BEN SLY scored twice as Hythe Town regained top spot in the Bulmers Cider Kent League Premier Division with victory at Salters Lane on Tuesday.

They lead on goal difference from Holmesdale who were held to a 1-1 home draw by Croydon.

Sly converted a superb free kick to put them in front, and then started and finished the move, which led to the third just past the hour mark.

The teenage midfielder was the star of the show with his running on and off the ball, and must have impressed Margate’s Neville Southall; always creating problems for the home side, who never recovered from a sluggish start.

Pat Kingwell, Dave Cook and Joe Nielson all went close before Sly broke the deadlock after 20 minutes.

Twenty yards out he curled the ball right footed wide of Kevion Readings.

Roy Guiver seemed very wound-up against his old club and another ex-Reachfields man Damian Abel also worked hard as the home side created a few chances without really worrying Paul Hyde, Tom Hickman’s header, the best of them.

Kingwell doubled the lead close to half time, as Faversham’s defenders hesitated, allowing Pat Kingwell time and space before, cutting inside and drilled home a low right foot shot.

On the stroke of half time a Hythe corner was only half cleared and fell to Guiver, who was delighted to volley home from close range.

Guiver and Dave Soutan went close for the home side before a quick break by Hythe, saw Sly carry the ball over the halfway line, then got the ball back from Kingwell before shooting home.

Hythe: Hyde, Adlington, Walker, Southen, Ransley, Skelton, Cook, Sly, Nielsen (Walmsley 82) Kingwell, Mickleborough. Subs: (not used) Sparks, Taylor, Bond, Brazier.

Attendance: 136.