by Andrew Gidley

Scott Porter praised his players after seeing them emerge unbeaten from three Ryman League, Division 1 South derbies in six days.

The Hythe boss (pictured) was pleased to get a point in the 1-1 draw at neighbours Folkestone Invicta on Easter Monday after a 2-2 draw against rivals Faversham two days earlier, having started a busy spell with a point in a 0-0 draw at Herne Bay last Wednesday.

Porter, just named Ryman South Division 1 Manager-of-the-Month for March, said: "I probably wanted more out of the games but it’s 11 games unbeaten now.

"I gave the boys a pat on the back in the dressing room after the game on Monday because they showed great character to come back from 1-0 down.

"We played an extra game than them (Folkestone) and that took its toll. The squad is a bit thin, we picked up a few knocks as well, so the boys will have a good rest this week, recharge our batteries, ready for the weekend.

‘We are in a good place, and that is why it was important not to lose against sides around us like Faversham and Folkestone.

"Making the play-offs now is ours to give away, so we have got to work hard in the final month of the season, to stay where we are."

Midfielder Lee Winfield won’t play again this season for family reasons,and Porter’s younger brother, Ashley, is troubled by a knee problem picked up against Dulwich Hamlet.

The Hythe boss has brought in Kieran Byrne on a dual-registration from Ashford United and also signed Homelands team-mate Jamie Collado on a similar basis. Collado joins cousin Ronnie Dolan at Reachfields.

Hythe host Crawley Down on Saturday before travelling to Chipstead next Tuesday.