kent Sports News 

 

Update: Bishop's Stortford FC have reported that goalkeeper Joe Wright who suffered a nasty facial injury has a Fractured Eye Socket and his Jaw has been knocked out of line, he is home but awaits a CT Scan once the swelling subsides. We wish Joe "a speedy recovery". 

 


Hythe back on track.......

Herne Bay 0 Hythe Town 2

Ryman League Division One (South)

Tuesday 22nd November 2016

 

Hythe returned to winning ways on Tuesday evening as they comfortably overcame Herne Bay 2-0 at Winch’s Field.  

 

Hythe took a very early lead after three minutes as Ryan Johnson looped a cross into the penalty area. Nick Reeves stole the ball from Herne Bay keeper Jack Delo and found Kenny Pogue who side footed home from close range with the Herne Bay defence all at sea. The Bay had their first attack after eight minutes as Danny Walder flicked the ball through to Mark Lovell but he headed over with the referee’s assistant waving for offside. Both sides were creating opportunities and it was Hythe who were next to threaten as Johnson spooned his attempt over the bar. At the other end Adam Woollcott broke in from the right but sent his shot just over the target and then Danny Williams looped the ball again high over the bar.

 

On 34 minutes Hythe came close as Alex Mulrooney-Skinner got the ball into Sam Adams whose shot was deflected for a corner. Herne Bay were creating chances but finding it difficult to find the target as Walder had a long range effort that went over the bar and then Kane Phillip drove through the Hythe defence but sent the ball wide. Hythe got their second eight minutes before half-time as Sam Adams noticed Delo preparing for a ball into the box. The Hythe midfielder took the opportunity to send in a swerving shot into an empty net.

 

Hythe were the first to press in the second period as Josh Burchell fed the ball Frankie Sawyer whose attempt went just wide from an angle. Herne Bay’s first effort of the half saw Michael Turner feed the ball into Connor Sanders who at the near post sent his attempt wide. Hythe were still looking dangerous as Adams looped a ball into Sawyer but his header went just over. Herne Bay continued to look for a way back onto the game as a neat interchange of passes finally saw Woollcott fire wide. At the other end Sawyer broke through and had a shot deflected wide and then Johnson crossed to Charlie Webster whose back flick at the near post hit a defender to also go wide.

 

Michael Turner had two efforts in a minute neither of which found the target but it was the visitors who finished the stronger as firstly on the stroke of full-time Adams curled a free-kick just wide and then Sawyer passed into Liam King who was able to find Adams whose shot went over and then deep into injury time the same three players were involved as this time King sent the final effort wide.

 

Hythe’s win was their first in six league games keeping them in fifth place as they prepare for Saturday’s FA Trophy tie at home to Bishop’s Stortford.

 

Click here to see the video of the two goals from the Herne Bay website.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Matt Newman, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer, Alex Mulrooney-Skinner (Charlie Webster 70 mins), Kenny Pogue (Liam King 76 mins)

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Kenny Pogue 3 mins, Sam Adams 38 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 156

Hythe hammered at Sittingbourne......

Sittingbourne 4 Hythe Town 0

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 19th November 2016

 

Hythe put in an off-colour performance on Saturday as they were deservedly beaten 4-0 by Sittingbourne on Saturday afternoon.

 

It was Sittingbourne who were first to show as they created their first chance after four minutes when Ricky Gundry found Jordan Gallacher but his attempt was blasted over the bar. Hythe then took the initiative with their first attack seeing Ryan Johnson shooting high over the target. The visitors continued to press as Liam King shot straight into the arms of Sittingbourne keeper, Simon Overland. With eleven minutes gone Frankie Sawyer broke through but Overland smothered the ball before the Hythe striker could get his shot away. This period of pressure didn’t produce any reward and it was Sittingbourne who took the lead on 19 minutes as former Folkestone Invicta player Anthony O’Conner stroked the ball home from a through ball from Gallacher.

 

The next attack came from Hythe as Alfie May fed King who curled a shot just wide and then Ben Wilson crossed into May but his header was blocked wide by a defender. Sittingbourne were looking very dangerous on the break and Conrad Lee hit a shot high over the bar and then with two minutes to the interval Lee was not to be denied as he curled a free kick into the right hand side of the net to increase the “Brickies” lead.

 

Hythe made two changes at half time bringing on Sam Adams and Kenny Pogue but Sittingbourne were to close out the game only a minute into the half as Ricky Gundry rammed the ball home from close range. There were three opportunities in succession for May as firstly he hit a shot from a narrow angle into the arms of Overland and then sent another attempt with a similar result. Finally he did force Overland to save well. However, Sittingbourne continued to look the more likely to score as Gundry fired wide. On 65 minutes Hythe were unlucky not to narrow the deficit as ex Hythe defender Sam Welch cleared off the line from a header by Nick Reeves.

 

Gallacher was then to threaten for Sittingbourne as he couldn’t quite get a shot away as he burst into the Hythe penalty area. Substitute Jake Embery was to rub salt in the Cannons wounds with seven minutes remaining as he broke through and fired home. One more effort from Hythe saw Wilson cross but Craig Cloke headed over. Hythe keeper, Joe Mant did save any further blushes as he held on to a swerving shot from Lee in injury time.

 

Hythe will need to learn the lessons from the defeat as they re-group and move onto the game in  the league on Tuesday evening at Herne Bay.  

 

Team: Joe Mant, Charlie Webster, Ben Wilson, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Liam King (Sam Adams 45 mins), Frankie Sawyer (Alex Mulrooney-Skinner 65 mins), Alfie May, Matt Newman (Kenny Pogue 45 mins)  Subs Unused Josh Burchell, Chris Saunders.

 

Scorers: Sittingbourne-Anthony O’Connor 19, Conrad Lee 43 mins, Ricky Gundry 46 mins, Jake Embery 83 mins.

 

 

Attendance 143


Cup Glory for Hythe at Merstham

Merstham 0 Hythe Town 3

Buildbase FA Trophy 2nd Qualifying Round

Tuesday 15th November 2016

 

Hythe Town surged back in the second half to convincingly find their way in to the next round of FA Trophy as they won 3-0 at Ryman Premier Division, Merstham on Tuesday evening.

 

It was Hythe who were first to threaten as on three minutes Frankie Sawyer spooned a free kick from 25 yards high over the bar. However it was then Merstham who were to create the better chances of the first half as firstly on ten minutes Omar Folkes stubbed the ball wide from the centre of the penalty area and then a shot from Tom Kavanagh was deflected by Dan Bennett forcing Hythe keeper Joe Mant to catch the ball high over his head. Hythe were to ride their luck on 18 minutes as the hosts hit the woodwork twice in succession as Bennett hammered the ball against the post and Folkes, picking up the rebound, forced Mant to tip the ball onto the cross bar.

 

Hythe were having to create their chances on the break as Alfie May cut in from the left but hooked his final effort wide. Mant had to be at his best to tip the ball over from a long range effort from Folkes and this was followed on 34 minutes as the ball was fed in to Kavanagh but he hooked over the bar. Hythe were still creating some chances as May fired in with the ball being spilt by Merstham keeper Phil Wilson but he was able to recover the situation before Sawyer could get his foot to the ball. The hosts had one more effort a minute before the break as Kavanagh had a shot deflected wide.

 

Merstham started the second half in the same vein as Xavier Vidal forced a one handed save by Mant. However Hythe were now starting to create more opportunities. On 50 minutes May fired wide but then five minutes later came one of the pivotal moments of the game as Liam King was crudely challenged by Kristian Campbell earning the Merstham defender a red card. Unfortunately the Hythe striker had to leave the pitch on stretcher.  

 

Hythe were able to take advantage of the situation within three minutes as Ben Wilson put in a corner that was met by Dave Cook who slammed his header into the back of the net to give the visitors the lead. Hythe were now on top as Ben Wilson put in another dangerous cross which was palmed away by Phil Wilson. On 76 minutes Hythe went two up as a cross from Charlie Webster was diverted into his own net by defender Dan Hogan. Hythe continued to sweep forward looking for a third. Nick Reeves saw keeper Phil Wilson off his line but his looping effort went wide and then a Sawyer corner was headed wide by Cook. Phil Wilson was forced onto two good saves as he denied May and then Mulrooney Skinner. However Kenny Pogue was able to put the “icing on the cake” in injury time as he slipped the ball home from a May cross to make it 3-0.

 

It was an impressive performance from Hythe who now look forward to a home 3rd Qualifying Round tie against National League South, Bishop’s Stortford to be played on Saturday 26th November 2016.  

 

Team: Joe Mant, Charlie Webster, Ben Wilson (Chris Saunders 89 mins), Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Liam King (Matt Newman 55 mins), Frankie Sawyer (Kenny Pogue 82 mins), Alfie May, Alex Mulrooney-Skinner.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Dave Cook 58 mins, Dan Hogan (OG) 76 mins, Kenny Pogue 90 mins

 

Attendance: 105 


Hythe go down at Walton..........

Walton Casuals 3 Hythe Town 1

Ryman League Division One (South)

Wednesday 9th November 2016

 

Hythe Town came away with nothing from Walton Casuals on Wednesday evening as they went down 3-1 in an entertaining game.

 

Hythe started positively creating the first opportunities. In the first minute Alfie May put in a dangerous cross. Kenny Pogue was unable to get enough on the ball to send it towards goal. Ryan Johnson was then to send in a long range shot which was well saved by Walton keeper Denzel Gerrar. However the hosts were to take the lead after only five minutes with their first attack. Jack Sammoutis picked the ball up 30 yards out and drilled his effort past Hythe keeper Joe Mant into the corner of the net. Hythe looked to get back into the game as Frankie Sawyer had a shot deflected into the arms of Gerrar. Casuals were then to threaten as a cross from Luke Holness was headed over the bar by Gabriel Odunaike.

 

On ten minutes Hythe were level. Liam King charged through the Walton defence but was brought down in the penalty area. May stepped up and sent Gerrar the wrong way with his penalty. The game was going from end to end and Casuals were unlucky not to retake the lead as Kieron Hughes-Mason cut in from the left slamming his final shot against the far post and then in an identical move Malachi Hudson had his effort well saved by Mant. Hythe were creating chances as Josh Burchell sent in a cross to Pogue whose header was caught on the line by Gerrar. Sawyer was then to fire in from the left but his attempt went wide.

 

However, Casuals were ahead after 31 minutes as Odunaike was able to fire home after a melee in the Hythe penalty area. Hythe pressed looking for an equaliser as Burchell sent in a deep cross into Sawyer on the far post but his effort was blocked away for a corner and then Matt Newman fed the ball into Sawyer but he blasted over. King had the next attempt as he pulled a shot just wide from the edge of the area. One more Casuals attack in the first period saw Luke Holness break through the Cannons defence but he sent his shot wide of the target.

 

Hythe started the second half on the front foot as King surged through to be brought down on the edge of the area. Sam Adams’s free kick was saved easily by Gerrar to his right. However, Walton were to increase their lead on 50 minutes as firstly Hudson broke through the defence forcing Mant to push the ball round the post. Jordan Cheadle put in a searching cross from the resultant cross which was met by Max Fitzgerald who slammed his header into the back of the net.

 

The game then quietened down with less chances being created. On the hour May fired in a dipping shot just over the bar but the hosts continued to threaten. With 70 minutes gone Holness shot straight into Mant’s arms and then Sammoutis broke free but was denied by Mant who spread his body well to save. One more effort from Hythe as Alex Mulrooney-Skinner crossed into Pogue who side footed straight at Gerrar. With two minutes to go Casuals should have got a fourth as Hudson had a shot blocked by Mant. The ball rebounded to Sammoutis who hit the post when it seemed easier to score.

 

Hythe, who remain in fourth place, were made to pay for not taking their opportunities during the game and must now regroup before the FA Trophy fixture at Merstham on Saturday.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Charlie Webster, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Matt Newman (Ben Wilson 84 mins) , Liam King, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer (Alex Mulrooney-Skinner 43mins), Kenny Pogue.

 

Scorers: Walton Casuals-Jack Sammoutis 6 mins, Gabriel Odunaike 31 mins, Max Fitzgerald 50 mins, Hythe Town-Alfie May 11 mins (pen).

 

Attendance 57


Hythe and Greenwich share the points...

Hythe Town 2 Greenwich Borough 2

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 5th November 2016

 

Hythe Town were pegged back twice as they drew 2-2 at home to second-placed Greenwich Borough on Saturday afternoon.

 

It was Greenwich who were the first to threaten after three minutes as Rob Denness was fed the ball but his effort was blocked by Hythe keeper Joe Mant. However, the hosts had the better of the first half as on five minutes Charlie Webster, who found plenty of space on the right hand side, sent in a cross that found Frankie Sawyer who lopped a dipping shot over the bar. Josh Burchell then got the ball into the penalty area finding Alfie May whose attempt was pushed wide of the post by Greenwich keeper Jordan Beeney who was then to deny Jay May who fired in. 

 

Greenwich continued to create chances on the break as Denness forced a one handed save from Mant. On 26 minutes Sawyer sent in a free kick into the penalty area. As the ball came in the referee saw an infringement and pointed to the penalty spot. Up stepped Sawyer who blasted his kick high over the bar.  Hythe continued to press as Sam Adams surged through the Greenwich defence but shot wide and then as Greenwich appealed for a penalty, Hythe broke with Adams finding Webster whose effort was held by Beeney.

 

The second half started with Greenwich on the attack as Mohamed Eisa threaded a ball to Denness who sent his shot over the bar.  Denness turned provider as he sent a free kick into the penalty area but Michael Power headed over when it looked easier to find the target. Another attack saw a Glenn Wilson free kick through to Danny Young who headed into Mant arms. However, Hythe were to take the lead on 55 minutes against the run of play as Alfie May collected the ball in the area and placed his shot under Beeney and into the net.  On the hour Sawyer hit a long range shot over the bar.  Hythe were then to have two chances within a minute as Webster stole the ball in midfield and surged forward but shot wide. Adams then got the ball back to Burchell but the Hythe defender blasted over.

 

It was now Greenwich’s turn to regain the initiative as Jake Britnell attempted to lob the ball over Mant’s head but the keeper caught easily and then Mant was deny a curling effort from Eisa. However Greenwich turned their pressure into a goal on 79 minutes as Luis Morrison collected the ball in the middle of the penalty area and slammed the ball home. Hythe were to regain the lead four minutes later as substitute Liam King was brought down in the penalty area. This time Alfie May took the kick and beat Beeney firing straight into the centre of the net. Greenwich snatched a deserved point with four minutes to go as a Denness cross was deflected by Hythe defender Nick Reeves into his own net. Hythe were given one last scare as Eisa rounded Mant but was only able to side foot wide of the target.

 

A fair result for both sides as they shared the points with Hythe moving down to fourth place. They have the opportunity to get back to winning ways on Wednesday evening at Walton Casuals.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Charlie Webster, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Matt Newman, Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer (Alex Mulrooney-Skinner 73 mins), Alfie May, Jay May (Liam King 45 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town- Alfie May 55 & 83 mins (pen). Greenwich Borough-Luis Morrison 79 mins, Nick Reeves (OG) 86 mins.

 

Attendance: 207


A penalty sinks the Cannons......

Hythe Town 0 Dorking Wanderers 1

Ryman Football League Division One (South)

Tuesday 1st November 2016

 

Hythe Town missed a second opportunity to go top of the league as they were beaten by a second half penalty against Dorking Wanderers on Tuesday evening.

 

It was Dorking who were first out of the traps as a first minute attempt from Tom Tolfrey went wide of the target. Hythe had to wait until the twelfth minute for their first effort as Sam Adams had a shot deflected onto to Jay May whose header was easily caught by Dorking keeper Slavomir Huk. The game continued to be a tense tussle between two evenly matched sides.  Jay May was then to feed the ball into Dave Cook but he could not get enough power on his header to threaten.

 

At the other end Dean Gunner got his head to a corner but his effort went straight into the arms of Hythe keeper Joe Mant. This was followed by a series of chances at both ends as Kevin Terry fired wide for Dorking. Hythe were to have two opportunities in a couple of minutes Jay May firstly sent a 25 yard volley into Huk’s arms and then he fed the ball to Dave Cook but he headed wide. Another chance for the visitors on 39 minutes as Billy Medlock hit the ball on the turn but it was easily saved by Mant. On the stroke of half time Alfie May surged through the Dorking defence but his shot was well caught by Huk at full stretch.

 

The second half started with Dorking threatening as Jerome Beckles blasted wide and then Medlock rifled a free kick over the bar. The game was going from end to end as Frankie Sawyer pulled the ball back to Sam Adams who drove over the bar and then Jay May cut in but his shot was neatly gathered by Huk. Beckles should have done better for Dorking on 59 minutes as he switched from his left foot to his right but his final shot rolled wide. The chances were coming for both sides as Alfie May put in a dangerous cross which Huk did well to block before Sawyer could threaten the goal. Hythe should have taken the lead on 76 minutes as Ryan Johnson sent the ball into the box only to see Alfie May put a header over the bar from close in.

 

Within a minute Dorking won a penalty as Craig Cloke was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area. Up stepped Billy Medlock who buried the ball into the corner of the net to give Dorking the lead. The visitors were unlucky not to get a second with seven minutes left of normal time as James McShane hit a curling free-kick just over the bar. The last two chances came for Hythe as a searching cross from Josh Burchell found Liam King who misjudged his header that went well wide and then in injury time Alfie May had a shot deflected wide.

 

It was not to be for the Cannons as they could not get the equaliser. They remain in third place and have second placed Greenwich Borough visiting Reachfields on Saturday afternoon in what with be another tough fixture.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Giorgio Russo (Liam King 83 mins), Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer, Alfie May, Jay May.

 

Scorer: Dorking Wanderers-Bill Medlock 77 mins (pen)

 

Attendance 177

 

 


May Day comes at Reachfields....

Hythe Town 3 Walton Casuals 2

FA Trophy 1st Qualifying Round.

Saturday 29th October 2016

 

Hythe Town gained some revenge for their FA Cup exit earlier in the season as they won 3-2 in the FA Trophy at home to Walton Casuals on Saturday afternoon.

 

It was Walton who were first to show as they took control from the start creating their opening opportunity after three minutes as Dominic Ogun hit a shot straight at Hythe Town keeper, Joe Mant.  However, the hosts took the lead with their first attack on a quarter of an hour as Alfie May blocked a free kick from outside the area taken by Walton Casuals keeper Denzel Gerrar. May chased the ball down and slotted into the empty net. The goal gave the Cannons some confidence as Alex Mulrooey-Skinner sent in a deep cross which was headed wide by debutant Jay May. Alfie May came into the action again as he sent a curling free kick which was well saved by Gerrar.

 

The hosts increased their lead as Alex Mulrooney-Skinner crossed into Dave Cook who slammed the ball home.  Controversy then followed as Cook was sent off for a second yellow card reducing Hythe to ten men. A couple of opportunities for the visitors before half-time saw Jordan Cheadle shoot just wide of the target and then in injury time Malachi Hudson fired into a crowd of players and the ball was cleared away.

 

Hythe were pegged back early in the second half as firstly on 49 minutes Jack Sammoutis surged through the home defence to slot the ball home and then on 54 minutes Max Fitzgerald headed home from a Jordan Cheadle corner to bring the scores level. Casuals were now on the front foot looking to make use of their one man advantage as Hudson broke through but his attempt went straight at Mant. Jay May was then denied twice by Gerrar and then headed wide from a Giorgio Russo free kick. It was the ten men of Hythe who began to look the more dangerous as after 77 minutes Sam Adams curled the ball from a free kick into Gerrar’s hand. Alfie May was then to pick the ball up on the by-line but his attempt from a narrow angle was again saved by Gerrar.  However Hythe were to win the day on 78 minutes as Alfie May turned in and fed the ball to Jay May who fired home to give the hosts a hard earned victory.

 

Hythe defended tightly to prevent any meaningful chances for the visitors and in fact created another opportunity before the final whistle as a Frankie Sawyer cross to the far post was headed wide by Cloke and the Cannons were able to hold on to an exciting win and a place in the 2nd Qualifying Round which will be drawn on Monday.   

 

Team: Joe Mant, Matt Newman, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Jay May, Alfie May (Frankie Sawyer 81  mins), Alex Mulrooney-Skinner (Giorgio Russo 62 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Alfie May 16 mins, Dave Cook 34 mins, Jay May 78 mins: Walton Casuals – Jack Sommoutis 49 mins, Max Fitzgerald 54 mins

 

Attendance 179

 

 


Hythe lose at home to South Park............

 

 

Hythe Town 1 South Park 2

Ryman Football League Division One (South)

Tuesday 25th October 2016

 

Hythe Town failed to take the opportunity to go to the top of Ryman Division One (South) as they gave a disappointing performance in a 2-1 defeat at home to South Park on Tuesday evening.

 

It was Hythe who were the first to press as Alfie May broke down the right after ten minutes but blasted the ball into a crowd of players. His next chance came six minutes later as he manoeuvred himself into a shooting position but his attempt with his right foot went wide of the target. South Park had to wait until nineteen minutes before they threatened through captain Kieran Lavery but his shot went wide.  

 

The chances were limited but on 31 minutes Dave Cook got a dangerous ball into Kenny Pogue but he couldn’t quite get any connection with his head to threaten the goal. Within 60 seconds Sam Adams had a volley which was deflected over for a corner. The visitors were growing in confidence as Jerry O’Sullivan crossed to Joe Jackson whose glancing header went wide and then Jackson rifled an effort just wide of the target. With five minutes until the break Lavery cut in and hit a long range shot just wide of the Hythe goal.

 

The second half started with Hythe on the attack as a May free kick from 20 yards slammed against the outside of the left hand post and then he sent the ball into the penalty area that went round like a pinball and then away. South Park were still creating and a corner from Nathan Ayling was punched away by Hythe keeper Joe Mant under pressure. On 59 minutes South Park took the lead as the ball found its way in to Jackson who tapped home from close range. Lavery then had a shot blocked by Mant. However Hythe were level on 62 minutes as they were awarded a free kick just outside the area. Frankie Sawyer’s kick was sent into the right hand side of the net with South Park keeper James Wastell well beaten.

 

A couple of opportunities then fell to the hosts as firstly May, surging in, had a shot deflected away for a corner. Sawyer then crossed in but Craig Cloke’s header went wide. Charlie Webster was the next to test the South Park defence as he drove the ball in but it was deflected over the bar. However with twelve minutes to go a corner from Ayling found Dylan Merchant who slammed the ball home to win the points for South Park. Hythe did look for the equaliser but couldn’t break through a stout defence.  

 

This marked the end of the nine game winning run in the league with Hythe remaining in third place. They must now regroup before the next game on Saturday in the FA Trophy against Walton Casuals.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Charlie Webster, Josh Burchell, Matt Newman, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer (Liam King 75 mins), Alfie May (Ben Wilson 85 mins), Kenny Pogue (Alex Mulrooney-Skinner 68 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town- Frankie Sawyer 62 mins. South Park: Joe Jackson 59 mins Dylan Merchant 78 mins.

Attendance: 153

   


Hythe eventually breakdown stout Molesey defence......

Hythe Town 1 Molesey 0

Ryman Football League Division One (South)

Saturday 22nd October 2016

 

Hythe Town eventually broke down a stout Molesey defence as they won 1-0 at Reachfields on Saturday afternoon.

 

The first half was virtually one way traffic as the Cannons dominated the game. They created their first opportunity as early as the first minute when Josh Burchell pushed the ball into Sam Adams. The ball was fed to Kenny Pogue who fired just over with the referee’s assistant flagging for offside.  Matt Newman was next to threaten as the ball came out to him but he fired well wide. On the quarter of an hour Pogue got under an Adams cross and his header looped just over the bar.

 

Frankie Sawyer then came into the action as he shot from 25 yards straight at Molesey keeper Liam Allen. Pogue was then to pull the ball back to Alfie May who slammed the ball into the side netting. The visitors, who showed little attacking ambition, had to wait until the 38th minute to create an opportunity as Charlie Samuel crossed to Joe Grant whose looping header went over the bar. One more chance for Hythe in injury time saw a fine interchange move between Newman and Burchell before the ball found its way to Sawyer who had his shot tipped over by Allen.

 

The second half started in very much the same vein as Hythe pressed. Adams looped a shot over from close range and then Newman slammed the ball against the Molesey post. On 65 minutes Pogue pulled the ball backed to May but he had his shot blocked by Allen. Finally Hythe broke down the Molesey defence as they look the lead on 72 minutes. A Burchell free-kick found Pogue who headed home to give the hosts the lead. Molesey created their first chance of the second period on 77 minutes as Ashby Charles shot well wide from distance.

 

Allen was on hand again to keep the score down as Liam King mishit a shot which found its way to May whose effort was well saved by the Molesey keeper. As the minutes ticked down, Molesey created three chances as firstly Tom Windsor had a speculative shot that went high over the bar. Hythe keeper Joe Mant was then tested for the first time as he pushed the ball around the post from an attempt by David Ryan. Craig Cloke also cleared off the Hythe line as Sam Charles shot towards goal. With a minute to go King pounced on hesitancy by Allen but the ball went wide and then deep in injury time Charlie Webster had a shot deflected wide. Hythe had to settle for one goal but it was enough to give them their ninth consecutive league win.

 

Hythe stay in third place and look forward to their next league tie at home to South Park on Tuesday evening.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Matt Newman (Liam King 67 mins), Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer (Alex Mulrooney-Skinner 59 mins), Alfie May (Charlie Webster 82 mins), Kenny Pogue

 

Scorer: Kenny Pogue 72 mins

 

 

Attendance: 210


Pogue header earns the win..............

Chipstead 1 Hythe Town 2

Ryman League Division One (South)

Tuesday 18th October 2016

 

Hythe Town were made to battle for the points in their game at Chipstead but did come out 2-1 winners on Tuesday evening.

 

There was very little goalmouth action for the first quarter of an hour as both sides tested each other out. Hythe were enjoying the majority of the possession and had the ball in the net on 16 minutes as Alfie May broke through chipping the ball into the net but the referees assistant was flagging for offside. However May was not to be denied as Liam King on 19 minutes sent in a through ball which gave May the opportunity to get his foot to the ball which cleared Chipstead keeper Shiekh Cessay. Two home defenders could not clear the ball away and it ended in the back of the net to give Hythe the lead. Hythe continued to dominate this phase of the game and Matt Newman was the next to feed the ball through to May but this time he sent his shot wide.

 

Chipstead had to wait until the 36th minute for their first attack and it did bring their equaliser. Raheem Sterling-Parker got on the end of a deep cross to side foot home. This seemed to give the hosts a boost and they threatened the Hythe goal again within two minutes as this time Sterling-Parker passed to Ollie Twum but he sent his shot wide from twenty yards. May did have another effort for Hythe before the break as he had a free kick smothered by Cessay. Chipstead did have one opportunity in injury time as Sterling-Parker turned and shot but Josh Burchell was on hand to block.

 

The early exchanges in the second period saw Chris O’Flaherty test Joe Mant but the Hythe keeper pushed the shot wide for a corner. Hythe then seemed to up the gears for a time as first May cut in and sent a curling shot just wide and then a melee in the Chipstead penalty area saw five shots blocked as Hythe desperately tried to find another goal. However Chipstead continued to provide a threat at the other end as firstly Twum shot wide of the target and then substitute Josh Fuller sent an attempt straight into Mant’s arms. Hythe finally got their noses in front on 81 minutes as a quick break down the right saw Charlie Webster deliver a deep cross to Kenny Pogue who headed home.

 

Hythe had to survive a period of pressure as Chipstead looked for an equaliser. With two minutes left of normal time, O’Flaherty sent in a free kick which forced Joe Mant to push the ball over the bar and then deep in injury time Chris Nelson hit a free kick low but wide of the target. Hythe weathered the storm and came away with all three points.

 

This victory continues a fine eight match winning run which has now pushed Hythe up into third place with games in hand on the two teams above.  

 

Team: Joe Mant, Charlie Webster, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook (Alex Mulrooney-Skinner 66 mins), Sam Adams (Frankie Sawyer 78 mins), Liam King (Kenny Pogue 56 mins), Alfie May, Matt Newman.

Scorers: Chipstead- Raheem Sterling-Parker 36 mins. Hythe Town- Alfie May 19 mins, Kenny Pogue 81 mins

 

 

Attendance 48


Another Three points for the Cannons...........

Three Bridges 1 Hythe Town 4

Ryman Football League Division One (South)

Saturday 15th October 2016

 

Hythe Town eventually ended comfortable 4-1 winners at Three Bridges on Saturday afternoon in a game.  

 

It was Three Bridges who were first to create an opportunity as a dangerous cross was delivered by Tony Garrod but Ricardo Fernandes spooned the ball over the bar. Hythe didn’t have to wait long before they threatened on five minutes as a perfectly placed Nick Reeves through ball set Alfie May free but he side footed wide. It was the hosts that were creating the better chances as a Fernandes corner found Drew Corney whose effort went well wide and Garrod flicked the ball across the Hythe goalmouth but nobody was on hand to convert. Ryan Johnson was then on hand to clear off the line from a header from Jamie Crellin.

 

However Hythe were slowly taking control as Frankie Sawyer fed the ball to May but Three Bridges keeper Kieron Thorp saved well. Hythe were ahead from the resultant corner on sixteen minutes as Sawyer sent in a cross that was headed home neatly by May. The game then quietened down for a spell before Sawyer hooked the ball over the bar from the edge of the penalty area. There were two chances for the hosts before half time as Mitchell Casselman pulled a shot just wide and then Hakeem Adelakun fired over from long range but the Cannons held on for the half time lead.

 

The second period started with Three Bridges creating some chances. Firstly Garrod fired straight at Hythe keeper Joe Mant and then Tim Cook hit a shot from well out but it sailed over the bar. However Three Bridges were level on 53 minutes as Adelakun placed a free kick perfectly from 25 yards into the top right hand side of the net giving Mant no chance. This sparked the visitors into action as they bombarded the home goal. On 56 minutes Josh Burchell sent in a cross from the left with Sawyer looping a header over the bar and then May fed the ball into Sam Adams but his shot was blocked. A neat three man move saw May push the ball into Adams who passed to Sawyer who blasted over from close range.

 

Hythe were now dominating and May sent the ball over from the edge of the area. May was then to have a shot blocked and the rebound fell to Sawyer but he sent the ball over the bar. However it took a penalty to convert the pressure into a goal. Liam King was brought down by Tom Howard-Bold on 75 minutes. Up stepped Sawyer who drilled the penalty into the bottom left hand corner to give Hythe the lead. With eight minutes remaining substitute Alex Mulrooney-Skinner had a shot saved by Thorp. The ball came out to Dave Cook who rapped the ball against the woodwork from close range. Hythe were to seal all three points right on full time as Mulrooney-Skinner broke down the right hand side and fired the ball in from a narrow angle into far side of the net. Mulrooney was not finished as deep into injury time he broke free again and this time neatly placed his shot to beat Thorp again making it 4-1 to Hythe.

 

This was Hythe’s seventh league win on the spin as they moved up to third in the table making them look serious title challengers.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Charlie Webster, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams (Liam King 72 mins), Frankie Sawyer (Mulrooney-Skinner 80 mins), Alfie May, Matt Newman.  

 

Scorers: Three Bridges-Hakeem Adelakun 53 mins. Hythe Team: Alfie May 16 mins, Frankie Sawyer 76 mins (pen),  Mulrooney- Skinner 90 & 90+3 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 71


Cannons fight back but it's not quite enough.....

Hythe Town 2 Gillingham 3

Kent Reliance Senior Cup 1st Round

Tuesday 11th October 2016

 

Hythe Town staged a fight back but it was not enough to get anything out of their Kent Senior Cup 1st Round tie at home to Gillingham on Tuesday evening.

 

Gillingham got off to an express start as they took the lead in the third minute. Sam Lawton got onto a loose ball and sent a shot that beat Hythe keeper Joe Mant. Hythe did have their first opportunity on eight minutes as Alex Mulrooney-Skinner fired in but his attempt was well held by Gillingham keeper Tom Hadler. Lawton had another chance at the other end on the quarter of an hour but this time his shot went wide.  Mulrooney-Skinner then forced Hadler to tip the ball over the bar as he moved in from the right. Hadler held a shot from Alfie May but Gillingham continued to pose more danger as Noel Mbo increased their lead on 25 minutes as he headed home at the far post. The Gills went further ahead within three minutes as Mbo pounced on a defensive mistake and fired home. All looked dead and buried for the Cannons but they began their fight back as a searching Alfie May cross appeared to be turned into his own net by Ryan Huckle under pressure from Liam King. Hythe were now pressing as Frankie Sawyer had a snap shot from just outside the penalty area that went just wide.

 

Hythe continued to look to narrow the deficit in the second half as Giorgio Russo cut the ball back across the face of the goal but it was deflected away for a corner. The hosts continued to press as Alfie May fired into the side netting. On 64 minutes Hythe were awarded a penalty for an infringement in the area. Up stepped Sawyer who hammered the ball past Hadler to make it 2-3. Gillingham were now under pressure but they were still creating some chances of their own as a Darren Oldaker free kick was punched away by Mant who was under pressure. However the better chances were falling to the home side.  May turned but had his shot smothered by Hadler and Kenny Pogue pushed the ball onto May but this time he shot wide. One more chance for the Gills as Oldaker fed the ball through to Ben Chapman but he shot wide. Hythe had a golden opportunity on the stroke of full time to bring the scores level as another penalty was awarded this time for handball from a May shot. This time Hadler guessed right and saved Sawyer’s penalty. There was one more chance for either side in injury time as firstly May cut in and shot at Hadler and at the other end Henry Woods broke free down the left but mishit his shot wide.

 

Gillingham were to hold on to move into the next round where they will play away at VCD Athletic.  

 

Team: Joe Mant, Giorgio Russo, Keane Gillett, Chris Saunders (Matt Newman 20 mins), Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Liam King (Sam Adams 65 mins), Frankie Sawyer, Alfie May, Alex Mulrooney-Skinner (Kenny Pogue 47 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Ryan Huckle (OG) 30 mins, Frank Sawyer (pen) 64 mins. Gillingham-Sam Lawton 3 mins, Noel Mbo 25 & 28 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 262

 


Hythe through in FA Trophy......

Haringey Borough 1 Hythe Town 2

The Buildbase FA Trophy Preliminary Round

Saturday 8th October 2016

 

Hythe Town had to hold on to win 2-1 at Haringey Borough in the FA Trophy on Saturday afternoon. With a little more luck and a little better finishing the Cannons should have been out of sight by half-time.

 

The first half was almost all one way traffic as Hythe dominated the game. As early as the third minute Alfie May tested Haringey keeper Harry Palmer as his shot was pushed wide. Sam Adams was next to threaten as he fired straight into the keepers arms. Palmer denied Hythe again as Craig Cloke hit a looping header that was held at full stretch. After ten minutes it was Kenny Pogue who fired in but his effort this time did not test the keeper as it went wide. Haringey had their first attack on twelve minutes as a Ralston Gabriel cross found Dean Fenton who headed over the bar. Hythe finally turned their superiority into a goal as May sent in a deep cross into the Haringey penalty area finding Pogue who rose high to head home. Hythe continued to attack and it was Pogue who this time rifled a shot at Palmer. However Hythe were caught out on the break as against the run of play the hosts equalised. Daniel Aristidou sent in a searching cross that found Fenton who tapped in from close range. On the half hour Frankie Sawyer delivered the ball into Adams but his attempt was smothered by Palmer. Haringey did have one opportunity to take lead as Adrian Markus shot on the turn but the ball went straight into Hythe keeper, Joe Mant’s arms. However it was Hythe who were rewarded on the stroke of half time as Adams fed the ball through to Sawyer who beat Palmer to give the Cannons a deserved interval lead.

 

Haringey came out for the second half with a new purpose but it was Hythe who created the first chances as Sawyer set May free but the Hythe striker sided footed wide. May was then to cut in and fire just over the bar. On 57 minutes Borough thought they were level when Markus slotted the ball home from a Fenton cross only to find the referee’s assistant flagging for offside. Hythe were unlucky not to increase their lead a minute later as a Sawyer cross was met by Pogue who headed the ball against the cross bar. At the other end Fenton crashed a shot wide from 25 yards. The game was now end to end and May had and attempt that was deflected onto the post and then Pogue tried a lob over Palmer but the ball also went over the bar. With fifteen minutes to go Borough were very unlucky not to bring the scores level as Ralston Gabriel crashed a rasping shot against the cross bar.  With time running out there was one more escape for the Cannons as substitute Kwabena Asamoah had a shot deflected wide.

 

Hythe were to survive the late scares as they progressed to the next round and a home tie against Walton Casuals giving an opportunity for revenge following their win at Reachfields in the FA Cup.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Charlie Webster, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Matt Newman (Dave Cook 76 mins), Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer, Alfie May (Alex Mulrooney-Skinner 82 mins), Kenny Pogue (Liam King 71 mins)

 

Scorers: Haringey Borough-Dale Fenton 28mins. Hythe Town- Kenny Pogue 22 mins, Frankie Sawyer 45 mins

 

Attendance: 86

 

 


Three more points..........

Tooting & Mitcham United 0 Hythe Town 2

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 1st October 2016

 

Hythe Town came away from Tooting & Mitcham United with a battling 2-0 win on Saturday afternoon.

 

Both sides spent the early part of the game feeling each other out but it was Hythe who were first to show on eight minutes as Frankie Sawyer put in a cross that found Craig Cloke rising above the Tooting defence but he headed wide. Within a minute Tooting threatened as Ollie Bennett shot straight at Hythe keeper Joe Mant and then Jordan Wilson fired in from the edge of the area but the attempt drifted wide. The hosts continued to create the chances as firstly Ashley Robinson shot straight at Mant and then on 19 minutes Matthew Price turned on the ball but sent his attempt wide. Hythe had some chances of their own as Alfie May turned but shot weakly at Tooting keeper Matte Pierson. Josh Burchell then sent in a testing ball that May could not quite get a connection to test the Tooting defence. May continued to threaten as he cut in from the right and fired just over. However with four minutes to the break Tooting had their best chance as Price was left free in the area but scooped his attempt over the bar. Right on the stroke of half time Hythe broke the deadlock as the ball found its way into May who turned and forced the ball over the line for his twelfth goal of the season.

 

The second half started with an attack from Tooting as Claudio Hoban fired over. On 53 minutes May sent in a ball to Kenny Pogue who looped a header over Pierson but also just over the bar. A couple of efforts from the hosts looking for an equaliser saw Jordan Wilson pull an effort wide and then Hoban was denied by a goal line clearance from Craig Cloke who was a rock at the back all afternoon. On 82 minutes Sawyer pulled the ball back to Pogue who blasted over and then with four minutes left on the clock Hythe sealed the victory as May’s attempt was parried by Peirson coming back to Alex Mulrooney-Skinner who sent the ball into an empty net. There were a couple of late opportunities for Tooting to narrow the gap as Robinson sent in a speculative long range shot that went wide and then in injury time Joe Mant at full stretch pushed wide an effort from substitute Lee Hall wide but Hythe hung on to comfortably take all three points.

 

This was Hythe sixth league win on the spin which takes them up into fourth place as they continue their excellent run.  

 

Team: Joe Mant, Giorgio Russo (Charlie Webster 66 mins), Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Matt Newman, Sam Adams (Chris Saunders 79 mins), Frankie Sawyer (Alex Mulrooney-Skinner 83mins), Alfie May, Kenny Pogue.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Alfie May 45 mins, Alex Mulrooney-Skinner 86 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 188


Cannons come from behind to seal win .....

Hythe Town 3 Herne Bay 1

Ryman League Division One (South)

Tuesday 27th September 2016

 

Hythe Town came from 1-0 down at half time to eventually comfortably win 3-1 at home to Herne Bay on Tuesday evening.

 

Hythe were the first to show as after four minutes Frankie Sawyer fired in a free kick that was palmed over by Herne Bay keeper Jack Delo. However, Hythe were caught on the break on seven minutes as the ball came loose in the penalty area to Michael Turner who volleyed into the net beating Hythe keeper Joe Mant. Hythe continued to press in search of an equaliser as Alfie May volleyed into Delo’s arms and then Sam Adams shot wide from the edge of the area. Bay did continue to create some chances as firstly Mark Lovell tested Mant and then Adam Woollcott sent a shot looping wide. The game was going from end to end as Ryan Johnson hit a shot on the turn over the bar. At the other end a searching free-kick from Danny Walder went across the face of the Hythe goal without anybody able to divert the ball goal wards. Josh Burchell was next to threaten for the Cannons sending a shot from a narrow angle that was cleared away by Delo and then two minutes from the interval Sawyer on the overlap hit a right footed attempt over the bar.

 

Bay started on the attack after the interval as Woollcott forced a save from Mant diving to his left. However the hosts began to take control as debutant Liam King had an effort easily saved by Delo.  Then came the three minutes that turned the game on its head as after 59 minutes Sawyer broke through and calmly lobbed the ball over Delo into the empty net.   Within three minutes Hythe were ahead as Sawyer turned provider feeding the ball to Alfie May who fired home from close range. On 72 minutes Herne Bay did threaten as Walder sent in a header wide of the target. However on 79 minutes the Cannons sealed the win as May lifted in a cross deep into the area finding substitute Alex Mulrooney-Skinner who rose above the Bay defence to head home. It was now one way traffic as the hosts poured forward. Mulrooney-Skinner fed a ball into Kenny Pogue who side footed over the bar and then May cut in and forced a save from Delo. One more opportunity saw King work a neat one-two with Matt Newman before firing over. That was the final chance as Hythe held on comfortably to take all three points.

 

The Cannons now move into the play-off places in their fifth consecutive victory.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Charlie Webster (Giorgio Russo 75 mins), Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Matt Newman, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams (Kenny Pogue 62 mins), Frankie Sawyer (Alex Mulrooney-Skinner 77 mins), Alfie May, Liam King.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Frankie Sawyer 59 mins, Alfie May 62 mins, Alex Mulrooney-Skinner 79 mins. Herne Bay-Michael Turner 7 mins.

 

Att: 202


Hythe cruise to victory...........

Hythe Town 3 East Grinstead Town 1

Ryman Division One (South)

Saturday 24th September 2016

 

Martin Whybrow reports from Reachfields

 

Lowly East Grinstead Town (second bottom, with four points from seven games coming into this match) were dispatched without too much fuss. The visitors rallied briefly in the first half to pull level though a flying header from Marcus Elliott but the parity lasted only six minutes and they seldom threatened after this. A headed brace from Kenny Pogue and an Alfie May strike in between secured the three points.

 

East Grinstead’s defence had looked vulnerable from the opening few minutes when Josh Burchell’s cross found Sam Adams in loads of space but he shot over from the edge of the penalty box when he should have hit the target. There was similar lax marking on twelve minutes but this time with a fitting punishment when May chipped a cross and Pogue headed, unchallenged, passed the completely exposed Connor O’Hara in the East Grinstead goal.    

 

Hythe had a warning not long after that they still needed to concentrate, when Elliott crossed for Laste Dombaxe to volley over. A few minutes later, Elliott equalised and it looked as though the mild, sunny afternoon might not be as relaxing as initially assumed for the Reachfields faithful.

 

In fact, the parity lasted a mere six minutes. A sweeping move saw Frankie Sawyer feed Giorgeo Russo on the right wing and the right-back’s cross was smacked home by May. It could have been worse for East Grinstead before the break but Sawyer was ruled offside as he neatly tucked home a May cross. It must have been a tight decision and reflects Sawyer’s current luck in front of goal. 

 

The game was effectively in the bag on 68 minutes, with Pogue’s second of the afternoon. It stemmed from Sawyer’s perseverance as he initially had a shot blocked but hooked back the rebound for Pogue to head into the bottom corner of the net for 3-1.

 

It could have been more as Dave Cook hit the post, O’Hara had to make a couple of sharp saves, a typical May run and shot flashed just wide, and Adams had a header blocked on the line from a corner. By this stage Hythe’s new signings, Richard Atkins and Matt Newman, were both on and making good initial impressions, with their pace causing problems when running at East Grinstead’s increasingly creaking defence.

 

Hythe’s quest for a fourth goal ultimately proved to be in vain but no one was complaining as opponents who won’t stick too long in the memory were roundly beaten.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Giorgio Russo, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Chris Saunders (Matt Newman 53 mins), Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer (Alex Skinner 69 mins), Alfie May, Kenny Pogue (Richard Atkins 75 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town: Kenny Pogue 2 (12, 68 mins), Alfie May (37 mins); East Grinstead Town: Marcus Elliott (31 mins)

 

Attendance: 206

 

 


Hythe earn win at Cray .........

Cray Wanderers 0 Hythe Town 1

Ryman Football League Division One (South)

Wednesday 21st September 2016

 

Martin Giles reports from Hayes Lane

 

Two decent teams fought out an entertaining contest at Bromley's well-appointed Hayes Lane ground on Wednesday evening in front of a good away following and several top Ryman League officials. However both sides will have been aware that had either capitalised on their chances in a more efficient way the score line might have been a whole lot different.

 

Hythe swarmed all over the home defence right from the start forcing them into hurried clearances and occasional errors, but when the "Wanderers" did break clear they also attacked in numbers threatening a resolute Hythe defence and testing the brilliance of Joe Mant. As another relentless Ryman season progresses both sides had players out, the most noticeable for Hythe being Sam Adams, and both lost key men in the battle, Paul Lorraine for Cray and skipper Craig Cloke for Hythe.. The contest was decided by one 42nd minute incident when a dangerous Josh Burchell cross was beaten away by keeper Nick Blue straight out to Alfie May--one big mistake from Mr Blue!! It was May who had Hythe's first meaningful attempt at goal in the 5th minute when his 25 yarder needed Blue to be at his very best. Then the busy but still unlucky Frankie Sawyer caught out Lorraine with his speed as he attempted to clear his lines but the Hythe frontman could not find a way past the goalie. 

 

Joe Mant was called into action himself on at least three occasions as Cray were beginning to strike back but at the other end when May struck again the ball came back out to Josh Burchell whose shot was only just over.  The Hythe goal came initially from a brave Mant clearance when he challenged for the ball outside the area and then carried on up the wing from where it eventually found its way to the busy Burchell and May and the Cannons went in a goal to the good. 

 

The second half saw Town being pinned back ever deeper and relying on breakaways to put the game to bed. Alfie May gave away supporters an anxious moment when he went down off the ball requiring a cloud of pain-killing spray from Hythe medic Laura Falvey, but seconds later he was typically up and capitalising on a poor back pass. Unfortunately though he allowed himself to be dragged wide and when he squared the ball across the wonderfully named Sivapathasundaram on his Cray debut was on hand to clear. 

 

With the game ticking away Cray's attempts were becoming more concerted and young Georgio Russo was being kept very busy on the right flank. However Hythe had regrouped well having lost skipper Cloke at half time and Dave Cook was a totally adequate replacement for him in the back four as was Chris Saunders who stepped into midfield for Cook. With Nick Reeves playing so well against one of his former sides and Mant continuing his fine form it began to look like three points right up until the closing minute or so when in a "Walton Casuals" moment the penalty area filled with players and a game of pinball ensued. This time however there was to be no last moment heartache and despite the ball rebounding off Mant's legs and clipping a post the impressive defence held firm. 

 

Hythe continue to impress with their team spirit and work rate but only occasionally make things easy for themselves as they did at Corinthian Casuals. Hpoefully the current attacking policy will in turn provide the rewards it so obviously deserves to, especially as the home side were generous in their comments despite not really seeing the Cannons at their best. 

 

 

 

Team: Joe Mant, Giorgio Russo, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke (Chris Saunders 46 mins), Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Charlie Webster, Frankie Sawyer, Alfie May, Kenny Pogue.

 

Scorers: Alfie May 42 mins

 

Att: 151

 

 


Amazing turnaround as Hythe go out of Cup....

Hythe Town 2 Walton Casuals 4

Emirates FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

Saturday 17th September 2016

 

Martin Giles reports from Reachfields.

 

Hythe Town's dreams of an extended FA Cup run lay in tatters after a calamitous last six minutes saw three late goals conceded to by far the most dangerous side the Cannons have faced this season.

 

Right from the start a slick and fast moving Casuals had given notice of their attacking intentions and as early as the 4th minute Man of the match Dominic Ogun had advanced unchallenged, looked up and fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net giving Joe Mant no chance. Walton had at least two more key men in Jack Sammoutis and Malachi Hudson who both had chances before Hythe hit back with a typical effort. Alfie May chased down an apparent lost cause down the right wing and centred for Sam Adams to rifle home the equaliser in the 10th minute. Facing such dangerous opponents Hythe clearly had to take whatever chances came their way but Alfie May shot into the side netting after he and Kenny Pogue had combined and then impressive keeper Brannon Daly kept out another chance when Nick Reeves and Josh Burchell worked well.together.  Again May cut in and  threatened without seriously troubling Daly but there was still danger around and Gabriel Odunaike was now effectively linking with Hudson to create plenty of worried looks in the home defence. A key incident occurred in the closing minutes of the half when Frankie Sawyer seized on an opportunity to give Hythe the lead but unluckily saw his shot from a narrow angle come back off the upright. 

 

Walton were again quick off their marks in the second period and there was nearly a carbon-copy goal for Ogun when he shot powerfully from distance but this time straight into Mant's arms. Further attempts were to come Mant's way but the keeper was equal to all, either saving well from open play and free kicks or punching out strongly under pressure.  Now the match started to swing Hythe's way as their opponents seemed to be almost settling for a replay. Sawyer and Pogue were joining up with the effervescent May, and Ogun was cautioned for a wild tackle on the latter as he advanced down the right wing. The break through when it came seemed perfectly timed and on 85 minutes Kenny Pogue rose majestically to meet a Burchell cross and plant the ball in the top corner of the net well out of the reach of Daly. Wild celebrations followed both on and off the pitch and the Cannons would have just a total of six minutes to hold out. Sadly the visitors attacked in numbers right from the restart causing panic in the Hythe area and referee Marc Meeton awarded a spot kick for an infringement on that man Ogun. Jordan Cheadle showed no nerves in blasting the ball past Mant and the Hythe faithful were left contemplating a replay on Whyteleaf's plastic pitch on Wednesday night instead of a trip to Bromley to play Cray Wanderers.  What happened next had an inevitable feel about it once Ryan Johnson's free kick had failed to find the target. With everyone in red looking for a late winner a rejuvinated Casuals swept through what was left of a tiring home defence and Hudson made it 3-2. Declining the chance to close out the game the visitors were forward again in numbers and substitute Luke Holness completed the scoring leaving all Reachfields regulars totally stunned. The home side had kept a talented team at bay for nearly 80 minutes only to concede three times in the last six and so all attention now switches to Bromley followed by two home games against East Grinstead and Herne Bay.

 

If the Cannons are in need of a pick up they only need to glance at the league table and see where 7, 8 or even 9 points would leave them. 

 

Team: Joe Mant, Charlie Webster, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke,Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer, Alfie May, Kenny Pogue. 

 

Scorers: Hythe Town - Sam Adams 10 mins, Kenny Pogue 85 mins  Walton Casuals-Dominic Ogun 4 mins, Jordan Cheadle, 87mins (pen), Malachi Hudson 90 mins, Luke Holness 90 mins. 

 

Att 221


Hythe go out of League Cup.....

Faversham Town 3 Hythe Town 0

Alan Turvey Cup 1st Round

Tuesday 13th September 2016

 

Faversham Town gained some revenge for their defeat the previous week in the league as they beat Hythe Town 3-0 in the Alan Turvey Cup 1st Round at Salters Lane on Tuesday evening.

 

The hosts started very positively and were ahead after only four minutes as the experienced striker, Dean Grant turned and slammed the ball past debutant Hythe goalkeeper Jamie Kelly. However Hythe only had to wait until the fifth minute for their first attack as Giorgio Russo crossed to Richard Atkins whose header was tipped over the bar by Will Godmon. Hythe continued to press and it was Craig Cloke who was next to go close as he blasted a shot wide. The Cannons were lucky to stay only one down as Thomas Holmes rammed a shot against the cross bar.  The game continued end to end as a Cloke free kick forced a good save from Faversham keeper Will Godman. From the resultant corner, Chris Saunders had a header cleared off the line. Faversham were next to attack as Renford Tenyue sent the ball past the post. Kelly was then called into action as he saved well from a Ryan Cheek header and then he was to block from Tenyue. A melee then followed in the Hythe penalty area with the ball eventually being cleared off the line. Cloke was then to threaten for the Cannons as he attempted a lob which was caught at full stretch by Godmon. One more chance for Faversham before half time saw Kieron Campbell blast a shot across the face of the goal and away.

 

The second half started with Hythe looking the stronger as Charlie Webster fed the ball into Atkins who side footed over the bar. On 62 minutes Russo crossed into Atkins at the far post but the Hythe striker could not get enough on the ball to redirect it goal bound. Hythe continued to look brighter as Keane Gillett sent in a free kick to Kenny Pogue who shot over the bar. However, Faversham were to soak up the pressure and increased their lead in the 68th minute as the ball was sent in from the right into Liam King who fired home. The initiative was now with Faversham as Cheek headed just wide from a corner. However the Cannons did have one opportunity to narrow the lead as Russo crossed into Atkins but his header went wide. Faversham got a last gasp goal for Faversham as the ball fell to Khalil McFarlane to stroke the ball home in injury time.

 

It was a disappointing exit from the League Cup but there were many positives from a number of the squad players who came into the starting line-up for the evening.

 

Team: Jamie Kelly, Giorgio Rosso, Keane Gillett, Charlie Webster (Sam May 71 mins), Craig Cloke (Ryan Johnson 64 mins), Nick Reeves, Chris Saunders, Josh Algar, Kenny Pogue, Richard Atkins, Travis Jackson.

 

Scorers: Faversham Town- Dean Grant 4 mins, Liam King 68 mins, Khalil McFarlane 90 mins

 

Att 128 


May gets four as Hythe win comfortably......

Corinthian-Casuals 3 Hythe Town 6

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 10th September 2016

 

Alfie May delivered four goals in a sensational 6-3 win at high flying Corinthian-Casuals on Saturday afternoon.

 

Hythe showed their attacking ambitions from the kick-off as Alfie May broke through on the left but lobbed his attempt into that arms of Casuals’ keeper Danny Bracken. Hythe were unlucky not to go ahead when a Frankie Sawyer free-kick was met by Nick Reeves who slammed his header against the cross bar. The hosts did have a couple of opportunities as firstly Mehrez Bettache had a shot deflected into the side netting and then Ben Cheklit headed wide. Hythe were to take the lead on eighteen minutes as new signing Giorgio Russo was brought down on the area. Up stepped Sawyer who buried the ball into the corner of the net giving Bracken no chance.  Six minutes later the Cannons increased their lead as Sam Adams blasted a superb free kick from 25 yards curling high into the top corner. On 31 minutes Casuals defender Jack Strange under pressure headed just wide of his own goal and then a dangerous free kick from Jordan Clarke was palmed away from danger by Hythe keeper Joe Mant. The visitors thought they were three ahead a minute from the break as a May cross found Kenny Pogue who stroked the ball home only to be given offside. In injury time Adams has another free kick but this one went wide of the target.

 

Within a minute of the restart Hythe were to increase their lead as May ran into the penalty area and unleashed a shot into the corner of the net giving the Cannons the perfect start to the half. Sawyer then broke through but pulled his effort just wide. Casuals were getting the odd opportunity and on 51 minutes a cross from Jamie Byatt was headed wide by Cheklit. However Hythe were still hungry for more goals and it was May who got his second on 55 minutes as he rounded Bracken to finish off the opportunity sending the ball into the net. The attacks were now coming in waves with Craig Cloke heading down to May whose attempt was deflected wide and then May completed his hat trick as a Sawyer corner came over and he was able to slam the ball home to make it five. Credit to the hosts that they did not give up as on 66 minutes Bettache slammed the ball home from close range after he got on the end of a cross to narrow the gap. However within 60 seconds Hythe got their sixth and May’s fourth as the striker broke through and slid the ball under Bracken and into the back of the net. The Cannons seemed to take their foot off the accelerator and it was Casuals who looked to reduce the deficit. Firstly Josh Uzun shot wide from distance and then on 78 minutes he slammed the ball home at the near post. Within two minutes remaining the hosts got their third as Shuan Okojie broke through and slotted home. He then had a shot which was held Mant. Sawyer had one more chance for Hythe in injury time as he fired in from the left but the ball went just past the far post.

 

It was a great afternoon for Alfie May and the team as they got their second win on the road this week both against difficult opposition.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Giorgo Russo, Charlie Webster, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook (Josh Algar 40 mins), Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer, Alfie May (Travis Jackson 80 mins), Kenny Pogue (Richard Atkins 67 mins)

 

Scorers: Corinthian-Casuals- Mahrez Bettache 67 mins, Josh Uzun 78 mins, Shaun Okojie 88mins. Hythe Town- Frankie Sawyer 18 mins (pen), Sam Adams 24 mins, Alfie May 46, 55, 61 & 67 mins

 

Att: 112

 

 

 


Hythe Town snatch hard fought points.......

Faversham Town 1 Hythe Town 2

Ryman League Division One (South)

Tuesday 6th September 2016

 

Hythe Town battled bravely to secure three points in a hard fought 2-1 win at Faversham Town on Tuesday evening.

 

The game started at high pace from the off and it was Faversham who had the first effort after only sixty seconds as Josh Stanford had a hooked shot that went straight into the arms of Hythe Town keeper Joe Mant. However within a minute the Cannons took the lead as Kenny Pogue headed down to Sam Adams who slammed home from the middle of the penalty area to get his fifth goal of the season. Hythe were having the better of the early exchanges looking the more dangerous until Faversham’s George Monger let rip a bullet shot which flew into the top right hand corner of the net giving Mant no chance and bring the scores level. This seemed to breathe life into the hosts. Kieran Campbell burst in from the right to force Mant into a good save and then on 38 minutes, Luke Harvey had a snap shot that was held by Mant.

 

Faversham continued to apply the pressure at the start of the second half without creating any decent chances that would threaten Mant’s goal. However, Hythe were creating some of their own as on 57 minutes a Frankie Sawyer cross found Dave Cook who could not get enough on the ball which flew wide. Alfie May was then fed the ball by Sam Adams but his attempt was blocked. However most of the pressure was coming from Faversham as Sam Bewick blasted over as did Dean Grant on 66 minutes. Hythe were giving a debut to new signing Richard Atkins who joined this week from Tunbridge Wells and he was to have the next Hythe effort as he hit a shot into Faversham Town keeper, Will Godman’s arms. Hythe were now looking more threatening and on 82 minutes they got the goal that was to give them all three points. Craig Cloke sent in a header that was brilliantly saved by Godman but May was on hand to pick up the loose ball and fire the into the net. Hythe whose defensive unit had again been outstanding during the evening ensuring that chances were limited were to have one more chance as Sawyer shot just wide in injury time.

 

This was a great night for Hythe who were rewarded for their hard work giving them three valuable points.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Charlie Webster, Josh Burchell (Keane Gillett 47 mins), Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer, Alfie May, Kenny Pogue (Richard Atkins 61 mins).   

 

Scorers: Faversham Town-George Monger 31 mins. Hythe Town-Sam Adams 2 mins, Alfie May 82 mins)

 

 

Att: 186


May Strike ensures progress in FA Cup

Hythe Town 1 Leatherhead 0

Emirates FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round

Saturday 3rd September 2016

 

Hythe manager, Clive Cook, got the reaction he demanded after the poor performance on Monday, as his team battled hard for a deserved 1-0 win at home to Leatherhead on Saturday afternoon to take them through to the next round of the Emirates FA Cup.

 

Hythe took the early initiative with their first attack on two minutes as a Frankie Sawyer cross found Kenny Pogue but he got under the ball and it flew high over the bar. Alfie May was next to feed the ball into Pogue but he was blocked out by a defender. Leatherhead were unlucky not to take the lead on eleven minutes as a Callum Davies cross was met by Kiernan Hughes-Mason whose header rattled the upright. The visitors found the net on sixteen minutes as Tom Adeloye fired in at Hythe keeper Joe Mant who parried. The ball came out to Guiseppe Sole who fired home but the effort was ruled out for offside. Pogue had another opportunity on eighteen minutes when he shot from distance with Leatherhead keeper Joe Taylor pushing the ball around the post. Two efforts from the ever dangerous Hughes-Mason followed as he firstly hit a shot low and wide and then his next attempt went easily into the arms of Mant. Taylor was on hand to deny May six minutes before the break as the Hythe striker sent in an effort from the left with the outside of his right foot.

 

Leatherhead were the first out of the blocks in the second half with Adeloye heading the ball into Mant’s arms but it was Hythe who were now beginning to take control. Sam Adams put in a free kick deep into the Leatherhead penalty area finding Craig Cloke who headed just wide of the target. Man of the match, Ryan Johnson then put a through ball to Pogue in the middle but his attempt went high over the target. On 57 minutes another Adams free kick was spilled by Taylor but there was no none to pounce on the loose ball. Adams was in the action again when he leant back and side footed the ball over the bar. Leatherhead did have a chance on 63 minutes as Hughes-Mason hit a snap-shot from distance high over. The decisive moment of the game came on 69 minutes as Johnson neatly fed the ball through to May who ran into the area and tucked the ball past Taylor to give Hythe the lead. Pogue had a couple of chances as he firstly side footed the ball wide of the target and then shot straight at Taylor. The visitors were now looking for the equaliser as Mant saved well from Hughes-Mason as he came in on the far post but they could not break down the Hythe defence ably controlled by Cloke and Nick Reeves. A couple of chances fell to Hythe in injury time as Pogue had a shot blocked and then Adams fed the ball to May but Taylor was on hand to save. The final whistle was met with delight from the home fans who saw their side through to the 2nd Qualifying Round.

 

Hythe now await the draw on Monday to see who will be their opponents in the next round on Saturday 17th September 2016.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Charlie Webster, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Chris Saunders, Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer (Travis Jackson 88 mins), Alfie May, Kenny Pogue

 

Scorer: Hythe Town- Alfie May 69 mins.

 

Att: 255


Off-Colour Hythe  go down to disappointing defeat ....

Ramsgate 3 Hythe Town 0

Ryman Football League Division One (South)

Monday 29th August 2016

 

Hythe Town sunk to their first defeat in a lack-lustre 3-0 defeat at Ramsgate on Monday afternoon.

 

Ramsgate started the brighter of the two teams as on seven minutes Joe Kane broke through with a neat one-two that ended with a shot easily saved by Joe Mant. The hosts continued to attack and it was Tom Loynes who was next to threaten as he crossed from the left with Joe Taylor heading over. Hythe had to wait until the 13th minute to create their first opportunity as Josh Algar hit a shot on the turn but it was deflected in to Ramsgate goalkeeper, Luke Watkins’ arms. Frankie Sawyer then put in a cross to Alfie May but Watkins was quick to intercept. Ramsgate now took the initiative. Taylor had a shot smothered by Joe Mant in the Hythe goal and then on the half hour, Jake Mackenzie sent in a searching cross that nobody could re direct. Loynes shot over from the edge of the area but with 40 minutes gone, Ramsgate got the break they deserved as Mackenzie was brought down in the penalty area. Up stepped Taylor who drilled the penalty into the left hand corner of the net giving Mant no chance. One effort on the stroke of half-time for Hythe to draw level as May cut in from the left scooping the ball over the bar.

 

The second half started with a flurry of activity at both ends. Within a minute of the restart, Sawyer couldn’t quite get control of the ball in the penalty area but Watkins was quick to block. Mackenzie, for Ramsgate, fired the ball into Alfie Paxman who sent the ball wide with the goal gaping.  Algar had a shot at the other end that was deflected wide. On 55 minutes another Ramsgate attack saw Luke Girt drill a shot from distance go high and wide. Hythe did think they were level on the hour as May fired home from close range but the referee’s assistant was waving for offside. Ramsgate were to all but seal the game on 69 minutes as Mackenzie sent in a cross which found Taylor who rose unchallenged to head home. Alfie Paxman was causing the Hythe defence serious problems and he sent in a shot that went just wide. The Rams were now fully in control and a cross from Aaron Millbank was tipped over by Mant. Craig Cloke managed to dramatically prevent another home goal as at full stretch he managed to hook the ball off the line from Paxman but the young winger was not be denied as with a quarter of an hour to go he slid the ball past Mant to give Ramsgate a three goal lead. There were a couple of attempts before the final whistle for Hythe to get a consolation but attempts by Sawyer and then May missed the target. Sam Adams also fired a free-kick just wide before the final whistle.

 

It was a very poor afternoon for Hythe and they will need to regroup before the cup tie on Saturday against Leatherhead.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Ben Wilson (Sam Welch 35 mins), Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Josh Algar (Chris Saunders 60 mins), Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer, Alfie May, Charlie Webster (Kenny Pogue 70 mins).

 

Scorers: Ramsgate- Joe Taylor 40, 69 mins, Alfie Paxman 75 mins.

 

Att: 208 


Late Pogue goal secures a point...............

Hythe Town 3 Horsham 3

Ryman League Division One (South)

Saturday 27th August 2016

 

A late strike by Kenny Pogue saved Hythe’s blushes as the came back to steal a point in a 3-3 draw at home to Horsham on Saturday afternoon. The start of the game was delayed for thirty minutes due to problems on the M20.

 

The Cannons were put under immediate pressure as the defence looked shaky in the early part of the first half. Horsham threatened after three minutes as a corner from Terry Dodd found Ashley Jones who was free in the penalty area but he could not get anything on the ball despite be unmarked. Another corner from Lee Carney found Charlie Farmer who headed but the ball bounced up and over the bar. Hythe had their first opportunity on seven minutes as Frankie Sawyer shot on the turn but it lacked power and fell into the arms of Horsham keeper Josh Pelling. However a minute later at the other end, Horsham took the lead as new signing Liam McDevitt hooked the ball home.  Hythe were unlucky not to equalise on eleven minutes as Sawyer slammed a shot from 20 yards against the upright. But then more bad defending from the hosts on 27 minutes saw Horsham increase their lead as Terry Dodd crossed and found Farmer whose headed down with the ball going in off the post. This seemed to bring Hythe to life as they pulled a goal back on 34 minutes.  Sam Adams dipped in at the near post to head home from a Ben Wilson cross. They continued to press looking for an equaliser as Wilson sent in a free kick to Ryan Johnson who looped a header over. However the Cannons were level on 42 minutes. Alfie May cut in from the left and slotted a curling shot into the right hand corner. One more threat from the visitors saw debutant keeper Paul Agu, in for the suspended Joe Mant, tip over a long range shot from Dodd.

 

Hythe were the first on the attack in the second half as Johnson fed the ball to Wilson but his effort went wide. However Horsham had another bright patch as Darren Boswell forced Agu to block well and then after 51 minutes he hit a long range shot that crept into the left hand corner of the Hythe net for Horsham to regain the lead. Horsham continued to press and McDevitt passed the ball into Carney who sliced the ball wide. The Cannons were now going in search of an equaliser as May got into space but hooked the ball well wide. Kenny Pogue also volleyed the ball over before he got the equaliser four minutes from time. He became free in the penalty area and slotted the ball past Pelling.  Hythe then pressed for the winner in injury time as firstly a Josh Burchell free kick was met by Dave Cook who headed over. May then pounced on a loose ball and ran in beating Pelling but his final shot was blocked by the defence. Finally a melee in the Horsham penalty area ended with Adams hooking wide.

 

Hythe had to settle to a point in a game that looked for long periods they would get nothing so it was a relief to come away with something.

 

Team: Paul Agu, Dan Parkinson (Sam Welch 25 mins), Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Ben Wilson (Josh Algar 85 mins), Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer, Alfie May, Charlie Webster (Kenny Pogue 66 mins).

 

Goals: Hythe Town-Sam Adams 34 mins, Alfie May 39 mins, Kenny Pogue 86 mins. Horsham-Liam McDevitt 8 mins, Charlie Farmer 27 mins, Darren Boswell 51 mins.

 

Att. 153

 

 


Adams Hat-Trick Sees Cannons Cruise Through........

Hythe Town 5 Sittingbourne 0

Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round Replay

Tuesday 23rd August 2016

 

Hythe Town eventually cruised through to the next round of The Emirates FA Cup as they thrashed Sittingbourne by 5-0 at Reachfields on Tuesday evening.

 

However, it was Sittingbourne who were first out of the blocks and on eight minutes a cross from Steven Ita found Remell Davies who could not connect with the goal gaping. Miles Cornwell was the next to threaten as he broke through on the left but pulled the ball wide. Hythe had to wait until the 24th minute before they threatened. Alfie May’s trade-mark cut in from the left led to a shot well saved by young Sittingbourne goalkeeper Adam Wallace. The hosts were quick to attack again and this time a Josh Burchell cross was met by Dave Cook, playing his 300th game, who rose above the Sittingbourne defence to head wide. Hythe had now taken control of the game as Frankie Sawyer sent in a corner that found Craig Cloke who blasted just over. Sawyer again was on hand to feed Dan Parkinson but he also fired over. On the stroke of half time the deadlock was broken as Sam Adams turned inside and instead of passing to May, who drew away three defenders, he fired a shot into the left hand corner of the net from 25 yards.

 

The second half was one way traffic as there was wave after wave of Hythe attacks. Sawyer fired a shot high over the bar and then May fed the ball into Sawyer but his attempt went just wide. May and Sawyer were again in the action on 54 minutes as they had a smart interchange which ended with the unlucky Sawyer blasting against the Sittingbourne upright. On the hour Sittingbourne had a rare attack as Josh Wisson broke through but shot wide. A minute later Hythe went further ahead as May threaded the ball through to Charlie Webster who broke in from the left slamming the ball home. On 72 minutes the game was more or less over as Ryan Johnson passed the ball into Adams who hooked the ball home. Within another three minutes Adams had completed his hat trick as Parkinson fed the ball in for the ex-Hastings midfielder to slot home. There was one more chance for Sittingbourne to narrow the gap as Conrad Lee slid the ball into Tom Carlse but the ball went wide. Right at the end of normal time Hythe put the icing on the cake when a long clearance from Hythe keeper Joe Mant bounced through to Kenny Pogue who nodded the ball past Wallace to make it five.  

 

The result means Hythe can now face a home tie in the 1st Qualifying Round against Ryman Premier Leatherhead with confidence.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Dan Parkinson, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer (Kenny Pogue 66 mins), Alfie May (Ben Wilson 80 mins), Charlie Webster.

 

Goal scorers: Hythe Town-Sam Adams 45, 72, 75 mins. Charlie Webster 61 mins. Kenny Pogue 90 mins.

 

 

Att 209


Ten Man Cannons secure replay...

Sittingbourne 1 Hythe Town 1

The Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round

Saturday 20th August 2016

 

Ten-man Hythe Town had to fight hard to force a 1-1 draw against Sittingbourne at a windy Woodstock Park on Saturday afternoon.

 

It was the Cannons who were first to show as Alfie May cut in after two minutes and hit a right foot shot that was well held by Sittingbourne keeper, Adam Wallace. Then came the most controversial moment in the whole game as five minutes later Hythe keeper Joe Mant collected the ball on the edge of the area. He was however adjudged to have handled the ball outside the penalty area and despite not appearing to be a goal scoring opportunity the referee showed him a red card. However this did not prevent the visitors taking control of the early part of the game. Frankie Sawyer saw an attempt well saved by Wallace to his right and then on 26 minutes May broke through but scuffed his shot past Wallace and the ball was easily cleared away. Nick Reeves then sent in a cross that was headed wide by Dave Cook. On 31 minutes Sawyer had the ball cleared off the line by Dan Tanner as he directed the ball past Wallace. From the resultant corner Sawyer hit it deep into the area finding Reeves who headed home to give Hythe a deserved lead. Two opportunities followed for Sittingbourne as firstly Miles Cornwall turned and shot but the effort was well held by stand-in keeper Sam Adams and then on the stroke of half time Remmel Davis cut in and shot over from 25 yards.

 

The second half started with the Brickies on the front foot as the ball found its way to Steven Ita but he blasted over and then at the other end May hit a dipping attempt just over the bar. Sittingbourne drew level on 50 minutes as Ita sent in a cross that was bundled home by Tanner. However the Cannons continued to create chances as May hit a long range shot which Wallace held. Charlie Webster then fed May but he stabbed the ball past the post. As Hythe began to tire being a man short they defended stoutly with Craig Cloke clearing off the line on 63 minutes and then then Cook blocking a dangerous shot on 70 minutes from Hicham Akhazzan and then with ten minutes to go substitute Josh Wisson fired over from the edge of the area but Hythe remained firm to secure the draw than on the balance of play was a fair result.

 

The replay will be at Reachfields on Tuesday evening (23rd August 2016) at 7:45pm.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Dan Parkinson, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer, Alfie May, Charlie Webster (Ben Wilson 63 mins).

 

Scorers: Hythe Town-Nick Reeves 31 mins: Sittingbourne-Dan Tanner 50 mins

Att: 158

 

 


Hythe & Chipstead Battle out a draw.....

Hythe Town 1 Chipstead 1

Ryman Football League Division One (South)

Tuesday 16th August 2016

 

Chipstead snatched a late equaliser to gain arguably a deserved point in a 1-1 draw at Hythe Town on Tuesday evening.

 

It was Hythe who started the strongest with Sam Adams shooting over the bar after eight minutes. Within two minutes Chris Saunders shot wide while off balance. Chipstead had to wait sixteen minutes to create their first chance. Callum McClean fed the ball through to Craig Nelson but his shot was easily saved by Hythe keeper Joe Mant. McClean was in the action again when he stroked the ball past Mant into the net only for the attempt to be ruled out for offside. Frankie Sawyer then had a couple of opportunities as firstly he pulled the ball wide and then he had an effort well blocked by Erivaldo Felix. Both sides continued to look to break the deadlock and it was Chris O’Flaherty who had the next chance on 36 minutes as he hit a looping free kick from 25 yards that drifted over the bar. However it was Hythe who took the lead on 38 minutes as Sawyer sent in a deep cross that found its way to Charlie Webster who rose above the Chipstead defence to head home. Two more chances for the hosts before the break as firstly Sawyer had a free kick easily held by Chipstead keeper Sheikh Ceesay and then Webster fired just wide.

 

The second half started with Chipstead looking the more likely as two minutes into the half McClean had an attempt cleared off the line by Craig Cloke. Then followed a period of few chances as both sides battled. After 76 minutes Cloke had a long range free kick that went high over. With six minutes to go Ben Wilson fired in a dipping free kick that just cleared the cross bar and then Sawyer pulled a shot just wide. However on the stroke of full time Erivaldo Felix on the edge of the area fired the ball past Mant to bring the score level. Hythe had Mant to thank as he a made a great double save from Felix deep into injury time and then with virtually the last kick of the game Sawyer broke through hitting a shot which was saved well by Creesay at full stretch.

 

Both sides had to settle in the end for one point each in dogged encounter. Both will feel they could have stolen all three points.    

 

Team: Joe Mant, Dan Parkinson, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Ben Wilson, Chris Saunders (Sam Welch 24 mins), Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer, Alfie May, Charlie Webster (Kenny Pogue 85 mins).

 

Goals: Hythe Town, Charlie Webster 38mins: Chipstead, Erivaldo Felix 90 mins

Att: 188

 

 


Hythe win the late show.........

Godalming Town 0 Hythe Town 1

Ryman Football League Division One (South)

Saturday 13th August 2106

 

Hythe Town had to wait until very late to grab a goal in a 1-0 win at Godalming Town on Saturday afternoon to ensure they got off to a winning start to the season.

 

It was the Cannons who dominated the game right from the start with Ben Wilson putting in the first cross after two minutes only for Charlie Webster to have his shot blocked. On seven minutes Alfie May hit in a dangerous cross which forced Godalming keeper Ben Zatwardnicki to finger the ball away under pressure. The hosts threatened only once during the first half when Darren Wheeler forced Joe Mant to claw the ball away. Hythe continued to press and it was Sam Adams who sent in a cross that Wilson fired over and then Wilson again cut in from the left and turned a shot just wide. On 36 minutes Wilson challenged again but sent another left shot wide. Hythe came closest to breaking the deadlock on 39 minutes as May fed the ball into Webster who sent a left foot shot that slammed against the top of the upright. The visitors were to hit the woodwork again on the stroke of half time as a Josh Burchell cross come shot dropped on top of the cross bar rebounding to Frankie Sawyer who rifled over.

 

The second half carried on in the same vein as May broke through but clipped the ball over the bar whilst under pressure from the Godalming defence. Webster was then to fire wide from a Burchell cross. May forced his way through again on 63 minutes but stubbed his shot into Zatwardnicki’s arms. Godalming who seemed to lack any attacking ambition looked content to play for a scoreless draw but they did have an effort on 68 minutes as Nicholas Medcraft fired straight at Mant. Adams was next to break lose but he blasted his effort over the bar and then Wilson also created some space but his attempt also went over. Just as it seemed the Hythe would not break through the resolute Godalming defence, Kenny Pogue sent in a deep looping cross aimed at the far post. May was putting pressure on the defender and the ball was bundled into the net with May being awarded the goal to finally give the Cannons all three points. Godalming did make one last effort to get a point their performance hardly deserved as Chris Wales looped a header into Mant’s arms.

 

It was a tough afternoon for Hythe but they came home with three valuable points to give a good winning start to the season.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Dan Parkinson, Josh Burchell, Ryan Johnson, Chris Saunders, Ben Wilson (Louis Sprosen 86mins), Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer (Josh Algar 70 mins),  Alfie May, Charlie Webster (Kenny Pogue 54 mins).

 

Scorer: Alfie May 83 mins

 

Att. 115


Cannons & Invicta Draw In Testimonial

Hythe Town 2 Folkestone Invicta 2

John Walker Testimonial

Saturday 6th August 2016

 

Hythe Town and Folkestone Invicta shared a two all draw in the John Walker testimonial game at Reachfields on Saturday.

 

It was Folkestone who were straight onto the front foot as ex Hythe midfielder Jon Pilbeam caught the home defence napping as he pulled a cross into the penalty area to find Ben Pattie who stroked the ball home to give the visitors a first minute lead. Hythe then got into the game as after five minutes Sam Adams had a shot pushed round the post by Folkestone keeper Tim Roberts. Ben Wilson then charged into the Invicta penalty area finding Alfie May whose shot was blocked. Hythe continued to press for the equaliser as Ryan Johnson hooked the ball into Roberts’ arms. Craig Cloke was next to threaten but his long range shot was deflected wide. Within a minute Dave Cook fired wide also from distance. Folkestone were still creating some chances as on 24 minutes another Hythe player Ashley Miller sent a shot wide of the target and then Pattie hooked a shot over the bar. On 33 minutes the scores were level as the ball was fired across the Folkestone area and eventually found its way to Sam Adams as a number of Hythe players were queuing up to score. The midfielder side footed the ball into an empty net for the equaliser.

 

Hythe started the second half brightly and could have taken the lead after 46 minutes as Dan Parkinson’s shot was blocked and the ball came back to May whose attempt was easily saved by Roberts. On 52 minutes the Cannons were ahead as May broke through into the penalty area and slotted the ball home. Folkestone then had a brighter spell as firstly Scott Heard hit a shot off target and then Euan Sahadow had an effort blocked by Joe Mant who then saved from Pattie. Hythe were then to create an opening as Wilson sent in a cross that found Johnson who headed wide. At the other end Sahadow put in a cross that was headed over by Pattie but he was not to denied as after 77 minutes the ball found its way back to him and he placed his shot past Mant to bring the scores level. Both sides continued to look for a winner but apart from a lob by Invicta’s Sahadow that went over the bar there few more meaningful chances as the game finished at two-all.

 

It was a great afternoon for John Walker who played a half for both sides giving the crowd a chance to thank him for his loyalty to the club over the years. Pre-season is now over as we look forward to the year ahead with anticipation.

 

Team: Joe Mant, John Walker, Ben Wilson, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Frankie Sawyer, Alfie May, Charlie Webster. Subs Used Kenny Pogue, Josh Algar, Connor Hood, Sam Welch, Dan Parkinson, Louis Sprosen, Keane Gillett, Chris Saunders.

 

Scorers: Hythe Town- Sam Adams 33 mins, Alfie May 52 mins. Folkestone Invicta-Ben Pattie 1 ,77 mins.

 

 

Attendance: 312 


Hythe knock in eight......

Hythe Town 8 Margate XI 0

Pre-Season Friendly

Tuesday 2nd August 2016

 

Hythe Town outclassed a young and inexperienced Margate XI on Tuesday evening running in eight goals without reply.

 

It was Hythe who were first out of the blocks with Alfie May side footing a shot wide after four minutes. However Margate then created a couple of chances as they had a free kick headed wide of the target and then on seven minutes they had a shot blasted wide. Sam Adams was then to threaten at the other end as Sam Adams shot over. Margate continued to create and forced Hythe keeper Joe Mant to tip the ball over the bar on fourteen minutes. Hythe were ahead after eighteen minutes as Louis Sprosen forced his way into the penalty area feeding the ball into Kenny Pogue who slotted the ball home. Hythe now took complete control as May cut in from the left to force a save from the Margate goalkeeper who then saved well from Sprosen. Margate did create a chance on 39 minutes as they sent a dipping shot that bounced away off the crossbar. Hythe increased their lead on 41 minutes as Josh Algar slotted the ball through to May who guide the ball into the net. May continued to be a thorn in the Margate side as he beat the Margate keeper but side footed just wide.

 

The second half was totally dominated totally  by the hosts as Sam Welch sent in two crosses one of which was met by May who shot straight at the Margate keeper and the second that Pogue headed wide. Hythe were three up after 58 minutes as May took a snap shot that was neatly directed into the bottom corner of the net. On 63 minutes it was four. Ben Wilson pulled a cross into Nick Reeves who fired home from close-range. May could have had his hat trick on 67 minutes as he could quite get on the end of a searching cross from Charlie Webster. However he was not to be denied as on 70 minutes with the ball pinging around the Margate penalty area it eventually fell to May to slot home for his third. The misery for the visitors continued as May scored again after 76 minutes as he got his head to the ball to direct it into the net. It was seven on 85 minutes as Nick Reeves rose high over the Margate defence to head home a Wilson cross. May turned provider with three minutes to go as he sent in a ball to Frankie Sawyer who slotted home to complete the rout.

 

There will be more difficult games in the future but this gave the side a good workout.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Sam Welch, Keane Gillett, Ryan Johnson, Chris Saunders, Louis Sprosen, Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Kenny Pogue, Alfie May, Josh Algar. Subs all Used: Dan Parkinson, Craig Cloke, Frankie Sawyer, Connor Hood, Nick Reeves, Charlie Webster, Ben Wilson, Sam Callender

 

Scorers:Kenny Pogue 18 mins, Alfie May 41, 58, 70, 76 mins, Nick Reeves 63, 85 mins, Sawyer 87 mins.

 

Att 109


Hythe win on the Island....

Sheppey United 1 Hythe Town 3

Pre-Season Fixture

Saturday 30th July 2016

 

Hythe Town came away with another pre-season victory as they had to work hard for their three-one win at Southern Counties East Premier Division, Sheppey United.

 

Hythe were the first out of the blocks as they created the first chance within the first 60 seconds as Frankie Sawyer pulled a shot wide. They threatened again after a quarter of an hour as Charlie Webster had a shot blocked by Sheppey goalkeeper Ashley Bourne. Sawyer was to have another effort from 25 yards out but his attempt was blocked. The rebound found its way to Dave Cook but he could not get a shot away.  The visitors continued to stretch the Sheppey defence as Webster fed the ball to Dan Parkinson who pushed the ball onto Kenny Pogue but he got under his side footed attempt to send the ball over the bar. Whilst dominating, Hythe were still struggling to take the chances that were coming their way. On half an hour Ben Wilson crossed into Webster who spooned the ball over the bar. As the half progressed Sheppey did create a couple of chances as firstly on 33 minutes they fired wide and then Dave Abe broke through three minutes from the interval but couldn’t get his shot on target.

 

Within five minutes of the restart, Hythe were ahead as Sawyer picked up the ball in the middle and slotted his shot from twenty yards to Bourne’s right with the ball deflecting off the post and into the back of the net. The lead was only to last a quarter of an hour as Craig Cloke failed to control the ball and Abe stole in running into the penalty area. He kept his cool and slotted the ball past Hythe keeper Joe Mant. However on 69 minutes Hythe had a stroke of good fortune as Alfie May attempted a lob from distance which took a deflection and sailed over Bourne’s head and into the back of the Sheppey net. This seemed to settle the Cannons as on 71 minutes May slotted the ball into Pogue whose acrobatic volley was well saved by Bourne. Louis Sprosen was then to fire over the bar and then getting on the end of a Wilson cross he headed over. One more effort for the visitors saw Sam Adams hit a shot wide but on the stroke of full time Hythe finished the job as a Wilson corner went deep into the Sheppey penalty area finding Nick Reeves who poked the ball home from close range.

 

It was a satisfactory afternoon for the Cannons as they close in on the opening of the season.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Dan Parkinson, Josh Burchall, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Charlie Webster, Frankie Sawyer, Sam Adams, Josh Alger. Subs all Used: Connor Hood, Ben Wilson, Kenny Pogue, Sam Welch, Louis Sprosen, Chris Saunders, Alfie May, Keane Gillett.

 

Scorers: Sheppey United Dave Abe 65 mins Hythe Town Frankie Sawyer 50 mins, Alfie May 69 mins, Nick Reeves 89 mins

 

 

Att 130


Another Pre-Season win for Hythe on the road..............

Ashford United 2 Hythe Town 3

Pre-Season Friendly

Tuesday 26th July 2016

 

Hythe Town continued their unbeaten pre-season in an entertaining 3-2 win away at Ashford United on Tuesday evening.

 

It was Ashford who started the stronger and had the first effort on four minutes when Ryan Palmer hit a shot wide from the edge of the penalty area. Within another three minutes the hosts forced a penalty as Rory Hill surged into the box from the left only to be brought down by Louis Sprosen. Up stepped Paul Booth who fired into the corner of the net to put Ashford one up. From the kick off Ashford nearly increased their lead as Ben Davisson fed the ball through to Shaun Welford but the ex Hythe striker pulled his shot wide. Hythe had their first chance in the ninth minute as Alfie May cut the ball into Charlie Webster but he shot straight at Ashford keeper George Kamarusi. On eleven minutes Ashford thought they were two ahead as Welford fed the ball to Palmer who headed in. However the goal was ruled out for offside. Ashford continued to create the majority of the chances as Hill screwed a shot wide.  As the half progressed Hythe were growing stronger and on 26 minutes May fired a free kick from the left. It seemed to be beating everyone before it was scrambled away. May was then to have a long range shot held by Kamarusi. New signing Josh Algar was then to come into the action as firstly he hit a shot and then side footed an attempt that both went wide.  The hosts did have one more opportunity before half time as Tom Michelson drove a shot over the bar. However it was the visitors who drew level on 41 minutes as Sprosen dispossessed an Ashford defender. May ran onto the ball and stroked his shot under Kamarusi and into the net.

 

The second half started with Ashford on the attack as Tom Fagg hit a free kick from the edge of the penalty area over the bar. However it was Hythe who were beginning to take control of the game as May had a shot deflected for a corner. Hythe were ahead on 65 minutes as Frankie Sawyer burst into the penalty area and despite a deflection the ball found its way into the back of the net.  However Ashford did not lie down and were level on 69 minutes as the ball came loose just inside the penalty area for Michelson to fire the ball home. Within two minutes Hythe were back in front as May fed the ball to James Morrish on the right and the midfielder planted the ball into the net. May was next to threaten to increase the Cannons lead as he had a shot that deflected off the top of the cross bar. Ashford continued to threaten on the break and it was Hill who could not find the target as he fired over. Dan Parkinson was denied by a stretching save by Kamarusi with four minutes to go as he stroked the ball towards goal. One final scare for the Hythe defence in the dying seconds of the game as Hill hit another shot wide of the target but Hythe were to hang to gain another pre-season victory.

 

The game had been a useful workout for the squad against a strong and determined Ashford side who look like they will do well in the Southern Counties East Premier Division this season.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Louis Sprosen, Ben Wilson, Ryan Johnson, Chris Saunders, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Charlie Webster, Kenny Pogue, Alfie May, Josh Algar. Subs all Used: Josh Burchell, James Morrish Connor Hood, Frankie Sawyer, Dan Parkinson, Sam Welch, Keane Gillett.

 

Scorers: Ashford United-Paul Booth 7 mins (pen), Tom Michelson 69 mins. Hythe Town-Alfie May 41 mins, Frankie Sawyer 65 mins, James Morrish 71 mins.

  


Hythe still unbeaten in Pre-Season...........

Hythe Town 2 AFC Hornchurch 1

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 23rd July 2016 

 

Hythe Town battled well to achieve a 2-1 win at home to Ryman Division One (North), AFC Hornchurch on Saturday afternoon.

 

Alfie May was the first to threaten the Hornchurch goal as on two minutes he broke through one on one with the former  Ebbsfleet and Whitstable goalkeeper Sam Mott. Mott blocked the side footed attempt from May. However Hythe were not to be denied as on three minutes they took the lead. New boy Sam Adams pounced on confusion in the Hornchurch defence and tapped the ball home. Both sides then shared possession with limited chances being created until the 31st minute when Ben Wilson crossed to May who headed over. Hornchurch had to wait until 35 minutes before their first meaningful chance as Nicky Brown fired a shot from long range wide of the target. On the stroke of half time Craig Cloke hit a long range shot which was well saved by Mott.

 

Within three minutes of the restart Hythe had increased their lead as a Kenny Pogue cross found May. The ball was slipped through to Charlie Webster who fired home. Pogue was then to put in a dangerous cross which was palmed away by Mott preventing any more danger. Hornchurch were still creating some chances as Suley hit a shot to Joe Mant’s right. The Hythe keeper was able to hold on to the ball. May again threatened at the other end as he stormed through the Hornchurch defence only to be denied by Mott. The Hornchurch keeper was on hand to save again from May on 63 minutes. The game was now more even with chances at both ends. Hornchurch had two efforts as they firstly JJ Da Cruz pulled the ball wide of target and then Josh Flynn sent a curling shot into Mant’s arms. In between Pogue should have done better as he pounced on a poor back pass but couldn’t convert.  With two minutes to go Ricky Freeman managed to catch Connor Hood in possession and surged the ball into the net from the left to narrow the gap.

 

However Hythe held on for a deserved win that leaves them with three wins and a draw in pre-season.

 

Team: Joe Mant, Dan Parkinson, Ben Wilson, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Charlie Webster, Frankie Sawyer, Alfie May, Sam Adams.  Subs all Used: Kenny Pogue, Chris Saunders, Josh Algar, Connor Hood, Louis Sprosen, Keane Gillett, Sam Welch.

 

Scorers: Sam Adams 3 mins, Charlie Webster 47 mins

 

Att 153 


Cannons ease to win.....

 

Hythe Town 2 Kennington 0

Pre-Season Friendly

Tuesday 19th July 2016

 

Hythe Town comfortably ran out 2-0 winners against Kent County League Premier Division Kennington in the sultry heat of Reachfields on Tuesday evening. Kennington were the late replacements for Canterbury City who were unable to raise a team.

 

It was Hythe who were first out of the blocks and were ahead on seven minutes as Alfie May cut the ball back from the by-line for Kenny Pogue to head the ball home. It was Hythe who continued to press and it was Charlie Webster who was next to have effort that curled over the bar. Kennington then created a couple of chances of their own as Scott Bradley fired a shot straight at Hythe keeper Adam Highsted.  Kennington had another opportunity on sixteen minutes as Liam Whiting hit a shot high over the bar. The Cannons now took over as the ever busy May played the ball back to Dave Cook whose shot went wide. May again tested the visitors defence as he weaved into the penalty but had his shot was deflected wide of the target. On the half hour Ben Wilson came into the action as he slammed a shot into the side netting. Pogue was then denied by Kennington keeper and had another attempt as he fired over from a cross by Josh Algar.

 

The second half saw more of the same as Hythe continued to dominate without turning the chances into goals. May had the first effort of the half on 47 minutes that was cleared off the Kennington line and Frankie Sawyer shot wide of the target. Cook was also denied when the ball was cleared off the line. Ben Wilson then drove a shot wide of the post. On 64 minutes came a moment of quality as May dribbled the ball along the outside of the penalty area before pulling the ball back into the left hand corner of the net to increase the lead. Hythe thought they had put the game to bed on 69 minutes as Sawyer drilled home a header only for the attempt to be ruled out for offside. A couple more chances for Sawyer before the end saw one shot go over and the other go wide as Hythe had to settle eventually for a 2-0 victory.

 

It was a useful work out for the Cannons but they will certainly face a bigger test on Saturday as they face Ryman Division One (North), AFC Hornchurch at Reachfields.

 

Team: Adam Highsted, Connor Hood, Ben Wilson, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Dave Cook, Charlie Webster, Kenny Pogue, Alfie May, Josh Algar.  Subs all used: Frankie Sawyer, Chris Saunders, James Morrish, Dan Parkinson, Louis Sprosen, Keane Gillett, Sam Welch, Joe Mant.

 

Goals: Kenny Pogue 7 mins, Alfie May 69mins

 

Att:85

 


Hythe in stalemate at Lancing...

Lancing 0 Hythe Town 0

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 16th July 2016

 

Neither side could break the deadlock as Hythe drew 0-0 in a pre-season friendly at Lancing on Saturday afternoon.

 

It was Lancing who settled first but they failed to create any meaningful chances in the first 45 minutes. Alfie May was the first into the action as his first attempt from the edge of the area was skied high over the bar after eight minutes. James Morrish then sent in a dangerous cross that Kenny Pogue could not quite connect. Hythe began to take control of the possession and it was May again on 22 minutes who had an attempt but this time he fired straight at Lancing keeper, Josh Green. Pogue had two chances within two minutes as firstly he spooned the ball over the bar and then May pulled the ball back to the ex -Hastings striker but the effort went just wide. With five minutes to the interval May beat a couple of Lancing defenders but couldn’t beat Green. May turned creator as he fed Frankie Sawyer whose shot was collected by Green and then on the stroke of half time May crashed a shot against the cross bar and the ball deflected for a goal kick.

 

Lancing came more into the game after the break as a long range shot from George Fenton went over the bar. The chances were not coming as quickly now for the visitors as they had to wait until 66 minutes when a Connor Hood cross found Pogue but his header went wide. Lancing nearly went ahead on 69 minutes as Charles got a foot to the ball beating Joe Mant in the Hythe goal but the attempt slid wide. May was then denied by Green as his shot was tipped over the bar. Two more chances for Hythe in the final two minutes saw May pull the ball back for Dan Parkinson to shoot wide and then Charlie Webster shot wide.

 

Both teams had to settle for a draw on a warm sultry afternoon on the Sussex coast.

 

Team: Adam Highsted, Sam Welch, Ben Wilson, Ryan Johnson, Craig Cloke, Nick Reeves, Chris Saunders, James Morrish, Frankie Sawyer, Alfie May, Kenny Pogue. Subs all used: Connor Hood, Dan Parkinson, Jack Mahoney, Keane Gillett, Charlie Webster, Joe Mant.

 

Att 55


Pre-Season starts with a win

Bearsted 1 Hythe Town 2

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 9th July 2016

 

Hythe Town opened their pre-season with a hard earned 2-1 win at Southern Counties Premier Division, Bearsted on Saturday afternoon.

 

On a warm afternoon, it was Hythe who were first to press as Frankie Sawyer had the first shot after eleven minutes but his effort sailed high over the bar.  Alfie May was the next to have an attempt as he cut in from the right but his shot went wide of the target. However it was Bearsted who took the lead against the run of play after nineteen minutes. A defensive mix up led to Shac Ogazi being brought down by Hythe keeper Joe Mant. Up stepped Peter Williams who sent Mant the wrong way with his penalty that went into the corner of the net.  Hythe continued to attack and May had a free kick well saved by Bearsted keeper, Scott Andrews. On 23 minutes Bearsted could have increased their lead as Charlie Epps fired across the penalty area but Williams couldn’t redirect the ball towards the goal. On the half hour Hythe had a penalty as Dave Cook was brought down by Andrews. Unfortunately, for the Cannons, Sawyer, despite sending Andrews the wrong way slammed his shot against the upright and away. Sawyer threatened again as his free kick was pushed wide but he forced an error from Andy Foster on 38 minutes as he fired across the penalty area only for the Bearsted defender, under pressure, to put into his own net to bring the scores level. Connor Hood crossed to Cook on 42 minutes but the Hythe midfielder spooned the ball over the bar.

 

The second half was dominated by Hythe and after 51 minutes Jack Harris, at the far post, hooked a shot but was denied by Andrews. James Morrish was next to force a save from Andrews but on the hour came a moment of magic which won the game for the Cannons. Charlie Webster fed the ball to Jack Mahoney who let loose a shot from thirty yards that sailed into the corner of the net to give the visitors the lead. There were a couple more chances for Hythe to increase their lead as Alistair Griggs had a shot deflected into Andrews arms and then with a minute to go Kenny Pogue forced Andrews to push the ball around the post.

 

It was a useful first pre-season outing for Hythe as they look forward to the forthcoming season.

 

Team: Joe Mant (Adam Highsted 45mins),  Connor Hood (James Morrish 45 mins), Josh Burchell (Dan Parkinson 45 mins), Ryan Johnson (Ben Wilson 45 mins), Charlie Slocombe (Keane Gillett 67mins), Nick Reeves (Jack Mahoney 45 mins), Dave Cook, Charlie Webster (Alistair Griggs 69 mins), Frankie Sawyer (Kenny Pogue 45 mins), Alfie May (Sam Welch 45mins), Jack Harris.

 

Scorers: Bearsted-Peter Williams 19 mins (pen). Hythe-Andy Foster (OG) 38 mins, Jack Mahoney 60 mins.

 

 

Att 65

Honours even at Reachfields.......

A dark night for Hythe away at Molesey .....

Hythe hammered at home........