Alfie May’s impressive second half solo goal caused a FA Cup shock as the canons defeated Leatherhead at Reachfields.

Having needed a replay to beat Sittingbourne in the previous round of the world’s oldest knockout competition, Hythe were expected to find the visit of Ryman premier League side Leatherhead even more tough, especially with the Tanners recording their first win of the season, a convincing 3-0 hammering of Merstham, in their previous fixture.

There was also a tactical reshuffle from the hosts before their third FA Cup game of the season, Clive Cook switched his usual 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3 with Alfie May and Frankie Sawyer playing on either side of Kenny Pouge. The big target man was one of two changes which Cook made from his team’s 3-0 defeat at Ramsgate, he came in for Josh Algar whilst Chris Saunders took the place of Dan Parkinson.

It took ten minutes for the game to truly open up, and it was the favourites for the tie who were given the opening opportunity. Former Dartford and Dover midfielder Barry Cogan’s cross from the right wing found the head of Kiernan Mason- Hughes, but the winger was only able to divert his effort onto the post.

Leatherhead’s early dominance went on with both Guiseppe Sole and Mason- Hughes having opportunities to open the scoring. Sole found the back of the net from a rebound, only for the play to be brought back for offside before the playmaker’s free kick was powered into the wall, only for the ball to land at the feet of Kiernan Mason- Hughes, who hit a shot from the edge of the area straight at Joe Mant.

Despite their slow start, Hythe slowly worked their way back into the tie. Kenny Pogue forced a save from Joe Taylor with thirty minutes gone, but Alfie May was unable to capitalize on the goalkeeper’s parried save. Just before half time May had another chance after latching onto a long ball from midfield, but after bringing the ball down into his path, the attacker fired a shot at Taylor which the Leatherhead ‘keeper did well to keep out, meaning the game remained goalless at half time.

The hosts continued their better performance from the end of the first half into the second, and they were nearly rewarded from their quick start early on. Craig Cloke’s header from Josh Burchell’s cross bounced inches wide of the target.

Soon after an impressive passing move from the hosts gave Pogue an opportunity to open the scoring. Ryan Johnson, who was in a league of his own in the second half, did well to find May on the left wing before the ball was played into the big striker who couldn’t connect cleanly with the ball, only being able to watch as his attempt flew wide of the goal.

Leatherhead took a back step to their opponents in the second period, but they were still able to create a number of chances to take the lead. Guiseppe Sole’s free kick was well saved after Tomi Adeloye was tripped on the edge of the area.

However, it was the hosts who took the lead with sixty nine minutes played as another cup upset began to look likely. Hythe did well to clear a corner with the ball finding Alfie May with Frankie Sawyer in support against Leatherhead’s Jay Silva. Despite the easier option to find his teammate, May decided to take the chance himself, taking the ball from his own half into the opposite penalty area before sliding a shot below Joe Taylor to secure a fantastic solo goal.

This wasn’t enough for Hythe though, just two minutes later Kenny Pogue stabbed a shot inches wide. From the next attack he played the ball into the path of Frankie Sawyer who could only find the chest of the goalkeeper.

With time running out, Leatherhead threw everything at Hythe, Jey Silva set up Adeloye, only for the powerful striker to put his shot wide on the turn before Kiernan Mason- Hughes returned to action, forcing a point blank save from Joe Mant. The visitors continued their late pressure, but Hythe stayed strong, ensuring the upset was completed as they continue to the second qualifying round.

Hythe now await the draw for the next round which occurs on Monday, meaning they know their next opponents before making the short trip to Faversham Town on Tuesday night.

Hythe Town: Mant, Webster, Burchell, Johnson, Cloke, Reeves, Saunders, Adams, Sawyer (Jackson), May, Pogue

Subs not used: Welch, Algar, Gillett

Leatherhead: Taylor, Mahal, Silva, Semakula, Harrington (Healy), Nnamani, Davies (Mulrooney- Skinner), Cogan, Adeloye, Sole, Mason- Hughes (Lope

Subs not used: Martin, Wilson, Campbell

Referee: Mr P Killip

Assistants: Mr J Whitworth and Mr R Albert

Attendance: 255