Hythe confirmed playoff football thanks to an impressive 3-0 win over Chipstead, although they could have finished with much more.

The Cannons entered the game knowing that three points would guarantee them postseason matches. Clive Cook’s side welcomed Chipstead to Reachfields knowing that, if they were able to continue their impressive run of form, having won all of their last three games, scoring nine goals in the process. Cook made one change from the side who won 2-0 at Sittingbourne the previous weekend, this came in midfield with Jon Pilbeam taking the place of Jack Mahoney.

Chipstead travelled to Kent and, despite starting the day in 20^th, they were assured of safety meaning they only have league position to fight for in their final two matches.

From Hythe’s opening attack they nearly had the opening goal when, in the opening minute Jon Pilbeam burst through the Chipstead defence and past Alex Kozakis, only for the midfielder to lose balance as he attempted a left footed shot.

The visitors soon worked their way into the game and Charlie Carter came close to scoring the opening goal of the game, but his volley at the far post from Sam Charles’ cross flew over the target. Minutes later the Chips had another chance, but after Saidou Khan was unable to control a cross from the right, the ball fell to Dan Summers whose powerful shot was well saved by Joe Mant.

Despite the visitors’ early pressure, it was the playoff challengers who took the lead after fifteen minutes. After running out of space on the right wing, David Botterill played a simple pass back to Nick Reeves; the defender’s cross into the area was deflected before looping over Kozakis for the opening goal.

From here, Hythe took control of the game, just three minutes after Reeves’ goal Pilbeam found Alfie May from the right wing, only for the attacker to place a side footed volley straight at the goalkeeper.

May continued to cause havoc for the Chipstead defence, and as the first half went on he was able to create plenty of opportunities for a second Hythe goal. After shrugging off Josh Fuller he cut inside onto his stronger right foot, only for his curling effort to swerve wide and soon after his cross from the left found Frankie Sawyer who couldn’t get enough contact on the ball to divert it in.

With half time approaching, May took it upon himself to double his side’s lead. Pilbeam found the attacker who cut outside onto his right foot before hitting a magnificent strike across the goal, past Kozakis and into the net, meaning the cannons were 45 minutes away from playoff football.

Hythe came out with the momentum which carried them through the first period, and early on they had a chance to extend their lead even further. After reaching a low cross from the left wing, Jack Harris could only direct his quick shot at the goalkeeper and soon after John Pilbeam volleyed a Frankie Sawyer corner over, despite finding himself in plenty of space in the Chipstead area.

Alfie May continue to create danger for the visiting defence, and he nearly had his second of the game after cutting inside onto his right foot, but his low effort went inches wide of the right goalpost.

Chipstead temporarily seemed to be working their way back into the game when Sol Pinnock did well to cut inside from the right wing, only for his spectacular curling effort to come back off the post to be hurried away.

Hythe soon pushed back into the game and on their next attack they scored their third goal of the game. With only nine minutes remaining Jack Mahoney’s corner was headed in by Dave Cook, giving Hythe a three goal lead and allowing them to see out the reminder of the game.

Due to the results of teams around Hythe, they have risen to third in the Ryman South table as they look forward to an extended season with a chance of promotion to the third tier of the non-league pyramid. Despite this, they still need to complete their final game of the season where they make the short trip to Faversham Town who are still looking for a top five place.

 

Hythe Town: Mant, Hood (Thomas), Burchell, Botterill, Cloke, Reeves, Cook, Pilbeam, Sawyer (Sprosen), May, Harris (Mahoney)

Subs not used: Walker, Hills

Chipstead: Kozakis, Fuller (Filipe), Charles, Knock, Ogun, Khan, Carter, Quarm, Summers, Wynter (Graves), Pinnock

Subs not used: Kozaks, Stone

Attendance: 304