Faversham Town closed out 2016 with a battling 1-1 draw at Reachfields against a play-off chasing Hythe Town. 

The home side had the better of the game, taking the lead after 34 minutes through Frankie Sawyer’s shot, but Faversham improved as the second half went on, but did benefit from some fortune in their equaliser as Ryan Johnson’s attempted
clearance rebounded into the net off the body of Jordan Casey; George Monger also later claiming the vital touch.

With manager Ray Turner departing the ground immediately to attend his night shift with the Fire Service, his assistant Clive Walker spoke
afterwards to Kent Sports News.  Walker said “I thought second half we played really well.  We were back to what we had early season, plenty of energy and trusted each other more on the ball.”

“First half I thought we were a bit static and didn’t get round the ball enough.  Then we came on strong and were a better side second half.
A draw was probably a fair result.”

Faversham, playoff regulars over the last couple of seasons, have found themselves in mid-table this year, and Walker admitted “scoring goals has been a struggle.  Up to the attacking third, we’ve probably played as well as anybody in the League, but you’ve got to finish stuff off.”  This problem has been exacerbated by the recent move of leading scorer Dean Grant to yesterday’s opponents.

One of the substitutes who had provided a fresh impetus to the Faversham midfield, Sam Bewick, was dismissed after the equaliser.
Walker though thought his team responded well, adding “it probably galvanised us a bit, we got a bit more aggressive in our play
afterwards, but I thought it was a bit harsh.”

Bewick will still be available for Monday’s derby match against Herne Bay, but will probably miss the three following games.