Deal Town FC

MENS FIRST TEAM

Deal Town played Sevenoaks Town FC on 30th November 2024 in the Isthmian League South East Division. Deal Town lost two - one against Sevenoaks in front of a crowd of 112 at Sevenoaks. The Deal goal came from Tom Chapman.

Another away trip saw Deal travel to Sevenoaks for a fixture between two equally matched teams, with a few positions between them in the League.

A couple of changes by the manager saw Jamie Kennedy and Josh Vincent make way for Wes Hennessey and Archie Hatcher.

From the first whistle STFC were on the front foot, with a rhythym that saw their no 9 and 10 as the fulcrum of their attack. DTFC couldn’t get a foothaold in th game, with very little impetus in the final third. It came as no surprise when a ball given away by Alex Green was pounced on by Rodney Eruotor and firmly despatched in the 11th minute.

STFC continued to push forward and, despite possession, were not troubling Molloy. DTFC were providing one or two efforts on goal, but found STFC 'keeper Perrin in good form on the few occasion he was troubled. STFC continued to play some excellent passing football and continued to trouble DTFC who were struggling to bring anything resembling a game plan to the proceedings. A quick attack down the left in the 39th minute saw Jack Penny exposed and the resultant shirt pull would have only one outcome, with referee Hall pointing to the spot. The resulting penalty confidently put away by Jefferson Aibangbee, for a deserved 2-0 lead for STFC.

With half-time approaching it seemed as if DTFC finally realised they were in a game; some good work in the midfield had Tom Chapman fouled and from the resultant free kick and melee, the ball broke to Ash Miller and his pass found Tom Chapman who put the ball away for a very important goal back for DTFC. With half time fast approaching another attack from DTFC saw Archie Hatcher shooting over and goalkeeper Perrin of STFC saving bravely at the feet of Tom Chapman.

HT 2-1 

The second half saw DTFC come out with their tails up and looking to push forward to find the important equaliser. The substitution of Wes Hennessey being replaced by Jamie Kennedy gave their attack an immediate impetus with young Kennedy proving a handful for the STFC defence. With Tom Chapman as his wing man, quick chances in the 57th and 58th minute well saved by Perrin in the STFC goal gave the good number of travelling supporters fresh hope. DTFC continued to press and, though their possession percentages were increasing, no clear cut chances could be created. Defensively DTFC were only being troubled periodically by the STFC forward line and keeping any opportunities to a minimum. 

Much as DTFC pushed forward their creativity was being thwarted by the back line of their opponents and when they did get behind them, they found keeper Perrin in the consistent form he had shown all game and try as they might the visitors were devoid of the directness and sharpness of an inform attacker. With 6 minutes of added time being shown DTFC and their travelling support continued to hope for the all important equaliser and two quick chances falling to Ben Chapman and Ash Miller were lacking in the finesse needed to breach the STFC goal.

Another narrow defeat on the road with our record now 8 wins and 11 defeats. With December having fixtures against two teams in the bottom 4 and 2 others currently in 14th and 15th let's see how the end of 2024 develops. We can only hope that the good luck that has deserted us in the past couple of weeks goes our way in the next 5 weeks or so.

FT -  2-1

SOURCE: Don Macleod

Deal Town Starting XI: Adam Molloy, Jack Paxman, Jack Penny, Alfie Foster, Tom Chapman, Macaulay Murray, Ben Chapman, Wes Hennessey, Alex Green, Ashley Miller, Archie Hatcher.

Subs: Morgan Page, Kieron Hollier, Alex Smith, Jamie Kennedy, Josh Vincent.

Deal Goals: Tom Chapman ('45)

Referee: Hall

Attendance: 112