Southern Counties East Premier Division

Saturday 27th December 2025

Despite a spirited second half the Cannons were unable to find a goal to get a point as they went down 1-0 at home to an improving Hollands & Blair side on Christmas Saturday afternoon.

Manager Darren Beale made five changes to the starting line up with Jerzy Krzyszka coming in for the unwell Will Dempsey, new signing Sam Benson coming in for Storm Gaultier and Armani-Jordan Martin returning from holiday to replace Ikye Dalton. Henry Newcombe also replaced Dan Kennedy in the Hythe goal.

It was a slow start with both sides battling in midfield without creating any clear-cut chances and it wasn’t until the 23rd minutes that the hosts had their first opening as a dangerous Roarie Deacon free kick was fired across the penalty area but there was no one on hand to convert. Two minutes later the visitors had their first chance as Luke Exall lifted the ball over the bar.

Blair were to take the lead on 28 minutes as Murisiku Batula played in former Cannon Duane Acheampong who looped the ball over Newcombe and into the Hythe net. In a dour first half Hythe were to have a chance a minute just into injury time as a dipping shot from Deacon went just over the bar.

The second period started slowly with the first opportunity coming for Kane Rowland on 67 minutes as Kane Rowland turned and shot but Newcombe was on hand to push the ball around the post. On 73 minutes a cross from Richie Keil appeared to hit a Hollands & Blair hand but the referee waived away appeals for a penalty.

Hythe’s perceived injustice seemed to drive the hosts on as they increase the pressure on the Blair defence but despite attacking in waves, they were unable to create too many chances although Richie Keil did have a shot deflected wide for a corner.

The Cannons failed to get back in the game and must start to find the target soon to save the ignominy of a second successive relegation.

Team: Henry Newcombe, Blu Husthwaite, Jerzy Krzyszka, Roarie Deacon, Jason Fregene, Sam Benson (Folarin Awoleke 71 mins), Monty Saunders (Robbie Keil 19 mins), Mo Kamara, Steadman Callender (Kian Scott 71 mins), Armani-Jordan Martin, Richie Keil.

Subs Unused: Dan Kennedy, Alfie Williams.

Scorers: Hollands & Blair – Duane Acheampong 28 mins.

Yellow Cards: Mo Kamara 82 mins, Robbie Keil 89 mins.

Attendance: 366