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Hythe Town manager Clive Cook says there is no pressure on the Cannons ahead of their FA Trophy derby at Welling United

Clive Cook says Hythe are capable of springing another shock and continuing their FA Trophy run when they visit Welling in the first round on Saturday.

After wins in the previous four rounds, the Ryman League, Division 1 South side visit a side relegated from the National League last season, with upbeat boss Cook claiming they can cause another shock after beating higher division Merstham and Bishop’s Stortford in the previous two rounds.

He said: “We are looking forward to it – it’s a no pressure game for us. The most important thing for me is that we go out there with a smile on our face and that we do ourselves justice.”

Hythe manager Clive Cook Picture: John Westhrop
Hythe manager Clive Cook Picture: John Westhrop

Welling are third-bottom of National League South, two places above Bishop’s Stortford, but Cook added: “People think the Ryman League sides should be out by now, we should be leaving it to the Conference teams to fight out.

“Their new manager Jamie Day has got them going. We have had them watched and got reports, it will be harder than the previous round but they cannot afford to underestimate us. We are a good cup side and can cause teams problems.”

The Cannons warmed up for the game with a 4-0 home league win over Lewes on Tuesday - Alfie May grabbing another hat-trick - which followed a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at East Grinstead on Saturday.

Hythe signed right-back Jerald Aboagye from Chatham on the eve of the Grinstead game and the former Merstham man had a debut to remember.

Cook said: “He came straight in and didn’t really know anyone and within 20 minutes he’d dislocated two fingers and played on in a lot of pain.

“Then he had to sit through my half-time rant. Welcome to Hythe. He’s going to be good for us, though.”

Barring a Trophy replay, Hythe will enjoy a rare free midweek next week and Cook said:

“Saturday-Tuesday from August is catching up on a lot of teams, including us. It’s been a hard season.”

Craig Cloke (unavailable) and Jay May (injured) will miss Welling while Aboagye is cup-tied.

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