Southall, the Hoops’ FA Vase third-round opponents at the Charles Ground this Saturday, share a similar claim to fame as Deal in that they have also reached the final of the competition.
But, unlike the Hoops, who of course won the trophy in 2000, the Ealing-based club’s short trip to Wembley in 1986 ended in disappointment when they were beaten 3-0 in that year’s final by Halesowen Town.
The Hoops will be bidding to avoid becoming the second SCEL Premier Division side to be knocked out of the FA Vase by Southall this season when the teams meet in their third-round tie at the Charles Ground on Saturday.
In the first round last month Southall were drawn at home to Tunbridge Wells and, after drawing a high-scoring encounter 4-4, they then won 3-1 in the replay which was played just two days later.
With the Hoops having lost 2-1 at home to Tunbridge Wells last weekend, those various results suggest that, on paper at least, Derek Hares’ side will need to be at their best to progress this weekend.
