THE BIG KICK OFF: Count us out of the title race, says modest Fisk - EXCLUSIVE

Despite beating their Ryman League neighbours, Folkestone Invicta and Ashford Town during their 100% six-match pre-season campaign, Hythe Town manager, Paul Fisk is playing down his side’s chances of winning the Kent League title this season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Fisk admitted EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk that their opening day clash at Lordswood will be a different kettle of fish than playing against the two Ryman League sides.

“Pre-season has been really good,” he said. “That’s finished now and now it’s time for the real stuff and be realistic.

“We’re playing well and two big games for us were Folkestone and Ashford - and we won them both.

“But we’re not looking too far ahead. We’re pleased but the real stuff starts on Saturday.

“Lordswood have a new manager, a new team, and we have absolutely loads of respect for Lordswood.

“We’re going into Saturday thinking and realising that the real stuff starts Saturday.

“We’re pleased with the way (pre-season) has gone, but Saturday is the real thing.

“We have to get back down to the basics and that’s what we’re looking to do.

“Lordswood are going to be good, like all teams in the Kent League are good.

“I’ve got respect for all the teams in the Kent League. Its nice that we’ve had a good pre-season, but it’s the nitty-gritty now, it’s going to be hard and difficult and we know that - we’re not expecting anything different.”

Fans of Folkestone Invicta and Ashford Town have hyped up Hythe Town’s chances of winning the Kent League this season - but Fisk is being modest as usual.

“I’m playing down my chances because I’m realistic and the club’s realistic,” he said.

“Everyone’s had good results in pre-season and we’ve had two good results against Folkestone and Ashford but they’re our local rivals - it’s a matter of local pride.

“The Kent League is different to that and some of the Ryman sides don’t play the Kent League style.

“Kent League is up and at you, it’s 100 miles per hour and everyone’s always up for it and Lordwood will be the same. You don’t get anything easy in the Kent League.”

Fisk is pleased with the contribution being made by veteran goalkeeper, Paul Hyde, the club’s big summer signing from Blue Square South outfit, Welling United.

Speaking about the former Dover Athletic goalkeeper, Fisk said: “His contribution other than playing is his talking and experience to help people out.

“His attitude last night was superb. You can’t beat that experience, channelled into positive areas, is a massive plus for us.”

Former Ashford Town defender, Barry Crawford, who missed Hythe’s 3-2 win over the Nuts & Bolts on Tuesday night, is expected to move back to his native Scotland next month due to work commitments.

Fisk revealed that he’s also going to be without Gavin Ransley for up to three weeks due to a broken wrist.

Joe Neilson (foot) and Jason Brazier (back) are also ruled out for their trip to Martyn Grove, but former Ashford full-back, Ian Ross returns.

Fisk added: “I’m just expecting a good Lordswood side and a tough game. I think they’ll be a good side. We’ve got a difficult game on our hands and that’s what we’re doing all season - showing teams respect.”

New Lords manager, Shawn Mitchell, has revealed that he’s giving some of his players’ fitness tests before Saturday’s opener.

“We are expecting a tough game against Hythe, who I know will be looking to win the league,” Mitchell said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

"I think we will be more than up for it on Saturday, there’s a good buzz around our place at the moment and it should be a good game.”

Visit club websites:

www.lordswoodfc.co.uk

www.hythetownfc.co.uk

Lordswood v Hythe Town
Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 11^th August 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Martyn Grove, North Dane Way, Lordswood