Match Preview: Hythe Town vs Eastbourne Town – Isthmian League South East
Date: Saturday, 12th October
Kick-off: 3:00 PM
Venue: Reachfields Stadium, CT21 6JS
Admission: £10 Adults, £7 Concessions, £2 Under-16s
Programme: £2
We travel to Reachfields Stadium this Saturday as we face Hythe Town in the Isthmian League South East. Coming off the back of a crucial 2-1 home win against Erith Town, we’ll be eager to continue building momentum and pick up valuable points on the road.
Current Form
Hythe Town are struggling for form as they currently sit 18th in the league, having secured just six points from nine games. They’ve lost their last four matches, with their most recent victory coming on September 10th against Herne Bay, where they came from behind to win 2-1. In their last outing, they were defeated 3-1 by AFC Croydon Athletic, a club notably owned by former Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha and UK rapper Stormzy.
For Eastbourne Town, a well-deserved break came midweek after our Sussex Senior Cup fixture was postponed, allowing us time to recuperate and focus on this Saturday’s clash. Our last league game saw a last-gasp winner from debutant Harry Hammond, who delighted the home fans and added an extra boost of confidence heading into this away fixture.
Squad News
Injuries have been a significant challenge for us in recent weeks, but the squad is showing signs of recovery. We’re hopeful that leading goalscorer James Stone (Ding) will make his return to action, alongside his strike partner James Hull, who managed to put in a strong 70-minute shift last weekend after his injury layoff. Their presence will undoubtedly give us an extra edge in attack.
The Opposition
Despite their recent struggles, Hythe Town finished in a respectable 13th place last season in the Isthmian League South East. This stability followed an impressive 2022-23 campaign, where they finished in the final playoff place, showing they are capable of mounting strong performances. While they’ve lost their last four games, Hythe will be aiming to rediscover that form and get back on track as they fight to move up the table.
We last met Hythe Town in April 2014 at The Saffrons, where we ran out 2-0 winners. Tom Howard-Bold was on the scoresheet that day for the Town, and we’ll be hoping for a similar result this time around.
Visiting Hythe
Hythe is a charming seaside town located on the southern coast of Kent, known for its rich history and picturesque views. Supporters visiting for the match can expect a warm welcome and a vibrant atmosphere. The town is home to several delightful cafes, pubs, and shops, making it a perfect stop for a pre-match bite or drink.
The historic Hythe Military Canal offers a beautiful backdrop for a stroll, and you can explore the town’s maritime heritage, which includes the Royal Military Canal and historic Hythe Pier. After the match, fans can enjoy a selection of local eateries or unwind in one of the town’s friendly pubs, many of which are just a short walk from Reachfields Stadium.
Weather Forecast
For those making the journey to Hythe, the weather looks set to be largely in our favour. Forecasts suggest scattered clouds with temperatures around 14°C, and just a slight chance of rain at 10-30% during the afternoon. A southwest wind of around 15-20 mph could make conditions a bit breezy.
Onwards To Saturday
This match presents a fantastic opportunity to further climb the table, and we’ll need the same fighting spirit and energy we showed last weekend.
It is an International break this weekend so we hope to see many of you at Reachfields Stadium this Saturday to support local football and The Town, as we push for another three points. Your support is making all the difference on our journey to secure Isthmian League status!