DEAL TOWN 0 HEMEL HEMPSTEAD 7

The Hoops predictably found Hemel Hempstead too hot to handle in their opening pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Their National League South opponents led 2-0 at the break and then turned on the style in the second half to give Sammy Moore a “seven up” winning start in his first game in charge of the Hertfordshire club.

Deal-born Moore, who had lots of friends and family amongst the crowd, was able to field two completely different sides in each of the halves, a clear indication of the difference in resources at the two clubs.

For Hoops fans it was good to see Charlie Walsh and Ben Cardwell back in action again at the Charles Ground while the 150-plus attendance was also encouraging for a match on the first Saturday in July.

Deal are next in action on Tuesday night (July 9) when they take on Gillingham at the Charles Ground (7.30pm).

Caption: Deal manager Derek Hares (right) welcomes new Hemel Hempstead boss Sammy Moore to the Charles Ground