MATCH PREVIEW: Hythe Town vs Phoenix

Phoenix Sports Media
Dec 5, 2025
2 min read

Phoenix travel to the Reachfields Stadium on Saturday

Phoenix Sports will look to bounce back from last weekend’s narrow defeat to Whitstable when they travel to the Kent coast to face Hythe Town on Saturday afternoon (3pm).

Jake Goodman’s side suffered a last-minute sickener against the Oystermen, with Nathan Jeche deflecting home a hopeful strike from distance to earn Jamie Coyle’s side the points. The frustration was compounded by an incorrect red card shown to a Phoenix player moments before Whitstable’s winner - a decision that has since been overturned on appeal.

Goodman has no new injury concerns to contend with, with midfielder Harry Smart still sidelined after dislocating his knee against Fisher back in October. Smart is hoping to be back in training in January.

Hythe, meanwhile, appear to be turning a corner under new manager Darren Beale. After a difficult start to the campaign following last season’s relegation, the Cannons have spent much of the year rebuilding confidence and consistency. Beale’s arrival in mid-November has sparked exactly that - a reset in energy, approach, and personnel.

The new boss has moved quickly to reshape his squad, bringing in several notable additions, including experienced midfielder Roarie Deacon, who also joins the coaching staff as player/assistant manager.

Although the Cannons remain winless in eight league matches, recent performances have shown clear improvement, including a creditable 2-2 draw with Sutton Athletic and a narrow 3-2 defeat to Rusthall after leading 2-0.

Ahead of Phoenix’s visit, Hythe have further strengthened with the arrivals of Carter Wilson and Henry Newcombe from Ramsgate and Storm Glautier from Tooting Bec.

Beale’s side are still hovering near the wrong end of the table, but momentum is slowly building. For Phoenix, the message is clear: Hythe may be a side in transition, but under Beale they are becoming increasingly competitive and increasingly dangerous.

By car

The stadium address is Fort Road, Hythe, Kent, CT21 6JS.

From the motorway: leave the M20 motorway at Junction 11, then follow signs: B2068 → A20 → A261 → A2008 → A259 → Fort Road (or follow signs for Reachfields estate) and you’ll arrive at the ground.

There is a car-park at the ground - after turning into Fort Road, drive to the end of the road for ground parking, or follow signs onto the Reachfields estate.

By train

The nearest mainline station to Reachfields is Sandling railway station (about 1.5 miles from the ground).

There are regular trains to Sandling from major London stations (for example London Charing Cross or London Bridge) as well as from Ashford International railway station.

From Sandling station you can walk to the ground — but note it’s about a 25–30 minute walk and involves a fairly steep climb on the return journey. Many supporters therefore recommend taking a taxi instead.

Local taxi number is: Folkestone Taxi: 01303 252000.

By Bus

Bus services 102 and 103 (run by Stagecoach South East) and sometimes the BS1 service, stop at or near Reachfields.

If using the bus, check timetables ahead of time (especially for evening matches).