Sam Denly has seen enough to think Hythe Town can challenge for automatic promotion this season.

On Saturday the Cannons scored three goals away to a Cray side which had only conceded once in five games before that.

They lost 4-3 but then beat Faversham 5-4 on Tuesday and have now scored 17 times in their last four matches.

Cray went six points clear at the top of Bostik South East on Saturday and Denly admitted they’ve set the benchmark.

He said: “They’re a good side but so are we and we matched them on Saturday.

“It was two good sides having a go and what cost us was some sloppy defending from set-pieces.

“I don’t think there’s a lot between the two teams. They’re top for a reason but I certainly feel we can take a lot from the game and consider ourselves a little bit unlucky not to come away with anything.”

Hythe thrashed Herne Bay 6-0 in the Velocity Trophy last Tuesday having won 3-1 at home to Hastings in their previous league game.

Denly said: “We are a very dangerous team going forward. We create a lot of chances and it was good to see other people contributing goals on Saturday.

“We’ve got to find a little bit more consistency.

“We were outstanding against Hastings last Saturday, outstanding against Herne Bay in midweek and all right against Cray. I still don’t think we were at our best by any stretch.

“If we can get that consistency in our performances, we’re going to be a good side.”

Hythe’s summer signings are still finding their feet and Denly knows patience will be key.

“It does take time but I’m happy with where we are,” he said. “I’ll always be open to adding a few here and there but we’re very much a work in progress.

“It’s about understanding everyone’s game and making sure we’re doing the right things consistently – not just individually but collectively."

Hythe are at Sevenoaks on Saturday.