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Hythe Town boss Steve Watt praises his side after battling comeback against Whyteleafe

Hythe boss Steve Watt admitted he could not have been more proud of his side after their battling comeback against Whyteleafe.

The Cannons were a man down and two goals down inside 10 minutes on Saturday before recovering to draw 2-2 in Isthmian South East and Watt said his only disappointment was that they did not win.

He explained: “I can’t speak highly enough of the boys but I can’t help but be frustrated at the same time because we could and should have won.

Hythe Town manager Steve Watt Picture: Andy Jones
Hythe Town manager Steve Watt Picture: Andy Jones

“Even when we were down to 10 men we were creating chances and I mean good chances, one-on-ones with the keeper.

“I was gutted for the players that they did not get the win because their attitude was first class.

“I have to say I’ve never seen a team 2-0 up against 10 men play in the way Whyteleafe did.

“They were time-wasting, even in the first half. I was baffled.

I’ve never been part of a game

like that but full credit to our players.”

Alex Flisher in action against Whyteleafe at Reachfields on Saturday Picture: Andy Jones
Alex Flisher in action against Whyteleafe at Reachfields on Saturday Picture: Andy Jones

Hythe were already a goal down when defender Callum Adonis-Taylor was sent off for handball – Whyteleafe also scored from the resulting penalty – but Watt felt the officials got the decision wrong.

He explained: “I think we were let down by the officials there. I’ve seen the video and the ball hit Callum in the ribs and went out for a corner. We will definitely appeal.”

Alex Flisher was Hythe’s star man against Whyteleafe and Watt revealed the former Maidstone forward is playing despite continuing to be troubled by a groin problem.

He said: “Flish was in quite a bit of discomfort after the game but he thinks it’s pain he can manage so we’re looking at it game by game.

“He’s due to have a scan this week so hopefully we’ll find out exactly what the problem is.

“He was excellent on Saturday, he manhandled their three centre-halves and by the end they were pleased to see the back of him.”

Watt has been buoyed by the return – earlier than expected – of midfielder Alex Brown, but striker Frannie Collin (calf) is probably a couple of weeks away from a comeback.

Of Brown, Watt said: “Alex is still a long way behind where he needs to be which is to be expected, given how long he’s been out, but with every week he’ll get stronger.”

Town, 15th in Isthmian South East, travel to leaders Cray Valley on Saturday and Watt is looking forward to seeing how his team perform.

He said: “It’s going to be a tough game but our performances, barring the Sittingbourne defeat (1-0), have been good.

“I don’t think we’ve got the results we’ve deserved but if we can continue creating chances hopefully that will change.”

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