Deal Town FC

MENS FIRST TEAM

Deal Town played Margate on 05th November 2024 in the Isthmian League South East Division. Deal Town lost one - nil against Margate in front of a crowd of 681 at the Charles Ground.

On a fresh Tuesday night, with fireworks going off from neighbouring gardens, despite just the 1-0 score line there were certainly lots of fireworks on the pitch also.

A little under two months since the return fixture at Margate; where Deal's hopes of a point were dashed in the last minute, the Hoops were trying their best to create their own last minute drama but it wasn’t to be.

Margate had a good hold in the first half, with plenty of the ball and quick passages of play from their strong and athletic midfield/front line.

Deal did well stifling Margate's attacks and keeping danger man Ben Greenhalgh reasonably quiet.

The boys managed to create a couple of their own chances to take the lead also, with Ife Oni being slotted through but missing just inside the box and, after Tom Chapman was slotted through with the goal at his mercy, the ball was just tipped off his toe.

It was all square at half time and plenty to play for.

H/T: Deal 0-0 Margate

Both teams came out for the second half but within the first couple of minutes, Margate had made their first half pressure pay. Winning the ball back well and driving forward, before it dropped to Harvey Brand, who slotted it home and celebrated with a well supported away contingent.

An away lead probably just earned but the Hoops were disappointed to have lost their runners for the first time in the game.

Goals change games however and Deal now had at least one goal to get. Just over ten minutes later, one of their many drives forward saw Tom Chapman dragged down inside of the penalty area and the Assistant Referee flagged for the foul; through some reluctance, the referee eventually gave the penalty.

The Margate team, distraught with the decision, rushed to the Assistant in protest and a solitary yellow card was given.

Up stepped Archie Hatcher, who struck the penalty well but saw the keeper get a big left hand to stop it going in the top corner. Queries came from the Deal support about whether the goalkeeper was on his line but the game carried on; on review, it appears Deal were hard done by in not being afforded a retake given the impact in outcome. Unlucky Archie.

An array of changes for Deal followed in the next 10; Wes Hennessey coming back into the fold in attacking areas, Joe Reeves and Alex Smith supporting in defence and midfield giving space to Jack Paxman to move to the centre of the park. 'Pax' generally everywhere in the second half.

Margate looked to slow the game down and stop Deal's attacks in dogged fashion, picking up a few yellows and frustrating the home crowd. Deal players following suit, collecting five yellows of their own, all for dissent. The officials certainly weren’t endearing themselves to the home support.

There was a shout for a handball penalty when one of the Margate players managed a superb save off the line, as well as Deal goalkeeper Adam Malloy venturing up for a set piece and getting a volley away; this before being taken out on the edge of the box, albeit no decision came and eventually the dreaded full-time whistle came.

Another superb effort from the boys who will certainly be wondering how they’ve played 190+ minutes against Margate this season and came away with 0 points to show for their massive efforts.
 
We roll onto another high flyer with Sittingbourne away on Saturday, and another chance to pick up some points.

The Perrys (Ford, Dover) 'Man of the Match', as chosen by match sponsor Adam Griffin from WallTec, was Josh Vincent.

Deal Town Starting XI: Adam Molloy, Jack Paxman, Alfie Foster, Tom Chapman, Macaulay Murray, Ben Chapman, Alex Green, Ife Oni, Archie Hatcher, Jamie Kennedy, Josh Vincent.

Subs: Jack Penny, Morgan Page, Alex Smith, Wes Hennessey, Joe Reeves.

Referee: E Smith

Attendance: 681