Deal Town FC

MENS FIRST TEAM

Deal Town played Broadbridge Heath FC on 24th August 2024 in the Isthmian League South East Division. Deal Town won three - one against Broadbridge-Heath in front of a crowd of 89 at Broadbridge-Heath. The Deal goals came from Tom Chapman (2) and Billy Munday.

It was our second visit to Sussex in a week, as Steve King’s side travelled to face Broadbridge Heath in our second Isthmian League fixture.

Following last Saturday’s defeat, three changes were made to the starting XI; Niblett, Millbank and Kennedy coming in, with B. Chapman and Miller moving onto the bench. Vincent absent from the squad this week.

On a day full of horrendous weather and a dark, dismal skyline, it was somewhat of a bright start for the Hoops. Going forward from the outset, Deal were immediately rewarded; an opportunist strike by Tom Chapman (4’) from Millbank’s crossed ball into the centre of the 6 yard area.

It was very much back and forth from both teams; Broadbridge Heath somewhat galvanised by conceding. Paxman calling the opposition’s Number 1 into action after 14 minutes, sending the ball behind for a corner. Murray’s resulting corner being cleared to the left wing, where Heath’s 7 darted into the penalty area, upended for a penalty. Not to be outdone, it was Molloy’s call into the lime-light; the penalty saved.

The game began settling with few chances; Green delivering for Munday to drag a shot wide on 22’, Molloy forced into action on 27’, sandwiching a yellow card dished out to Murray.

A scrappy ten minute period, with neither midfield gaining control; signs of frustration from Kingy and co! This further heightened with a good chance from Heath (34’), as their 10 worked the ball down the left before seeing a good chance sail over the bar from 9. It was Molloy again who held up the last line of defence; Heath’s 11 striking a good effort goal-wards before Molloy pushing away for a corner (39’).

Just as the half began coming to a close, Deal stepped up and took a stronger foothold on proceedings. Kennedy’s burst of energy on the right, sent Murray into the corner who delivered an excellent ball into the six yard area. Who was there to meet the cross, none other than Munday; a bullet header, reminiscent of so many last season, ensuring his account was opened for the season.

In first half injury time, Niblett appeared to be caught with a flailing arm, in defensive position. Following his need of treatment, and for his troubles, ended up receiving an unjust caution.

Half Time: BHFC 0-2 DTFC.

B Chapman was introduced to the second half, replacing Niblett, and it was Deal who began strongest. A quick attack four minutes in resulted in a challenge; the referee and assistant having discussions, although no action as a result.

Heath continued to plug away, attempting to reduce Deal’s lead. Heath’s 6 passing to 3, on the left, who pulled the ball back into penalty area and striking towards goal (52’); the same result as previous, the ball palmed away by Molloy once again.

Heath’s 12 was introduced to the game (52’), with his first involvement having fouled R Smith (55’). The resulting free-kick driven into T Chapman whose shot was saved. It was then that Deal built and further increased their control on the game. Darting past defenders, R Smith won a corner; the delivery and subsequent shot spilled by their goalkeeper, before T Chapman pouncing on the loose ball and firing into the far right hand side of the goal (57’). 0-3.

Miller was given the green light to further impact the scoreline, replacing R Smith on the hour mark. His interlinking play with Paxman and Green a minute later ensuring Heath had to maintain composure. A number of substitutions for both sides resulted in a lull in the game, and both sides then beginning to cancel each other out. Miller posing great danger for the Hoops as he broke free on the left, pulling a shot just wide of the post (72’).

Deal tried managing the game out, with the introduction of Wilkinson, Page and Hammond as the game headed towards the final ten minutes of the ninety. Broadbridge continuing to find space on the left with direct movement, ultimately coming to nothing. However their perseverance was rewarded as they reduced the deficit; a ball in behind our defence lead to the striker taking advantage and punishing (81’). 

Hammond, fresh from his darting run and finish for the 23s, worked hard on the left to create a chance for Miller (84’); the shot saved and parried for another Deal corner. A half-hearted penalty shout was waived away and Heath continued pressuring the Deal defence too. Five minutes added on by the referee saw one last chance for the hosts, but Molloy was there was once to ensure it was Deal who held on for the victory.

BHFC 1-3 DTFC

On the result, Kingy had this to add:

"I'm really pleased with the result. Broadbridge were a good side and had good spells in the game but we were clinical and worked hard to bounce back from last week. We are really proud of boys and now looking forward to the game on Monday."

The Away MotM Award, sponsored by MAPS: Billy Munday.

Report courtesy of Don MacLeod

Deal Town Starting XI: Adam Molloy, Jack Paxman, Alfie Foster, Billy Munday, Tom Chapman, Macaulay Murray, Aaron Millbank, Rory Smith, Alex Green, Max Niblett, Jamie Kennedy.

Subs: Ben Chapman, Zak Hammond, Owen Wilkinson, Ashley Miller, Morgan Page.

Deal Goals: Tom Chapman ('5, '58) Billy Munday ('45)

Referee: Morgan

Attendance: 89