Debuts were handed to 4 players in a new 4-3-3 formation that was so readily accepted by all. Arrun, Dave, Jamie all started and each made a massive impact on the game.
From kick off, Hythe seemed to be totally at ease with playing the new formation. Dean, Jamie and Luke were linking up like they had played together for years. Dannie and Arjan were playing with a freedom that enabled them to create chance after chance.
top scorer, Luke scored the opener. From his own half, Dannie put in a cross field through ball that was half intercepted by the opposition centre back, only for the ball to fall at Luke’s feet, who lobbed the keeper from outside the box.
After the goal, Hythe seemed to lose a bit of impetus and Walton started to apply a bit of pressure. Dazza pulled off two world class saves and the back four,of Dave, Arrun, Parfs and Stu held out against the fastest centre forward they will face all season.
Though just before half time though, Walton managed to get a deserved equaliser, making the half time team talk slightly harder.
From the restart, Hythe went back to playing the way they did at the start of the game and took full control.
Arjan intercepted a pass on the half-way line, then ran past three players and struck the ball from 30 yards into the top corner, the keeper didn't move and just watched in awe. Without doubt goal of the season already!
Hythe took a 3-1 lead when Luke laid off a simple pass to Dannie who put in an inch perfect through ball to Wheeler who dinked the ball over the top of the keeper, he wheeled away only to pull his hamstring. Wheeler has now played 2 games, scored a goal, got 2 assists, total minutes on the pitch = 37. He was never this good 20 years ago.
Grant and the back four, which now included Kev (as Stu had lost discipline and wandered up front) were determined to keep a clean sheet.
Luke wrapped up the afternoon with his second goal of the game. Fantastic work by Jamie out on the wing, enabled him to put in a low cross for Luke to smash home, reminiscent of that Lineker goal in the 86 World cup.
Dunc came on for the last 20 minutes in an unfamiliar central midfield role and his energy ensured that we didn't concede any more goals.
Congratulations to Arrun who was awarded man of the Match by referee Baresh. Congratulations also to Dazza who for the first time didn't get booked when he played out on pitch!
