Hythe Town were unable to hold on to claim a place in this season’s play-offs as they conceded a last-minute goal in their 1-1 draw with Corinthian-Casuals at Reachfields on Saturday afternoon.
The game started tensely as there was so much at stake for both sides with chances limited in the first half. The first two opportunities fell to the visitors as firstly after eight minutes the ball came out to Josh Uzun but he side-footed over the bar. Uzun was involved in the next attack as he crossed to Harry Ottoway whose glancing header went just wide.
The Cannons had to wait until the 22nd minute for their first serious effort as Liam King played the ball out to Darren Oldaker who shot over. Hythe’s best attempt of the half came on 32 minutes as King played the ball to Zak Ansah whose curling attempt forced Casuals keeper Gareth Williams to save at full stretch palming the ball around the post for a corner.
Casuals were still looking dangerous as Gabriel Odunaike broke free in the penalty area but he was dispossessed by the advancing Hythe keeper Will Godmon. The ball came out to Ottoway whose attempt was deflected over the bar. Just on the stroke of half-time Godmon was forced to block again as Fraser Walker advanced into the penalty area.
The second period started with Hythe on the attack as Charlie Webster blasted a shot that stung the hands of Williams. Both sides were having opportunities as at the other end Mu Maan unleashed a shot that went wide from 20 yards. With twenty minutes to go Ansah saw Williams off his line and attempted to lob the keeper who just managed to get his fingertips to the ball to prevent it going into the net and substitute Jerson Dos Santos following up fired over.
With ten minutes to go Reachfields erupted as the ball was picked up by Ansah who buried it into the corner of the net to give Hythe real hope. At the same time news came in that Ashford United had equalised against Walton Casuals which meant at that time Hythe would finish in fourth. Casuals pressed for the equaliser as Nathan Daly, under pressure, pulled a shot wide and then Odunaike turned but his attempt was diverted over the bar by Godmon.
However, there was a huge sting in the tail as the game moved into injury time Ottoway sneaked in at the far post to equalise for Casauls from a very tight angle. News also arrived that Walton Casuals has beaten Ashford so Hythe could only claim seventh place-just outside the play-offs on goal difference.
Hythe, if they maintain this form, will be a real threat for promotion next season and should be proud of their season.
Team: Will Godmon, Salvyn Kisitu (Josh Stirman 90 mins), Charlie Webster, Chris Kinnear, Ryan Johnson, Mitchell Dickenson, Ryan Palmer, Darren Oldaker, Zak Ansah, Liam King (Jerson Dos Santos 63 mins), Kieron Campbell.
Scorers: Hythe Town-Zak Ansah. Corinthian-Casuals-Harry Ottoway 90 mins.
Attendance 493.