Match report: Clinical Hythe & Dibden FC progress with 3-0 FA Vase victory over Bridgwater United FC
Hythe & Dibden booked their place in the second round of the FA Vase with an impressive 3-0 away win at Bridgwater United on Saturday.
The long journey west along the A31 and down to Fairfax Park in Somerset proved well worth it for Rich Morse’s side, who produced one of their most complete performances of the season to progress in style.
“It was a cracking performance,” said Hythe & Dibden boss Ri every player played their part & was a great achievement for the club to progress in the competition the furthest they have ever been.
The visitors started brightly, fashioning several chances in the early stages without finding the breakthrough. But the pressure told in the 26th minute when midfielder Josh Batt found space inside the box and swept home from close range, leaving the Bridgwater goalkeeper visibly frustrated with his defenders’ marking.
Hythe took that 1-0 advantage into the break, and it was a lead they never looked like relinquishing.
Substitute Keegan Kelly made an impact after coming on, doubling the lead with a sublime left-footed free-kick from the edge of the area. Curling the ball around the wall and inside the post, Kelly gave the keeper no chance and gave his side some breathing room.
Striker Kevin Ngombi then sealed the win in style. Latching onto a through ball, the number nine used his pace to race clear of the defence before calmly sliding the ball between the goalkeeper’s legs to make it 3-0 and put the result beyond doubt.
It was a statement win on the road for Hythe, who now look ahead to a second round clash with South Gloucestershire-side Thornbury Town, with the match happening away at Mundy Playing Fields.
Hythe & Dibden take on Cowes Sports on the Isle of Wight tonight (Tuesday) before a home match against East Cowes Victoria on Saturday.
Hythe & Dibden: L. Deacon, S. Boon, L. Golding, R. Crook, J. Batt, R. Flooks, T. Moore, K. Ngumbi, L. Carbayo-Borges, O. Davies, H. Clarke. Subs: K. Kelly, C. Hewson, J. Mann, H. Ray, K. Gatera.