Deal fought out a goalless draw with Kent County League Premier Division team Fleetdown United at the Charles Ground on Saturday.
And the Dartford club, who play in a league two divisions below the Hoops, deserved to avoid defeat against a Deal side who struggled to get out of third gear for much of the game.
The loss of skipper Dean Hill with a thigh strain after just 10 minutes didn’t help the Hoops’ cause, and with the Fleetwood players clearly relishing the chance to take on higher-league opposition it was the visitors who went closest to opening the scoring when Aston Quinn saw his 17th-minute effort saved by John Sparks.
At the other end Connor Coyne and Charlie Walsh both went close before Walsh was denied by a last-ditch goalline clearance just before half-time.
Hoops’ boss Derek Hares rang the changes in the second half, including bringing on Paul Murray’s son Macauley in midfield following his return from a trip to Australia, and as the half wore on Deal did begin to string some decent passing movements together but they were unable to find the finishing touch.
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No Miller or Baines so far. On holiday or not with the club?
Would be a shame to lose these two,along with Rene this year.