Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Hythe Town

We asked a supporter from each of our member clubs to answer the same series of questions as part of our preview of the new season. We also asked them to predict how their particular division would finish, from one to 24- and their answers will be revealed in a collection of Supporters Prediction Tables to be released the day before the big kick off.

Here are the answers of Chris Duncombe, representing Hythe Town.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

Many enjoyable moments, the sort that only non-league football provides, including turning up at Gatwick to find we were on the same flight to Guernsey as the team but my absolute favourite must be the 4-0 win at home to Lewes. Despite a weakened team which meant we were without, arguably, our two most dependable defenders (skipper Cloke and Reeves) and expecting a difficult game we put on a superb display. Alfie May and Ryan Johnson were both on fire and, despite Lewes being potential play off hopefuls, we were totally superior in all areas of the field. To be honest it could have been a lot more.

2. And what was the worst moment?

Not too many last season. One not too fond memory was the realisation that we were not going to make the play offs despite being there or thereabouts up until the final run in. The worst moment of the season though must be the drubbing we were given at Welling in the cup mid December. We had been playing some decent football up until then and we went there with high hopes that we could give a good account of ourselves, despite them playing at a higher level. Unfortunately we didn't do ourselves justice and lost 8-1 without really showing how we can play and that was the end of a decent cup run.

3. How will you do this season?

Pre season has looked decent when we've had what I would consider potential starters on the pitch, at times we have played as well as we have for a long time, playing it on the ground through midfield rather that the good old long ball thump upfield. We have brought in a few players (Johnson-Palmer, Dickenson, Palmer to name just a few) who look like they are more than able to play at this level and will improve the squad, and retained many of last seasons better performers. I have high hopes and am hoping for a top three finish but would expect us to make the play offs as a minimum.

4. Which matches are you most looking forward to- and why?

I think everyone at Hythe misses our local derbies with Folkestone now that Invicta have been promoted and for many years that would have been the easy answer. This season I'm really looking forward to playing Ashford again after their promotion. Firstly it is the closest local derby we have this season in geographical terms and secondly there are a number of players (and their manager Danny Lye) who have connections to both clubs. Ashford's stadium, Homelands, is a pretty decent ground to visit and is 3G so that adds an extra dimension too.

5. What is your favourite away ground?

Guernsey. I think it's great flying to an away game at this level. Good excuse for an overnighter and flying back the next day. The island is stunning, the venue is superb, the team is as well supported, if not better supported in terms of numbers, as any in the league and the supporters are so welcoming and friendly. It’s the first away fixture I looked for when the fixtures were announced, really disappointed that this year we're scheduled to be playing there on 30th December and unless rearranged I won't be able to make it (whatever happened to keeping the fixtures as local as possible over the Christmas period?).

6. Who do you consider your biggest rivals- and why?

Undoubtedly Folkestone Invicta. They are the most local team to us and we have had many ' battles' over the years. There have been a lot of players who have represented both clubs and even their manager Neil Cugley (a Hythe lad born and bred) was at Hythe back in the late 80's. I think everyone locally misses these fixtures now that Invicta are a league above us. Boxing day just isn't the same without a Hythe v Folkestone fixture!

7. What advice would you give to an away supporter visiting you for the first time?

Two pieces of advice. Firstly make a day of it. Hythe is a beautiful seaside town. Take a walk along the stunning Royal Military Canal or the seafront promenade and grab some fresh fish and chips. Secondly, when you are at the ground, pop up to the bar and possibly invest in a balcony ticket (only £2) for the day. You definitely get a better view of the game from above. Also pop in and say hello to us locals on Balcony 1, yes we're noisy but our bark is worse than our bite. We're always up for a bit of friendly banter and never refuse a pint!

8. Who is your favourite player (for your club) of all time- and why?

We've been fortunate enough to see some pretty decent players at Hythe over the years but two players stand to the fore for me. The first was back in the late 80's when Tony Walton took over the club and spent freely with big ambitions to move the club a long way forwards, and that is Frank Ovard. Frank was class and gave many defenders nightmares during his career (I played against him a few times as a keeper and I can tell you from first hand experience that he had a shot that stung your hands). My second choice has to be from far more recent times and that is Alfie May. From the first time I saw him play you could just see he was different class, always destined for better things. Alfie lives and breathes football and it was fantastic having him at Hythe. He is a very skilful player and many a defender decided the only way to stop him was to try and kick lumps out of him. There were several occasions when he simply outclassed the opposition defence sending them the wrong way before a deft turn and unstoppable curling shot destined for the top corner. What Alfie also possesses is a fantastic desire, he always wants (almost demands) the ball but is a true team player and works really hard chasing back and helping out. We had several league clubs at Reachfields watching him so it was no surprise when he left us last January to join Doncaster and he is doing really well there. On balance, sorry Frank, I've got to give it to Alfie.

9. Finally, predict who will fill the top five positions at the end of the forthcoming season:

Greenwich Borough, Hythe Town, Hastings United, Corinthian-Casuals, Carshalton Athletic,