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Nick Davis is hoping it’s onwards and upwards after Hythe Town ended their Isthmian South East losing streak.
The Cannons beat Lancing 3-0 at Reachfields on Saturday to end a run of six league defeats and move out of the relegation zone.
Boss Davis saw winger Ellis Brown, his new signing from Folkestone, scored twice on his debut, adding to on-loan Maidstone midfielder Riley Court’s early free-kick.
Brown is another key piece of the puzzle, following the additions of Medy Elito and Vance Bola, and there was also a debut off the bench for striker Danny Parish, who’s arrived from Sittingbourne to get game time after an injury lay-off.
The new arrivals have put Hythe in a position to kick on, as highlighted by the convincing victory over Lancing.
“We massively need that result,” said Davis.
“Without a doubt, it was our most complete performance.
“We got a couple more signings over the line and you can just see the change in mentality.
“We’ve brought in some decent semi-professional players that have played higher and you can see the difference.
“Ellis gave us a real good balance and all of a sudden we had something going forward.
“We’ve looked toothless at times but not on Saturday.
“We scored the three before half-time, which was a bit of a shock to us all, and we could have had more in the second half.
“At the same time, we’ve restricted them to one meaningful chance in the last 20 minutes or so.
“We were professional in the way we went about things and, do you know what, they aren’t a bad side.
“They move the ball well, rotate their midfielders and forwards and create pockets of space for people to pick the ball up.
“We knew it would be tough so it’s pleasing to get the three points we desperately needed and also a first clean sheet.
“We always knew it would take time to get the right people in.
“Good players are tied up with their clubs but now we’re coming into November, players are potentially not getting the game time they thought they would and they become available.
“With that, we’re getting the players we need.
“You’re going to get the odd one wrong but now we’ve turned the corner hopefully and the power is shifting slightly in our favour that the right players, with the right mentality and experience, are available.”
Hythe are looking for their first away win of the season at Deal this Saturday (3pm).
It’s the sides’ third meeting already this term, with the Hoops winning League Cup and Kent Senior Cup ties.
“Hopefully it will be third time lucky,” said Davis.
“Both games, we were scrambling around for a team but with any luck we’ve got a full allocation to pick from.
“Theo McKenzie’s back from suspension and Harry Rowland might be in contention, and the Maidstone lads, Riley Court and Sam Smith, are available this time.”
Hythe visit Herne Bay on Tuesday (7.45pm).