Following last week’s disappointing FA Cup exit, the Cannons had another opportunity to win some FA money when they lined up against a Burgess Hill side who had previously dumped Premier Division Bognor Regis out of the same competition on the same day.
Both sides showed an admirable level of fitness throughout the match on what was a lush and true playing surface, and this was a fine advertisement for the step four non-league game.
As early as the opening five minutes Hythe were showing their attacking intentions with a series of long throws and corners. Jake Embery and Johan Caney-Bryan both had fine runs from the off and the former had a good attempt deflected wide by a defender before Jack Steventon headed over from the resulting corner.
Manager Steve Watt had chosen to give starts to young defender Kai Garande and the reliable Sam Flisher and both fully justified the manager’s faith in them. Behind them the returning fans favourite Steven Phillips was soon back into the old routine despite a couple of very understandable early “moments”.
However, this match was largely won by the likes of brothers Liam and Ethan Smith, the evergreen Frannie Collin, the sheer class of Aaron Barnes and finally the big two of Jack Steventon and Lex Allan, the latter of whom who contrived to be prominent at the back, in midfield, and in most attacks–capping his display with a fine Harry Kane style goal.
For the hosts, Lewis Finney initially took the eye, and it was he who popped up at the edge of the area on the 17th minute to work just enough space for himself to chip in an excellent shot that gave Phillps no chance and so give his side the lead.
Hythe though were totally unfazed by this clearly unexpected setback, and continued to dominate the match with the powerful running of Ethan Smith and Jake Embery causing real problems for the home side who clearly WANTED to play their football but were not being allowed to do so.
It was no surprise then in the 35th minute when Jack Steventon–still up field from a previous attack, accepted Liam Smith’s pass to calmly slot home past home keeper James Shaw. The Cannons went for the kill now and a lung-bursting run from the deep by Ethan Smith ended with a fine shot and a good save by Shaw.
Buoyed by this and with some Hythe officials still contemplating their melting chocolate biscuits in the furnace of the Boardroom, Town started the second period in the same way they had the first, and there was another Steventon throw, a nod down in the box, and the huge Lex Allen cracking home a spectacular shot to give his side a much-deserved lead.
Of course, the “Hillians” were not beaten yet and despite the 33 degree heat they put up a good response with some fine footwork on a surface they know well. A couple of shots threatened but in truth Hythe were reverting back to the “they shall not pass” heroics of last season. Steve Watt was able to introduce three decent substitutes into the action in Brad Shafer, Marcus Goldsmith and Jarred Trespaderne and all three blended in seamlessly. before the icing was put onto the cake and Aaron Barnes chipped in a fine goal from close range via Steventon and Liam Smith.
Last week’s Cup defeat, although against a well-drilled side, had led to a few ruffled feathers off-field, but the good folk of Burgess Hill are a better-behaved crowd and they rose as one as the final whistle sounded to appreciate the players efforts in the searing heat.
Team: Steve Phillips, Sam Flisher, Kai Garande (Marcus Goldsmith 75 mins), Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allen, Aaron Barnes, Ethan Smith, Johan Caney-Bryan (Bradley Schafer 70 mins), Frannie Collin, Jake Embery (Jarred Trespaderne 84 mins). Sub Unused Charles Noyelle.
Scorers: Burgess Hill Town – Lewis Finney 16 mins.
Hythe Town – Jack Steventon 36 mins, Lex Allan 47 mins, Aaron Barnes 88 mins.
Yellow Card: Bradley Schafer 82 mins.
Attendance: 260