Deal Town FC

MENS FIRST TEAM

Deal Town played Hythe Town on 08th March 2025 in the Isthmian League South East Division. Deal Town drew two - two against Hythe in front of a crowd of 395 at Hythe. The Deal goals came from Tom Chapman and Wes Hennessey.

The short trip along the coast, to take on local rivals Hythe Town on a warm spring day, saw Jack Paxman and Macaulay Murray replacing Joe Reeves and Jamie Kennedy.

A brisk start saw both goalkeepers making saves in the opening minutes with DTFC looking to get a foothold in the fixture, in which HTFC seemed to adapt to better. This proved even more difficult when, in the 11th minute, Hythe No7 Adesite pounced on a mis-handle ball by Molloy for the first goal of the day.

Despite getting forward DTFC were struggling to produce anything from their chances, finding home No1 Wealands putting up the shutters when any opportunity produced itself. This proved more frustrating when, from a corner, Hythe skipper Lex Allen guided a header into the left-hand corner for the host's second in the 24th minute.

This was a blow for the away side and, despite a great ball from Ash Miller from the right into the path of a charging Tom Chapman, they found Wealands again smothering the shot. As the half developed the forward movements from DTFC looked hopeful rather than contrived and, despite Rory Smith and Tom Chapman driving forward, no outright chance presented itself. The referees whistle brought a disappointing first half to a close with Hythe Town 2 up.

HALF TIME: Hythe Town 2 – 0 Deal Town

The second half started with a change for DTFC, Ife Oni replacing Archie Hatcher. This seemed to buoy the visitors and they had a spring in their step from the whistle. Home stopper Wealands again came to the rescue with a great double save from Rory Smith in the 49th minute and almost immediately Ben Chapman shot past the left-hand post.

The introduction of Oni had pepped up the Hoops' front line and their delivery improved greatly. A pass to the left side found Ash Miller free and his pass to Tom Chapman  was despatched easily for the visitors first of the day. The home team seemed thunder struck by the switch from the first half and with Wes Hennessey replacing Rory Smith DTFC were looking likely to add to their tally. No sooner than he had entered the fray a free kick into the home defence broke to him within the 6-yard box and the ball found the net for the equaliser.

With 20 mins remaining DTFC were now in the ascendency and looking to find the elusive winner. A challenge on Hennessey, who had latched onto a through ball in a one-on-one challenge with a defender, brought howls from the away fans and bench with an indication that a shirt pull should have been penalised with the very least a free kick if not more. Despite these endeavours they couldn’t create any meaningful chances and when they eventually had a chance fall to the impressive Hennessey whose header was brilliantly pushed over by Wealands to again break the visitor’s hearts.

With an indicated 5 mins of stoppage time no other openings at either end materialised and with the full time whistle both sets of fans seemed happy with the draw, though maybe the home team more than the visitors.

FULL TIME: Hythe Town  2 – 2  Deal Town

Source: Don Macleod

Deal Town Starting XI: Adam Molloy, Jack Paxman, Jack Penny, Alfie Foster, Tom Chapman, Macaulay Murray, Ben Chapman, Rory Smith, Zak Hammond, Ashley Miller, Archie Hatcher.

Subs: Morgan Page, Wes Hennessey, Ben Clark, Ife Oni, Jamie Kennedy.

Deal Goals: Tom Chapman ('60) Wes Hennessey ('70)

Referee: Cutler

Attendance: 395