The season so far has been a little frustrating and we have not been firing on all cylinders, admits Hythe Town boss Clive Cook

HYTHE TOWN manager Clive Cook admits his side’s start to the new campaign has been a little bit frustrating.

The Cannons have slipped down to fourteenth-place in the Ryman League Division One South table, having claimed a win, two draws and one defeat so far this season in the league.

“The season so far has been a little frustrating and we have not been firing on all cylinders,” said Cook, whose side thrashed Sittingbourne 5-0 in a replay in their last FA Cup tie.

“I know it’s early days and leagues are never won in August but our fluency of play has been inconsistent, good in some parts of the game and not so in other parts.

“We must be more patient and relaxed and earn the right to gain the three points with hard work, effort and more composure, something which was missing on Monday against Ramsgate, with a performance which was not acceptable by any standard, a wake up call you could say.

“One thing is for sure, there are going to be no weak teams in this division this season, already everybody is beating everyone, but as I said lets be patient, let it settle down and see where it takes us.  It’s very early days, there is a long way to go!

Hythe Town suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Ramsgate on Bank Holiday Monday and Cook revealed that Dan Parkinson (knee) and Ben Wilson (thigh) will both be missing for up to six weeks.

He said: “We’ve had a couple of band injuries already, but not as bad as first thought.

“We’ve had holidays and suspensions in the first few weeks of the season so it will just be nice to put a settled side out for once, hopefully from next week.”

Hythe Town welcome Ryman Premier League side Leatherhead to Reachfields Stadium on Saturday in The FA Cup First Qualifying Round, where the winner will scoop £3,000 in prize money.

“It’s always nice to get drawn against a team from the league above,” said Cook.

“The FA Cup gives us a chance to earn some much needed prize money, as well as testing my players against a higher division side.

“I will be looking for a response from my players after last Monday’s display, so hopefully it will be a good game for all to watch.”

Visit Hythe Town’s website: www.hythetownfc.co.uk

Hythe Town  v  Leatherhead
The Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round
Saturday 3^rd September 2016
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Reachfields Stadium, off Fort Road, Hythe, Kent CT21 6JS