Steve Watt could only stand and applaud as Hythe were denied victory by an inspired goalkeeping display.

The Cannons came from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Ashford in Isthmian South East on Saturday.

Jason Fregene cancelled out Gary Lockyer’s opener and Watt’s side would have had three points but for Nuts & Bolts No.1 Jacob Russell.

The visiting keeper made outstanding saves from Ethan Smith, Jarred Trespaderne and Fregene.

“It was one of the best goalkeeping displays I’ve seen since I’ve been a manager,” said Watt.

“After going behind, we completely dominated, the boys did everything we asked of them but we’ve run into an absolutely inspired goalkeeper.

“Three of the saves he made, I’m still scratching my head now how he got to them. He was exceptional.

“It’s one of those performances where you can’t do anything but applaud and take your hat off to him.”

It was another encouraging performance from Hythe, who visit high-flying Chatham this Saturday (3pm) and host Sheppey in a rearranged game on Tuesday night (7.45pm).

Buoyed by goals from Johan Caney-Bryan, Mitch Harman and Frannie Collin in a 3-0 midweek victory over Beckenham, the Cannons showed again they are a match for anyone in the division.

“We were excellent,” said Watt, whose side are 10th. “I’d go so far as to say it was our best performance of the season in terms of a complete performance.

“We had a good result and performance against Beckenham but I felt Ashford were a different animal.

“They asked more questions, they were more physical and more of a threat - and we had the answers.

“If it was a boxing match, Ashford shaded the first half on points but from the moment they scored we were on top.

“With the chances we created we should have won but we’ve got to be happy with how we’ve played and how we’re matching these teams who are favourites to be up there. It’s about kicking on from here.

"I keep driving home to the players about consistency.

“The best teams get promoted but the most consistent teams will be in and around it. We’ve got one of the best defensive records in the division and there are goals in the side.”

Chatham are flying since promotion as Southern Counties East runners-up, with Jack Evans - who played for Watt at Margate - their star man.

Sheppey, who pipped Chats to the title last season, are in the bottom half but have plenty of quality.

“The games don’t get any easier, and then we’ve got Cray Valley, who made the play-offs last year,” said Watt.

“[Manager] Kevin Hake’s got some really good players at Chatham and they’re a side who’ve been together for a while.

“I had Jack at Margate, he’s a great player, but we’ve got players they need to worry about.”