Steve Watt has thanked fellow managers for their support in Hythe’s hour of need.

The Cannons’ backlog of games has stretched Watt’s small squad to the limit, with injuries and suspensions taking their toll.

Lydd boss Scott Porter has helped out his old club, allowing winger Troy Howard to turn out on a dual-registration basis.

And Watt has called in another favour, with Faversham manager Tommy Warrilow sending goalkeeper Lewis Briggs to Reachfields.

That’s solved a problem as Steve Phillips is recovering from a shoulder injury while Jack West-Astuti has a suspension to serve.

“I’ve got to mention the clubs who have helped us out,” said Cannons boss Watt.

“Lydd have been great in giving us Troy when we’ve needed him.

“He’s been very good for us and Scott’s been really accommodating.

“We’ve tried not to use him too much as Lydd are on a great run themselves and trying to get in the play-offs in their league, but we’re very grateful.

“We’ve got a ban coming up in goal so I’ve called in a favour from Tommy, who was happy to help out.

“We don’t know how long Jack is going to be out yet, so it’s good to have Lewis Briggs on board, and hopefully we’ll have Steve Phillips back soon.

“He will play again this season but it’s one of those annoying injuries.

“He’s got his range of movement back but is still in a bit of pain when he’s diving, so it’s trial and error.

Hythe’s 2-0 defeat at Isthmian South East leaders Cray Valley on Saturday was their fourth match in eight days, and they played most of the second half a man down after captain Liam Smith was sent off for two bookings.

They held out until the 79th minute when Danny Waldren struck and the same player added a late clincher.

“The boys have been unbelievable,” said Watt.

“I can’t fault the effort they’ve put into these games.

“I’m proud of what we did last week.

“They were excellent at Cray Valley - they couldn’t have done anything else.

“Going to the top-of-the-league and playing 45 minutes with 10 men, after all those games, we defended well and held out for as long as we could.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t hold out the whole game.”

Hythe lost 3-1 at home to Herne Bay last night.

Kane Phillip cancelled out Scott Heard’s opener but late goals from Gil Carvalho and Tom Hanfrey won it for Bay.

Watt’s side are ninth, 12 points off the play-offs, but still with three games in hand on fifth-placed Lancing.

The Cannons host Merstham on Saturday and visit Sheppey on Easter Monday (both 3pm).