We're keeping our feet on the ground, says Smissen - EXCLUSIVE

Tuesday 02nd October 2007

Following the euphoria of knocking Dover Athletic out of the FA Cup last weekend, the players at Hythe Town are keeping their feet on the ground ahead of Saturday’s FA Carlsberg Vase first round trip to Arundel, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Kent League side’s 2-1 victory over their Ryman League Division One South neighbours last weekend has set up a home tie against Ware, currently in eleventh place in Ryman League Division One North, on 13th October.

But before that, Paul Fisk takes his side to Mill Road to play an Arundel side that’s currently in fourth place in the Sussex County League top flight.

“We can beat anybody on our day, it’s all about being disciplined and being focused,” said Hythe’s former Dover Athletic goalkeeper, Paul Hyde, 44, speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk as he looks forward to the Vase clash.

“If we go there with the attitude that we’ve gone out against Dover, and in previous weeks, we’d beat anybody.

“We’ve got to go there and we’ve got to be strong. We can’t let this game (the win over Dover Athletic) think we’re a great team, we’ve got to take each game as they come.

“Every team is different, they’re going to have their strengths and weaknesses and we have to find them out as quickly as we can and try to exploit them.

“So we go there positive but also air a bit of caution as well.”

Hythe’s former Dover Athletic striker, Michael Smissen, 22, has warned his team-mates to remain focused for their game at Arundel, to avoid being knocked out themselves.

He said: “I don’t know what Dover’s thoughts were before the game (last Saturday) but if we turn up there (at Arundel) thinking we’ve already won it, then we’re going to get knocked out.

“We need to calm ourselves down and re-assess the situation and take on Arundel.

“We’ve got to beat them, we’ve got to go there and get a result but it’s not going to be easy,” he warned.

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

Arundel v Hythe Town
FA Carlsberg Vase First Round
Saturday 6th October 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Mill Road, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9PA