Deal Town FC

MENS FIRST TEAM

Deal Town played Three Bridges FC on 18th January 2025 in the Isthmian League South East Division. Deal Town lost two - one against Three-Bridges in front of a crowd of 127 at Three-Bridges. The Deal goal came from Ashley Miller.

After a frozen-off fixture last weekend, DTFC were on their travels again, this time to West Sussex to the refurbished home of Three Bridges with their impressive new 4G pitch and surroundings. An enforced change saw James Tonkin taking over from Adam Molloy, which also saw the return of Jack Penny and Jamie Kennedy to the squad after injury.

On a day a few degrees warmer than freezing, both teams were on the front foot from the off with DT getting caught offside in the first minute and the same result for TB in their first foray into the DT box shortly after. DT had a chance inside 10 minutes but the ball was cleared off the line. Both teams were happy to keep possession and look for the long ball opening utilising both flanks in an effort to get crosses in. As the game progressed, both struggled to get a foothold in the game with the ball ping-ponging around far too often.

A through ball in the 22nd minute caught the DT defence out of line albeit their blushes spared when the Assistant Referee’s flag was raised for an offside. The wakeup call was not heeded and, within a few mins, TB put one past the post with ‘Tonks’ stranded.

Try as they might DT plugged away and, despite having their share of possession and trying to get behind the TB full backs, with half time approaching a free kick from the left into the box saw Ben Chapman coming from deep. With a handful of his shirt being held by a TB defender, and despite howls of protest, the calls fell on deaf ears; no penalty awarded, just the half-time whistle.

HALF TIME: Three Bridges 0 – 0 Deal Town

The second half was barely under way when, from a throw-in, the ball fell to Ashley Miller and his swirling shot deceived the home keeper and found the back of the net for the Hoops’ first goal. The Deal opener seemed to give TBs a wakeup call and almost immediately the home 18, playing the No9 role, was close with a shot. The tempo of the fixture was on the rise and predominantly at TBs behest, as they continued to drive play through their midfield, utilising No11 on the left to good effect. He proved the catalyst to their equaliser when, after an advantage by referee Osborn, he pounced on the ball on the left and squeezed it past Tonkin.

DT were not getting rewarded for their efforts and the final pass seemed to always fall short or just over shoot. TB seemed to thrive and continued to drive at DT relentlessly on both flanks. Changes by Kingy, to freshen their attacks, saw Ash Miller and Rory Smith replaced by Wes Hennessey and Jamie Kennedy in the 65th minute; in an effort to unlock the resolute TB defence.

The 72nd minute saw TB no 18 get a chance and his hot came of the outside of the post and within a minute or so DT had a chance which fell to Wes Hennessey after passing between Kennedy, T Chapman and Hatcher, but alas it cleared the bar without troubling the home keeper.

With the game drawing to it last throws, it looked like the directness and drive of TB were going to get them a chance to put the game to bed, and alas it did. In inexplicable fashion; a shot by the home No 6 looked as if it entered the goal over the line and came back out again. There was a moment off indecisiveness by all around, waiting for the referee’s whistle to indicate a goal; a whistle which never came and play continued, until a challenge on the edge of the box brought play to a stop. In the meantime the far assistant was being, harangued by the home bench and the referee made his way over whether called over or he was there of hid own volition we will not know. After a discussion, a goal was signalled. A bizarre second for TB, which would ultimately prove to be the winner.

Two further changes for DT with Jack Penny and Morgan Page replacing Mcauley Murray and Alfie Foster, in the 80th minute, were the last throw of the dice in an effort to get a late equaliser. With TB controlling the tempo of the game, in effort to shut it down and take the three points, they came close to extending their lead in 87 mins when a flashing header was superbly turned over by Tonkins. With an indicated 5 mins of added time and it quickly ebbing away a final throw of the dice by DT saw keeper Tonkins go up for a long throw by Paxman, but alas to no avail and TB were delighted to take all 3 points for their third win on the trot.

FULL TIME: Three Bridges 2 – 1 Deal Town

DT Man of the Match, as selected by MAPS – Josh Vincent

Deal Town Starting XI: James Tonkin, Jack Paxman, Alex Green, Alfie Foster, Tommy Lamb, Tom Chapman, Macaulay Murray, Ben Chapman, Rory Smith, Ashley Miller, Josh Vincent.

Subs: Jack Penny, Wes Hennessey, Morgan Page, Archie Hatcher, Jamie Kennedy.

Deal Goals: Ashley Miller ('47)

Referee: Osborn

Attendance: 127