The Cannons were pegged back as Bostik League North, Romford came from a goal behind to win 2-1 on a blustery afternoon in Essex on Saturday.
It was Hythe, who were with four key players away, started the brighter and created the first chance as Aziz Lyoubi played the ball through to Kane Phillip but the final strike went straight at the Romford keeper. The visitors continued to press as a dangerous Sylvan Kisitu corner was just out of the reach of Zak Ansah in the penalty area.
Romford had to wait until the 16th minute for their first threat as Greg Akpela fired an attempt around the post and then an opportunity saw a shot go just wide. On 28 minutes a strike from Romford forced Hythe keeper George Kamurasi to smother the ball but within a minute Hythe took the lead as Jack Sammoutis surged through the Romford defence to bury his final effort into the bottom corner of the net.
As the half entered its last ten minutes it was the hosts who looked the more likely. Kamurasi was forced into a good save but had no chance on 37 minutes as John Nzengo picked up the ball 25 yards out and unleashed a shot that gave the Hythe keeper no chance as it flew into the net. Romford took the lead on the stroke of half-time as Nzeng had a shot blocked by Kamurasi but Akpela followed up to plant the ball in the net.
The second half started with an early opportunity for Romford as they headed wide. Charlie Webster, who was outstanding all afternoon, was becoming more influential as firstly a neat move started with him as he threaded the ball to Ansah who fed Sammoutis whose attempt went wide and then he tried to loop the ball over the keeper but it landed on top of the cross-bar. Chances were coming at both ends as Kamurasi saved well and then with five minutes remaining a neat interchange as Hythe attacked ended with Ansah lofting the final ball over the bar.
As the game progressed into injury time Kamurasi was on hand to block a shot and then at the other end Webster was unlucky not to equalise as he rifled an effort against the underside of the bar and away. One more effort from Hythe saw Lyoubi shoot over.
It was a good test for the Cannons against a side at the same level and will give manager Sam Denly some pointers to any adjustments that need to be made before the season proper kicks off in two weeks-time at Ashford United. In the meantime Hythe travel back to Essex next Saturday as they visit Bostik North,Tilbury, in their final pre-season fixture.
Team: George Kamurasi, Sylvan Kisitu, Aziz Lyoubi, Charlie Owen, Ben Gorham, Mitchell Dickenson, Josh Stirman, Charlie Webster, Zak Ansah, Jack Sammoutis, Kane Phillip. Subs Used: Michell Chapman, Michael Turner, Chris Arthur.
Scorers: Romford-John Nzengo 37 mins, Greg Akpela 45 mins. Hythe Town-Jack Sammoutis 29 mins.
Attendance: Approx 55