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Sport

Hythe Town manager Steve Watt has two strikers banging in the goals for the first time in his two spells in charge

By: Craig Tucker ctucker@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 21 February 2024

Steve Watt has witnessed another first as Hythe Town manager this season.

The Cannons have two strikers banging in the goals as they look to challenge for an Isthmian South East play-off place.

Hythe Town manager Steve Watt, right, with assistant boss Alex Flisher. Picture: Helen Cooper

Johan Caney-Bryan’s late double in a 2-1 win at Burgess Hill on Saturday took his tally to 16, while Jake Embery has 11 after an impressive first season at Reachfields.

A tactical switch at half-time saw Embery pushed alongside Caney-Bryan in a switch to 4-4-2 and it paid off as the visitors struck twice in the last 10 minutes.

“We’ve dominated the second half,” said boss Watt.

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“We could have had another four or five goals.

“We caused them all kinds of problems and the fact their keeper was man-of-the-match tells you everything. He was outstanding.

Hythe (blue) lost 7-2 at Chatham in the Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday night. Picture: Helen Cooper

“We played Jake in a different role in the first half and it wasn’t working so we pushed him up front with Johan and that’s where the chaos came from.

“Johan’s got five in three now and that’s what he does. He did it last year and that’s what he brings.

“He’s such a selfless player who works so hard for the team and it’s good when he gets his rewards.

“At other clubs he’s perhaps not been trusted to be the main man but since coming here he’s had the run of games to get the return you want from him.

“Jake’s the same. They’re both into double figures which is great for us.

Hythe get forward at Chatham on Tuesday night. Picture: Helen Cooper

“I don’t think we’ve had two strikers in double figures since I’ve been at the club.

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“They’re completely different players and they make a great partnership.

“Johan’s first goal, he’s darted across the front post after Aaron Barnes went on a great run down the left and Jake’s peeled to the penalty spot.

“The defender who’s going with Johan stops because he’s worried about Jake and that results in the goal.

“If you don’t have that second striker, or someone like Jake, with the intelligence to peel off and affect a defender, we don’t score the equaliser.”

Caney-Bryan scored goal No.17 on Tuesday night but Hythe were thumped 7-2 by Isthmian Premier Chatham in the Kent Senior Cup quarter-finals.

He added to Troy Howard’s strike as the Cannons battled back from 3-0 down but the rampant hosts pulled clear.

Hythe suffered a heavy defeat at Chatham in Tuesday night’s Kent Senior Cup quarter-final. Picture: Helen Cooper

Hythe host title contenders Sittingbourne at Reachfields on Saturday (3pm).

The Cannons won 1-0 at Woodstock earlier this season and have also beaten Bourne in the League Cup and Kent Senior Cup.

“Every game’s been close,” said Watt.

“It’s two good teams who match up quite evenly.

“I’m sure this week will be no different.

“They lost on Saturday but Ryan (Maxwell, manager) is doing an unbelievable job there. He’s built a really good squad.”

Hythe host Littlehampton on Tuesday (7.45pm).

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