Deal Town FC

MENS FIRST TEAM

Deal Town played Ramsgate on 26th August 2024 in the Isthmian League South East Division. Deal Town lost four - two against Ramsgate at the Charles Ground. The Deal goals came from Ben Chapman and Tom Chapman.

Ramsgate captain Joe Taylor was clinical in front of goal as his hat-trick earnt victory in this Isthmian South East game, in front of club-record league crowd of 1,985 at the Charles Ground.

Following a delay of 15 minutes to the original kick-off time of 3pm, it was the Rams who started strongly, demonstrating the quality which saw them finish near the top of the division last season. Strong link-up play in the midfield allowing strikers to pose a threat. Winger Alfie Paxman - facing twin brother Jack Paxman - curled wide a free-kick early in the fifth, before Benedict Bioletti missed the target.

Away keeper Tom Hadler then tipped over a cross-cum-shot from Hoops winger Tom Chapman and it was clear a tasty battle already seemed to be ensuing, particularly on the home side’s left flank where Ashley Miller and Rory Smith were up against Ramsgate right-back Aaron Barnes while Alex Green and Bioletti - two promising youngsters - were in the thick of the action.

But it was the Hoops who struck first through Ben Chapman; Macaulay Murray’s free-kick mid-way in the Ramsgate half was curled into the back post. Thinking the ball was heading out, Joe Ellul avoided heading clear, only for BC to sneak in round the back and smash the ball home (23’).

The momentum continued; barely minutes later and Deal won a penalty. A darting run by Tom Chapman into the penalty area, to which the Jay Leader upended him. Referee Ben McDonald called into his first key action; penalty Deal. Up stepped former Ram, Jack Paxman; as the whistle went, the crowd fell silent, only to see Pax drag his penalty wide of the left-hand post. 

Deal had a great opportunity to double their lead again. Ramsgate’s Tom Carlse made a vital 28th-minute goal-line clearance after Rory Smith had flicked a set-piece goalwards.

Ramsgate had claims of their own for a penalty on 36 minutes, as defender Barnes was on the receiving end of a hefty challenge near the six-yard from Alfie Foster. McDonald this time not interested and play continued.

Ramsgate continued their press, and were rewarded two minutes into first-half injury time. Jadama bursting into the Deal area and brought to ground by Ashley Miller. This time McDonald rewarded the Ramsgate faithful behind the Mill Road goal. Up stepped Joe Taylor, who bagged over 50 goals last season, to score the first of three (45’).

HALF TIME: DTFC 1-1 RAMSGATE

Deal were promptly forced into a change early in the second half as Rory Smith hobbled off and was replaced by Wes Hennessey - a player who had been on dual registration between the teams last term.

The away outfit thenwent ahead. Jadama capitalised on some indecisive defending and fired past Molloy (51’). Five minutes later, however, we were back level after a clinical counter-attack. Three former Ramsgate players combined. Hennessey did the bulk of the work before he found Miller and he crossed to the back post where Tom Chapman lie in wait; 2-2 (56’).

Deal boss Steve King made a brave switch which saw forward Aaron Millbank come on for defender Alfie Foster, with just over twenty to play. But almost immediately it was Ramsgate who took control; Taylor put Ramsgate back in front through a trademark finish. He spun his man in the box and shot past Molloy (70’).

But the last minute of normal time saw Jadama win another penalty, this time for a foul by substitute Alex Smith. Taylor completed his hat-trick with what already was his eighth goal of the campaign at the start of eight minutes of stoppage time (90’).

FULL TIME: DTFC 2-4 RAMSGATE

On the loss, boss Steve King had this to say:

It’s always disappointing to lose but I’m certainly proud of the boys in their efforts today. We took the game to very good opposition and if key moments had gone differently then the outcome could have been very different.

Fair play to Ramsgate though; they’re a very good side and took their chances well too. What an amazing crowd as well; our thanks to everyone who supported the boys this afternoon.

Our Perrys Ford (Dover) Man of the Match, as selected by match sponsors Nick Cunningham Plumbing and Heating, was Tom Chapman.

Deal Town Starting XI: Adam Molloy, Jack Paxman, Alfie Foster, Billy Munday, Tom Chapman, Macaulay Murray, Ben Chapman, Rory Smith, Alex Green, Max Niblett, Ashley Miller.

Subs: Aaron Millbank, Zak Hammond, Wes Hennessey, Alex Smith, Jamie Kennedy.

Deal Goals: Ben Chapman ('23) Tom Chapman ('56)

Referee: McDonald

Attendance: 1985