Deal Town FC

Deal Town played Eastbourne Town FC on 7th October 2025 in the Isthmian League South East Division. Deal Town won six - three against Eastbourne in front of a crowd of 338 at the Charles Ground. The Deal goals came from Alfie Foster, Tom Chapman, Zak Hammond, Owen Wilkinson (2) and Ife Oni.

Miller came close to opening the scoring after 11 minutes, cutting in from the left and dragging his shot just wide.

After 16 minutes Hennessy collected a clearance from Strouts and moved at pace before putting TC clear on the wing. A low cross was blocked before Miller sent a strong shot into the body of the defender. 

The deadlock was finally broken after some sustained pressure. A fumble by the Eastbourne keeper allowed Foster to send a composed volley into the inside netting (20’). Minutes.

A thirteen minute period of not really much happening then sprung to life as Deal secured their second of the evening. Penny’s corner was delivered with purpose into Tom Chapman's path, who was loitering at the front post, and he saw his glancing header evade all. 2-0 (33’).

Referee Clark then started endearing himself with the CG faithful; having just cautioned Murray for a challenge, the game’s second caution finding its way to BC (38’) for kicking the ball away, before having to settle the differences between Eastbourne 5 and Murray. The visiting 5 did not head the warning as he too found his way into Clark’s notebook (43’) as he hauled BC to ground on the break.

Eastbourne took 45 minutes to establish their first chance, and what a chance it was. A corner sent deep into the area found the head of the Eastbourne 9; Tonkin pulling out an unbelievable save to ensure the Hoops went into half time two to the good.

HALF TIME: DEAL TOWN 2-0 EASTBOURNE TOWN

A fifteen minute rest seemed to spark both sides into life, for an action packed second half! It didn’t take long to increase the lead either; a little pressure into the Eastbourne penalty area resulted in the ball falling to Hammond on the corner of the area, and he directed it into the bottom far corner for the Hoops’ third (52’). A delightful little goal which was well deserved, by both Hammond and Deal.

A flurry of changes came from both sides but for Deal it was Niblett and Wilkinson who came on to replace Murray and TC. Rory Smith also replaced the ever-lively Miller, just after the hour mark (62’).

Eastbourne showed their first real piece of quality as they broke down the right and squared for their opening goal of the night. A well worked bit of combination play leading to the goal from Sonny Walsh (67’).

That didn’t knock Deal’s confidence though, as they looked to regain the four goal lead. BC sprang into life as he stole possession on the left wing and fed in Rory on the edge of the penalty area. With the ball glued to his right foot, he pulled past a defender and squared to Wilkinson who passed the ball into the empty net to make it 4-1.

The game’s sixth and seventh goals fell to the visitors; the first of those from a corner, well met in the air by Hover who headed in (76’). With ten minutes to go, Eastbourne got their third. A fumble and some miss communication between Tonkin and another defender, resulted in second header into the net. 4-3 (80’).

Cue the ‘squeeky bum time’ now for the 338 watching on. Riding the storm of some Eastbourne pressure, as they searched for an equaliser, Kingy’s boys did just that. Impressing since coming on, it was the youngster Wilkinson who saved the best finish of the game until the end of the evening. Having started the move on the touchline with a flick on to Hennessey, near the half way line, Hennessey steamed along the wing in acres of space. A reversed pass onto the edge of the penalty area picked out Wilkinson, who curled the ball into the top left corner (90’+2). An absolute peach, as well as a nerve-calming goal too!

Having not long entered the field as a sub, Oni got in on the action too in added time. Combining with fellow sub Niblett, Oni pounced on an enticing through ball from Niblett, took one touch before firing past the Eastbourne ‘keeper (90’+5). A smart finish and one that finally put the game to bed.

And that, as they say, was that; a busy second half ended in the Hoops’ favour. Hammond selected as the Perrys (Dover Ford) man of the match, and a victory which sees us jump to 11th in the table. On the three points, Manager Steve King had this to say:

I am delighted with another three points against one of the league's most in-form sides at this moment. It was great to score six goals and show our attacking style. We certainly made it harder than it needed to be, but overall delighted with the boys having now picked up three league wins on the bounce.

A terrific advert for football at the CG on the evening, perhaps not one for the nerves, but nine goals was certainly worth the admission!

FULL TIME: DEAL TOWN 6-3 EASTBOURNE TOWN