Sam Denly hailed the impact of Junior Aikhionbare after the striker netted his first league goals for Hythe Town.

Aikhionbare has been in and out of the Cannons team since joining in the summer although he’s started their last three games.

Zak Ansah (20) and Jack Sammoutis (9) have scored the bulk of Hythe’s goals but now Aikhionbare has come to the party.

“Junior was excellent,” said boss Denly after his double helped Town to a 3-2 win over Sittingbourne on Saturday.

“He’s had everything in his game apart from goals. He’s big and strong, holds the ball up for us and he’s got lightning pace so he gives us an option to turn teams and run in the channels.

“He’s also a good target man for us and the only thing he hasn’t been doing is finding the back of the net.

“He took his goals well on Saturday and it was another good performance. I’m pleased for him.

“Zak Ansah is clearly the first name on the team sheet every week because he works hard and scores goals. Me and Junior had that conversation and he understands that.

“We’ve got him and Nigel Neita competing for a shirt and Junior’s been patient. He’s taken his opportunities and he’s playing well at the moment.”

Neita played behind Ansah and Aikhionbare in a 4-1-3-2 system on Saturday as Hythe, who have already scored 44 goals in all competitions this season, made it three league wins in a row.

Denly said: “At times we were getting branded a one-man team. Zak’s an outstanding talent but we have been contributing from everywhere over the last month or so.

“Everyone’s chipping in. Zak’s had a couple of quiet games in terms of his goal return but it’s nice that when he isn’t scoring, other people are putting their hands in the air.

“We play attacking football, we like to get players in the box and with Nigel, Junior and Zak in the team, that tells you all you need to know.

“We’ve got a lot of quality going forward and Junior’s been joining in with Zak. They’ve been getting a good partnership going and it’s working.”

Goalkeeper George Kamurasi is facing six weeks out after breaking his hand in training last week. Ryan Nicholls, on loan from Dartford, made his debut in the Sittingbourne game but sprained his ankle.

Denly hopes Nicholls and Sammoutis will be fit to play at Ramsgate this weekend while Zach Fagan is also in contention for a start although the game may come too soon for Charlie Webster (groin).