Hythe have fallen agonisingly short of going a year unbeaten at home in Isthmian South East.

A 2-0 defeat by nine-man Chichester City on Saturday was the Cannons’ first league loss at Reachfields since being edged 1-0 by Ramsgate on Boxing Day last year.

Their unbeaten run stretched 15 matches while in all competitions it was one defeat in 20 games before the City reverse.

“It’s been a great run but all good runs come to an end,” said Hythe manager Steve Watt.

“It’s a shame we couldn’t make it to a year but it wasn’t to be.

“The boys can be proud of what they’ve achieved in that run and now it’s a case of starting another one.

“I’d much rather lose at home and get promoted or get to the play-offs than go all season unbeaten at home and not get there.

“I’d made the boys aware of the record - and I reminded them again at half-time on Saturday.

“It’s something I wanted them to achieve because it would have been a great achievement.

“A lot of that dressing room have been part of basically every one of those games.

“But these things happen. We just have to move on. You can’t dwell on it.”

Chichester had two men sent off in the second half but put bodies on the line to leave with the points.

“We shouldn’t have lost the game,” said Watt, who saw last night’s home game against Beckenham postponed.

“It’s two of the sloppiest goals we’ve ever given away.

“We’re in possession and we pass it straight to them and they go through and score. Both goals were exactly the same.

“We missed really good chances but overall we played quite well. It was just one of those days.

“You’ve got to give Chichester credit. They defended for their lives, particularly in the second half.

“The boys gave everything they could. On another day I think we win quite comfortably.”

Hythe are looking forward to a busy Christmas period as they bid to break into the play-off places.

They visit Ashford on Boxing Day and East Grinstead on Saturday, December 30, followed by a home game against Sheppey on New Year’s Day (all 3pm).

“We’ve got to try and get through this period with as many points as we can and stay in touch,” said Watt.

“I believe we’re 10 points worse off than we should be, so we could be sitting in third, but that’s what happens.

“Every manager in the league can say those types of things.

“You get what you deserve - I always say that.

“We’re still sitting nicely, just outside the play-offs, and if you compare that to where we were last year, we’re in a much better position.”