The Hoops will be in action at one of their “bogey” grounds on Saturday when they take on Beckenham at Eden Park Avenue.
Deal have been beaten on their last four league visits to Beckenham and manager Derek Hares said: “It’s a big game for us because traditionally we’ve not done well there, so I’m quite interested to see how we go on Saturday. It will be a good test for us to see where we are.”
The Hoops can take encouragement from their current run of good form with three wins and 14 goals in their last three matches, and also from the fact they defeated Beckenham 2-0 at the Charles Ground early in the season thanks to goals from Sam Wilson and Dan Adams.
Wilson returns to the squad this weekend along with Andy Miller after both players missed last Saturday’s 4-1 home victory over Glebe and, such is the congested nature of the top half of the table, Hares knows that victory at Beckenham could see his side jump five places in the table to sixth position, depending on other results.
He added: “After finishing 13th last season Kingy (assistant manager Steve King) and myself thought if we could finish in the top eight this season that would be a good achievement. Our aim is to keep improving and I think we are.”
2 Responses
Great game in prospect up against a good side who struggled last season but still gave the team a lesson.
It will be a fascinating contest especially with players coming back into the side.
A victory and three points would be amazing and see how the others do.
One game at a time and hopefully keep improving because the lads are well capable of getting into the top 8.
Not worth aiming to high at the moment coz the lads don’t want extra pressure on them.
I hope to be there to give the lads the support they really do deserve,
Come on Deal.!!!
It’s about time we got a result up there!
Hopefully the team will be fresher,with no injury problems,as Beckenham played on Tuesday night.
Personally,I’d be happy with a draw. Good luck to all involved.