Scott Porter is warning his Hythe Town players they need to improve quickly after conceding 11 goals in two opening home pre-season friendlies.

A 6-0 home defeat by Kent League champions Erith & Belvedere on Tuesday night, came hot on the heels of a 5-2 loss against Margate on Saturday leaving downbeat boss Porter admitting: “It’s been frustrating so far and probably the worst pre-season I have had as a manager.

“Things have been stop-start due to injuries, holidays and work commitments, but we have shown a lack of fitness and sharpness in both games.”

Striker Craig Thompson picked up a foot injury against Margate, when new signing Shaun Welford and skipper Dave Cook were on target.

Welford and defender Craig Cloke were then both forced out of the Erith game with hamstring problems.

First-choice goalkeeper Dan Eason is back from holiday and will play against Kent Invicta League side Lydd Town on Saturday.

Hythe open their Ryman League Division 1 South programme at home to Tooting and Mitcham on Saturday August 10.