Tim Dixon admits Hythe’s disciplinary record is becoming a cause for concern after they collected their fifth and sixth red cards of the season last weekend.

The Cannons manager insists his players aren’t malicious but Dixon knows the club could be hit with a hefty FA fine unless things change.

Dave Cook and James Morrish were sent off in the 1-1 draw with Chipstead on Saturday – Craig Thompson (twice), Josh Burchell and John Walker having been dismissed earlier in the season.

"We’ve got a reputation with the FA," admitted Dixon, who succeeded Scott Porter as Hythe boss in May. "I was out in front of the FA panel when they were saying we had to improve our discipline.

"The club got into trouble last year. It was a problem. The lads knew I wanted to improve our disciplinary record but I’m a bit stumped as to what the answer is.

"I want players to do things properly, I don’t like people diving in the box, I want people to be honest – and my players are honest. Some of the red cards have been slightly unfortunate but they go against you in the long run.

"People don’t see (the circumstances), they just see that you’ve got so many red and yellow cards."

Hythe, three points above the Ryman League Division 1 South relegation zone, are away to second-placed Burgess Hill Town on Saturday.