Sam Wilson’s 16th goal of the season secured the three points which lifted the Hoops into fifth place in the Southern Counties East League table.
Wilson struck 10 minutes from time to finally decide a game which Deal controlled for long periods but then almost paid the price for failing to convert that dominance into more goals.
Manager Derek Hares said: “I thought our first half performance was one of our best 45 minutes of the season, we played some good football and created quite a few chances.”
“But when Erith made it 1-1 midway through the second half you start to think that it’s going to be one of those days when you don’t win a game that you should win. But then Sam came up with another goal and that takes us on to 38 points, and we haven’t had that many at this stage of the season for a long time.”
Judged by the first half alone, however, there was no way that Deal should have been reliant on Wilson’s late effort after they continually carved open the Dockers’ defence, especially down their left flank where Jack Paxman, Dan Adams and Ben Chapman had too much pace and invention for the visitors’ backline.
And it was man-of-the-match Chapman who gave the Hoops an early breakthrough, converting an eighth-minute penalty after Liam Hark had been tripped from behind by Dan Palfrey.
Deal then dominated without being able to reap more end product, either through a wayward final ball or because of Erith keeper Adam Molloy whose defiance included one tremendous close-range save from Wilson.
So half-time arrived with Deal only 1-0 in front when a two or three-goal margin would have been a fairer reflection, and the Dockers almost made the most of their reprieve with an improved second half performance.
Experienced frontman Stuart Zanone twice went close before Deal were rocked by a 70th-minute equaliser from Andres Tobon, who swept home a low 25-yard half volley, and Hares’ young side were now facing an unexpected character test.
But they came through it thanks to Wilson finishing off Paxman’s far-post cross, and Hares added: “The boys just kept going, they are gaining in experience with every game, and on our day I think we are a match for any team in this league.”
Deal: Tonkin, Paxman, Hark, K Smith, Hill, Foster (C Miller 59), Scott, Coyne, Wilson, Adams (Reeves 75), Chapman (Sahadow 65).
3 Responses
Couldn’t have described it better myself!
A thoroughly entertaining game of football.
Only thing that did spoil it was some of the refs’ “eccentric” decisions! 😉
Deal could have had an easier ride if it wasn’t for Erith’s goalkeeper but a good result. It was also pleasing to hear some vociferous support from the lads behind the goal something I think is lacking at times at the Charles Ground
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A fantastic team performance and a great game which was a great advert for the Kent League.
Everyone of the players deserved a mot award.
The players can be extremely proud of their achievements in games especially against Edith.
They showed a different side to the fans with their hunger,desire and attitude under pressure in the second half. They have a we ain gonna be beaten attitude and can be extremely proud of that.
They are gaining experience very rapidly and find themselves in a league position they fully deserve.
Who’dve thought pre season that this young side would be where they are now.
Consider this for a fact as well because even though they were very unlucky they lost home and away to Crowborough but find themselves just a point behind them.
I also agree with Derek Booth about the vociferous from our new found fan club who I must say are a credit to themselves and the club for their behaviour.
They are a fine group of lads out enjoying themselves and I hope they can encourage their dads or step dad’s to get them to a few away games.
I felt that the extra support helped the team especially second half and I know the team appreciate it
I still have a sore throat and completely lost my voice on Sunday.(wife said it was very peaceful)
Over the coming weeks there are a few away games and it would be nice if they could get along especially to Tunbridge Wells who are very vocal themselves or even to the League Cup game against the” oystermen” Whitstable,which will probably be a midweek match.
It’s a great time at the club and we need to encourage as many as we can through the gate because we really do need invest in the Mill Road end regarding more of a wider walk way and a roofed terrace.
That will give the team more noise behind them as they take us on this incredible journey.
Come on Deal.!!!!