Hythe manager Nick Davis likes what he’s seen from his two Maidstone loanees.

Defender Sam Smith and midfielder Riley Court may be young but they’ve both played first-team football for the Stones in National League South this season.

They’ve joined the Cannons to get more minutes, making their debuts in difficult circumstances as Davis’ side lost 5-0 at home to Erith Town in Isthmian South East on Saturday.

Smith started in defence while Court was introduced from the bench before half-time.

“The plus side from Saturday were the two Maidstone lads,” said Davis.

“Sam did well but more so Riley when he came on.

“I thought he was really good and he gave us another dimension.

“They’re good lads, they were both very keen to listen and they’re very professional in their approach.

“Hopefully it works out well for us and Maidstone.”

Overall, though, it was an afternoon to forget as Hythe conceded an early opener, followed by three goals in 12 minutes either side of half-time.

The game was over by the time the Dockers added a fifth.

“We were bad,” said Davis. “You think we’ve made progress and then it’s like a step back.

“I always thought things might get worse before they get better, there are going to be bumps in the road, so it’s important we try and be as upbeat as possible.”

Defender Jake Goodman has joined Raynes Park Vale while midfielder Sam Blackman is back at Folkestone following a loan spell.

But with recent additions, which also include ex-VCD winger Anthony Adesite and former Faversham man Kelvin Ogboe, Hythe are getting there with their squad.

“We still need one or two more but hopefully we aren’t a million miles away,” said Davis, with Hythe in league action at Steyning Town this Saturday (3pm).

“The Erith game might suggest differently but those results happen sometimes.

“It will be nice to have what I’d call my strongest 16 available but it’s still work in progress.

“I’ve only been here a month, so it’s still early days, but we want to start picking up points.”

Hythe won 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Sheppey in the Kent Senior Cup first round last night.

Sammi Takaloo scored an 87th-minute equaliser after the Cannons trailed to a first-half Rhys Wyborn goal.