Sam Denly says the Hythe fans have played a huge part in their unbeaten league record at Reachfields this year.

The Cannons have won 11 of their 14 home matches since Denly took charge in January, drawing the other three, having started 2018 with a win in Clive Cook’s final home game as manager.

They went second in Bostik South East with a 3-0 win over VCD Athletic on Saturday and have made Reachfields a real fortress.

Denly said: “I’m proud. That’s some feat to do that.

“It’s not easy to constantly win games and to not have any defeats in 2018 is a fantastic stat.

“Our away form needs to improve but our home form is outstanding and hopefully that remains the case.

“That stat tells you all you need to know. We’re a formidable force at home.

“The supporters have been excellent since I’ve been there. They’ve got behind me and the team and that plays a big part in it as well.

“When you’re winning games, the atmosphere’s excellent and we’re thriving on that.

“The supporters appreciate we’re trying to play a certain brand of football and, at home, it’s paying off.

“It makes for a good spectacle, good crowds and we’re doing well off the back of that.”

Hythe are back at Reachfields on Saturday for an FA Trophy preliminary round tie against FC Romania.

The Cheshunt-based visitors, formed in 2006, have stepped up to play in Bostik South Central for the first time this season.

Denly said: “We’re sitting well in the league and the Trophy’s another important competition.

“You get revenue from your wins and we’re at home, so we’re looking forward to it.

“It’s not a distraction, it’s a competition we want to do well in.

“It’s hard, being at the bottom end of the pyramid in that competition but a few wins creates a bit of revenue and we’ll be preparing hard to hopefully get ourselves into the hat for the next round.”

Denly hopes to have Chris Kinnear back after a groin injury.