Hythe have slipped off the play-off pace in Bostik South but manager Clive Cook is confident they can drag themselves back into contention.

The Cannons are seven points behind sixth-placed Greenwich after picking up just one point over Christmas and winning one of their last six games.

However, a good result away to Guernsey on Saturday could see them claw back ground.

Cook said: “There is a gap but over the next couple of fixtures, they’re all playing each other which is good. They’re going to mess up, someone’s going to drop points but we’ve got to concentrate on winning our games and getting ourselves back in order.

“We can’t do anything about anyone else’s results and I don’t want it to go down to that. We’ve got to concentrate on the job we’ve got to do and everything else will follow.

“When you have a couple of reverse results or inconsistent form and the opposition score so early, it’s ‘here we go again’ so it’s all about managing that right, getting it into their heads.

“It’s all in the mind, there’s no doubt about it. They’re good footballers so it’s about getting them to concentrate and clear their heads – and to listen.”

Hythe beat Guernsey 5-1 in September and Cook would love to complete a double in the Channel Islands.

He said: “Every game is difficult but we just concentrate on what we’re good at. If we do that and we click, we’ll be fine.

“It needs a win to lose that tension, the edge. What better time to start than Saturday?

“It’s a good bonding thing because you’re travelling that kind of distance. Let’s just get the fixture done.

“We can go anywhere and win but every team in this league will say that. We’ve just got to worry about ourselves and we’re going for the three points.”

Saturday’s game kicks off at 2pm and Hythe then host Herne Bay on New Year’s Day (3pm).