James Rogers says Hythe will scrap their way to Isthmian South East survival if necessary.

The Cannons are playing good football under Rogers but are still looking over their shoulder.

They’re only three points clear of third-bottom Sevenoaks after losing 2-1 at home to promotion-chasing Ashford and need a couple of wins to stave off relegation worries.

Hythe were complimented by Nuts & Bolts boss Tommy Warrilow after the game and, while appreciated, Rogers knows it’s points that count.

Frannie Collin, on his return to Reachfields, and Luke Burdon gave Ashford a 2-0 lead, with Riley Alford replying before Hythe missed a big chance in the final seconds.

“Ashford are a dangerous side going forward, they’re a handful, but we created a lot of chances as well,” said Rogers, whose side host Haywards Heath this Saturday.

“We missed one right at the death and if we’d got a draw I don’t think anyone would have argued.

“Tommy (Warrilow) was complimentary, saying we’re too good to go down.

“It’s OK playing well and creating chances, but you have to take them, and defensively again we’ve made two mistakes for the goals.

“We’re getting in good areas and playing good football, so there are positives to take, but we need to get a win.

“I’m more interested in points and I’d take a scrappy, horrible performance and points on the board at this stage of the season.

“I can’t get too down, because we’ve had a tough run of games, but it’s the business end of the season and we’ve got to pick up points.

“If that means scrapping, that’s what we’ll do.

“It’s fine margins. These boys who are up the top, they take their chances and defend properly.

“For us, it’s in both boxes. In between, we’re a decent, tidy side, and we’re quite exciting going forward for the fans, but we need to sharpen up in both boxes and I’m sure we will.”

Assistant manager Tom Wynter was named on the bench but only to make up the numbers.

"Wynts won't play again this season," said Rogers. "It's his knee, I don't know what he's done but he needs a scan."