Fisk: We must concentrate throughout if we're to beat Vickers again

HYTHE TOWN boss Paul Fisk expects another tough battle when his side lock horns with VCD Athletic in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Fisk took his side to Oakwood for a Kent League clash last Saturday and Michael Smissen’s first half goal was what separated the two sides.

Smissen was on target again last night, scoring Hythe’s second of their 4-1 win over Norton Sports at Winch’s Field.

Hythe Town have climbed up to second (or joint-top) in the table with 13 points from five games - the same record as surprise package Holmesdale.

All attention now turns to the FA Cup clash against Paul Foley’s side - and Fisk wants his side to take advantage of home comforts to seal a place in the next round and collect £3,000 in prize money.

“We know it’s going to be a hard game,” said Fisk, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk  tonight. “It was a hard game last week and we managed to come out on top.

"The only thing we do know is we know it’s going to be another hard game.”

Hythe Town produced a shock to knock Walton & Hersham out of the FA Cup in the preliminary round - the Swans had a 100% record at the top of the Ryman League Division One South table at the time.

“I think it’s always nice when you play teams that are not in your league,” explained Fisk.

“It makes it more interesting and that really was the case with the Walton & Hersham game.

“We had plenty to gain, they were top of their league and it’s an incentive on its own to beat the team in a league above you.”

Last season, in the second qualifying round, Dover Athletic, who like the Swans were toping that division, were defeated at Reachfields Stadium.

And Fisk recalled: “That was a little bit different with a big crowd at the game and things. I enjoyed the one against Walton and now it’s a totally different thing Saturday.

“We’ll be going into the game trying to get into the next round. It’s been a hard week with VCD and Norton - two tough, physical games for the players.”

Despite their good start to their campaign, Fisk knows there’s a long way to go.

“It’s a good start, we’re pleased how things are going,” he said.

“Nothing’s won or lost this early in the season. We’re trying to keep our heads down and play and win games.

“There’s a lot of good sides in this league this season, so there’s a long way to go.”

At least Fisk knows what he’s going to expect from a Vickers’ side that’s currently fifth-bottom with only one win from their opening four league games.

But at least it guarantees at least one Kent League club in the second qualifying round as other survivors, Erith & Belvedere welcome Ryman League Division One South side Sittingbourne to Park View Road.

“We would like to win on Saturday,” said Fisk. “At the moment, we’ve had two hard games, Saturday and Tuesday.

“Last season at VCD we lost the game in injury time so we had that in our minds (last Saturday).

“We knew we had to concentrate for 95 minutes and be completely switched on. They had to be, because VCD are a good side and if you’re not switched on you won’t get anything.

“Afterwards, we were pleased to get three points, which most people would be happy with that.”

Fisk spoke about last night’s battle against newly promoted side Norton Sports.

“It was a pretty physical game, we played ok, not brilliant,” he said.

“It was more physical than the Kent League is normally. Overall, Norton were not too bad a side, quite well organised, they may well get better during the season.”

Hythe’s last two games have seen a couple of defenders pick up knocks. Tom Adlington is struggling and left-back Mark Bond (ankle) is expected to be ruled out for a couple of weeks.

But Ben Sly will be drafted into Hythe’s squad after missing last night’s game.

Visit Hythe Town’s website:  www.hythetownfc.co.uk

Visit VCD Athletic's website:  www.vcd-athletic.co.uk

Hythe Town v VCD Athletic
FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) First Qualifying Round
Saturday 13^th September 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Reachfields Stadium, Fort Road, Hythe, Kent