Two mistakes cost long-time leaders Hythe top spot in the Bulmers Cider Kent League Premier Division at Reachfields on Easter Monday and put the title race firmly back into the melting pot.

Paul Fisk’s side now need to win their last two games against fellow contenders Holmesdale on Saturday, and away at Slade Green the following weekend, and hope that VCD slip up in their final two matches at home to Deal next Wednesday and away to Norton.

Experienced Leroy Huggins scored twice including a penalty to seal the points, with Hythe’s best chances coming just after the restart.

First Dale Skelton and Ben Sly played a one-two but the former’s touch was heavy and keeper James Tedder saved.

Then Skelton curled a right foot shot that many in the 300-plus crowd thought was in, only for the ball to hit the base of the post and go wide.

Huggins opened the scoring after seven minutes when a mistimed back header by Roy Guiver left the striker one-on-one against Paul Hyde and he volleyed home.

And then Huggins settled the game from the penalty spot eight minutes from time after the referee penalised Lee Winfield for a foul.

Fisk responded by playing four up but VCD held on to claim pole position for the first time this season.