Southern Counties East round-up: Hythe Town suffer back-to-back relegations after 4-0 defeat at Larkfield & New Hythe

Hythe Town’s relegation from the Southern Counties East Premier Division was confirmed on Saturday.

The managerless Cannons’ fate was sealed after losing 4-0 at Larkfield & New Hythe, sending them down with four matches remaining.

It means they have suffered back-to-back relegations to Step 6 just three years after reaching the Isthmian South East play-off final under Steve Watt.

The Cannons have had three permanent managers this season, with Ira Jackson and Darren Beale sacked, and Andy Drury resigning last weekend.

Kesna Clarke scored twice for Larkfield, with Courtney Barrington and Matt Day also on target.

Speaking before the weekend, Hythe chairman Andy Nanda said: “Firstly, there is no hiding from the disappointment.

“Relegation is not acceptable for a club of our size, and I fully understand the frustration felt by everyone connected to Hythe Town.

“What I do want to make clear, however, is that this season has not been for a lack of effort or financial backing.

“Every manager brought into the football club has been fully supported. They were given the freedom and resources to build squads they believed could deliver results on the pitch.

“In football, decisions don’t always go the way you hope.

“Not every call is the right one - that’s the reality of the game. But I can assure you that every decision made throughout the season has been done with the best intentions for this football club, to try and achieve success for both the team and our supporters.”

Faversham Strike Force are virtually safe after a 1-1 draw at Holmesdale.

Harry Taylor gave them the lead but they must wait to confirm Step 5 status after Fyn Rutherford levelled.

They can still be caught by Stansfeld but only if the division’s bottom side win