Hythe Town built up a 3-1 lead after the League Cup first round, first leg trip to Culverden. Dave Cook gave them the lead after ten minutes, before Mike Lord levelled for The Wells five minutes later.

However, it wasn't long before Michael Yianni had restored Hythe's lead, and a second half penalty converted by Cook left Tunbridge Wells with plenty to do to turn around the deficit in the second leg next Saturday at Reachfields.

“In the first half, we got taught a lesson about what the Kent League is all about," Martin Larkin told www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk after the game. "Hythe were very physical and bullied us a little bit. A couple of the guys were taken back a bit at how physical a team can be, and how little time they got on the ball. This is not a criticism of Hythe it is a very effective way of playing – they were that strong Saturday, they could afford to put Gary Clarke on the bench!

"The two first half goals came from us not pressing the ball enough or getting close enough to players which is disappointing. However, we scored a very good goal and felt we started the second half much better, and were on top until the referee made a very poor decision for their penalty.

"James Russell came across the forward and kicked the ball out of play. There was a clash of boots but it was after the ball had been cleared. The referee heard the noise and gave the penalty. We had hit the crossbar moments earlier - so from almost 2-2, we found ourselves 3-1 down.

“As I said in my programme notes Hythe are very much a template to look at, and it has taken them four years to get to this point, we are two months into our building, and although we hope it will take a shorter time than four years, the first half on Saturday certainly opened a few eyes!

“We will go there next Saturday and give it a real good go. We have Matt Newman and Andy McMath back - and Perry Spackman will be training with us this week - so we will try and put Hythe under pressure and see where it takes us.

“A quick mention should be made of Brad Draper who was by far and away the best player on the pitch on Saturday. Jason Bourne was also excellent.”

Following the game, Luke Wallond was released by the club in order for him to find regular football elsewhere.