Hythe’s historic FA Trophy run came to an end at the last 32 stage, as the Cannons were beaten 2-1 by National League North side Chorley. Steve Watt made just one change from the last match on New Year’s Day, as Kai Garande was replaced by Ethan Smith.

The first half began very evenly, and the first major chance of the game was for Hythe and Ethan Smith, who squared the ball into the box from the by-line to Johan Caney-Bryan, who tapped the ball towards goal, but goalkeeper Matt Urwin made an excellent save with his leg to keep it away. However, he wasn’t so lucky on 31 minutes – Aaron Barnes sent a ball to the near post post to Jake Embery, who slid the ball past Urwin and put Hythe into an unlikely lead, much to the delight of the Hythe fans. Chorley had a good chance to make it 1-1 on 40 minutes through Oliver Shenton, who made a good run to the edge of the box and fired the ball just over the bar.

Two minutes later, a firm header from Mark Ellis was palmed away by Steve Phillips, but the visitors did indeed manage to level the scores on the stroke of half-time, when Jack Hazlehurst got himself into a good position and placed his shot perfectly. Steve Phillips managed to get a touch on it but was unable to keep it out.

The second half began in similar fashion to the first, with both teams putting up a strong fight. Chorley had a good chance on the hour mark, as Mike Calveley played the ball into Justin Johnson, who cut inside and blazed his shot wide of the post and crossbar. Hythe also had a near miss on 67 minutes, as Aaron Barnes played a back-heeled pass to Brad Schafer on the left-hand side. Schafer whipped a cross into the box onto the head of Johan Caney-Bryan, whose header was caught by Matt Urwin. It was the visitors who managed to take the lead in the second half on 73 minutes, as a free-kick was sent into the box and was nodded in by Jack Sampson past a blindsided Steve Phillips.

Hythe continued to fight for their lives in the final stages of the game but were unable to create any cutting-edge chances to make it 2-2. The full-time whistle blew to mark the end of an FA Trophy run which saw Hythe beat three teams from leagues above them.

Steve Watt’s side are back in action on Tuesday 16th as they travel to Lancing in the Isthmian League South-East Division at 7:45pm, before they return to Reachfields on Saturday 20th to face Erith & Belvedere at 3pm.

Team: Steve Phillips, Marcus Goldsmith, Bradley Schafer, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Aaron Barnes (Ollie Gray 90 mins), Ethan Smith (Jarred Trespaderne 57 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin (Kane Phillip 84 mins), Jake Embery. Subs Unused: Josh Stirman, Oscar Webb, Sam Flisher, Kai Garande, 

Scorers: Hythe Town – Jake Embery 32 mins. Chorley – Jack Hazlehurst 44 mins, Jack Sampson 73 mins. 

Yellow Cards: Bradley Schafer 84 mins, Aaron Barnes 90 mins

Attendance: 730