Hythe have given themselves something to build on after a stirring performance at Ramsgate.

Three times the Cannons fought back to take a point against the Isthmian South East promotion contenders on Monday.

Substitute Riley Alford’s 85th-minute equaliser secured a 3-3 draw after earlier goals from Charlie Webster and Jordan Sarfo.

“I think that’s probably the best we’ve played since I took over,” said player-boss James Rogers.

“Certainly in spells I’d say that was the case.

“I know we lost 4-0 to VCD and 5-1 to Burgess Hill but Ramsgate were the best side we’ve played against.

“The VCD and Burgess Hill games, we were still in transition, we were missing players and had a young side out.

“Against Ramsgate, we probably had six or seven players at 6ft-plus and with them being as good as they are, a good attacking side, a result like that gives us something to build on.

“We’ll tweak things here and there but we’ve got a good base.

“We had players back and it was massive to have Scott Doe back and it looked much more like us.

“I thought we fully deserved a point and we scored some good goals.

"Matt Longhurst (Rams boss) said it was three of the worst goals he’s seen conceded but from our point of view, they were decent build-up play and good finishes.

“It was pleasing to come back three times.

“Heads could have gone down but we showed a lot of resilience.

“We changed shape in the second half because we thought they were getting behind us too easily and went four at the back.

“That took away a bit of our attacking threat but made us stronger defensively.”

Hythe take on Herne Bay at Reachfields on New Year’s Day, followed by Sevenoaks away on Monday.

Bay put seven past local rivals Whitstable in their last game but Rogers is unfazed.

“They’re a decent side, with good experienced players,” said the Cannons boss.

“Zak Ansah scores goals, I like Kieron Campbell, the winger, Aaron Millbank is a hardworking forward and Bode Anidugbe, the midfielder, is another good player.

“They’ve got a good budget, they’re doing well and fair play to them but we want to give a good account of ourselves and start picking up some wins.

"I don’t care who we beat, whether it's Ramsgate or Hastings, but I feel we’re getting to a position where we can compete with these teams.

“I’m not saying we’re going to make play-offs or pull up any trees but with the players we’ve got in, I’m feeling positive.”