Following a two week break due to postponements the Hillians return to league action welcoming Hythe Town to the HomeCall Carpets Community Stadium in a match sponsored by LRG Group. 

Manager Gary Mansell made a few changes with goalkeeper Taylor Seymour returning from a short break. Under 18’s trio Joe Overy, Noah Hoffman and Harry Lawson also came back into the starting line up.

The Hillians had a shout for a penalty after eight minutes when a dodgy bounce at the back saw a visiting defender handle it, it looked to be in the box but the referee gave a free kick judging it to be just outside of the box. 

Callum Jenkins saw an effort go well over the bar after eighteen minutes as goalmouth action was at a premium but after 31 minutes the Hillians took the lead.

A cross was swung in from the left and Jack Steventon failed to clear it, the ball rebounded to Kieran Rowe who turned and smashed it in with an excellent strike.

On the stroke of halftime Seymour made a fantastic save to deny visiting Hythe a leveller. A free kick was whipped in and Steventon headed it, it looked to be going into the top corner until Seymour tipped it away for a corner which Seymour again saved as the Hillians went in ahead at half time.

As the players went in Hythe manager Steven Watt was shown a straight red card as he approached the referee. Watt watched the remainder of the game from the stand.

Hythe had a great chance to level on 52 minutes as Liam Smith was put through one-on-one but was denied by a brilliant save by Seymour. 

A minute later the visitors were awarded a penalty but once again the brilliant Seymour denied the experienced Frannie Collin saving low to keep the Hillians lead intact. 

There were big chances at both ends on 60 minutes as Lawson couldn’t quite score and the visitors raced up the other end where a Hythe forward hit wide in a one on one situation. 

Hill thought they had won a penalty when Dan Perry was brought down but the linesman already had his flag raised for offside. 

Lawson headed wide from a corner which was well won by sub Reece Hallard and with 12 minutes remaining Seymour made another fantastic save to deny the visitors but Hythe did find a leveller with 10 minutes remaining as their pressure finally paid off. Aaron Barnes charged down the left and delivered for Johan Caney-Bryan to side foot home. 

Lawson put an excellent delivery in for Hallard who could only find the goalkeeper with his effort and Mansell made his final change bringing on another talented U18 player, Daniel Burbulis for his senior debut. 

Hythe netted the winner in the 88th minute as the Hillians failed to deal with a cross and Caney-Bryan netted his second of the game to seal the three points.

Taylor Seymour is presented with the Man of the Match award presented by Jay Solly of LRG Group. Thank you to Lost Pier Brewery for supplying the award.

Before the game the Hillians lined up with the days mascots from BHTFC Juniors and Chailey Heritage Foundation who were collecting on the day as well as Richard Strange, ex player and general manager, who organised their visit and the ex-players day.