AFTER two seasons rooted to bottom spot, rejuvenated Hythe & Dibden are up to the dizzy heights of third in Sydenhams One.

Following a sodden start to the year, Lee Burch’s men finally played their first game of 2014 at New Milton Town on Saturday and came away with a solid 3-0 win. The Watersiders hadn’t played since December 14 when they hosted East Cowes Vics at Jones Lane.

But, after a slow start at Fawcett’s Field they went ahead on 32 minutes when Seun Olabiyi pounced on the rebound from Mark Lilley’s parried shot.

Lilley extended the lead on 68 minutes with an audacious chip into the far top corner.

Olabayi hit the crossbar shortly afterwards before play was stopped due to a floodlight failure.

After a 15-minute wait for the lights to come back on, Hythe added a third courtesy of ex-New Milton man Simon De’Ath from a Nick Jenkins assist.

Hythe secretary Scott Johnston said: “The victory places us third in the table but, with teams behind having games in hand, it probably won’t be for long.

“However, with the team improving every game and confidence sky high, it may not be the only time we occupy that position this season.”

Hythe tonight host sixth-placed Team Solent, who sit three points behind them with four games in hand.