A depleted Hythe side managed to take a point in a roller coaster of a match, drawing 2-2 against league leaders Ramsgate at Reachfields.
Steve Watt, who was suspended for the match, made two changes from the goalless draw at Sevenoaks Town, as new signing Josh Wisson came into the starting eleven for his first start for Hythe along with Aaron Barnes, who replaced Liam and Ethan Smith, who were also suspended.
Hythe got off to a dream start and scored the opening goal, as a free kick from Frannie Collin landed on the head of Lex Allan – Tom Hadler was unable to get a hand to it, and the ball rolled into the back of the net. It was almost 2-0 two minutes later, as Kai Garande sent a cross in from the by-line. The ball was initially caught by Tom Hadler, before Johan Caney-Bryan managed to put it into the back of the net. However, the goal was disallowed by referee Ben McDonald.
Hythe had another chance to double the lead on 33 minutes as Johan Caney-Bryan slipped the ball through to Frannie Collin, whose shot was deflected away for a corner, which Collin took himself, with Jack Steventon heading it narrowly over the bar. Two minutes later, Jake Embery had an excellent opportunity as he went one-on-one with Tom Hadler, who managed to deflect the ball away. It was collected by Aaron Barnes, who curled a shot towards the top corner, before it was tipped away by Hadler. Despite Hythe’s clear dominance, it was the Rams who scored the next goal, which came just before half-time, as Jack S Paxman weaved his way past the Hythe defence and hit a shot past Steve Phillips to level the scores at the break.
The second half began in Ramsgate’s favour – on 54 minutes, Wes Hennessey was set free and hit a powerful shot goalwards, which Steve Phillips managed to catch. However, it wasn’t long before the visitors took the lead as, on 69 minutes, the ball was deflected into the path of Alfie Paxman, who slammed the ball in at the near post, much to the delight of the visiting supporters. Despite this, it was Hythe who had the final word – they managed to break through the Ramsgate defence, before Jake Embery smashed the ball in to make it 2-2.
The full-time whistle blew to mark a well-earned point for Hythe against a difficult opponent. The Cannons will be in action again on Tuesday night as they take on Erith & Belvedere at Reachfields – kick-off is at 7:45pm.
Team: Steve Phillips, Sam Flisher, Kai Garande, Jack Steventon, Lex Allan, Josh Wisson, Aaron Barnes (Kian Garlinge 49 mins), Bradley Schafer, Johan Caney-Bryan, Frannie Collin, Jake Embery. Subs Unused: Jarred Trespaderne, Oscar Webb, Harry Rowland, Josh Stirman.
Scorers: Hythe Town – Lex Allan 14 mins, Jake Embery 79 mins. Ramsgate – Jack S Paxman 44 mins, Alfie Paxman 69 mins.
Attendance: 517