The Cannons came away victorious from East Grinstead Town with a 3-1 win on Saturday afternoon to move into the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.
Manager, Steve Watt made one change to his starting line up from last week’s league home fixture against today’s opponents bringing in Sam Itauma to replace Jake Embery who was on the bench.
The first quarter of an hour saw Hythe continue where they left off last Saturday with a chance after only 16 seconds as Bradley Schafer drove the ball just wide of the target. East Grinstead had their first chance on 19 minutes as Kiye Martin scuffed a shot high and wide.
Whilst the hosts were looking more dangerous, they were struggling to create chances and the next opportunity came for Hythe as a Jack Steventon long throw was met by a over head kick by Johan Caney-Bryan that sailed into the arms of home keeper Matte Pierson.
The Wasps were looking the more likely as the ever-dangerous Connor Tighe was blocked well by defender Lex Allan and eight minutes before half time the hosts had their best chance of the game as Kiye Martin got one on one with Adam Molloy, but the Hythe keeper was quickly off his line to snuff out the chance.
The second period saw the Cannons go quickly into a two-goal lead as on 48 minutes they went ahead from a trademark long throw from Jack Steventon that found its way to Johan Caney-Bryan who managed to get his knee to the ball diverting it into the net.
Five minutes later Hythe went further ahead as Pierson blocked a shot from Ethan Smith with Caney-Bryan on hand to send the rebound home to make it 2-0. There was a fright for the visitors as Marcus Goldsmith brought down Martin in the penalty area with the referee immediately pointing to the spot. Up stepped East Grinstead skipper Glenn Wilson who drilled his spot kick home.
However, the Cannons were looking for a third as Schafer drilled a shot straight at Pierson, but he was not to be denied with seven minutes to go as he broke through stretching to lob the ball over the keeper and into the far corner of the net.
East Grinstead did have a couple of chances to narrow the gap as firstly from a free kick from Max Walsh on the edge of the area, but his effort sailed over the bar and then two minutes into injury time Molley produced a great save from Ryan Green. The Cannons were to comfortably hold on to their 3-1 win and will be in the draw for the next round on Monday.
They are next in action on Saturday 26th August 2023 when they travel to Merstham in the league. Kick off is 3pm.
Team: Adam Molloy, Sam Itauma, Marcus Goldsmith (Kai Garande 83 mins), Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Lex Allan, Aaron Barnes, Ethan Smith (Jake Embery 59 mins), Johan Caney-Bryan (Jarred Trespaderne 80 mins), Frannie Collin, Bradley Schafer.
Subs Unused: Sam Flisher Leo Vowles.
Scorers: East Grinstead Town – Glenn Wilson 68 mins (Pen)
Hythe Town – Johan Caney-Bryan 48 & 54 mins, Bradley Schafer 83 mins.
Yellow Cards: Ethan Smith 38 mins, Jake Embery 64 mins, Marcus Goldsmith 67 mins
Attendance: 142