The countdown has already begun to Hythe's showdown with local rivals Ashford on the opening day of the season.

Homelands hosts the derby clash on August 11 as the new Bostik South East division kicks off with a bang.

Both sides are targeting promotion so this game represents a great chance to lay down a marker.

"It's an interesting one," said Hythe boss Sam Denly. "It's exciting to start with a derby and I've tipped Ashford to be one of the teams up there this year along with Cray and Hastings.

"They're going to be one of the stronger sides and I'd like to think we fall into that category as well.

"If anyone approaches the game with the wrong attitude, they're going to come unstuck.

"It's a good local derby and there's a little bit of history there because a few of my players went to Ashford when I got the job.

"They've got a new manager in Gary Alexander, who knows his stuff, so it's going to be a good game.

"You're always intrigued to see who you've got on the first day of the season and when I saw it was Ashford, it made it even more exciting.

"I think they're going to play good football under Gary and he's signed well. They look strong and I think it'll be a good game of football - two teams who like to get it down and play.

"There's going to be an edge to it. They've got great support so I think it'll be a good occasion to kickstart the season."

Bostik South East comprises 20 teams - four less than previous seasons - and more than half of Hythe's 38 league matches will be Kent derbies.

"It is better," said Denly. "There's interesting fixtures this year, not as many games and we've pretty much got Christmas and New year off which is different - and better for me.

"It's been causing divides in the Denly house because my wife booked Center Parcs for Christmas. We've never done it before but I was driving back for the (Boxing Day) game and going back after so it's done me a favour to be honest."

Former Hythe striker Jerson dos Santos has signed for Carshalton after turning down a move to Folkestone.

The Cannons, who won 4-0 at Lydd last night (Tuesday), are at home to Crawley Down on Saturday and Canterbury City on Tuesday.