Hythe captain Dave Cook makes a challenge on Saturday Pic: Gary Browne

by Luke Cawdell

The goalscoring form of fit-again Simon Austin has delighted Hythe manager Scott Porter.

The forward has scored four goals in the last three pre-season outings, including the winner on Tuesday as Porter’s men beat Deal Town 1-0.

Austin (pictured below) was held back by a hamstring and groin injury last season but has returned in good shape for the new campaign.

Porter said: "He is flying at the moment and hopefully he can continue that rich vein of form in the league.

"He has great movement off the ball and his hold-up play and goalscoring is quality.

"He is in top form and it’s pleasing to see. All the time the goals are going in, it brings confidence."

Austin’s goal settled the midweek match at Deal in a hard-fought outing for Porter’s men.

"Deal are a tough, strong, physical side and it was a local derby," Porter said.

"They didn’t let us settle on the ball and the pitch wasn’t the best but we showed a lot of character and created a lot of chances.

"It was a 1-0 win, a clean sheet and more minutes on the pitch for the players, so I was pleased."

The Deal game followed Saturday’s Kent League Challenge Shield match against Herne Bay, which Porter’s side lost on penalties after the match ended 2-2.

Austin was joined on the scoresheet by Pat Kingwell but even Austin proved he is not infallible, as his spot-kick was saved and Herne Bay took the honours.

Porter admitted: "We had chances to win it but we weren’t at our
best.

Brendan Cass, Craig Thompson and Dan Scorer were all unavailable at the weekend but will return this week as Hythe complete their pre-season
with a home game against Romford.