Match Reports 2021-2022....
Hythe Town 0 Folkestone Invicta 2
Kent Senior Cup Semi Final
Wednesday 27th April 2022
Hythe went down honourably to a strong Folkestone side on Wednesday night at Reachfields. Following our 1-1 draw against East Grinstead, James Rogers returned to his strongest possible team. Nico Cotton, Luca Woodhouse and Ben Hermitage were all cup-tied, and Connor Cheek was replaced by George Crimmen. Jordan Sarfo, Tom Walmsley and Rogers himself all returned to the side too. The match was delayed by almost 20 minutes, due to the huge number of people waiting at the turnstiles – the attendance ended up being over 1,000 people!
However, just after 8pm, the game kicked off, and Hythe had the first chance from a free kick, which was taken by Alex Brown and punched away by Folkestone keeper Tim Roberts. Another chance came for Hythe, who started the better side, as a corner was headed towards goal by Liam Smith, before it was cleared off the line. Folkestone’s first opportunity came from Scott Heard, who blazed a 25-yard shot just past the post. On 19 minutes, Hythe eventually crumbled, allowing Ade Yussuf to drift past their defence and slot through the legs of Sam Hignett to give Invicta the lead.
It was almost another goal two minutes later when George Crimmen gave away a free kick outside the box, but fortunately for the Cannons, former Hythe man Matt Newman slammed the ball just over the crossbar. Adam Yussuf had a chance to score a brace soon after, hitting a shot wide of the post. He put a cross into the box just a minute later, which evaded everybody but was enough to put Hythe fans’ hearts into their mouths. Another opportunity fell to Invicta through Joseph Gbode, whose shot bounced off the chest of Ollie Gray and away. Eventually, Folkestone scored their second with four minutes remaining in the first half, and it was similar to the first, as David Smith ghosted past the Cannons defence to slot the ball into the net. Hythe almost reduced the lead just before the break, as George Crimmen’s header was cleared off the line by ex-Cannon Ryan Johnson.
The second half began with two chances for Invicta, the first coming from Yussuf, who lifted the ball over the crossbar from a tight angle. David Smith almost had his second on 51 minutes, putting the ball over the line in a goalmouth scramble, however it was deemed to be a foul. The first chance of the half for the Cannons came on 54 minutes when a free kick from Alex Brown was headed on my Ollie Gray, however the keeper managed to make the catch. On 59 minutes, Jordan Sarfo managed to maintain his control of the ball and squeeze past the Folkestone defence, but blazed the ball over the bar. Moments later, Alex Brown had the ball in the net, but it was deemed offside. Brown had another shot which was deflected away, and it fell to top scorer Riley Alford, whose shot was saved by the feet of Tim Roberts, before the referee blew for offside.
Folkestone were back on the attack soon, as Yussuf’s shot was deflected away by Crimmen. It wasn’t until the 79th minute when the next chance came, and it fell to the Cannons, who were arguably the better side in the final 20 minutes. Substitute Morgan Williamson played a great ball to the feet of George Sibley, who hit a good shot, but saw his effort saved by Roberts. Williamson was the creator once again with three minutes to go, as he controlled a pass beautifully and sent a delightful ball to Tom Walmsley, who tried to bundle the shot in, but the shot was parried by Roberts into the path of Riley Alford, who attempted to lob the Folkestone stopper, however his effort was caught.
The full time whistle blew slightly later than the fans had imagined. It was the end of a long season for the Cannons, who had managed to stay in the league after all – now all eyes will be on next season.
Team: Sam Hignett, Liam Smith, George Sibley (Tom Wynter 90 mins), James Rogers, Ollie Gray, George Crimmen, Alex Brown, Jacob Gilbert (Morgan Williamson 72 mins), Tom Walmsley, Riley Alford, Jordan Sarfo.
Subs Unused: Connor Cheek, Henry Newcombe.
Scorers: Folkestone Invicta – Adam Yusuff 19 mins, David Smith 41 mins.
Attendance: 1019
Hythe Town 1 East Grinstead Town 1
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 23rd April 2022
Hythe drew their final game of the Isthmian League South East season on Saturday afternoon at home to East Grinstead Town. The opposition were in a similar position to the Cannons, having secured their survival prior to this match, and with both sides having little to play for, James Rogers made four changes to his line-up, replacing himself, Henry Newcombe, George Crimmen, Jordan Sarfo and Tom Walmsley with Ben Hermitage, Riley Alford, George Sibley and backup keeper Sam Hignett.
The deadlock was broken after just four minutes by the visitors through Max Walsh, who broke free inside the box and slotted the ball into the corner of the net past Hignett to give East Grinstead the lead. It wasn't until 22 minutes that Hythe had their first chance of the game, as Nico Cotton's played a long ball to Luca Woodhouse, whose cross into the box lacked precision, and was easily caught by the goalkeeper. Four minutes later, Daniel Uchechi played a ball across the penalty area for the visitors, which missed everybody, eventually being tipped away by Sam Hignett before it was too late. With just five minutes remaining of the first period, Luca Woodhouse sent a free kick into the opposition penalty area, which reached Riley Alford, who was unable to control the ball with his chest, resulting in a clearance by the defence.
The second half began with a chance for the Wasps four minutes in, as Kie Douglas hit a swerving shot from outside the penalty area which clipped a defender, before being pushed past the post by Hignett. After 64 minutes, when Ben Aubrey made a run into the box, he was pulled down by Hythe defender Connor Cheek, who conceded the penalty kick. Daniel Uchechi stepped up in an attempt to make it 2-0 and, most likely, end the game, hitting a weak shot to Hignett's left, and luckily for Hythe, Hignett got down and stopped the ball to keep the visitors at bay. It proved key on 67 minutes, when a ball across from Jordan Sarfo was slammed home by Alex Brown, who was one on one with the keeper, to level the score.
The game was set alight with chances in the final ten minutes, starting on 81 minutes with Alex Brown's free kick, which was spilled by the keeper, who regained the ball as Sarfo was running towards it. Moments later, Jacob Gilbert's low raking drive was tipped past the post by the East Grinstead stopper, before they themselves had a chance to win the match through Omar Folkes, who sent the ball wide from a close distance but a tight angle.
As the game entered stoppage time, it was a happy moment for Tom Wynter, who made his way onto the pitch after spending months out injured - he made sure to lap up the applause from the home fans. A controversial moment followed this, as the referee stopped the match for a leg injury right outside the East Grinstead penalty box, just a second before Nico Cotton was brought down inside the box. However, as he had blown the whistle, the referee was unable to award any advantage to the Cannons, much to the crowd's disappointment.
The full-time whistle blew following a game of two halves. Hythe finished their league season in 17th, three points ahead of Lancing, who will take part in a relegation play off. However, the season is far from over for the Cannons, who are back in action on Wednesday night for a long-awaited cup semi-final as they entertain Folkestone Invicta at Reachfields in the Kent Senior Cup, with the match kicking off at 7:45pm.
Team: Sam Hignett, George Sibley, Nico Cotton, Jacob Gilbert, Ollie Gray, Connor Cheek (Tom Wynter 90 mins), Ben Hermitage (Jordan Sarfo 45 mins), Liam Smith, Riley Alford (Tom Walmsley 70 mins), Alex Brown, Luca Woodhouse. Subs Unused: Henry Newcombe, George Crimmen
Scorers: Hythe Town - Alex Brown 67 mins. East Grinstead Town - Max Walsh 4 mins.
Attendance: 245
Herne Bay 2 Hythe Town 0
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Monday 18th April 2022
There was relief at the end of Hythe’s 2-0 defeat away at Herne Bay on Monday afternoon as other results came in to confirm that the Cannons have avoided relegation and will be playing Isthmian League football next season.
Hythe started the game unchanged from last Saturday and were under pressure as ex-Cannon Kieron Campbell had a shot which looped over the bar after being deflected. Hythe, who started brightly had their first opportunity on four minutes as Tom Walmsley weaved his way into the penalty area and sent his final effort just wide. Herne Bay’s Mike West was proving to be a thorn in the side for the visitors as he firstly unleashed a shot that sailed wide and then sent in a free-kick from the left hand side forcing Hythe keeper Henry Newcombe to push the ball over the bar.
Jordan Sarfo was then to place a shot towards the corner of the net but it lacked power and was gathered easily by Herne Bay keeper Jordan Perrin. The hosts finally took the lead on the half-hour as West sent in a free kick from the left that found Rory Smith running in to convert. There were suspicions of handball, but the referee waived any protest away to award the goal. Before the break there was an opportunity for Hythe to get back in the game as Nico Cotton picked up the ball but sent his final attempt wide of the target.
The early part of the second period saw both sides battle in midfield with Hythe getting the first chance as Liam Smith played the ball into Sarfo but he ballooned over. However, Herne Bay were then to get the goal that sealed the points on 59 minutes with another former Hythe player Zak Ansah planting the ball in the far corner of the net to make it 2-0 to the delight of the home fans.
Herne Bay continued to press as they looked for a third. Eddie Allsopp curled a free-kick around the wall into the arms of Newcombe and then a shot from Jack Parter went wide of the upright. Ansah continued to threaten as he side-footed wide and then Ollie Gray was on hand to breakdown an attack involving Ansah and substitute Aaron Millbank. There was one last effort from Hythe to narrow the gap as Alex Brown fired wide.
Whilst disappointed with the result there was relief as news came in that Lancing and Phoenix Sports had both lost and the Cannons were safe from relegation. They now prepare to celebrate their survival as then entertain East Grinstead Town on Saturday afternoon. Kick off at Reachfields is 3pm.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, Nico Cotton, James Rogers, Ollie Gray, George Crimmen (Connor Cheek 53 mins), Jordan Sarfo (Ben Hermitage 77 mins), Alex Brown, Tom Walmsley, Jacob Gilbert (Riley Alford 64 mins), Luca Woodhouse. Subs Unused Sam Hignett, George Sibley.
Scorers: Herne Bay - Rory Smith 30 mins, Zak Ansah 59 mins
Attendance: 746
Hythe Town 0 Sevenoaks Town 1
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 16th April 2022
Hythe were beaten 1-0 on a sunny Saturday afternoon at Reachfields. The opposition, Sevenoaks Town, went into the match in a fine run of form, with Hythe coming off the back of a victory away at Whitehawk. Manager James Rogers named an unchanged starting lineup from that match.
The first half was very quiet in terms of chances, which were at a premium due to the game being played mainly in the midfield. On one occasion, Sevenoaks came close to scoring after a ball whipped over the head of George Crimmen almost found Frankie Sawyer, however Henry Newcombe managed to collect the ball before the former Hythe striker.
The second half was much brighter, and the first opportunity went Hythe's way, as a free kick into the danger zone was fired goal wards on the turn by Alex Brown into the hands of the goalkeeper. It was Sevenoaks who had their first chance of the half on 54 minutes, as Rhys Gillies hit a similar shot to Brown which was blocked by Crimmen for the Cannons, who had their best opportunity of the half through Luca Woodhouse, who hit a powerful shot from a difficult angle towards the top corner of the goal, which was tipped away by Tyler McCarthy in the Sevenoaks goal. On the hour mark, the Oaks took the lead through Bradley Wilson, who took his time on the ball and slotted home past Henry Newcombe. The Cannons responded by bringing Riley Alford onto the pitch, and he had a chance with his first touch, receiving a free kick and firing the ball goal wards before the shot was deflected away by a defender.
With just 11 minutes left of the match, Sevenoaks had the chance to seal the three points when Sam Johnson had plenty of space in the box to head the ball home, eventually sending it over the bar. Tom Walmsley also had a chance for a header, which went straight at McCarthy, before Walmsley hit a rebound into the path of a defender. There were two late chances for Hythe to steal a point, the first coming from young substitute Ben Hermitage, who hit a good shot past a crowd of defenders, with the keeper catching before it was too late. Jacob Gilbert attempted a ball in which was tipped away by McCarthy once again.
The full time whistle went and the Sevenoaks team celebrated wildly - this victory sealed their survival. Hythe are still in danger of going down as they sit four points clear of the drop zone, and the final two games of the season will be important for them. The first comes on Monday at 3pm away at Herne Bay as Hythe look to gain some more points.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, Nico Cotton (Ben Hermitage 86 mins), James Rogers, Ollie Gray, George Crimmen, Jordan Sarfo (Riley Alford 65 mins), Jacob Gilbert, Tom Walmsley, Alex Brown, Luca Woodhouse. Subs Unused: Connor Cheek, Sam Hignett, George Sibley.
Scorer: Sevenoaks Town - Bradley Wilson 60 mins.
Attendance: 212
Report by Tom Ellerby
Whitehawk 0 Hythe Town 2
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 9th April 2022
The Cannons eased their relegation worries as they came away with a comfortable 2-0 win at struggling Whitehawk on a breezy Saturday afternoon.
Hythe made two changes from the last home game as Alex Brown returned from suspension to replace George Sibley and Jordan Sarfo started in place of Riley Alford.
It was Hythe who settled quickest and had the first opportunity in the third minute as Luca Woodhouse whipped in a cross that found Sarfo. His header towards goal was easily caught by Whitehawk keeper, Nathan Stroomberg-Clarke. The Cannons continued to press and were deservedly ahead on 23 minutes with Jacob Gilbert charging down a loose ball as Whitehawk keeper tried to clear. It fell into the path of Tom Walmsley who was on hand to finish and made it 1-0. As the half progressed Whitehawk came more into the game, but a number of attacks were ended with over hit balls that went out for goal kicks.
The hosts had their first meaningful chance on 35 minutes when a shot by Alex Malins was blocked by the Hythe defence. On 39 minutes a free-kick from just outside the area summed up Whitehawk’s afternoon as the ball was sent high over the bar by Leon Redwood. Whitehawk should have been level two minutes into injury time as Jamie Splatt broke free in the penalty area but Hythe keeper Henry Newcombe was quickly off his line to block.
The second half started with Hythe on the attack as Sarfo surged down the right playing the ball into Brown whose attempt was blocked. Whitehawk, playing down the hill, were wasteful with a couple of opportunities. Jamie Splatt had a shot from 25 yards that went high over the bar with the same result from a free kick by Alex Laing from just outside the penalty area. Omarr Lawson also had effort that went just wide.
However, it was the Cannons who were to get that all important second goal in the 68th minute to the delight of the Hythe contingent in the crowd. Walmsley picked up the ball in the middle, playing it off to Alex Brown who played it into the path of Gilbert who finished well to put the game out of the reach of Whitehawk. Hythe sucked up any pressure from the hosts to get back in the game with the central defensive partnership of Ollie Gray and George Crimmen snuffing out a number of Whitehawk attacks. Newcombe did have to produce one fine save in the 81st minute as he palmed a shot from Lekan Orimolusi around the upright.
Every single Hythe player gave there all in a convincing performance that secured the vital three points and extended their unbeaten run to four matches. They will face a further test next week as they take on a resurgent Sevenoaks Town next Saturday with a 3pm kick off at Reachfields.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, Nico Cotton, James Rogers, Ollie Gray, George Crimmen, Jordan Sarfo (Riley Alford 78 mins), Jacob Gilbert, Tom Walmsley, Alex Brown (Ben Hermitage 90 mins), Luca Woodhouse (George Sibley (90 mins). Unused Subs: Sam Hignett, Connor Cheek
Scorers: Hythe Town – Tom Walmsley 23 mins, Jacob Gilbert 68 mins.
Attendance: 413
Hythe Town 1 Lancing 1
Pitching In Isthmian League
Saturday 2nd April 2022
The points were shared on Saturday afternoon as Hythe and Lancing played out a 1-1 draw at Reachfields. Following their emphatic penalty shootout win over Ashford United, manager James Rogers made four changes to his side, with Henry Newcombe, Nico Cotton, Luca Woodhouse and Ollie Gray all returning to the line-up, as Sam Hignett, Morgan Williamson, Alex Brown and injured Jack Mayhew made way.
The game went off to the worst possible start for Hythe, as Lancing took the lead after just three minutes, as a ball into the box was bundled past Henry Newcombe by Harrison Parker. Fortunately for the Cannons, the equaliser came just six minutes later through Riley Alford, who nodded home a cross from Luca Woodhouse to level the scores. It was Lancing who had the next opportunity, with Lorenzo Lewis firing across the face of goal. Hythe responded immediately through Luca Woodhouse, who took a shot very well, forcing the keeper to push the ball past his near post for a corner, which was headed over the woodwork by George Crimmen.
On 21 minutes, Lancing should have taken the lead when a ball squared into the box had nobody on the end of it, allowing the Hythe defence to clear the danger. Hythe had two decent chances within the next ten minutes, as Riley Alford hit the ball into the side netting and Jacob Gilbert looped a shot over the crossbar. As half time approached, it was once again the Cannons on the attack, and again it was Woodhouse playing it to Alford, who fired the ball across the face of goal. There was another deja vu moment with just two minutes of the half remaining as Woodhouse hit the ball goalwards, forcing the keeper to palm the ball away to keep the Cannons at bay.
Four minutes after the break, Lancing began on the front foot, as Lorenzo Lewis forced a save from Newcombe, who got to the ball with his knees. Five minutes later, Hythe had their first opportunity of the half with Jacob Gilbert's ball in headed away by the defence, before Riley Alford's attempted lob sailed away from the goal. Luca Woodhouse had another chance on 64 minutes, powering a free kick over the bar. With just nine minutes remaining, substitute Jordan Sarfo got involved, playing the ball into the middle of the box to Liam Smith, who bundled the ball over the bar. Two minutes afterwards, a ball in from Smith was headed past the post from a good angle by Alford.
The game got interesting in the dying minutes as Ollie Gray attempted an overhead kick with flew over the bar. Following this, Matt Daniel came close to winning the game for Lancing, as Newcombe robbed the ball from his feet. The visitors had one last chance to take the victory, and it was a close call, as Liam Hendy had his effort cleared off the line by a Hythe defender. The result was a disappointment for Hythe fans, who went away wishing they'd taken more points from the match. But as the Cannons dropped down to 16th, they'll be happy take any points they can with four matches to play. Hythe will return to action next Saturday, as they travel to Whitehawk at 3pm.
Team: Henry Newcombe, George Sibley, Nico Cotton, James Rogers, Ollie Gray, George Crimmen, Jacob Gilbert (Ben Hermitage 86 mins), Liam Smith, Tom Walmsley, Luca Woodhouse (Jordan Sarfo 75 mins), Riley Alford. Subs Not Used: Connor Cheek, Sam Hignett.
Scorers: Hythe Town - Riley Alford 9 mins. Lancing - Harrison Parker 3 mins.
Attendance: 161
Hythe Town 1 Ashford United 1
(Hythe win 5-4 on pens)
Kent Senior Cup 3rd Round
Tuesday 29th March 2022
Hythe progressed to the semi-finals of the Kent Senior Cup in an entertaining Tuesday evening match. Manager James Rogers was forced into making several changes – Luca Woodhouse, Nico Cotton and Ben Hermitage were all cup-tied, Jordan Sarfo was ill, and Connor Cheek was suspended. Ollie Gray and Henry Newcombe were both rested, which gave Sam Hignett an opportunity in goal, and young midfielder Morgan Williamson made his return to the team.
It was a very even first quarter of the match, with the first major opportunity coming after 20 minutes from Ashford, whose ball in was hooked away by Rogers. The Cannons responded momentarily, as Alex Brown lifted the ball into the box towards Riley Alford, however his header lacked conviction or power and was caught easily by the Ashford goalkeeper. Just a minute later, Alford had his second chance of the evening, looping the ball past the angle of post and bar.
As we approached the half-hour mark, the deadlock was broken, as Tom Walmsley’s shot was deflected into the path of Alford, who turned the ball in past Jordan Carey to give Hythe the lead. Two minutes later, Tom Walmsley had a chance to double the lead, taking on a shot and lobbing it just over the crossbar. A similar chance fell to Mohammed Kamara of Ashford, who hit a powerful shot above the woodwork. Alex Brown nearly gave the Cannons a 2-0 half-time lead, as he attempted an ambitious 25-yard shot, managing to beat the keeper, but unfortunately for him, the ball bounced off the post.
The second period was also a balanced affair, as Ashford went close from a free kick on 54 minutes from Jack Richards, who curled the ball over the bar. With just 16 minutes remaining, Hythe came close to scoring again, as Riley Alford beat the goalkeeper to the ball, playing it across to Alex Brown, whose shot deflected off an Ashford defender. The Cannons were once again denied just a minute later, after James Rogers hit a long ball forward to Jacob Gilbert, who attempted to square it into the penalty area, with Ashford keeper Luke Carey taking the catch.
With just nine left on the clock, Ashford almost found their equaliser through Gary Lockyer, whose shot was saved brilliantly by Sam Hignett. However, this gave Ashford a corner, which was turned in by Josh Wisson. Two minutes later, Hythe fans had their hearts in their mouths as Luke Burdon hit a shot which bounced off the underside of the crossbar to deny Ashford a winner. As the game went into five minutes of stoppage time, it was a disastrous moment for defender Jack Mayhew, who went down injured, bringing out the stretcher. As the fans applauded him off the field, there was a question as to how we would replace him for the final few minutes, as we only had three substitutes, one of whom had already been used. The other two substitutes were unfit defender Tom Wynter and goalkeeper Henry Newcombe, who had been rested for the match – and he was the one who came on, putting on the number 19 jersey and getting stuck into the game.
The full-time whistle blew with the score still 1-1, which could mean only one thing – a penalty shootout. Ashford took first, and the opening six spot kicks were all scored through Gary Lockyer, Frannie Collin and Mamadou Diallo for Ashford, with Liam Smith, Riley Alford and Tom Walmsley all converting for Hythe. The seventh spot kick was blazed over the crossbar by Tashi-Jay Kwayie for Ashford to give Hythe the upper hand. James Rogers took next, as the ball deflected off the goalkeeper and found its way into the net. Wisson scored Ashford’s fifth penalty, before Jacob Gilbert stepped up for Hythe and put the ball past Luke Carey to win the game for Hythe.
As the fans left the stadium at a late hour, the Hythe contingent were all content with the knowledge that they would be in a cup semi-final this season – something we haven't been able to say for a long time at Reachfields. In the meantime, Hythe still have the league to focus on, as they return to Reachfields on Saturday to take on Lancing at 3pm on Saturday.
Team: Sam Hignett, Jack Mayhew (Henry Newcombe 90 mins), George Sibley, James Rogers, Liam Smith, George Crimmen, Morgan Williamson, Jacob Gilbert, Tom Walmsley, Alex Brown (Ollie Gray 81 mins), Riley Alford. Sub Unused: Tom Wynter
Scorers: Hythe Town - Riley Alford 28 mins. Ashford United - Josh Wisson 81 mins.
Attendance: 217
Phoenix Sports 0 Hythe Town 0
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 26th March 2022
The Cannons ground out a point that could be vital at the end of the season. This was despite being reduced to ten men on 80 minutes as Alex Brown was sent off for a second yellow card at fellow strugglers Phoenix Sports on Saturday afternoon.
Hythe had a couple of enforced changes as both Luca Woodhouse and Jordan Sarfo were unavailable due to illness and George Crimmen, despite being named as substitute, was stuck on the motorway after his car had broken down. Jacob Gilbert dropped to the substitutes bench and Riley Alford, Connor Cheek, Ben Hermitage and Brown were added to the starting line-up.
Phoenix were the first to create a chance as Steve Carvell sent a swerving shot that Hythe keeper Henry Newcombe was able to parry away. Hythe had their opening opportunity as Jack Mayhew drove the ball towards the top of the goal with young home keeper Charlie Martin doing well to tip the ball over the crossbar. The visitors then had a series of corners as they pressed but were unable to take advantage. Nico Cotton was next in the action as he blasted over a long-range effort.
As the half progressed it was the hosts who began to turn the screw as Craig McGee drifted an attempt wide and then an effort by Luke Leppard was clawed away by Newcombe and James Rogers cleared it away. Just before the break Alfie Evans broke into the penalty area but Newcombe was swiftly off his line to block. As the game went into injury time the Cannons were unlucky not to take the lead as Cotton unleashed an effort that was pushed onto upright by Martin and away for a corner.
The first 20 minutes of the second half saw both sides looking for openings as they battled in midfield without creating a meaningful chance. Brown had two bites of the cherry on 66 minutes as he first had an attempt blocked and then off balance got onto the rebound, but he couldn’t get enough power on the ball, and it looped into the arms of Martin. Newcombe then saved with his legs as Roberto Ratti broke through. Hythe’s defence with Cheek and Ollie Gray in the centre remained firm against the increasing pressure from the hosts. With seventeen minutes go Hythe found themselves on the break with Mayhew bursting down the right with a cross that found Tom Walmsley whose effort went straight into a crowd of players and was cleared away.
Then came the incident that saw the Cannons reduced ten men as Brown, who had earlier received a yellow card for a heavy challenge, went in with his foot high and received another booking that resulted in a red being shown. However, there were no real further alarms as Hythe held on for a deserved point which keeps them in 15th place. They take a break from league action on Tuesday night as they entertain Ashford United in the 3rd Round of the Kent Senior Cup.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Jack Mayhew, Nico Cotton, James Rogers, Connor Cheek, Ollie Gray, Ben Hermitage (Jacob Gilbert 74 mins), Liam Smith, Tom Walmsley, Alex Brown, Riley Alford. Unused Subs: Sam Hignett, George Crimmen, George Sibley.
Attendance 201.
Whitstable Town 0 Hythe Town 2
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 19th March 2022
Hythe Town came away from Whitstable Town with a vital three points in a relegation six-pointer on Saturday afternoon.
It was a game with limited opportunities for both sides as they scrapped in a midfield battle. The first half was fairly even with both sides looking nervous with what was at stake during the afternoon. The Cannons started the game with George Crimmen and Tyler Sterling coming back in to replace Alex Brown who was unavailable and Riley Alford who was on the bench. Hythe also included new signing Ben Hermitage on the bench following his loan move from Tonbridge Angels.
The first attack came from Hythe after six minutes as Jack Mayhew broke into the penalty area with his final shot blocked by Tom Mills. Whitstable had to wait until the 29th minute for their first meaningful effort as former Cannon Stephen Okoh shot straight at Hythe keeper Henry Newcombe. At the other end Liam Smith hit a curling shot high over the bar.
Whitstable probably had their best opportunity of the game as Charlie Heatley broke free but was denied by Newcombe who came quickly off his line to prevent any danger. Newcombe was hand again to save from Mills. As the game moved towards half-time and a melee in the home penalty area ended with Crimmen poking the ball wide.
The battle continued in the second half with neither side really taking the initiative and it wasn’t until the 67th minute that Hythe got the all-important opening goal as a free kick from the left wing from Tyler Sterling was sent over to the far post where George Crimmen headed in from close range.
Things were made more difficult for Whitstable on 74 minutes as they were reduced to ten men after Tom Mills was sent off after a nasty challenge on Tom Walmsley. With the man advantage the visitors put the game out of the reach of the hosts two minutes later as Crimmen had an effort blocked as did Riley Alford before it fell to Jordan Sarfo to bundle the ball home to make it 2-0.
With Hythe now in control they closed the game down and their lead was never put under any threat and that was enough for Hythe to take the points and move away from the drop zone but left Whitstable firmly at the bottom of the table.
Hythe have another vital league fixture next Saturday as they travel to another relegation threatened side Phoenix Sports. Kick off is 3pm.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, Jack Mayhew, James Rogers, Ollie Gray, George Crimmen, Luca Woodhouse (George Sibley 89 mins), Jacob Gilbert, Tom Walmsley, Tyler Sterling (Jordan Sarfo 69 mins), Nico Cotton (Riley Alford 62 mins). Unused Subs: Connor Cheek, Ben Hermitage.
Scorers: Hythe Town – George Crimmen 67 mins, Jordan Sarfo 76 mins.
Attendance: 402
Hythe Town 0 Haywards Heath Town 1
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 12th March 2022
Hythe were beaten by Haywards Heath Town on Saturday afternoon. After losing 2-1 to Ashford United, James Rogers made a single change, as injured Tyler Sterling was replaced by Riley Alford.
The Cannons had the first chance of the match for seven minutes through Alford, who received the ball on the right and attempted to lob the ball over the keeper who had come out of position, however the ball went just wide of the post. It was Haywards Heath who had the next chance through Trevor McCreadie who attempted a shot in a crowded penalty area, however Henry Newcombe got down to his right to keep the ball out.
Alex Brown almost broke the deadlock after a quarter of an hour with a downward header which was caught by the goalkeeper. At the other end, Haywards Heath took the lead on 35 minutes, as Tom Cadman fired the ball towards goal, coming off defender Liam Smith on its way. The Cannons nearly found an equaliser with six minutes to go, as Alex Brown took a free kick just outside the box, with the goalkeeper spilling the ball slightly but grabbing the ball to prevent an equaliser before the break.
It was almost 2-0 after 58 minutes through Alahady Jalloh, who fired the ball just across goal. With just nine minutes to go, a melee in the Hythe town penalty area almost resulted in an own goal, as the ball went from player to player before it was hoofed clear.
The performance wasn't very easy on the eye for the Cannons as they edge closer to the relegation zone, but they will look to get back to winning ways next Saturday as they travel to local rivals Whitstable Town at 3pm.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Jack Mayhew, Nico Cotton, James Rogers, Liam Smith, Ollie Gray (George Crimmen 81 mins), Luca Woodhouse (Jordan Sarfo 85 mins), Alex Brown, Tom Walmsley, Jacob Gilbert, Riley Alford. Subs Unused: Sam Hignett, Connor Cheek, George Sibley.
Scorer: Haywards Heath Town – Tom Cadman 35 mins.
Attendance: 135
Report by Tom Ellerby
Hythe Town 1 Ashford United 2
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 5th March 2022
The Cannons got off to a good start and within the first few seconds of the match, a Jack Mayhew ball into the box following a run down the right hand side was deflected away for a corner kick by the Ashford backline. However, on 14 minutes, it was the visitors who almost went in front through Luke Burden, whose diving header was saved by a leaping Henry Newcombe, with the rebound bouncing off Burden's head and away from the danger zone. Four minutes later, Jacob Gilbert came close to scoring a superb solo goal, skipping past a sliding Ashford defender and attempting to round the keeper. However, Niemczycki was able to grab the ball from his feet.
It was the away side who broke the deadlock on 21 minutes after Ollie Gray's foul gave Ashford a free kick inside the D. Ex-Cannon Frannie Collin stepped up and slotted past Newcombe for 1-0. The visitors doubled their lead on 37 minutes, as Tashi-Jay Kwayie's cross was headed home by Luke Burden. Just before the break, the Cannons had the chance to pull one back, as the Ashford keeper fumbled with the ball, allowing Tyler Sterling to skew a shot away from goal. Sterling did have another chance to score, releasing a long range shot which dipped over the crossbar.
The second half began very evenly, and Ashford had the first major chance which came from Tashi-Jay Kwayie, who received a cross from Frannie Collin and headed the ball on the top of the crossbar. Hythe made two substitutions to try and turn the game around, bringing Riley Alford and Jordan Sarfo into the action. On 72 minutes, new signing Ollie Gray had the chance to pull a goal back, heading Luca Woodhouse's cross at the goalkeeper. Ashford had the chance to seal the points two minutes later through Collin, who forced Henry Newcombe into a spectacular save to his bottom right, with the rebound being fired wide.
With just nine minutes remaining of the match, Hythe got themselves back into the game when Jack Mayhew's ball into the penalty area was nodded against the inside of the upright by Riley Alford and the ball trickled over the line to put Hythe in a much better position. However, the Cannons were unable to produce any more chances, unlike Ashford, who forced Henry Newcombe to make a superb double save to keep the score at 2-1.
The full time whistle blew, and overall, the result was not too disappointing for Cannons fans, and the team can go away with the knowledge that they put up a good fight against a strong Ashford side. They will return to Reachfields next Saturday as they entertain Haywards Heath Town at 3pm.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Jack Mayhew, Nico Cotton, James Rogers, Liam Smith, Ollie Gray, Luca Woodhouse, Alex Brown (George Sibley 87 mins), Tom Walmsley (Riley Alford 62 mins), Jacob Gilbert, Tyler Sterling (Jordan Sarfo 69 mins). Unused Subs: Connor Cheek, Tom Wynter.
Scorers: Hythe Town - Riley Alford 81 mins. Ashford United - Frannie Collin 21 mins, Luke Burdon 37 mins.
Attendance: 446
Report by Tom Ellerby
Burgess Hill Town 3 Hythe Town 0
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 26th February 2022
The Cannons three game unbeaten run came to an end as they went down 3-0 at Burgess Hill Town on a sunny still Saturday afternoon.
There were limited opportunities in the first half with the first coming for Hythe on seven minutes as Jordan Sarfo came in from the right, but his angle was too tight, and he shot into the side netting. The rest of the early pressure came from the Hillians without really producing any clear-cut chances. On seventeen minutes Tyler Sterling unleashed a shot that sailed just over the cross bar.
However, finally Burgess Hill got the break through as with their first opportunity they took the lead on 26 minutes as a cross from Martyn Box eventually found its way to the far post where veteran midfielder Lewis Taylor swept the ball home. Luca Woodhouse then had an effort to bring the scores level, but he drove straight at Burgess Hill keeper Will Huffer who smothered the ball. The majority of the pressure still came from the hosts, but the Hythe defence remained firm as firstly a cross from Lewis Finney found Hayden Skerry whose attempt was blocked and then a volley from Josh Spinks flew over the bar.
Five minutes from the break and the Cannons had a chance to get back in the game as George Crimmen lifted the ball over the cross bar from a Tyler Sterling shot and then at the other end a cross from Tom Chalaye found Spinks but the away defence again did well to block his effort.
On the balance of play the hosts edged the half and just about deserved their lead.
The second half started slowly with Hythe looking like the more likely as a Woodhouse attempt flew just over and then Sterling played in Woodhouse who this time sent his effort wide. On 69 minutes the Cannons should have been level as Woodhouse played in substitute Riley Alford who was left with just Huffer to beat but the striker sent his shot wide. Woodhouse was in the action again as he rattled the ball against the top of the cross bar.
Then on 78 minutes, out of nothing, Taylor produced a sublime over head kick that sailed over Hythe keeper Henry Newcombe into the top of the net to extend the Hillians lead. Hythe did create another chance as a Sterling free kick found Woodhouse who fired wide. However the second goal had knocked the wind out of the visitors sails as Skerry blasted wide and then two minutes into injury time Skerry got onto the ball as they Hythe defence failed to clear. He finished neatly to make it 3-0 and seal all three points.
The final score flattered the hosts and with better finishing the Cannons could have been more competitive and the gap narrower between the teams. Hythe retain their place in 14th as only Sevenoaks Town below them gained a single point. Hythe have a tough local derby next Saturday (5th March 2022) when they entertain Ashford United in the league.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith (Jack Mayhew 84 mins), Nico Cotton, James Rogers, Scott Doe, George Crimmen, Jordan Sarfo (Riley Alford 60 mins), Jacob Gilbert, Tom Walmsley, Luca Woodhouse, Tyler Sterling. Unused Subs: Sam Hignett, Connor Cheek, George Sibley
Scorers: Burgess Hill Town - Lewis Taylor 26 & 78 mins, Hayden Skerry 90 mins.
Attendance: 335
Hythe Town 2 Chichester City 1
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 19th February 2022
Hythe beat Chichester 2-1 on a stormy Saturday afternoon at Reachfields. James Rogers made three changes from the 3-3 draw at Three Bridges, as Tom Walmsley, Jacob Gilbert and Connor Cheek replaced Jordan Sarfo, Scott Doe and Alex Brown.
A large chunk of the action happened before the game even started, as fans entered the stadium wondering whether the game would still be going ahead. However, by 2:55, the players walked out of the tunnel, confirming that the game would go ahead, at least for the time being. Hythe made the most of the conditions by opening the scoring after just six minutes, as Luca Woodhouse made a simple run into the penalty area, slotting the ball into the goalkeeper’s top right hand corner to give the Cannons an early lead. It was almost two after 17 minutes, as Riley Alford’s cross was blown towards goal by the wind, however the keeper managed to catch it and avoid embarrassment. Tyler Sterling had an effort from a free kick halfway through the second half, which he fired just over the crossbar.
Unfortunately, Chi drew level halfway through the first period as Josh Clack skipped past Connor Cheek's sliding tackle, running into the box and slotting past the onrushing Henry Newcombe. They almost took the lead with seven minutes left of the half through Ethan Prichard, who found his way through, but the wind blew the ball over the line for a Hythe goal kick. Tyler Sterling had yet another chance for a goal from a free kick on the stroke of half time, and again, it went over the crossbar.
The half time break was certainly an entertaining one, as fans speculated as to whether the referee would allow the game to resume. However, he seemed to allow the players to decide if the game would go ahead, and so the players walked out of the tunnel to continue the match. Chichester had the bulk of the early chances, with Josh Clack having two of them. He pulled the first one wide of the post as a result of the wind, before sliding it under the legs of Henry Newcombe, who won the ball to prevent any danger.
Ethan Prichard fired a shot wide with 15 minutes remaining of the match, and by this point, the rain had stopped and the wind had calmed down, meaning the only problem was the pitch. Hythe fans held their breath for a moment as Jamie Horncastle fired the ball past Henry Newcombe, however the linesman signalled for offside. None of this mattered in the end, as it was the Cannons who took the three points through Jack Mayhew, who was making his return from a spell out injured. The young substitute hammered the ball home to send the fans wild, running over to the substitutes to celebrate.
The full time whistle blew a few minutes later, and the Cannons breathed a sigh of relief as they moved up to 13th in the table, seven points clear of the relegation zone. Hythe will look to make it back-to-back wins next weekend as they travel to Burgess Hill on Saturday at 3pm.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, Nico Cotton, James Rogers, George Crimmen, Connor Cheek, Riley Alford (Jordan Sarfo 55 mins), Jacob Gilbert (Jack Mayhew 79 mins),Tom Walmsley, Luca Woodhouse, Tyler Sterling. Sub Unused George Sibley, Sam Hignett.
Scorers: Hythe Town - Luca Woodhouse 6 mins, Jack Mayhew 88 mins. Chichester City - Josh Clack 23 mins.
Attendance:152
Three Bridges 3 Hythe Town 3
Pitching In Isthmian South-East
Saturday 12th February 2022
The Cannons came away with a well-earned point from Three Bridges and could have taken all three as they took the lead late in the game in a thrilling 3-3 draw on Saturday afternoon.
Hythe included new signing Nico Cotton, who started at left back replacing George Sibley who was on the bench and Riley Alford was in the starting line-up.
Three Bridges started the brighter and had their first opportunity on five minutes as Cameron Lawson blasted a shot from the left high over the bar and then on ten minutes they were ahead as a Charlie Lambert cross was swept home by Brannon O’Neill. However, Hythe weren’t behind very long as two minutes later Tyler Sterling broke through and poked the ball past the advancing home keeper, Mitchell Bromage to bring the scores level. The game was going from end to end as the next effort came from the visitors as Alex Brown created space, but his final attempt went over the bar.
Lambert was in again on 20 minutes, but Hythe keeper Henry Newcombe spread his body well to block and then a long-range effort from Curtis Guyler sailed high over the bar. At the other end Jordan Sarfo had a shot blocked and the rebound was just out of the reach of Riley Alford. It was Three Bridges who then took the lead on 31 minutes as Lambert had a shot blocked by the Hythe defence, but the ball fell for Dan Perry who finished, nicely planting the ball in the bottom corner of the net.
Three Bridges started the second period on the front foot with Perry blasting over the bar, but the Cannons were starting to look more dangerous as Liam Smith sent a shot across the face of the goal. On 56 minutes Bridges’ Perry broke free but Newcombe was quick off his line to prevent a goal. A couple of opportunities fell to Hythe as they upped their game with Alex Brown having a shot pushed away by Bromage and a Luca Woodhouse cross from the right found Alford who couldn’t get enough on the ball to threaten. Sterling continued to create and his next shot stung Bromage’s hands. Finally, the away pressure brought dividends on 71 minutes as the Cannons drew level. A free kick was played into the area ending with an overhead kick from George Crimmen from close range that found its way into the net.
At this stage of the game, it could have gone either way as a shot from Perry was pushed away by Newcombe. Crimmen had an effort cleared off the line and then on 84 minutes Sterling produced a something out of nothing. He spotted Bromage off his line and skilfully looped the ball from distance over the keeper’s head dipping just under the cross bar and into the Three Bridges net to give the Cannons the lead. However right on 90 minutes Three Bridges got the equaliser as substitute Ben Bacon forced the ball over the line after a melee in the Hythe penalty area and both sides had to settle for a point each.
It was a good point against an in form Three Bridges side as the Cannons remain 16th place as they face Chichester City next Saturday in a league fixture at Reachfields. Kick off is 3pm.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, Nico Cotton, James Rogers, Scott Doe, George Crimmen, Tyler Sterling, Alex Brown (Jacob Gilbert 78 mins), Riley Alford, Luca Woodhouse (Tom Walmsley 69 mins), Jordan Sarfo (Connor Cheek 87 mins) Sub Unused: George Sibley.
Scorers: Three Bridges - Brannon O'Neill 10 mins, Dan Perry 31 mins, Ben Bacon 90 mins. Hythe Town – Tyler Sterling 12 & 84 mins, George Crimmen 71 mins.
Attendance: 90
Hythe Town 2 Whitehawk 2
Pitching In Isthmian South-East
Tuesday 8th February 2022
Hythe produced a dramatic fightback on Tuesday evening as they stole a point from Whitehawk. James Rogers made three changes from the defeat to Hastings, as George Crimmen, Jordan Sarfo and Tyler Sterling all returned to the starting eleven.
The game began brightly, with the first chance going to Hythe defender Scott Doe, who turned and shot towards goal, with the it being spilled by the keeper and cleared off the line by a defender. Whitehawk had their first chance shortly after, and it came from James Fraser, who had two shots punched away by goalkeeper Henry Newcombe. On 12 minutes, it was almost 1-0 to Hythe as Alex Brown’s shot was caught by the keeper before any damage could be done. Another opportunity went Whitehawk’s way a minute later, once again it went to James Fraser who received a ball from Javaun Splatt, side-footing it wide. Luca Woodhouse had yet another chance to break the deadlock, hitting a scorching drive just wide of the post.
It was eventually the Hawks who took the lead as an unfortunate error from the Hythe defence proved to be costly. James Fraser hit a weak shot from outside the box, which defender George Crimmen left for the keeper to collect, however Newcombe had positioned himself badly, and failed to catch the ball, which rolled past him to give the Hawks the lead. Fortunately, Tyler Sterling helped Hythe draw level, surging past the defence and firing the ball in from a tight angle. However, the Hawks scored a second just before the half-hour mark, as a ball into the box was tapped past Newcombe by James Fraser for his second, after more poor defending from the Cannons. A minute later, a shot from Ollie Munt went just past Newcombe’s post. A free kick from Luca Woodhouse was touched wide by Alex Brown with a few minutes before half-time, and right before the whistle, Tyler Sterling unleashed a long-range effort, but it fail to hit the target and wasn't enough to go in level.
The second half started rather scrappily, with Harry Reed landing a hard challenge on Luca Woodhouse, rightly receiving a yellow card from referee Nick Dunn. On the hour mark, it was almost 2-2 from a Tyler Sterling free kick which ricocheted off the crossbar. With just 14 minutes remaining, Scott Doe’s headed cross was bundled towards goal by Liam Smith, however, the keeper caught the ball right on the line. It seemed like the equaliser was on its way, and things became even more possible when Harry Reed received a second yellow after clipping Woodhouse once again. This put Hythe in an excellent position. All three substitutes were made, and it seemed as though Hythe had a pitch full of strikers (in reality, they had five). Whitehawk almost sealed their lead with six minutes to go, as Mo Kamara fired across the face of goal.
Eventually the referee signalled that there would be five minutes of added time. To nobody’s surprise, Whitehawk wasted much of that time, and the referee had no choice but to add more on. Luckily, Hythe made the most of this, and in the sixth minute of injury time, the Whitehawk keeper went too far off his line, allowing substitute Riley Alford to lob the ball over him, much to the excitement and relief of the watching Hythe supporters.
The result gave Hythe a well-deserved point against a relegation rival, as Hythe sat in 16th at the time of writing. The Cannons return to action on Saturday as they travel to Three Bridges, with the match kicking off at 3PM.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, George Sibley (Tom Walmsley 63 mins), James Rogers, Scott Doe, George Crimmen, Luca Woodhouse, Alex Brown, Jordan Sarfo, Jacob Gilbert (Riley Alford 76 mins), Tyler Sterling (Jack Nelson 84 mins). Unused Subs: Sam Hignett, Connor Cheek
Scorers: Hythe Town - Tyler Sterling 25 mins, Riley Alford 90 mins. Whitehawk - James Fraser 17 & 26 mins.
Attendance: 147
Hastings United 3 Hythe Town 0
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 5th February 2022
Hastings United proved their position at the top of the table is well deserved as they easily beat the Cannons 3-0 at Pilot Field on Saturday afternoon in front of a bumper crowd of 1102.
The game marked the six hundredth appearance for ex-Cannon Sam Adams for Hastings United who played to the script as he struck two of the Hastings goals. The Cannons started the game without the injured Jack Mayhew and with George Crimmen sitting on the bench not quite ready for a start due a calf strain suffered at Horsham last Tuesday.
The hosts began the game on the front foot and should have been ahead in the first minute as Ben Pope pounced on an error from Connor Cheek and found himself one on one with Hythe keeper Henry Newcombe, but his lob bounced and ran the wrong side of the upright. Another effort on four minutes saw Tom Chalmers neatly work his way into a shooting position forcing a great save from Newcombe. Newcombe was to save again from Pope before Hastings finally took the lead on eleven minutes as Pope this time got the ball over to Adams who blasted home to make it 1-0.
Hastings continued to dominate as their attacks came in waves. A cross from Pope found James Hull who spooned the ball over the bar and then Pope was in the action again as his mishit shot fell into the path of Adams whose attempt was easily saved by Newcombe. The Cannons had to wait until 29 minutes for their first threat as Liam Smith played in free kick that found Riley Alford who got under his header and the ball looped high over the bar and then a similar kick again found Alford who this time headed wide. Hythe had Scott Doe to thank as he cleared the ball off the line from Hull and then Chalmers shot straight at Newcombe.
Then came the games most controversial moment on 40 minutes as Pope appeared to continue to run straight at Newcombe who already had the ball in his hands. The home striker went down as he ran into the keeper. The referee went over to his assistant, and they had a conversation that appeared to last an age before he turned and pointed to the spot to protests of the Cannons with many thinking the infringement was the other way round. Up stepped Adams who sent Newcombe the wrong way to make it two nil and get his second of the game. There was one more opportunity for the hosts before the break as an Adams header was well held by Newcombe.
The second half was less frantic with the hosts edging the possession but there more chances for Hythe to get back in the game. On 55 minutes Luca Woodhouse sailed a long-range effort high over the bar and then after 62 minutes Hastings sealed the game as a Hull cross found Jack Dixon who tapped home to make it 3-0. The hosts eased off and allowed a couple of opportunities for the visitors as Tom Walmsley pulled the ball back from the by-line to Jordan Sarfo who couldn’t get any power on the ball and Hastings keeper Louis Rogers saved easily and then Tyler Sterling crashed a shot wide against the advertising boards.
Chances were coming for the Cannons as Sarfo delivered the ball to Sterling who lifted the ball over the bar, but Hythe could not get the consolation and it was Hastings had the final effort as ex-Hythe favourite Kenny Pogue shot from the left forcing Newcombe to push the ball away. Less than a minute additional time was added on by the referee at the end of the game and the Cannons will need to regroup for Tuesday night’s vital game at Reachfields against Whitehawk. Kick-off is 7:45pm
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, George Sibley, James Rogers, Scott Doe, Connor Cheek, Riley Alford (Jordan Sarfo 59 mins), Alex Brown, Tom Walmsley (Jack Nelson 72 mins), Jacob Gilbert, Luca Woodhouse (Tyler Sterling 59 mins) Sub Unused: George Crimmen
Scorers: Hastings United – Sam Adams 11 & 40 (pen) mins, Jack Dixon 62 mins.
Attendance: 1102
Horsham 3 Hythe Town 1
Velocity Trophy 3rd Round
Tuesday 1st February 2022
It really was the game of two halves as the Cannons were knocked out of the Velocity Trophy at Premier Division Horsham on Tuesday evening as they went down 3-1.
From the kick-off it was Horsham who were on the front foot, and they went ahead with their very first meaningful attempt on goal on four minutes as a cross from Tom Richards found Shamir Fenelon at the far post who planted the ball into the back of the Hythe net. Attacks came in waves as the host piled the pressure on the Cannons defence. They had to defend a number of corners and were struggling to get the ball away. Unfortunately, the Cannons had two early injuries that upset plans as both George Crimmen and Jack Mayhew limped out of the action to be replaced by Riley Alford and James Rogers.
On 21 minutes a long-range effort from Tom Kavanagh sailed over the cross bar. Despite the constant pressure Horsham were struggling to turn their dominance into goals. The Cannons did have their first effort of the half on 28 minutes as the ever-busy Tyler Sterling blasted a shot that stung the hands of Horsham keeper Sam Howes. However, this was a brief respite for the Hythe defence as a shot from Kavanagh was easily held by Hythe debutant keeper, Sam Hignett.
Horsham finally on 37 minutes turned their dominance into a goal as Charlie Harris sent in a free kick the found Fenelon who blasted home to make it 2-0. The home onslaught continued as a Lucas Rodrigues cross was headed wide by Will Miles and then Eddie Dsane had a shot smothered well by Hignett. The young keeper then did really well to save from Kavanagh. Hignett had a couple more saves to make before the break as he twice denied Miles. The visitors were relieved to hear the half time whistle having had to substitute Jack Nelson due to illness and probably relieved to only have conceded twice.
Despite an early second half effort from the hosts as Harris fired a shot straight at Hignett, the pattern of the game changed as finally the Cannons came into the game as Sterling cut in from the left and rifled a shot just the wrong side of the upright and then Luca Woodhouse struck an effort over the bar. Tom Walmsley then pounced on a loose ball but his attempt was blocked as was Alford’s follow up effort.
At the other end Horsham were unlucky not to increase their lead as a cheeky back heeled flick by Miles hit the upright but despite this Hythe were now coming back into the game as a fine goal by Sterling on 61 minutes narrowed the gap. He unleashed a shot that was drilled into the bottom corner of the net giving Howes no chance. It was now Hythe who looked more likely as they searched for the equaliser. Sterling had a similar opportunity to his goal, but the ball sailed over and then on 64 minutes Walmsley broke through one on one with Howes but made it too easy for the keeper to save.
Horsham were getting a few chances to put the game to bed and Dsane had an attempt deflected for a corner and then Fenelon pulled a shot wide. Hythe were still on the look out to get the vital levelling goal as Alford whipped in a cross that was headed over by Sterling. However, the final blow came two minutes from time as the Premier Division side buried the game as Rodrigues scrambled home their third goal from a cross from Richards to make it 3-1.
All in all, it had been a good performance from the Cannons against higher level opposition but this year’s Velocity Trophy venture was over as they now look forward to the difficult league trip to Hastings United on Saturday afternoon. The game kicks off at 3pm.
Team: Sam Hignett, Connor Cheek, Jack Mayhew (James Rogers 18 mins), Jacob Gilbert, Scott Doe, George Crimmen (Riley Alford 13 mins), George Sibley, Liam Smith, Jack Nelson (Tom Walmsley 43 mins) , Tyler Sterling, Luca Woodhouse. Sub Unused: Henry Newcombe
Scorers: Horsham - Shamir Fenelon 4 & 37 mins, Lucas Rodrigues 88 mins . Hythe Town - Tyler Sterling 61 mins.
Attendance: 261
Hythe Town 2 Faversham Town 1
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 29th January 2022
Hythe beat relegation rivals Faversham 2-1 on Saturday in an end-to-end local derby. The Cannons made two changes, with Henry Newcombe and George Crimmen returning to the side.
The Cannons had the first significant chance of the match on 11 minutes, as Jordan Sarfo headed across the face of goal, with the rebound going to Alex Brown, whose shot was saved by the keeper who got down to his right. Two minutes later, Sarfo had another chance, lifting the ball over the crossbar. It was almost Faversham who took the lead after half an hour, as Harry Harding bundled the ball past Henry Newcombe in goal, with Emmanuel Oluwasemo poking it in from an offside position, giving Hythe a goal-kick and keeping them in the match.
The second period had a much brighter start. A ball forward from the Hythe defence found Tom Walmsley who gave the ball to Riley Alford, who slotted past the keeper to give Hythe the lead. Only six minutes later, it was 2-0, and this time it was Sarfo playing the pass to Alford who tapped it in for his second. Unfortunately for the Cannons, Faversham pulled a goal back with just eight minutes to go, as a ball in was bundled over the line by Marcus Elliott, putting the Hythe fans in a very nervous state. A flurry of yellow cards from the referee followed this, as nine yellow cards were shown over the course of the match, with five of those going to Hythe players.
Fortunately, after five minutes of added time, the full-time whistle blew, giving Hythe their second victory in a row and propelling them three places up the table into 15th. The Cannons return to action on Tuesday as they travel to Horsham in the Velocity Trophy. Kick off will be 7:45pm.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, Jack Mayhew (George Sibley 67 mins), James Rogers, George Crimmen, Connor Cheek, Jacob Gilbert, Alex Brown, Tom Walmsley (Tyler Sterling 59 mins), Riley Alford (Luca Woodhouse 59 mins), Jordan Sarfo. Unused Subs Jack Nelson, Sam Hignett.
Scorers: Hythe Town - Riley Alford 52 & 58 mins. Faversham Town – Marcus Elliott 82 mins.
Attendance: 270
Report by Tom Ellerby
Ramsgate 1 Hythe Town 1
Kent Senior Cup 2nd Round
(Hythe won 5-4 on pens)
Tuesday 25th January 2022
For the second time in the Kent Senior Cup this season, the Cannons were reduced to ten men but still came out victorious in the penalty shoot out as they dumped out Ramsgate in the second round on Tuesday evening at the Southwood Stadium.
The Cannons made five changes as amongst others new signing Shannon Harris replaced the suspended keeper Henry Newcombe in goal, Scott Doe replaced George Crimmen and Alex Brown came in for the injured Charlie Webster
The first half was an even affair with chances coming at both ends. It was Ramsgate who were the first to show as after five minutes Tijan Jadama fired a shot from long range wide of the target and then on a quarter of an hour Tom Walmsley had Hythe’s first effort as he skyed his attempt over the bar. Scott Doe was the next in the action as he also cleared the cross bar. At the other end Jadama has another effort that he spooned over. On the half hour Walmsley put in a dangerous cross that was headed over by Riley Alford. The last action of the half saw a chance for Ramsgate as a cross from the left was headed down by Josh Ajayi but it was too close to Harris who saved easily.
The Second Period started with drama as with the very first attack on 46 minutes the hosts were ahead as a cross from Ajayi found former Cannon Ashley Miller who finished neatly. However, within a minute Hythe were level as Liam Smith played in Alford whose audacious flick went past Ramsgate keeper Jacob Russell and into the Rams net.
Both sides battled to look to gain the advantage, but chances were limited. On 61 minutes Sterling fed the ball to Jack Nelson on the left but his right foot stab went straight into the arms of Russell. With 15 minutes to go the Cannons were reduced to ten men as Connor Cheek brought down a Ramsgate player as they pressed in on goal. Hythe dug in and in fact had the best chance to seal the game as with ten minutes to go Sterling worked his way along the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a shot that was deflected over the bar for a corner. In the closing two minutes Jadama did have an effort that sailed over for the Rams.
We were then left with the drama of a penalty shootout. The first two spot kicks for each side were buried in the back of the net with Smith and Sterling successful for Hythe. Jake McIntyre sent the Rams third high over the bar and Jack Nelson planted his to give the Cannons the advantage. The next three kicks found the net with Hythe player manager James Rogers getting his and it was left to the cool Jack Mayhew to make no mistake in send Hythe through to the 3rd Round to the delight of the travelling supporters.
The Cannons will now await the draw for the next round to find out their opponents, but this result will give them confidence as they are back in league action on Saturday as they entertain Faversham Town. Kick off at Reachfields is 3pm.
Team: Shannon Harris, Liam Smith, Jack Mayhew, James Rogers, Connor Cheek, Scott Doe, Jacob Gilbert, Alex Brown (George Sibley 68 mins), Jordan Sarfo (Tyler Sterling 46 mins), Tom Walmsley (Jack Nelson 58 mins), Riley Alford. Sub Unused: George Crimmen
Scorers: Ramsgate - Ashley Miller 46 mins. Hythe Town - Riley Alford 47 mins
Attendance: 371
Sittingbourne 2 Hythe Town 1
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 22nd January 2022
The Cannons can count themselves a little unlucky in a game they dominated but went down 2-1 partly down to an excellent home goalkeeping performance by Harry Brooks.
Hythe made three changes from the previous game against Cray Valley PM as Connor Cheek replaced the suspended Scott Doe, Jordan Sarfo came in for the unavailable Luca Woodhouse and Jack Mayhew returned to take over from George Sibley.
The first half started slowly with the Cannons having the bulk of the early chances as after eight minutes Tyler Sterling sent in a long-range effort that went wide of the goal and then Charlie Webster sailed an effort high over the crossbar. Sittingbourne had to wait until the 28th minute before they created their first opportunity as a shot from the right from Taylor Fisher forced Hythe keeper Henry Newcombe to block and then immediately former Cannon Alex Flisher pulled an attempt wide.
Sterling had a second long range effort which this time was smothered well by Brooks. Then came a mad five minutes that cost Hythe the match as firstly on 41 minutes Harry Stannard picked up the ball and smashed it past Newcombe and into the back of the net. Then on the stroke of half time they got a second as this time Stannard turned provider looping in a cross that found Taylor Fisher who made no mistake to give the Brickies a two goal half time lead.
The second half seemed to take place in the Sittingbourne half as Hythe looked to get back into the game. On 62 minutes Jordan Sarfo had a shot from well outside the area that drifted wide. The visitors had strong appeals for a penalty turned down as Tom Walmsley appeared to be brought down. The resultant corner ended in a melee in the Sittingbourne penalty area with the ball pinging around like a pinball machine with it being cleared away.
This was the period that Brooks came into his own as he stretched to save from Jack Mayhew and then collected the ball easily from a Webster strike. Mayhew was then denied by Brooks for a second time as the left back shot from the left. It wasn’t until the 87th minute that Sittingbourne threatened as Tyler Christian-Law forced a save from Newcombe. Then came the worst moment of the afternoon as Webster had to be carried off with what appeared to be a nasty injury after being fouled on the edge of the area. As Hythe had made all their substitutions, they were left with only ten men. However, Alex Brown did give the Cannons some consolation as he curled the resultant free kick into the top corner giving Brooks no chance seven minutes into injury time. It was sadly too little too late for Hythe who sink into the bottom three.
The Cannons have a break from league action on Tuesday night as they travel to Ramsgate on Tuesday evening for a Kent Senior Cup 2nd Round tie. Please note kick off is at 7:30pm and admission is free.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, Jack Mayhew, James Rogers, Connor Cheek, George Crimmen, Tyler Sterling (Riley Alford 45 mins), Charlie Webster, Jack Nelson (Alex Brown 57 mins), Jacob Gilbert (Tom Walmsley 57 mins), Jordan Sarfo. Unused Sub: George Sibley
Scorers: Sittingbourne - Harry Stannard 42 mins, Taylor Fisher 45 mins. Hythe Town - Alex Brown 90 mins
Attendance: 257
Hythe Town 2 Cray Valley PM 4
Pitching In Isthmian League South East
Saturday 15th January 2021
A spirited Hythe side were defeated by a strong Cray Valley team on Saturday afternoon. James Rogers made just two changes from the 5-1 victory over South Park, with George Sibley replacing Jack Mayhew who picked up an injury shortly before kick-off, and Scott Doe coming in for Tom Wynter who was also out for the match.
The Millers started the game on the front foot and took the lead after just three minutes, as Denzel Gayle made a run into the box and fired the ball home. Scott Doe tried to push it clear, but despite taking a deflection, the ball still found the net. Fortunately, it took Hythe just a minute to respond, with Jack Nelson squaring the ball to Tyler Sterling who poked the ball in past the keeper. After 19 minutes, the Millers retook the lead through Marcel Barrington who ran past keeper Henry Newcombe and slammed it in. They almost scored their third ten minutes later, as Matthew A-Warren’s shot was punched away by Newcombe. On 37 minutes, Hythe came back once again to level the scores through Jacob Gilbert, who turned and nestled a shot just under the crossbar from outside the box, much to the delight of the supporters.
The two teams went into the changing rooms level at half time, and Hythe almost took the lead on 47 minutes with Jack Nelson’s run and shot from outside the box, however the ball sailed over the crossbar. A minute later the Millers almost regained the advantage in a goalmouth scramble, which Henry Newcombe dealt with by palming the ball away, allowing the Cannons defence to clear it.
In the 65th minute, Cray made it 3-2 with a highly controversial goal from Francis Babalola, who made a run through they Hythe defence, beating Scott Doe in the process, and hammering the ball home. The majority of the Hythe players and supporters believed there was a foul in the build-up, and they all surrounded the referee. However, his mind was made up and defender Scott Doe was sent off for his protests. Ten minutes later, Cray almost got their fourth, as Ali Tumkaya’s shot deflected off the crossbar. They hit the woodwork once again through Denzel Gayle, whose shot hit the post, with his rebound being blocked by the defence. Unfortunately, there was one more goal left in the game, and it went Cray’s way, as Francis Babalola backheeled the ball to Marcel Barrington who slotted the ball past Newcombe for a brace.
Despite the result, there were positives to be taken from the match for Hythe and James Rogers. The Cannons are back in action away at Sittingbourne next Saturday at 3pm.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, George Sibley, James Rogers, George Crimmen, Scott Doe, Luca Woodhouse (Riley Alford 72 mins), Charlie Webster, Jack Nelson (Jordan Sarfo 64 mins), Jacob Gilbert, Tyler Sterling. Sub Unused: Tom Walmsley
Scorers: Hythe Town - Tyler Sterling 4 mins, Jacob Gilbert 37 mins. Cray Valley PM - Denzel Gayle 3 mins , Marcel Barrington 19 mins & 88 mins, Francis Babalola 65 mins.
Attendance: 221
Report by Tom Ellerby
Hythe Town 5 South Park 1
Velocity Trophy 2nd Round
Tuesday 11th January 2022
Hythe won their first match since November on Tuesday night as they hammered South Park 5-1. The visitors had made several changes from their last match, with the Cannons also making four alterations from their last match against Sevenoaks. George Crimmen and Tom Wynter made their injury comebacks, with Jacob Gilbert and Jack Nelson also coming into the side. George Sibley and Riley Alford were dropped to the bench, whilst Scott Doe and Jordan Sarfo were unavailable for the match.
Within the first few minutes of the match, Tom Wynter went down inside the Hythe box, suggesting that he his return to the team had come a little too soon. He went off injured and was replaced by George Sibley. It was the Cannons who created the opening chance of the game, which came through Tyler Sterling, whose shot from a one-on-one position was saved by South Park keeper Ryan Coltress. However, it was the Sparks who opened the scoring on 18 minutes, as Adam Aziz’s ball into the box was swept in by Ben Jordan. It took Hythe just nine minutes to respond, with Jacob Gilbert hammering the ball home to equalise for the Cannons. Gilbert had two more chances within the next few minutes, as he squared the ball to Luca Woodhouse who shot at the goalkeeper. He also received a good ball from Jack Mayhew but fired just over the crossbar. With just ten minutes of the first half remaining, Hythe took the lead on the counterattack, with Jack Nelson running forward and shooting at the keeper, before tapping the rebound in. Luca Woodhouse managed to score Hythe’s third before half time, as a weak shot from him was spilled by the keeper into his own net.
The second half started just as brightly as the first half had ended, with Liam Smith having a shot at the near post cleared off the line. It took Hythe two minutes to score their first goal at home in the second half since September when a ball into the box was side footed in by Jack Nelson for a brace. He was later replaced by Riley Alford, who created a chance on 83 minutes for captain Charlie Webster to score the fifth, however his shot went just over the bar. Alford had another opportunity, with his shot palmed away by the keeper, before he did eventually put the Cannons 5-1 up, side footing in a cross from Woodhouse to put the icing on the cake for James Rogers’s side.
It was only Hythe’s third home win of the season but was a first at Reachfields for caretaker manager James Rogers. Hythe will look to keep the momentum going on Saturday as they entertain Cray Valley at 3pm.
Report to follow
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, Jack Mayhew (Connor Cheek 75 mins), James Rogers, Tom Wynter (George Sibley 9 mins), George Crimmen, Tyler Sterling, Charlie Webster, Jack Nelson (Riley Alford 63 mins), Jacob Gilbert, Luca Woodhouse.
Scorers: Hythe Town - Jacob Gilbert 27 mins, Jack Nelson 39 & 47 mins, Luca Woodhouse 43 mins, Riley Alford 90 mins.
Attendance: 115
Report by Tom Ellerby
Sevenoaks Town 3 Hythe Town 1
Pitching In Isthmian League South East
Monday 3rd January 2022
It was a case of “what could have been” at Sevenoaks Town on Monday afternoon as Hythe Town’s bad run continued as they lost 3-1. The Cannons made one change as George Sibley came into the line up to replace the unwell Jarred Trespaderne.
The early exchanges were even with both sides fighting a midfield battle and it wasn’t until the 14th minute that the hosts created their first opportunity as Stephen Ikperne sent a long-range effort straight at Hythe keeper Henry Newcombe. Hythe followed four minutes later as Charlie Webster whipped in a dangerous cross that was only just out of the reach of Jordan Sarfo and Riley Alford. Kyle De Silva was next in the action for Sevenoaks as he sent a shot that didn’t test Newcombe and then at the other end Sarfo surged through but was easily denied by Sevenoaks keeper Daniel Colman.
The chances throughout the half were limited with both sides restricted to long-range efforts as Ikperne sent a shot high and wide of the target. Just before the break the Cannons created a couple of opportunities as Tyler Sterling sent in a corner that found Liam Smith who lifted the ball over the bar and then a Luca Woodhouse shot was palmed wide by Colman. Right on the stroke of half time Hythe had strong appeals for a penalty turned down as a Scott Doe effort crashed against a defender’s arm.
The second half could not have started better for the visitors as they were to take the lead on 46 minutes. James Rogers played the ball down the right channel which looked to be covered by Sevenoaks defender Steve Smith who slipped and Sarfo pounced on the loose ball. His first attempt was blocked by Freeman Rogers and Sarfo followed up to slam the ball into the far corner of the net. The lead only lasted five minutes as Louis Collins played in De Silva who cut in and then unleashed a left footed shot that flew into the top left hand side of the net to bring the scores level.
On 53 minutes a corner from the hosts found Smith who headed down and Newcombe was on hand to save and then Jason Fregene drove a swerving shot that went just wide. Chances were coming at both ends as Woodhouse side footed wide then De Silva forced a stretching save from Newcombe. Woodhouse was then in the action again as he rifled the ball just wide. On 71 minutes it was Sevenoaks who gained the advantage as they took the lead as Bobby Dunn sent in a deep cross that found Collins on the far post and he drilled his shot home.
The Cannons went on the look for an equaliser as Sterling had a shot palmed away and Liam Smith sent the rebound wide and then Woodhouse drove a shot over the bar. Sibley had a late effort from the left that was tipped over by Colman. With the game deep in injury time it was the hosts on the counterattack who supplied the killer blow as substitute Fjord Rogers sent the ball across Newcombe and into the net to make it 3-1.
It was a difficult afternoon for the Cannons who have now fallen to 15th place. They have a vital fixture on Saturday (8th January 2022) afternoon as they entertain Whitehawk in another vital league fixture. Kick off at Reachfields will be 3pm.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Jack Mayhew, George Sibley, James Rogers, Liam Smith, Scott Doe, Charlie Webster, Luca Woodhouse, Riley Alford (Jacob Gilbert 75 mins), Tyler Sterling (Jack Nelson 83 mins), Jordan Sarfo.
Scorers: Sevenoaks Town -Kyle De Silva 51 mins, Louis Collins 72 mins, FJord Rogers 90 mins. Hythe Town - Jordan Sarfo 47 mins.
Attendance: 183
Hythe Town 1 Herne Bay 2
Pitching In Isthmian South-East
Saturday 1st January 2022
The Cannons can count themselves very unlucky not to come away with something as they were beaten 2-1 at home to Herne Bay on New Year’s Day afternoon.
The Cannons included a new signing Luca Woodhouse as 17-year-old Tonbridge Angels academy player came into the team. However, they were without George Crimmen who had earlier tested positive for Covid and Kane Phillip who left Hythe on Saturday morning to join our visitors and he was on the their bench.
It was Herne Bay who were first to show as they had their first effort on two minutes with former Cannon Kieron Campbell firing across the face of goal and he threatened again as he shot straight over the bar. Another former Hythe favourite Zak Ansah was next in the action as he turned and shot forcing Hythe keeper Henry Newcombe to push the ball around the post. The early pressure paid dividends on 14 minutes as the ball was half cleared out to yet another ex-Cannon Laurence Harvey who slammed the ball home to give the Bay a deserved early lead.
Hythe did not let their heads drop and were nearly level with their first attack on 17 minutes as Tyler Sterling attempted to loop over the head of Bay keeper Jordan Perrin but the ball hit the inside of the upright. However, the Cannons were not to be denied and a minute later they were level as Woodhouse got an excellent debut goal and as he curled the ball into the corner of the net. The game was now balanced and both sides had opportunities to take the initiative. Rory Smith flashed a shot from the right across the face of the Hythe goal and then at the other end Sterling crossed to Riley Alford who pulled his attempt just wide.
A cross from Campbell found Ansah close in but a combination of Newcombe and Jarred Trespaderne cleared the danger. However, on 36 minutes Herne Bay were to get the goal that proved to be the winner as Campbell broke into the penalty area and sent a swerving shot that beat Newcombe to his left to make it 2-1. The last action of the first half saw Sterling send in a free kick that went across the goalmouth and past the far post.
The second half started slowly with Hythe looking for the equaliser. Woodhouse was unlucky not to get his second as he worked his way into a scoring position before unleashing a rifled effort that cracked against the cross bar. There were limited chances as both sides worked hard to look for openings. Ansah had a shot blocked from close range and was then involved in a neat one-two with Campbell with the latter firing wide.
Herne Bay thought they had sealed the game on 77 minutes as a corner from Adem Ramaden found Aaron Millbank who headed home but the referee had blown for an infringement and the goal was disallowed. Hythe did have a chance to seal a point as Sterling played the ball into Scott Doe and Liam Smith who both were blocked.
It would be difficult to criticise Hythe Town as they put everything into the game and with a little bit more luck would have got at least a point in what was a much-improved home performance. Hythe, who moved down one place to 14th, are back in action on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon as they travel to Sevenoaks Town with the game kicking off at 3pm.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Jack Mayhew, Jarred Trespaderne (George Sibley 62 mins), James Rogers (Jacob Gilbert 76 mins), Liam Smith, Scott Doe, Charlie Webster, Luca Woodhouse, Riley Alford (Jack Nelson 66 mins), Tyler Sterling, Jordan Sarfo.
Scorers: Hythe Town - Luca Woodhouse 17 mins. Herne Bay – Laurence Harvey 14 mins, Keiron Campbell 36 mins.
Attendance: 356
Ramsgate 3 Hythe Town 3
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Monday 27th December 2021
For those Cannons who either chose or weren’t able to travel to Ramsgate missed a “never say die” performance as they came from behind three times to gain a well-earned point in a 3-3 draw at Southwood on a damp Monday afternoon.
The early pressure came from the Rams and their first opportunity came on eight minutes as ex-Cannon Ashley Miller played the ball into Josh Ajayi who turned and shot forcing a save from Hythe keeper Henry Newcombe. Ajayi was denied again, this time by Liam Smith as the defender did well to block a shot. The visitors had to wait until the 19th minute for their first effort as a Tyler Sterling corner found Smith who headed just wide. On 21 minutes Ramsgate took the lead as Ollie Bate picked up the ball and calmly lobbed the ball over Newcombe’s head and into the back of the Hythe net.
A couple of chances came in quick succession as the Rams looked for a second. A free-kick from 20 yards was deflected wide and from the resultant corner Ajayi curled a shot the wrong side of the upright. On 25 minutes a moment of Charlie Webster magic brought the scores level as the midfielder unleashed a shot that flew into the top of the net giving Ramsgate keeper Jacob Russell no chance.
Ramsgate were back in front on 34 minutes as the ever-dangerous Callum Peck found Ajayi who finished neatly. Peck was in the action again as he had a shot blocked by Newcombe and then had an effort that the keeper saved with Tijan Jadama sending the rebound wide. Hythe were to bring the scores level two minutes from half time. Kane Phillip had an attempt blocked with Jordan Sarfo on hand to follow up and score.
The second half started with the hosts on the front foot with Denzelle Olopade sending in a dipping shot that was parried away by Newcombe and then a far post header by Peck went wide. The chances in the second half were limited for both sides and Hythe had to wait until the 67th minute for their first threat as a Sterling cross was headed wide by Scott Doe. George Crimmen was to make an excellent interception as Ajayi broke through.
Hythe were still having their chances as Jack Mayhew jinked his way into the penalty area and unleashed a shot that brought the best out of Russell who saved well. On 75 minutes the Cannons gave away a penalty as Smith brought down Ajayi in the penalty area with the referee having no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Ajayi slammed the penalty into the net to restore the Rams lead. However, the Cannons never gave up and on 83 minutes they were yet again level as Sterling played in substitute Riley Alford who made no mistake in planting the ball in the Ramsgate net to gain the Cannons a much-deserved point as they held out well until the final whistle.
After some recent poor results, this was a hugely encouraging performance by the Cannons as they move up to 13th place in the table. They can look forward as they entertain high flying Herne Bay on New Years Day. Kick off is 3pm at Reachfields.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Jack Mayhew, Liam Smith, James Rogers, Scott Doe, George Crimmen, Charlie Webster, Tyler Sterling, Jordan Sarfo, Kane Phillip (Jack Nelson 81 mins), Jarred Trespaderne (Riley Alford 66 mins)
Scorers: Ramsgate - Oliver Bate, Joshua Ajayi 35 & 78 (pen) mins. Hythe Town – Charlie Webster 26 mins, Jordan Sarfo 44 mins, Riley Alford 83 mins.
Attendance: 622
Hythe Town 0 VCD Athletic 4
Pitching Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 18th December 2021
For the second game in a row, Hythe were defeated by four goals, losing 4-0 to VCD Athletic. The Cannons made three changes from their previous match, with Kane Phillip, George Sibley and manager James Rogers replacing Jarred Trespaderne, Jack Nelson and Tyler Sterling.
It was the home side who had the first major chance of the afternoon, as full-back George Sibley’s long range shot forced goalkeeper Sam Mott to save to his right. The Vickers had their first opportunity just a minute later, as Youssef Bamba made a run into the box, leaving himself one-on-one with Henry Newcombe. However, he scooped the ball over the woodwork. George Sibley had another chance for Hythe, forcing a save from the keeper, with his rebound being cleared off the line by the defender, but VCD came forward on the break, as the ball ended up with Bamba, who rounded Newcombe and slotted it into the back of the net. On the stroke of half time, things got worse for the Cannons as a pinpoint cross into the box found Anthony Adesite in the six-yard box, whose bullet header went in for 2-0.
The second half started with another chance for the Vickers, with goalkeeper Newcombe producing a good save. A rather quiet period followed, but within half an hour, VCD scored their third through substitute Marcus Elliott, who turned and shot into the Hythe net. In second half injury time, as it seemed things couldn’t get any worse, Elliott scored a brace, as he seized through on goal beating two Hythe defenders and putting the icing on the cake for the Vickers.
Hythe will look to end their three-match losing streak on the 27th December as they travel to Ramsgate.
Team: Henry Newcombe, George Sibley, Jack Mayhew, James Rogers (Morgan Williamson 73 mins), Liam Smith, George Crimmen, Charlie Webster, Jacob Gilbert (Jack Nelson 78 mins), Jordan Sarfo (Tyler Sterling 78 mins), Riley Alford, Kane Phillip.
Scorers: VCD Athletic – Youssef Bamba 25 mins, Anthony Adesite 42 mins, Marcus Elliott 82 & 90 mins.
Attendance: 153
Hythe Town 1 Burgess Hill Town 5
Pitching In Isthmian South-East
Tuesday 14th December 2021
Hythe went down to 5-1 to mid-table Burgess Hill on Tuesday night. James Rogers made two changes from the 2-1 defeat to Corinthian, with Alex Brown and George Sibley being replaced by Riley Alford and Jack Nelson.
It was the Cannons who had the better start, as on 20 minutes a ball in from in-form winger Jordan Sarfo was tapped into his own net by defender Josh Spinks. This advantage only lasted a matter of seconds, however, as striker Michael Uwezu was given far too much room in the box, as a cross came down to him. Despite being shorter than the Hythe defenders, the ball bounced off his head past Newcombe to level the scores. It took the Hillians nine minutes to score their second, as Uwezu scored his second, beating Newcombe in goal and tapping into an empty net. There was another one to come as Tom Chalaye got their third on 32 minutes. Hythe had a chance to pull one back when Sarfo made a run down the pitch on the counterattack, firing a decent shot just wide. However, it was almost four on the stroke of half-time when Chalaye forced a good save from Newcombe.
Ten minutes into the second half, Burgess Hill made matters worse for Hythe, when Hayden Skerry turned the ball in for yet another goal. Despite bringing Morgan Williamson and George Sibley onto the pitch, Hythe were unable to prevent a hammering, as with 15 minutes to go, Tom Chalaye won the ball off a Hythe defender and smashed the ball into the Hythe net to put the cherry on top of a strong Burgess Hill performance. Jack Nelson created two chances for Hythe following the fifth goal, firing both above and wide of the woodwork. Riley Alford also had a chance at the end of the match, turning and shooting, with his effort narrowly going over the bar.
There is a lot of work for the Cannons to do before their next match at home to VCD Athletic on Saturday. The match kicks off at 3pm at Reachfields.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Jack Mayhew, Jarred Trespaderne (George Sibley 45mins), Charlie Webster, Liam Smith, George Crimmen, Tyler Sterling, Jacob Gilbert (Morgan Williamson 64 mins), Riley Alford, Jack Nelson, Jordan Sarfo.
Scorers: Hythe Town – Josh Spinks (OG) 20 mins. Burgess Hill Town - Michael Uwezu 21 & 30 mins)
Tom Chalaye, 32 & 75 mins, Hayden Skerry 55 mins)
Attendance: 170
Report by Tom Ellerby
Corinthian 2 Hythe Town 1
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 11th December 2021
The Cannons conceded two late goals as they went down 2-1 on a damp afternoon away at Corinthian on Saturday.
It was Hythe who started the brighter as on four minutes a long range effort from Tyler Sterling sailed over the bar. Corinthian had their first effort on nine minutes as Louie Clarke shot straight at Hythe keeper Henry Newcombe. However, Hythe continued to look the more dangerous and were ahead on twelve minutes as a Sterling corner found Jordan Sarfo a yard out who rose to head the ball home with little resistance from the home defence. Newcombe was on hand to save from Clarke before Hythe were very unlucky not to extend their lead as Alex Brown had a shot blocked with the rebound falling to Jacob Gilbert’s whose attempt was cleared off the line by Frankie Morgan.
On 22 minutes, at the other end Clarke, had another opportunity but headed wide of the upright when it looked easier to hit the target. The rest of the half saw both sides look for openings without too much success with the hosts having a chance on 43 minutes as Morgan scooped the ball over the Hythe bar.
The second half started with Corinthian hungrily looking for a way back into the game. Clarke had a shot that curled around the post and then a cross from Morgan looped over the bar. Harry Lashley forced a save from Newcombe who palmed the ball around the post. Newcombe had to be on hand again to save from former Cannon Kaka Dembele. The visitors were restricted to rare breakaways and the only significant effort of the half saw Liam Smith launch a free kick over the bar. However, Corinthian continued to create as both Ryan Sawyer and Conor Johnson missed the target as the hosts could not quite break through the Hythe defence.
The inevitable happened on 87 minutes as Corinthian were awarded a corner which Morgan sent into to be headed home by Dembele to bring the scores level. Five minutes into injury time the hosts were to get the winner as a similar corner was this time headed home by Jack Bath. It was perhaps tough on Hythe who had defended well with their backs against the wall but eventually the pressure told. The Cannons drop to 14th place in the table as they now prepare for their fixture at home to Burgess Hill Town on Tuesday evening. Kick off at Reachfields is 7:45pm.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, George Sibley (Jack Nelson 77 mins), Charlie Webster, George Crimmen, Jarred Trespaderne (Connor Cheek 90 mins), Jack Mayhew, Jacob Gilbert, Jordan Sarfo, Tyler Sterling (Riley Alford 60 mins), Alex Brown.
Scorers: Corinthian – Kaka Dembele 87 mins, Jack Bath 90+5 mins. Hythe Town – Jordan Sarfo 12 mins.
Attendance: 85
Hythe Town 1 Phoenix Sports 1
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 4th December 2021
It was a game of two halves as bottom of the table Phoenix Sports got a late equaliser to steal a point at Reachfields on Saturday afternoon.
Hythe started brightly and had their first chance in the first minute as Jack Mayhew played the ball into the path of Jacob Gilbert who drove his shot into the arms of Phoenix keeper Steve Phillips. The visitors had their first effort on ten minutes as Brian Moses turned on the edge of the penalty box but pulled his shot wide and then a cross from Steve Carvell saw Liam Smith clearing the ball over the bar under pressure. However, it was the Cannons who were looking the better side and they were ahead on 19 minutes as Jordan Sarfo picked up the ball on the right hand side and planted his shot superbly into the corner of the net giving Phillips no chance.
Sarfo nearly got his second as he pounced on some hesitancy in the Phoenix defence and stole the ball only for Phillips to block. A long-range effort from Guled Ahmed went straight at Hythe keeper Henry Newcombe and then a cross from Henry Douglas bounced on top of the crossbar.
The second period started with the Cannons on the front foot as a Sterling cross found Crimmen on the edge of the area. He rifled the ball towards goal, but the rasping shot was blocked. Newcombe was on hand to save Hythe as he blocked an effort with his legs from a shot from Byron Walker. Hythe were having their own chances as Phillips produced a double save from Mayhew and Tyler Sterling. As the half progressed it was the visitors who were getting stronger as Carvell had a shot deflected for a corner. The Cannons chances were now coming on the break as substitute Riley Alford pulled an effort wide.
On 74 minutes Phoenix were to be awarded a penalty as Newcombe brought down Walker in the penalty area. Walker was to take the penalty but was denied by a great save from Newcombe to retain the Hythe lead. Phoenix continued to press as Carvell pulled an attempt wide. Another breakaway saw Cannons substitute Jack Nelson sting the hands of Phillips with a shot. However, the pressure remained on the Hythe defence and finally Phoenix were rewarded on 89 minutes as Carvell crossed in for Emmanuel Shoderu to tap home to bring the scores level.
Eventually the Cannons had to settle for a point leaving them in eleventh place in the table as they now prepare for Tuesday night’s Velocity Trophy fixture at home to South Park. Kick off is 7:45pm.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, George Sibley, Charlie Webster, Jarred Trespaderne, George Crimmen, Jack Mayhew, Jacob Gilbert, Jordan Sarfo (Riley Alford 62 mins), Tyler Sterling (Jack Nelson 84 mins), Alex Brown.
Scorers: Hythe Town – Jordan Sarfo 19 mins. Phoenix Sports - Emmanuel Shoderu 89 mins.
Attendance: 200
Hythe Town 1 Faversham Town 1
Hythe won 3-2 on penalties
Kent Senior Cup 1st Round
Tuesday 30th November 2021
What a great evening at Reachfields as a much changed Hythe Town team managed to win 3-2 on penalties at home to Faversham Town thanks to a magnificent performance by stand in goalkeeper Liam Smith on Tuesday evening.
New Interim Manager James Rogers brought in striker Riley Alford from ground sharing partners Ashford FC, George Sibley back from Lordswood and Jack Mayhew who has joined from Maidstone United. The rest of the squad was shuffled round to cover injuries to Tom Wynter and Tom Walmsley.
The patched up Cannons were first out of the blocks as Alford had a shot after only two minutes pulling the ball just wide. Faversham had their first attack on six minutes as Eddie Allsopp crossed into Matt Bourne whose header went straight into the arms of Hythe keeper Henry Newcombe. Early exchanges were open with both sides creating opportunities. Emmanuel Oluwasemo shot straight at Newcombe and then ex-Cannon Sam Bewick lifted an effort high over the Hythe bar. At other end a neat interchange on the edge of the Faversham penalty area ended with Jordan Sarfo pulling his attempt wide of the target.
The Cannons took the lead on 23 minutes as Alford picked up the ball on the left hand side and lifted his effort neatly over Faversham keeper Patrick Ohman and into the far corner of the net. On 31 minutes Hythe had Newcombe to thank as he palmed the ball around the upright to retain the lead.
Soon after Hythe’s Mayhew turned and shot with the ball coming off the body of Ohman and over the bar and then as the game closed in on half time Sarfo, who had tormented the Faversham defence, unleashed a shot from long range that forced Ohman to tip over.
The second half started with Hythe on the attack as Jacob Gilbert drove his effort into the arms of Ohman and then Charlie Webster did the same thing. Then came the moment that could have changed the pattern of the game completely as on 55 minutes Newcombe brought down a Faversham player who was adjudged to have been in on goal. The referee, after consultation with his assistant, reached for his red card and the Cannons were down to ten men. Defender, Liam Smith took the gloves to take his place in goal.
Hythe were now under the cosh as Faversham looked for away to get the elusive equaliser. Allsopp had two chances as he firstly hooked the ball over the bar and then slammed a shot against the underside of the bar with Smith beaten. In between Sarfo ran onto a pinpoint through ball from Tyler Sterling and struck his shot into the side netting. The pressure was rewarded when Faversham got the equaliser as Oluwasemo slammed the ball past Smith and into the net. At this stage of the game you could only see one result but the Cannons dug deep and defended for their lives. However, there was the occasional breakaway as Webster laid the ball off to Sterling who forced Ohman to save.
Faversham continued to press and Clark Woodcock forced a fantastic tip over by Smith. They were unlucky on 77 minutes as Lewis Chambers rattled the cross-bar. The rear-guard action continued with Smith again saving this time from Chambers. Hythe did have a late break that could have won the game as Sarfo broke through only to be dispossessed with appeals for a penalty turned down. It had been a remarkable performance for the Cannons to hold on.
Then came the drama of penalties. Up stepped “goalkeeper” Smith to slam the ball home. However, Hythe missed the next three to put Faversham well ahead until Sarfo fired kick five home and then Faversham missed theirs to take it into sudden-death. Faversham missed four on the trot to keep things level until Gilbert calmly stepped up to slam his penalty home. Faversham missed their next penalty and Hythe were through to the second round in a remarkable game.
Hythe now await who they will meet in the Second Round but can look forward with confidence to the next league game on Saturday at home to Phoenix Sports. Kick off is 3pm.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, George Sibley, Charlie Webster (Alex Brown 90 mins), Jarred Trespaderne, George Crimmen, Jack Mayhew, Jacob Gilbert, Riley Alford, Tyler Sterling, Jordan Sarfo
Scorers: Hythe Town – Riley Alford 23 mins. Faversham Town - Emmanuel Oluwasemo 66 mins.
Attendance: 124
Lancing 0 Hythe Town 1
Pitching In Isthmian League South
Saturday 27th November 2021
Last week it looked likely that Jordan Sarfo would leave for Canterbury City, but he was persuaded to stay and rewarded the Cannons with a neatly taken late goal to secure all three points in a 1-0 win at Lancing on Saturday.
The conditions were horrendous with a sweeping gale blowing across the pitch impacting on the quality of the football but both sides buckled down to make the best of it. The early exchanges were fairly even as both sides tried to adjust to the conditions with the first chances coming for the hosts. On five minutes a dangerous cross from Conrad Honore was caught by the wind and ended in the arms of Hythe keeper, Henry Newcombe. This was followed two minutes later when a cross from Ismaila Daillo found Finn Daniels-Yeomans who hooked the ball over the bar. Hythe had their first opportunity on ten minutes as Tyler Sterling sent in a free kick across the face of goal but there was no one on hand to convert and then he fired a shot high over the bar.
Newcombe was then to make two excellent saves that kept the scores level. Firstly, a cross from Diaollo found James Rhodes forcing the keeper to save to his right and then he tipped over from a dipping shot from Harrison Parker. Hythe had to make a substitution on 29 minutes as Tom Walmsley left the field due to what appears to be a nasty knee injury and was replaced by Sarfo who was unlucky not to give the Cannons the lead after 32 minutes as he was played in by Alex Brown with his attempt to slide the ball past Lancing keeper Alieu Secka with the ball slamming against the post. As the game moved towards half time there was one more chance for the hosts as Matt Daniel broke in but Newcombe was on hand to scramble the ball away with Jarred Trespaderne making a timely challenge to prevent Daniel following through.
The second half started with Hythe on the front foot as both Nathan Gordon and Sarfo in quick succession having chances with the ball finally being cleared away. As the half progressed, Lancing were increasing the pressure with a rasping shot from Daniels-Yeomans stinging the hands of Newcombe as he saved well and then a threatening deep cross from Joe Rye was just out of the reach of Daniel. However, the game went into the last fifteen minutes it was Hythe who began to take the initiative as Alex Flisher forced a save from Secka and then Sarfo tried to lob the keeper but it didn’t quite have the height and Secka was able to collect.
With six minutes to go Sarfo got the goal that was to give the Cannons the win as he picked up the ball and placed his shot neatly in the corner of the net to the joy of those who had travelled from Hythe. It was an excellent team performance in very difficult conditions in which everyone played their part in the win that takes Hythe into tenth place in the table. This victory should put the team in good spirits for the Kent Senior Cup tie at home to Faversham Town on Tuesday evening. Kick off at Reachfields is 7:45pm.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, Nathan Gordon, Charlie Webster, Tom Wynter (Bradley Schafer 55 mins), George Crimmen, Tyler Sterling (Alex Flisher 72 mins), Jacob Gilbert, Tom Walmsley (Jordan Sarfo 28 mins), Alex Brown, Jarred Trespaderne.
Scorer: Hythe Town – Jordan Sarfo 84 mins.
Attendance: 95
The Club Directors present at Lancing today would like to pass on their congratulations to today's team who ground out a good result in almost impossible conditions. To those who have left or are leaving the club, Good Luck in the future and thanks for your time at Hythe Town. To the many players staying on, you are part of the next chapter under James and Tom and you will receive the full support of the board and the fans.
Hythe Town 0 Whitstable Town 3
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 20th November 2021
Hythe Town, now without Steve Watt in charge, were heavily defeated 3-0 by Whitstable Town on a dark, rainy Saturday afternoon.
Hythe lined up with four new players since their last home game. Goalkeeper Henry Newcombe, defender George Crimmen, midfielder Bradley Schafer and forward Andrew Sesay all started the match, with attacker Tyler Sterling on the bench.
Hythe had the first chance of the match, as an early shot from Charlie Webster stung the palms of Dan Eason. Whitstable very nearly took the lead on 11 minutes, when a shot was saved by Henry Newcombe, who spilled the ball to Tom Carlton. However, he blazed his shot wide of the post.
Six minutes later, Victor Aiyebola was subbed off for Whitstable after receiving a yellow card and a final warning from the referee. He was replaced by Luke Illsley, who turned out to be a game changer, as he slotted home just one minute after coming on following a ball in from Danny Walder. Just before half time, the Oystermen had a chance to go two goals up, as Tom Carlton’s shot was saved again by Newcombe in the Hythe goal.
It didn’t take long for them to gain that advantage however, as Alex Gaggin tapped in to make matters even worse for the Cannons. Caretaker manager Nathan Elder tried making substitutions to turn the game around, but nothing worked. In fact, Whitstable could’ve scored another just one minute after their second, as Kemo Darboe’s shot was palmed away by Newcombe.
New signing Bradley Schafer did have a chance to pull one back on 71 minutes, but his shot went into the side netting. With just five minutes remaining, ex-Hythe man Danny Walder sealed the three points for Whitstable, firing past Newcombe who could arguably have done better. Despite this, Newcombe played quite well in goal for us.
The Cannons will be hoping to bounce back next Saturday away at Lancing, with the match kicking off at 3pm.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, Charlie Webster, Bradley Schafer, Tom Wynter, George Crimmen, Darren Oldaker, Alex Brown (Tyler Sterling 45 mins), Andrew Sesay, Frannie Collin (Kane Phillip 64 mins), Jarred Trespaderne (Tom Walmsley 58 mins).
Scorers: Whitstable Town – Luke Illsey 18 mins, Alex Gaggin 57 mins, Danny Walder 85 mins.
Attendance: 304
Report by Tom Ellerby
Haywards Heath Town 0 Hythe Town 1
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 13th November 2021
A resilient Cannons came away from high flying Haywards Heath with a well-deserved 1-0 win Saturday afternoon.
Hythe had two enforced changes as both Darren Oldaker and Alex Brown were serving one match bans and James Rogers was still injured. Tyler Sterling was also on the substitutes bench. In came Jarred Trespaderne, Tom Walmsley, and new signings George Crimmen and Andrew Sesay.
The visitors started brightly and had their first attack as early as two minutes with Frannie Collin sweeping a free kick into the penalty area and several players had attempts but they were all blocked. Haywards Heath had their first opportunity on a quarter of an hour as Kieran Rowe had a shot deflected over the bar.
The Cannons took the lead on 23 minutes as Charlie Webster picked up the ball and forced his way in to round the Heath keeper Billy Collings who got his hand to the ball. However, Webster didn’t give up and got the ball back and calmly get into a goal scoring position and then placed his shot into the back of the net. The rest of the half saw few chances as both sides battled in midfield. The hosts did have one opportunity as Hamish Robinson blasted over the bar.
The second half started with the Hythe defence having their backs against the wall as Heath piled forward looking for an equaliser but to their credit the Cannons stood firm with both Tom Wynter and Crimmen resolute at the centre of the back four. This rear-guard action prevented the hosts creating too many opportunities and when they got through Hythe keeper, Henry Newcombe was on hand to save. Luke Robinson found himself free heading towards goal but his final effort was well saved by Newcombe. Josh Click probably should have done better for Heath when he headed wide at the far post.
Haywards Heath were reduced to ten men on 73 minutes as Tom Cadman took a dive in the penalty only to receive a second yellow card for simulation.
Hythe were still creating chances on the break as Webster fired a shot that was easily saved by Collings. Hythe continued to demonstrate a resilience at the back that was missing in previous games against the promotion challengers. Rowe had a long-range effort that went over the Hythe bar and then at the other end Liam Smith sent in a shot from the right that was pushed away by Collings.
There was one more fright a minute into injury time for Hythe as ex-Cannon Jerson Dos Santos found space to shoot but his attempt rattled of the top of crossbar and away for a goal kick. The last action of the game saw the Cannons also reduced to ten men as Nathan Gordon was shown a second yellow card for wasting time. But on the bright side the Cannons had come through a test against a very physical side refusing to be bullied and to hold onto a well-earned three points.
This was a really encouraging win for the Cannons as they moved up to 11th place in the table. They return to Reachfields next Saturday (20th November 2021) as they entertain Whitstable Town in another league fixture with a 3pm kick off.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, Nathan Gordon, Bradley Schafer (Jacob Gilbert 76 mins), Tom Wynter, George Crimmen, Charlie Webster, Jarred Trespaderne (Kane Phillip 60 mins), Tom Walmsley (Alex Flisher 82 mins), Frannie Collin, Andrew Sesay.
Scorer: Hythe Town - Charlie Webster 25 mins
Attendance: 375
Ashford United 4 Hythe Town 0
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 6th November 2021
Hythe collapsed again in the second half to go down 4-0 away at promotion chasing Ashford United on Saturday afternoon.
The early stages of the game saw neither team able to take the initiative and it became a battle in midfield with the first opportunity coming for Ashford on eleven minutes as a cross from Rhyle Ovenden was headed over by Daniel Hull. The Cannons had their first effort on a quarter of an hour as Darren Oldaker drove the ball wide of the target. The deadlock was broken by Ashford on 19 minutes as a cross found Josh Wisson heading the back to find Hull who nodded home giving Hythe keeper Henry Newcombe no chance.
Ashford were now on the front foot as Tashi Kwayi rifled a shot that was deflected wide for a corner. On 27 minutes the visitors could count themselves unlucky not to get back into the game as an Oldaker corner found Frannie Collin at the near post. His shot rebounded off the Ashford defence back to Scott Doe and his effort was deflected wide. Hot on the heels of that move Bradley Schafer had a shot that sailed into the arms of Ashford keeper Tyler McCarthy. However, the initiative was regained by Ashford before the break as firstly Ovenden picked up the ball on the edge of the penalty only to drill his shot wide and then a cross from Bradley Simms was headed just wide by Roberto Ratti. On the stroke of half time some desperate defending in the Hythe penalty area, as a melee gave the hosts a number of chances, prevented any more damage and the ball was finally cleared away.
The shape of the game in the early part of the second half saw Hythe pressing hard for an equaliser as Alex Brown played the ball into the path of Collin but the Hythe striker just couldn’t get to the ball to divert it towards goal and then Schafer attempted a shot that went high over the bar. However, Ashford, on the break, managed to extend their lead as Wisson slammed the ball past Newcombe. This seemed to knock the stuffing out of Hythe who were three behind on 65 minutes as former Cannon Jay May headed back from a corner across the goal mouth to find Mamadou Diallo who redirected the ball into the net.
The salt was rubbed in the Hythe wounds on 88 minutes as substitute Johan Ter Horst sent the ball home to make it 4-0. There was one last chance for Hythe to get a consolation as Collin played in Jarred Trespaderne, but his attempt was blasted over. It was a bad afternoon for the visiting supporters who saw their side move down to twelfth in the table. Next week the Cannons are on the road again as they travel to high flying Haywards Heath Town in another league fixture. Kick off is 3pm.
Team: Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, Nathan Gordon, Darren Oldaker, Tom Wynter. Scott Doe, Charlie Webster, Alex Brown (Jordan Sarfo 60 mins), Tyler Sterling (Tom Walmsley 60 mins), Frannie Collin, Bradley Schafer (Jarred Trespaderne 76 mins).
Scorers: Ashford United - Daniel Hull 19 mins, Josh Wisson 59 mins, Mamadou Diallo 65 mins,
Johan Ter Horst 88 mins
Attendance: 410
Faversham Town 1 Hythe Town 2
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Tuesday 2nd November 2021
The Cannons came away with a deserved 2-1 win at Faversham Town on a chilly Tuesday evening.
With new signings Bradley Schafer and goalkeeper Henry Newcombe starting and Tyler Sterling on the bench, it was Hythe who started the brighter as on five minutes a cross from Nathan Gordon was headed towards goal by Charlie Webster, but the ball was blocked. Faversham had their first opportunity on eight minutes as Mobalaji Dawodu scooped the ball over the bar. At the other end Liam Smith pulled the ball back to Schafer who also got underneath his shot and it sailed over. A long-range effort from ex-Cannon Sam Bewick followed but with the same result as the ball flew over the bar.
As the half-progressed Hythe began to take control of the game and they were unlucky as a rifled shot from Darren Oldaker slammed against the upright and then he delivered a free kick that was met by the head of Scott Doe, but the ball was easily collected by Faversham keeper Luke Watkins. The pressure brought the reward on 38 minutes as Liam Smith picked up the ball on the right-hand side and drilled his shot against the inside of the post. It deflected across the face of the goal and into the far corner of the net to give the Cannons a half-time lead.
Hythe were to extend their lead six minutes into the second half as Webster surged down the right delivering into Alex Brown who took his time to find the opening to skilfully place his effort past Watkins into the net to make it 2-0. Hythe continued to control the play as the half progressed without creating many opportunities. As the game moved towards the last twenty minutes it was the hosts who began to press as they looked for a way back into the game as twice Eddie Allsopp sent shots over the bar.
Substitute Sterling then sent a shot over the Faversham bar, but it was the Lilywhites who were still looking for a way back into the game and they were rewarded on 86 minutes as the ball came over and Dawodu hooked it past Newcombe to narrow the gap. The pressure continued with a chance falling to Allsopp on the stoke of full time, but his attempt was easily collected by Newcombe. The Cannons held on and took away all three points which will give them confidence as they go into Saturday’s game at Ashford United. Kick off is 3:00pm at Homelands.
Team Henry Newcombe, Liam Smith, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers (Jacob Gilbert 70 mins), Tom Wynter (Tyler Sterling 79 mins), Scott Doe, Charlie Webster, Darren Oldaker, Bradley Schafer, Frannie Collin, Alex Brown (Kane Phillip 64 mins).
Scorers: Faversham Town - Mobalaji Dawodu 86 mins. Hythe Town – Liam Smith 38 mins, Alex Brown 51 mins.
Attendance: 211
Cray Valley PM 4 Hythe Town 0
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Tuesday 26th October 2021
Another disappointing Tuesday evening as Hythe were hammered 4-0 at Cray Valley PM on Tuesday evening.
The early exchanges saw some pressure from the hosts, but the first meaningful chance came at the other end as on eight minutes a Darren Oldaker free kick from the left hand side went dangerously across the face of goal but nobody could get on the end of it to direct the ball towards goal. It was the hosts, however, who were looking the more likely as after ten minutes Nathan Green sent in a cross that found Denzel Gayle who was in an offside position. Another attack from Cray saw Gayle beat a number of defenders down the by-line eventually finding Marcel Barrington whose shot was well blocked by James Rogers.
As Cray continued to pile on the pressure, they took the lead on 22 minutes as Barrington cut inside and delivered the ball to Gayle who swept the ball home to make it 1-0. It could have been worse for the visitors as Rory Hill fired home from close range with the assistant referee flagging for offside. Green, who was controversially only given a yellow card after a reckless challenge on Rogers, then drove a dipping shot that Hythe keeper parried and the ball was cleared away. Ex-Cannon Jack Sammoutis then came into the action as he shot over the bar from 25 yards out and then Godmon tipped over from a Barrington effort. The Cannons did have a chance on the stroke of half time as Liam Smith played in Alex Brown who shot wide.
With only three minutes of the second half completed Connor Diamond pounced on a loose ball after Smith failed to clear. He surged forward playing the ball into Sammoutis who sent the ball into the net to increase the host’s lead. Hythe may be able to count themselves unlucky for Cray’s third goal on 56 minutes as the referee’s assistant indicated a Hythe substitution. The Hythe team paused for the change, but the referee allowed a play to continue with a throw as Matthew Warren broke forward with his ball hitting the arm of Rogers in the penalty area. Up stepped Green who sent Godmon the wrong way to make it 3-0.
On the hour Cray rubbed the salt in to the Hythe wounds as they got their fourth. Barrington, who had been a thorn in the Cannons’ side all evening, surged through the Hythe defence to place his shot under Godmon and into the net. A rare chance came for Hythe on 69 minutes as a Rogers cross found Kane Phillip who blasted over and then Rory Hill had an effort that was clawed away by Godmon It could have been five as Barrington broke through again laying the ball off to Sammoutis but the final attempt was blocked.
It was a very poor night for Hythe who now have a weekend off due to their opponents being in FA Trophy action this Saturday so their next outing will be at Faversham Town next Tuesday 2nd November 2021 with a 7:45pm kick off.
Team: Will Godmon, Charlie Webster, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Tom Wynter, Liam Smith, Alex Brown (Noel Leighton 57 mins), Darren Oldaker, Kane Phillip, Frannie Collin (Jarred Trespaderne 77 mins), Jacob Gilbert (Jordan Sarfo 57 mins).
Scorers: Cray Valley PM - Denzel Gayle 23 mins, Jack Sammoutis 49 mins, Nathan Green 56 mins pen, Marcel Barrington 61 mins
Attendance: 98
Chichester City 1 Hythe Town 1
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 23rd October 2021
A late Jacob Gilbert strike gave the Cannons a point in a game that they could have taken all three as they drew 1-1 down at Chichester City on Saturday afternoon.
Hythe started with three changes from the defeat at home to Hastings on Tuesday night as James Rogers and Noel Leighton started on the bench and Tom Wynter was ruled out with an injury. Coming in was Kane Phillip, Jacob Gilbert and Frannie Collin. It was Cannons who dominated the first quarter of an hour as they were encamped in the Chichester half creating a chance on seven minutes as a Kane Phillip cross was whipped in finding Gilbert who slammed his effort against the upright.
However, it was the hosts who took the lead on 18 minutes as Ethan Pritchard picked up the ball 20 yards out and placed his shot in the top corner of the net. A minute later Hythe could have been level as Tom Walmsley played in Frannie Collin whose shot was blocked by the shin of a defender. Hythe keeper Will Godmon had to be at his best to tip over an effort from Lloyd Rowlatt and then Callum Overton drove in a shot which he easily held. There was one more chance before the break for Chichester as a cross from Rowlatt was met by the head of Emmett Dunn who put his effort wide of the target.
The early part of the second half saw few chances as both sides worked hard to create openings without too much success. As the half progressed it was Hythe who turned the screw looking for the equaliser and they had a series of corners as they pressed. The Cannons had an opportunity on 84 minutes as Collin laid the ball off to Leighton who fired straight at Chichester keeper Kieran Magee. At the other end Overton had the opportunity to seal the game but could only fire into the arms of Godmon when he should perhaps have done better.
Then with two minutes of normal time left Hythe were awarded yet another corner on the right. Oldaker sent in an in-swinging kick which the home defence cleared. But the ball only went out as far as Gilbert who was 25 yards out. The young midfielder rifled home with a net bursting shot to give the Cannons a deserved equaliser. The visitors continued to press looking for the winner but had to settle for the draw.
The Cannons will now move onto their next away game as they travel to Cray Valley PM on Tuesday 26th October 2021 with a kick-off 7:45pm.
Team: Will Godmon, Charlie Webster, Nathan Gordon, Darren Oldaker, Liam Smith, Scott Doe, Kane Phillip (James Rogers 59 mins), Alex Brown (Noel Leighton 59 mins), Tom Walmsley (Jordan Sarfo 74 mins), Frannie Collin, Jacob Gilbert.
Scorers: Chichester City – Ethan Pritchard 18 mins. Hythe Town – Jacob Gilbert 88 mins.
Attendance: 178
Hythe Town 0 Hastings United 3
Pitching In Isthmian League South East
Tuesday 19th October 2021
On Tuesday night, Hythe were defeated 3-0 by Hastings United.
Steve Watt was unavailable for the match as he was having an operation, so assistant Nathan Elder took charge, and he made one change from the 2-2 draw against Three Bridges, with Kane Phillip replacing the injured Liam Smith.
Hythe had the best of the chances throughout the first half. After just six minutes, Kane Phillip put a ball into Alex Brown, whose shot was too weak to trouble Louis Rogers in the Hastings goal. The Cannons almost went ahead on 28 minutes, when Tom Walmsley hit a rasping shot just past the post. At the end of the half, however, the game changed, when the referee gave a controversial penalty to Hastings for what he saw as a push in the Hythe box. After a lengthy discussion with his assistant, the referee stuck by his decision, and booked keeper Will Godmon for his protests. Sam Hasler was the man to take the penalty, and he slotted past Godmon, who dived the wrong way to his left.
Hastings were on the front foot in the second half, almost strengthening their advantage on 54 minutes, when Dave Martin’s shot was knocked away by Godmon for a corner. On 62 minutes, ex-Hythe striker Kenny Pogue missed a sitter when he headed over the far post. Hythe also had a chance for a header when Tom Wynter headed past the post from a corner after Charlie Webster’s shot was deflected out of play.
Unfortunately, Hythe’s defensive woes continued, as James Rogers lost possession in Hythe’s half, giving the ball to former Cannon Sam Adams, who made a run into the box and fired past Godmon. Things got even worse on 79 minutes when Pogue chipped the ball over Godmon to seal the win for the U’s. There was nearly a fourth in second-half injury time, when Hasler fired across the face of goal.
A disappointing result for Hythe, but an encouraging first-half display. We return on Saturday 23rd away at Chichester City. Kick-off is at 3PM.Report to follow
Team: Will Godmon, Charlie Webster, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Tom Wynter (Jarred Trespaderne 86 mins), Scott Doe, Kane Phillip, Darren Oldaker, Noel Leighton (Frannie Collin 75 mins), Alex Brown, Tom Walmsley (Jordan Sarfo 67 mins)
Scorers: Hastings United - Sam Hasler 45 mins (pen), Sam Adams 78 mins, Kenny Pogue 79 mins.
Attendance: 225
Report by Tom Ellerby
Hythe Town 2 Three Bridges 2
Pitching Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 16th October 2021
Two lapses in concentration in the Hythe defence saw the Cannons throw away two points in a 2-2 draw against Three Bridges at Reachfields on Saturday afternoon.
The first opportunity came for the visitors on four minutes as Hythe keeper Will Godmon was on hand to save and the rebound by Ben Bacon was sent over the bar. A minute later the hosts had their first attempt as Darren Oldaker played the ball out to Liam Smith who had his shot blocked by Three Bridges keeper Dan Smith. Hythe were now taking control of the game as Tom Walmsley had a shot blocked with James Rogers following up sending his effort into the arms of Dan Smith. Hythe pressure was rewarded in the 17th minute when they opened the scoring. Alex Brown skilfully laid the ball into the path of Charlie Webster who surged into the area and placed his shot wide of Dan Smith into the back of the net.
The pressure continued as Oldaker sent in a free kick which found the head of Noel Leighton whose attempt crashed against the cross bar. At the other a rare Bridges attack saw a long-range effort from Lee Hall went straight at Godmon who collected the ball easily. On 33 minutes the Cannons extended their lead as an Oldaker corner found Scott Doe rising above the away defence to slam his header into the back of net to give the central defender his second goal of the season. .
The Cannons continued to have the initiative in the early stages of the second period. Oldaker was unlucky not to get a third for Hythe as firstly a melee in the Bridges penalty area ended with the midfielder pushing the ball wide and then he sent a rasping shot which was blocked.
On 61 minutes the direction of the game changed as a free kick was awarded on the touchline. Curtis Gayler sent the ball deep into the penalty area finding Dan Perry who ran in to head home to narrow the margin. The Hythe defence was left wanting again in the 69th minute as a corner from the experienced Brannon O’Neill found its way to Ryan Brackpool who slammed a header in at the far post to bring the scores level.
The game was on a knife-edge and at this stage could have gone either way with chances coming at either end. Gayler sent a free kick from the left flank just over the bar for Bridges and at the other Oldaker delivered a corner that found Leighton whose header went just the wrong side of the upright. Hythe substitute Kane Phillip was unlucky to see an effort pushed against the post by the keeper. Bridges still threatened as a deep corner from Dan Ferreria was headed wide by Cameron Lawson. However, neither side could get the goal that would have settled the game and both teams had to settle for a draw.
Hythe will have a real test in their next fixture as they take on Hastings United here at Reachfields on Tuesday evening in another league fixture with the kick off at 7:45pm.
Team: Will Godmon, Liam Smith, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Tom Wynter, Scott Doe, Charlie Webster, Darren Oldaker, Noel Leighton, Alex Brown (Frannie Collin 64 mins), Tom Walmsley (Kane Phillip 72 mins).
Scorers: Hythe Town – Charlie Webster 17 mins, Scott Doe 33 mins. Three Bridges – Dan Perry 61 mins, Ryan Brackpool 74 mins.
Attendance 202
Welwyn Garden City 3 Hythe Town 3
Welwyn Garden City won 4-1 on pens
Buildbase FA Trophy 1st Qualifying Round
Saturday 25th September 2021
By Martin Whybrow
For the second time this season, we secured a 3.3 cup draw with the final touch of the game. Both were headers. Whereas the now sadly departed Eli Benoit was the contributor against Westfield, this time it was Liam Smith. Unfortunately, our joy was short-lived as we immediately went down the other end for penalties and lost 4.1.
Welwyn Garden City was the second garden city in the country, built to “exemplify physical, social and cultural ideals”. Unfortunately, the football club’s Utilita Stadium missed out on any of those attributes. It also didn’t seem to be particularly close to the city itself, located next to a golf course. And they struggle to attract supporters, with just 111 in attendance today.
They play at the same level as us, in the Southern League Division One Central. We couldn’t have started much better, with Tom Walmsley sweeping home a deep cross to give us the lead after only two minutes.
However, this season’s curse of the direct free-kick hit us again a few minutes later. A wide, low drive from Jordan Watson some how eluded everyone for a soft equaliser.
We had a good spell after this and were rewarded when Kane Phillip headed home a deep Darren Oldaker free-kick just after the half-hour. An Oldaker shot then probably endangered some golfers but another brought a full length save from Charlie Crowley.
Half-time allowed us to take in this new venue a bit more. It has a small seated stand, no fewer than four aerial masts, and a small tea hut, with one offering being the rather unspecific “meat and chips”.
By the break, James Rogers in particular had made some new friends among the home supporters. It is always best, I think, not to bite when riled but that’s probably easier to type than it is to do.
There weren’t too many chances for the first 15 minutes or so after the restart but the referee had already brandished several yellow cards our way and now gave another soft free-kick in a fairly central position just outside the box. We feared the worst from the sidelines and, indeed, a fine strike by Dave Keenleyside flew into the top corner.
Other chances remained at a premium until the last few minutes when Welwyn grabbed the advantage with two minutes to go, a close range strike by Watson, from a low hard cross by Carl Mensah.
We pumped in a number of long balls in stoppage time and had a couple of chances before Liam, once more playing centre-back, headed that last gasp equaliser.
But sadly, having gone out of the FA Cup least week, our FA Trophy campaign came to an end with two penalty saves by Crowley.
So it was back on our rather luxurious coach – formerly Liverpool’s, now Charlton Athletic’s. Sue Giles, sitting in the same seat as on the way up, asked if she’d now be travelling forward. It is easy to get confused between a coach and a train after a long day.
We dodged the congestion caused by queues at petrol stations and, with several drop-offs of our geographically widely spread players, we rolled into Hythe at about 9pm. Just the one fish and chip shop had burnt down while we’d been away.
Team: Will Godmon, Charlie Webster, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Scott Doe, Liam Smith, Kane Phillip (Jordan Sarfo 75 mins), Darren Oldaker, Noel Leighton, Alex Brown (Jacob Gilbert 81 mins), Tom Walmsley (Jarred Trespaderne 90 mins).
Scorers: Welwyn Garden City – Jordan Watson 9 mins, Dave Keenlyside 60 mins, Jordan Watson 88 mins. Hythe Town – Tom Walmsley 3 mins, Kane Phillip 34 mins, Liam Smith 90 mins.
Attendance: 111
Dartford 5 Hythe Town 1
Emirates FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round
Saturday 18th September 2021
Statistically, it was the hardest draw we could have been given – away to the team top of National League South. And, in the end, so it proved, as we suffered a heavy defeat to opponents two levels above us.
Dartford’s impressive Prince’s Park Stadium is imposing but those of us with long associations with Hythe Town remember fondly our only previous visit, a 1-0 win over Dartford, a remarkable rear guard display, in the final of the Kent Senior Cup back in 2012.
Alas, it took the current Darts only three minutes to achieve what their earlier counterparts failed to do in 90. Latecomers – much of Kent was gridlocked due to accidents and roadworks – missed the header at the far post by Ade Azeez, in too much space and found by a deep cross.
Frannie Collin limped off with a groin injury on 20 minutes but, soon after, we were level. Darren Oldaker continued where he’d left off from Tuesday night’s impressive display against Sittingbourne, at the heart of most of our best moves. He went on a surging run, leaving a couple of Dartford players in his wake, then played in Alex Brown to slot home.
In fact, we then came close to taking the lead, when a 20-yard volley by Liam Smith was tipped over. Oldaker later in the first half brought another sharp save from Craig King, this time from a free-kick.
However, by then we were once more behind, in rather unfortunate fashion, a shot from Dart’s best player on the afternoon, Danny Leonard, striking Tom Wynter’s arm, with Azeez scoring the resultant penalty.
It was 3-1 before half-time as we were hit on the break, Leonard shooting home from a tight angle at the end of a break-neck move.
Having regrouped, our somewhat makeshift back-four kept Dartford at bay for half an hour but we didn’t really threaten at the other end either. Their fourth once again had an element of bad luck from our perspective, a cross hitting Eli Benoit and flying into the net.
The final blow was Azeez’s hat-trick, with a minute of normal time to go, putting away a cross from an unmarked position in the box.
So, our FA Cup run ended at the third hurdle. Dartford have good support (816 today), lots of backing and fine facilities. “Built by a Conservative Council” as an advertising board pronounces; reassuringly, this is now aluminum as players, presumably of a different political persuasion, used to enjoy making holes in it by firing shots at it.
Team: Will Godmon, Liam Smith, Jarred Trespaderne, James Rogers, Eli Benoit, Tom Wynter, (Jordan Sarfo 69mins), Charlie Webster, Darren Oldaker, Noel Leighton, Frannie Collin (Kane Phillip 21 mins) (Tom Walmsley 77 mins), Alex Brown.
Scorers: Dartford - Ade Azeez 3, 29 (pen), 89 mins, Danny Leonard 34 mins, Eli Benoit 89 mins. Hythe Town - Alex Brown 21 mins.
Attendance: 816
By Martin Whybrow
Hythe Town 2 Sittingbourne 1
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Tuesday 14th September 2021
Hythe won their third match in a row on Tuesday night with a 2-1 victory over local rivals Sittingbourne. The Cannons had three centre-backs unavailable for the match, with Eli Benoit and full-back Liam Smith lining up at the back.
Understandably, Hythe focused very much on the attack, and that paid off on 21 minutes, when a ball into the box was bundled in by Liam Smith for his first goal of the season. Three minutes later, Sittingbourne had their first opportunity of the match, when Toby Bancroft’s ball into the box was headed against the post by ex-Cannon Johan Caney-Bryan.
It didn’t take long for Hythe to score their second goal, as Darren Oldaker sent a ball through to Frannie Collin, who slotted in past the Brickies goalkeeper, scoring his fourth of the campaign. Collin had another opportunity just minutes after, when his shot was tipped past the left-hand post of keeper Harry Brooks.
Oldaker had a decent shot on target, which was pushed past the woodwork by Brooks. The Sittingbourne defence didn’t seem great in possession of the ball, giving it away several times. On one of those occasions, Frannie Collin won the ball and went for the shot, with a defender clearing the ball off the line.
The second half started very quietly, but eventually, on 70 minutes, Hythe had their first major chance, with Tom Walmsley turning past the Brickies defenders and squaring the ball to substitute Jordan Sarfo, whose shot was saved. Two minutes later, Sittingbourne pulled a goal back through captain Kane Rowland, who broke through the Hythe defence and slotted home.
With ten minutes remaining, Darren Oldaker made a run through the defence, going for goal but his shot was saved by Brooks. In injury time, there was a late goal-mouth scramble when Sittingbourne won a corner, with fouls occurring all around the box, eventually resulting in a Hythe free-kick.
Hythe return to action with a tricky FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round match at Dartford. Kick-off at Princes Park is at 3PM.
Team: Will Godmon, Charlie Webster, Nathan Gordon (Jarred Trespaderne 65 mins), James Rogers, Liam Smith, Eli Beniot, Kane Phillip (Jordan Sarfo 68 mins), Darren Oldaker, Tom Walmsley, Frannie Collin, Alex Brown (Jacob Gilbert 75 mins).
Scorers: Hythe Town - Liam Smith 21 mins, Frannie Collin 27 mins. Sittingbourne - Kane Rowland 72 mins.
Attendance: 212
East Grinstead Town 0 Hythe Town 1
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 11th September 2021
The Cannons were thankful for a Frannie Collin second-half penalty as they came away with a 1-0 win at East Grinstead Town on Saturday afternoon.
The game started with the hosts having the edge creating the early opportunities as on seven minutes Dylan Cascoe shot straight at Hythe keeper Will Godmon. The Wasps had the ball in the net two minutes later as Seigo Sanogo tapped in at the far post but the referee’s assistant on the nearside had his flag up for offside. The home pressure continued as Troy Walters lifted the ball over the bar and then a corner from Liam Montague found Glenn Wilson who should have done better but sent his header straight at Godmon.
The Cannons had to reorganise their defence after twenty minutes as Tom Wynter limped off to be replaced by Jarred Trespaderne. However, the visitors began to threaten as Tom Walmsley laid the ball off to Jacob Gilbert who mishit his shot into the arms of East Grinstead keeper Mattee Pierson. Gilbert, whose work rate impressed, was in the action again a minute from the break as Collin nodded the ball down and the young midfielder was unlucky to see his shot deflected wide.
Hythe took control of the second half as Kane Phillip worked his way through and unleashed a shot that was deflected over by Sanogo. Hythe were unlucky again as James Rogers rattled the upright with Collin having a shot blocked from the rebound. However, on 69 minutes substitute Jordan Sarfo surged down the right-hand by-line and was brought down by Montague. The referee who had turned down a number of penalty appeals during the afternoon had no hesitation this time in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Collin who slammed the ball into the middle of the net with Pierson diving to his left giving Hythe the lead.
On 76 minutes Collin saw Pierson off his line and lobbed the ball from thirty yards but the keeper, back peddling, was able to catch. The hosts did try to breakdown the visitors defence, but Hythe stood firm and the final two chances in the dying minutes fell to the Cannons as Luke Carey shot straight at Pierson and then Collin pounced on a loose ball but fired wide.
The Cannons held on to take all three points to move them up to eighth place after four games. This win should give them confidence as they move into their next league game on Tuesday evening at home to fifth placed Sittingbourne with the kick-off at Reachfields at 7:45pm.
Team: Will Godmon, Liam Smith, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Tom Wynter (Jarrod Trespaderne 21 mins), Scott Doe, Charlie Webster, Jacob Gilbert, Tom Walmsley (Jordan Sarfo 61 mins), Frannie Collin, Kane Phillip (Luke Carey 83 mins)
Scorer: Hythe Town – Frannie Collin 69 min (pen).
Attendance: 132.
Hythe Town 1 Ascot United 0
Emirates FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round
Saturday 4th September 2021
On a hot Saturday afternoon, Hythe Town reached the second qualifying round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 win over Ascot United.
Hythe had the first chance of the match on 20 minutes, with Jacob Gilbert’s header from a corner tipped away by Sam Gray in the Ascot goal. Gilbert was once again involved on 33 minutes, when his shot was spilled by keeper Gray, before being cleared by the defender. The final major opportunity of a rather quiet first half was from Darren Oldaker, who broke through the middle of the pitch and sent a shot just wide of the post.
In the second half, the Cannons seemed to find their feet in the match, and they nearly had a goal within eight minutes of the restart. Tom Walmsley had the chance to shoot, but his shot was a little too weak, as it beat the keeper but was blocked by an Ascot defender. Another opportunity came two minutes later, with Nathan Gordon sending a ball into Charlie Webster, whose header went over the bar.
Finally, on 64 minutes, the deadlock was broken when the ball found its way to Nathan Gordon in the penalty box, who seemed to scuff the ball a little on his shot, however the ball did cross the line to give Hythe a deserved lead. It was almost 2-0 on 69 minutes when Tom Walmsley was brought down just outside the penalty area, with Frannie Collin firing the resultant free-kick straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. In the 85th minute of the match, a Hythe corner found Scott Doe, who had two shots blocked by the Ascot backline.
Just as the game was drawing to a close, there was almost late drama in the 95th minute, when a succession of Ascot corners was blocked, cleared off the line and booted away, until eventually the referee blew his whistle.
Hythe return to action next Saturday afternoon away at East Grinstead, with the match kicking off at 3PM.
Team: Will Godmon, Liam Smith, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Tom Wynter, Scott Doe, Charlie Webster, Darren Oldaker, Tom Walmsley, Frannie Collin, Jacob Gilbert (Jordan Sarfo 76 mins).
Scorer: Hythe Town – Nathan Gordon 64 mins
Attendance: 285
Hythe Town 0 Ramsgate 3
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Monday 30th August 2021
On a rainy bank holiday, a Hythe side tired out after four games in ten days lost 3-0 to Ramsgate. The Rams dominated the match from start to finish, picking up all the loose balls and capitalizing from set-pieces and mistakes.
Hythe had the first chance of the match after eight minutes, when Darren Oldaker’s pass into the feet of Noel Leighton was deflected away by the leg of a Ramsgate defender. The Rams had their first opportunity of the match nine minutes later, as Joshua Ajayi missed a header in front of an open goal.
They opened the scoring on 27 minutes with former Ashford midfielder Lee Prescott, whose free kick was badly dealt with by goalkeeper Will Godmon, who was unable to get a hand to the ball as it sailed past him into the net. The second goal was very similar but was scored this time by Jordan Chiedozie from just outside the box on 43 minutes.
The Rams managed to get a third in the 59th minute, as Jordan Chiedozie completed his brace, when a Ramsgate ball in evaded all the defenders, leaving Chiedozie to nod the ball in just before the hour mark. Tom Walmsley had Hythe’s only chance of the second half, as he headed the ball wide of the goal following a Liam Smith cross. Ramsgate had two more chances late on in the game, with Callum Peck and Joshua Ajayi both firing shots far away from the goal.
Hythe will look to bounce back from this result on Saturday 4th at home to Ascot United in the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. Kick off is at 3PM.
Team: Will Godmon, Liam Smith, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Tom Wynter, Scott Doe, Charlie Webster, Darren Oldaker (Alex Brown 54 mins), Noel Leighton, Frannie Collin (Luke Carey 76 mins), Jordan Sarfo (Tom Walmsley 60 mins).
Scorers: Ramsgate – Lee Prescott 27 mins, Jordan Chiedozie 43 & 59 mins.
Attendance: 264
VCD Athletic 1 Hythe Town 2
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 28th August 2021
Ten-man Hythe Town came back to steal all three points in a 2-1 win at VCD Athletic on Saturday afternoon.
The first opportunity of the game fell to the Cannons on four minutes as the ball came out to Charlie Webster who drove just wide. Immediately at the other end Theo McKenzie tried to find some room but his final effort sailed over the bar. However, on a quarter of an hour VCD took the lead as Chris Edwards whipped in a cross with a stretching Anthony Adesite reaching the ball to redirect it into the net.
Hythe did have an effort six minutes later as a Darren Oldaker cross was headed over by Scott Doe and then Frannie Collin rifled a free kick from 25 yards straight at VCD Keeper Sam Mott. There was then a long period of stalemate as both sides tried to break through until on the stroke of half-time Oldaker sent in another deep cross which was again headed over by Doe.
The Cannons struggled to gain the initiative in the early exchanges of the second half with the only effort coming from Webster who hit a shot wide of the target. Youssef Bamba had a couple of attempts with the first being dragged wide and then he came in from the right and hit the ball against the inside of the upright with Hythe keeper Will Godmon clawing the ball away before it crossed the line.
Things got worse for Hythe on 66 minutes as a reckless challenge from Noel Leighton ended with the striker receiving a red card. Rather than demoralising the Cannons they came out fighting as with 15 minutes to go a Webster cross came in from the left. Mott failed to hold the ball and substitute Jordan Sarfo was on hand to put the loose ball into the net. Despite being a man down it was the visitors who looked the more likely and on 81 minutes they took the lead as this time an Oldaker cross was flicked on by Collin to find Doe who headed home.
The hosts did have a couple of efforts to try to level the scores as Alex Gaggin fired wide and with a minute to go a dipping shot from Joe Bingham took a slight deflection, but Godmon was still able to tip the ball over and the chance was gone.
In the end it was a deserved win for Hythe after a fantastic fightback after all had seemed lost. Hopefully this impetus will go into the game on Monday afternoon at home to Ramsgate. Kick off at Reachfields will be 3pm.
Team: Will Godmon, Liam Smith, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Tom Wynter, Scott Doe, Charlie Webster, Darren Oldaker (Jacob Gilbert 87 mins), Noel Leighton, Frannie Collin (Luke Carey 90 mins), Alex Brown (Jordan Sarfo 61 mins).
Scorers: VCD Athletic – Anthony Adesite 15 mins. Hythe Town – Jordan Sarfo 75 mins, Scott Doe 81 mins.
Attendance: 91
Westfield 1 Hythe Town 3
Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round Replay
Tuesday 24th August 2021
After the dramas of last Saturday, The Cannons eventually eased their way into the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Cup with a 3-1 win at Westfield on Tuesday evening.
Hythe started the brighter and were ahead as early as the 10th minute as Noel Leighton headed the ball into the path of Tom Walmsley who buried his shot neatly into the corner of the net. The next period of the game saw a battle in midfield with neither side creating the final opportunity. Westfield had to wait until the 24th minute for their first meaningful chance as a shot from Troy Timothy was fired straight at Hythe keeper Will Godmon who gathered the ball easily.
However, on 34 minutes the hosts were level as IK Hill fed the ball through to Kai Hamilton-Olise who surged through the centre of the Hythe defence before slamming the ball past Godmon and into the Hythe net. Five minutes before half-time Hythe lost goal scorer Tom Walmsley who suffered a nasty gash on his head that required a visit to the local casualty department for stitches.
The second half started evenly as both sides looked to take the initiative with Westfield having the first effort as Hill had a shot blocked by the Cannons defence. On 68 minutes a Darren Oldaker corner came out to James Rogers who blasted high over the bar. At the other end Timothy struck a free kick but did not test Godmon as it sailed into his arms.
As the half progressed it was Hythe who began to take control and with quarter of an hour to go, they were ahead. Oldaker broke into the penalty area and his final shot was blocked by home keeper Harry Smart, but Leighton followed up to fire the loose ball home. It was now Hythe who went looking for a third as a long ball out of defence from Nathan Gordon found Alex Brown who blasted over the bar.
Substitute, Kane Phillip had shot blocked, but this time Leighton fired over. They finally sealed the game on the stroke of 90 minutes as the Westfield defence failed to clear and Frannie Collin was on hand to place the ball into the net. There was to be no repeat of the extraordinary finish last Saturday and the Cannons made their way comfortably through to the next round where they will have a home tie against Combined Counties Ascot United with game to be played on Saturday 4th September 2021.
Hythe can now look forward to the game on Saturday at VCD Athletic with confidence after this excellent win. Kick off at VCD is 3pm.
Team: Will Godmon, Liam Smith, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Tom Wynter, Scott Doe, Charlie Webster, Darren Oldaker (Jacob Gilbert 90 mins), Noel Leighton, Alex Brown (Frannie Collin 78 mins), Tom Walmsley (Kane Phillip 40 mins).
Scorers: Westfield – Kai Hamilton-Olise 34 mins. Hythe Town – Tom Walmsley 10 mins, Noel Leighton 75 mins, Frannie Collin 90 mins.
Attendance: 156
Hythe Town 3 Westfield 3
Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round
Saturday 21st August 2021
A truly dramatic end to the game that saw the Cannons give away a two-goal lead and fall behind deep into injury time only for Eli Benoit to pop with an equaliser with the very last action in a 3-3 draw against Westfield at Reachfields on a humid Saturday afternoon.
The early exchanges in the game were very calm compared to what was to follow as the visitors waited sixteen minutes for their first effort as a shot from Kai Hamilton-Olise was saved by the legs of Hythe keeper Will Godmon. Westfield were then awarded a free kick but that was fired high over the bar by Troy Timothy. The hosts had to wait 23 minutes before their first attempt as Scott Doe sent in a cross that was headed over by Kane Phillip.
However, two minutes later a cross from the from Liam Smith from the right found Frannie Collin at the nearr post who rose above the Westfield defence to head the ball down and into the corner of the net. Both Afo Soyemi-Owlade and Azeez Alabi then sent efforts over the Hythe bar before, at the other end, deep into injury time Collin pulled a shot wide.
The visitors continued to struggle to hit the target as the game progressed as a cross from Afo Soyemi-Owlade found Hamilton-Olise who blasted well over when it seemed easier to score. Soyemi-Owlade then pulled a shot wide before Timothy hit a free kick straight at Godmon. On 53 minutes the Cannons increased their lead as a pinpoint pass from Darren Oldaker went straight into the path of Phillip who finished well to make it 2-0.
The game, which previously been played in a great spirit, then took a nasty turn as it all seemed to kick off around the bench area. A fracas followed which ended with the sending off of Phillip, unused substitute Jarred Trespaderne and Hythe manager Steve Watt. The Westfield assistant manager also saw red with it all leaving a nasty taste in the mouth. It will be interesting to see the video evidence to ascertain what actually happened.
This unsettled the hosts and on 68 minutes Soyemi-Owlade rolled an attempt against the upright and then Timothy blasted over. A minute into injury time Westfield pulled one back as Soyemi-Owlade broke through and fired home and then a minute later the scores were level when Kai Davis blasted the ball in. The Hythe defence were now shell shocked, and another goal followed a minute later as IK Hill sent the ball into the corner of the net.
However, somehow with the last action of the half, Benoit headed in to take the game to unlikely replay on Tuesday evening at Westfield. Kick-off will be 7:45pm.
Team: Will Godmon, Liam Smith, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Tom Wynter (Eli Benoit 84 mins), Scott Doe, Charlie Webster, Darren Oldaker (Jordan Sarfo 65 mins), Kane Phillip, Frannie Collin, Alex Brown (Tom Walmsley 90 mins).
Scorer: Hythe Town – Frannie Collin 25 mins, Kane Phillip 53 mins, Eli Benoit 90 + 6 mins Westfield – Afo Soyemi-Owlade 90 + 1 mins, Kai Davis 90 + 2mins, IK Hill 90 + 3mins.
Attendance: 239
Hythe Town 1 Corinthian 2
Pitching In Isthmian League South-East
Saturday 14th August 2021
The Cannons sunk to defeat against League new-boys Corinthian on a warm Saturday afternoon at Reachfields.
It was in fact Hythe who created the first opportunity as Noel Leighton nodded the ball onto Alex Brown who shot straight at Corinthian and ex-Cannon keeper Aidan Prall who collected the ball easily. However, it was another former Hythe player who gave the visitors the lead on 11 minutes. A free-kick from just outside the area was blasted goal wards by Jack Mahoney. Hythe keeper Will Godmon appeared to have got to the ball but was only able to palm it into the roof of the net.
This seemed to stun the hosts and they weren’t able to really regain the initiative during the rest of the half. On 21 minutes Godmon saved well tipping over a free kick from Oscar Housego but the referees assistant was flagging for offside. In a rare Hythe attack Brown fired a shot from the edge of the area which Prall pushed around the upright. Within the five minutes added on for injury time at the end of the half Jordan Sarfo and Leighton were unable to get on the end of a Brown cross. However, it could have been two with the last move of the half as from a narrow angle Mahoney sent a shot across the face of the goal.
Hythe came out with more purpose in the second half and began to look dangerous. Josh Gilbert mishit a shot wide and then Sarfo curled an attempt just the wrong side of the post. He was to repeat the feat seven minutes later. In between there was a chance for the visitors as an Andres Tobon cross was nodded wide by Mahoney. On 63 minutes Hythe struck back as Brown sent in a rasping shot into the top corner of the net giving Prall no chance and the scores were level.
The Cannons now looked the more likely as substitute Kane Phillip looked impressive as he forced his way through but the final effort was too close to Prall. He then turned provider as a cross found Tom Walmsley whose attempt was easily saved by the busy Prall.
However, it was Corinthian who had the last laugh deep into injury time as the Hythe defence failed to clear and Luke Tanner was left to tap the ball into an empty net to give the visitors the win and leave Hythe disappointed.
Hythe will now need to regroup before the important FA Cup tie next Saturday (21st August 2021) at home to Westfield. Kick off will be 3pm at Reachfields.
Team: Will Godmon, Liam Smith, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Scott Doe, Eli Benoit, Jacob Gilbert (Frannie Collin 59 mins), Darren Oldaker (Tom Walmsley 80 mins), Noel Leighton, Alex Brown, Jordan Sarfo (Kane Phillip 59 mins).
Scorers: Hythe Town – Alex Brown 63 mins. Corinthian – Jack Mahoney 11 mins, Luke Tanner 90 mins.
Attendance: 215
Margate 2 Hythe Town 0
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 7th August 2021
The Cannons completed their pre-season with a 2-0 defeat at a breezy Hartsdown Park on Saturday afternoon. Despite the result, it was a good performance from the team against an Isthmian Premier League team.
It was Hythe who started more brightly with an opportunity after seven minutes as Jordan Sarfo beat the Margate keeper Pat O’Haman but the ball was cleared off the line by Ben Swift. Margate soon had an attempt of their own as former Cannon Ryan Palmer sent a shot straight at Hythe keeper Will Godmon. Godmon was then to produce a great save as he palmed a shot, from another ex-Hythe player, Sam Blackman, around the post.
A trialist opened the scoring for the Gate on 68 minutes as he got on the end of a cross from Ben Greenhalgh which substitute keeper Ryan Pattison failed to collect. Hythe should have been level four minutes later as Alex Brown was brought down in the penalty area. He, however, sent the resultant kick too close to O’Haman who saved easily.
Prior to getting a second goal Margate rattled the upright before they sealed the game as Jake Embery finished neatly after 81 minutes.
Overall, the game had been a positive workout for the Cannons as they prepare for next weeks league season curtain raiser at home to Corinthian. Kick off at Reachfields is 3pm.
Team: Will Godmon (Ryan Pattison 65 mins), Liam Smith (Jarrod Trespaderne 61 mins), Nathan Gordon (Connor Cheek 87 mins), James Rogers, Scott Doe, Charlie Webster (Morgan Williamson 71 mins), Darren Oldaker (Jacob Gilbert 61 mins), Noel Leighton (Frannie Collin 77 mins), Jordan Sarfo (Tom Walmsley 19 mins), Alex Brown (Kane Phillip 77 mins).
Scorers: Margate – Trialist 68 mins, Jake Embery 81 mins.
Attendance: 231
Hythe Town 1 Maidstone United 2
Pre Season Friendly
Thursday 29th July 2021
A dominant performance from Hythe resulted ended in a 2-1 defeat to Maidstone United on Tuesday night.
The Cannons had the first chance on 31 minutes, as Jordan Sarfo made a run into the box, playing the ball to Alex Brown who missed an open goal. Luckily, it was Sarfo who scored Hythe’s opener in the 43rd minute. Darren Oldaker’s corner was headed away, with the rebound going to Sarfo, who tapped the ball in. Unfortunately, it took Maidstone only a minute to reply. There were calls for a handball against Maidstone, who took advantage of Hythe’s lapse of concentration to give the ball to TT Walters, whose shot from outside the box beat the keeper to send the Stones level.
The first chance of the second half went against the Cannons, who allowed Alfie Pavey a header in the box, but he blasted the ball past an open goal. Two minutes later, in the 57th minute, captain Charlie Webster made a run into the penalty area, with Tom Hadler saving the shot. The rebound went out to Alex Brown; however, he was unable to control the header. Maidstone managed to get a late winner on 88 minutes, as a cross from Roarie Deacon was turned into the net by Hythe’s George Sibley.
Despite the result, the performance was very encouraging going into the new season. Hythe’s final pre-season match is away at Margate on August 7th, before returning to Reachfields for our opening game of the season against Corinthian on August 14th.
Hythe line-up: A Trialist, Liam Smith, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Eli Benoit, Scott Doe, Charlie Webster, Darren Oldaker, Noel Leighton, Jordan Sarfo, Alex Brown. Substitutes: Tom Walmsley, Jacob Gilbert, Jarred Trespaderne, George Sibley, A Trialist
Scorers: Hythe Town – Jordan Sarfo 43 mins. Maidstone United – TT Walters 44 mins, George Sibley (OG) 88 mins
Attendance: 268
Report by Tom Ellerby
Bearsted 1 Hythe Town 3
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 24th July 2021
A depleted Cannons side put up a good performance as they easily brushed past Bearsted in a 3-1 away victory on a warm Saturday afternoon.
Hythe dominated from the start and were ahead after 12 minutes as Darren Oldaker planted a free kick on the edge of the area coolly into the corner of the net. It could have been two four minutes later as Alex Brown got on the end of a Charlie Webster cross slamming the ball against the upright.
On 18 minutes they did take a deserved 2-0 lead as new signing Jordan Sarfo surged down the left putting in a cross that managed to get through to Noel Leighton who after a couple of stabs managed to poke the ball home.
The Cannons made it three on 24 minutes as another Oldaker free kick was spilled by the Bearsted goalkeeper and Alex Brown was on hand to tap in the rebound. The hosts managed to narrow the gap on 36 minutes as a ball was sent into the Hythe penalty area and it was side footed past Hythe keeper Will Godmon.
The second half was a lot quieter with a couple of notable chances as firstly Godmon was called to make a point blank save and then at the other end a Tom Walmsley header was tipped over by the Bearsted keeper.
It was a comfortable win for Hythe as they now look forward to their next pre-season fixture at home to Maidstone United on Thursday evening (29th July 2021) with kick off at 7:45pm.
Scorers: Hythe Town-Darren Oldaker 14 mins, Noel Leighton 18 mins, Alex Brown 24 mins. Bearsted-Unknown 36 mins
Attendance: H/C 101
Hythe Town 1 Tunbridge Wells 1
Pre-Season Friendly
Tuesday 23rd July 2021
On Tuesday night, Hythe played out a 1-1 draw against SCEFL side Tunbridge Wells. Ahead of the match, Steve Watt made four changes from the 2-1 defeat to Folkestone. George Sibley, Jacob Gilbert, Tom Walmsley and Charlie Webster all came into the side.
The Wells got off to a better start, hitting the post just two minutes into the game. They then took the lead in the eighth minute, with one of their players making a run into the box and squeezing the ball past Harry Brooks in the Cannons goal. Hythe had to wait 35 minutes until their first chance, as the Wells goalkeeper reacted late to a shot from Jacob Gilbert, just managing to get down to it. On the stroke of half time, the equaliser came. A looping cross from the left-hand side of the pitch was nodded down into an empty net by Noel Leighton, scoring his second goal of pre-season.
The second half was very quiet, with the only major chance coming from the Wells, whose left-back hit a powerful shot against the post. Hythe made five subs in the second half, with Jordan Sarfo, Alex Flisher, Eli Benoit, Connor Cheek and a trialist all coming onto the field. There was a moment of concern when centre-back Cameron Rearden stayed down injured for a number of minutes, but luckily, he was able to get up and make his way off the pitch with help from his team-mates.
Hythe are back in action away at Bearsted on Saturday 24th at 3PM, before returning to Reachfields to take on Maidstone United at 7:45PM on Thursday 29th July.
Folkestone Invicta 2 Hythe Town 1
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 17th July 2021
On Saturday, Hythe went down 2-1 to Folkestone Invicta on a hot and sunny afternoon. Steve Watt made three changes from the win over Canterbury, with Frannie Collin, Alex Flisher and goalkeeper Harry Brooks coming into the line-up.
Hythe got off to a dream start when a ball was played out wide to Alex Flisher, whose shot from the edge of the penalty area beat Tim Roberts in the Invicta goal to give the Cannons the lead after just six minutes. However, that lead only lasted for five minutes, as a cross from Folkestone’s Ade Yusuff was slammed into the back of the net by Ronnie Dolan. Things almost got even worse on 15 minutes, when Tyler Sterling made a darting run into the box, which resulted in a shot that hit the crossbar. Folkestone did eventually take the lead in the 18th minute, when Alfie Paxman went one-on-one with the keeper and went around him, only for Cameron Reardon to shove him over and concede a penalty, which Paxman himself stepped up and scored to the keeper’s left, with Brooks diving the wrong way. Invicta had several more chances during the first half, hitting the post from a Sterling free kick on 36 minutes, as well as several shots going over the bar.
Hythe began the second half by bringing on Charlie Webster and new signing Jordan Sarfo, who both made a big impact on the match. Both Frannie Collin and Sarfo went one-on-one with Roberts in the Folkestone goal, with the keeper saving on both occasions. On 79 minutes, Hythe had arguably their best chance of the half. After narrowly hitting the crossbar, the ball rebounded to Tom Walmsley, who really should’ve done better, missing an open goal and firing the ball wide for a goal kick. During the second half, Hythe made three more changes, with Walmsley, Jacob Gilbert and George Sibley all getting onto the pitch.
Hythe return to Reachfields on Tuesday 20th July at home to Tunbridge Wells, with the match kicking off at 7:45PM.
Line-up: Harry Brooks, Liam Smith, Jarred Trespaderne, James Rogers, Cameron Reardon, Eli Benoit, Alex Brown, Darren Oldaker, Noel Leighton, Frannie Collin, Alex Flisher. Substitutes: Charlie Webster, Jordan Sarfo, Tom Walmsley, Jacob Gilbert, George Sibley
Scorers: Folkestone Invicta - Ronnie Dolan 11 mins, Alfie Paxman 18 mins (pen). Hythe Town - Alex Flisher 6 mins
Attendance: 435
Hythe Town 1 Canterbury City 0
Pre Season Friendly
Tuesday 13th July 2021
Hythe enjoyed their first home win in nine months as a late Morgan Williamson free kick earned them a 1-0 victory over SCEFL side Canterbury City. Manager Steve Watt made three changes from the 0-0 draw against Kennington, with Jarred Trespaderne, Eli Benoit and a trialist all making their first home starts of the season.
The Cannons were all over Canterbury in the first half, dominating both the chances and the possession. In the seventh minute, Cameron Reardon headed the ball onto Noel Leighton, who in turn headed the ball just over the bar. Later in the half, on 39 minutes, one of the trialists forced a fine save from the foot of the Canterbury goalkeeper, with the ball going behind for a corner.
It took until the 69th minute for the first real chance of the second half, with Reardon’s ball evading everyone but Charlie Webster, who was unable to get a good enough connection and the ball sailed away.
The deadlock was broken in the 81st minute, when another trialist won a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, which 17-year-old substitute Morgan Williamson put into the back of the net, scoring his first senior goal. During the half, six changes were made for Hythe, with Alex Brown, Morgan Williamson, Tom Walmsley, Connor Cheek and two trialists all coming onto the pitch.
Hythe’s next match is away at Folkestone on the 17th of July, with the match kicking off at 3PM.
Report by Tom Ellerby
Hythe Town 0 Kennington 0
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 10th July 2021
Hythe’s first home match since 17th October finished goalless as Steve Watt’s side played their third match of pre-season against SCEFL side Kennington. The game was rather uneventful, with very few chances going to either side. Hythe’s line-up contained eight players who had been with us last season; Will Godmon, Liam Smith, Nathan Gordon, James Rogers, Darren Oldaker, Charlie Webster, Alex Brown and Alex Flisher all started the match. The eleven also contained new signings Cameron Reardon and Noel Leighton, as well as a trialist.
Hythe dominated the chances in the opening stages, with Cannons goalkeeper Will Godmon having to make a save in the 12th minute, denying Kennington’s Ryan Philpott a goal against his former side. Another former Cannon was also involved a minute later, with keeper Joe Mant facing Noel Leighton one-on-one, grabbing the ball from the feet of Hythe’s new number 9. On 32 minutes, Darren Oldaker, who spent some time with Welling United while the Isthmian League was on hold, had an opportunity from a free-kick, but the ball sailed wide to the top left of the goal.
The second half was also fairly quiet. A trialist came on at half-time and made quite an impact on the match, hitting the side netting on 72 minutes after being denied a penalty three minutes before. During the second half, Steve Watt made six substitutions, with Tom Walmsley, Jarred Trespaderne, Eli Benoit and Morgan Williamson all making welcome returns to Reachfields, as well as two trialists.
The Cannons are back in action on Tuesday 13th July at home to Canterbury. Kick-off is at 7:45pm.
Report by Tom Ellerby
Deal Town 3 Hythe Town 0
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 3rd July 2021
A depleted Hythe Town, who played a mixture of first team and young trialists, went down 3-0 at Deal Town on Saturday afternoon.
The Cannons were on the back foot as early as the second minute as a Connor Coyne shot flew just out of the reach of Hythe keeper Will Godmon and under the cross bar into the net to give the hosts the lead. They were two up in 14 minutes as the visitor’s defence failed to clear the ball from a Coyne cross with Ben Chapman firing the ball home.
With the hosts taking a two-goal half time lead it required a great save from Godmon to save Hythe falling further behind. However, on 58 minutes Deal sealed their win as Sam Wilson bundled the ball into the net to make it 3-0.
Despite the result, this was a good workout and an opportunity for some of the younger players to show their potential prior to the new season. The Cannons follow this with their first home fixture next Saturday (10th July 2021) as they entertain Kennington at Reachfields. Kick off will be 3pm.
Scorers: Deal Town – Connor Coyne 2 mins, Ben Chapman 14 mins, Sam Wilson 58 mins.
Attendance: H/C 140