Two goals from Aaron Quain sent Deal to their third defeat in their opening three matches of the season on Tuesday night.
Following a goalless first half Quain fired the Oystermen ahead 11 minutes after the restart and then added his second direct from a 77th-minute free-kick.
And that was enough to ensure victory against a Hoops side who, with just one goal in those opening three games are struggling to carve out decent goalscoring chances.
Tuesday’s team showed three changes from the side which lost 5-1 at Cray Valley on Saturday, with Chris Waymark, Sam Short and Danny Smith all making their first “starts” of the campaign against a Whitstable side who had won their opening two matches.
And the Oystermen, with a trio of highly-experienced performers in midfield in Nick Treadwell, Lee Winfield and Darren Marsden, controlled the early proceedings but then Marsden was forced to limp off after just 14 minutes with a hamstring injury and, following his departure, Deal began to enjoy some possession of their own.
However, with both defences resolute, neither keeper was called into serious action in the opening 45 minutes but that changed soon after the restart. First Whitstable keeper Dan Eason had to leap to his right to turn away a fierce 53rd-minute volley from Carl Munday, and then three minutes later Waymark pushed a Treadwell half-volley away for a corner which led to the opening goal.
The Hoops were unable to clear Jamie Callado’s inswinging delivery and Quain eventually drilled the ball home low through the crowded six-yard box.
Coming on the back of Saturday’s five-goal defeat, Deal’s heads could have began to drop at this point but they kept plugging away, only to run up against a brick wall in the Whitstable penalty area.
And the Oystermen rubbed it in with their second goal when Quain fired his 20-yard free kick low into the far corner past a three-man Deal wall which left him with an inviting gap to aim at.
Deal: Waymark, Short (Mentessi), Bagley, A Coyne (Causer 73), Smith, Hill, Anderson, Miller, C Coyne, Walsh, Munday.
3 Responses
Considering the likes of Hark and Scott were missing on the night,I thought the defence coped quite well.Be good to have them back for the next game. Midfield just needs to be beefed up. Gregorys’ return can’t come quick enough. Although it’s a shame there’s no cup game this weekend,in a way it’s a blessing in disguise,as it gives the walking wounded a chance to recover (if possible) .
Will need a strong team for the following game at home on the 27th. Points are needed! ????
Yeah its a shame there is no game and although the defence coped well we didn’t really create enough.
The team can do better and the lads I’m sure know that but you can’t criticise their desire or effort.They haven’t got it right together yet. Team selection has been hindered due to availability,injuries and suspension.
I hope they can get going against Sevenoaks and wish the team all the best.
It’s not easy in the league and you have my support.
COME ON DEAL.!!!!
Must admit I am a little confused as to why the club has arranged a friendly for Wednesday. Although it has been a time since the team has played,I would have thought that some light training,(keeping the team match fit)and some team tactics (which can be repeated,to show what’s right or wrong,unlike during a game) would be better than playing a game,where you run the risk of further injuries. Not needed,especially as we are playing Saturday and Monday!
With 3 games within a week,the team run the riisk of being leg weary,as well as mentally tired.
I doubt it’s financially viable either,as the turnout wont cover the cost of the electricity bill for the floodlights,or the officials!
Will be there on the day.