Deal cruised to a rare win over one of their “bogey sides” at the Charles Ground on Saturday.
In the previous 15 meetings between the sides the Hoops had won just twice but Derek Hares’ team were full value for this overdue success – Deal’s third victory in their last four matches.
It came despite the Hoops missing several players through injury and suspensions but Erith & Belvedere were also understrength, including having to play midfielder Harry Wilkins as a late stand-in goalkeeper, and his inexperience between the posts was obvious throughout the 90 minutes.
The Deres’ problems then worsened when, midway through the first half, midfielder John-Paul Collier, who had earlier been booked, was shown a red card for retaliation by referee Louise Saunders after he had been fouled.
But, despite being on top from the start, including Andy Miller striking the woodwork with just two minutes gone, Deal had to wait until seven minutes before half-time for their opening goal. Connor Coyne, who had another fine game up front, produced a clinical finish and then soon after his brother Alex ensured that the Hoops went into the break in front with a vital goalline clearance.
Deal then doubled their lead eight minutes after the restart when, following a long clearance, Rene Rivera used his pace to outstrip the Deres’ defence before running the ball into an empty net.
Now trailing 2-0 and down to 10 men, it seemed a long way back for John Wilfort’s side but, around the hour mark, the Deres’ finally enjoyed a brief spell of pressure and Deal keeper Henry Newcombe did well to push away a fierce volley from Ashley Robinson.
And, with Deal’s Liam Hark having an outstanding game at right back, it meant the Deres could find no way back into the game before the Hoops finally wrapped up the points four minutes from time. Michael Yianni chipped a free-kick beyond the far post where Rivera pulled the ball back for skipper Dean Hill to sweep home his fourth goal in four matches.
Deal: Newcombe, Hark, Bagley, A Coyne, Hill, Miller (Christian 75mins), Yianni, Anderson, Bigginton (Ashman 60mins), Coyne, Rivera (Holmes 85mins).
Erith & Belvedere: Wilkins, Akosah, Babatunde, Holness (Reed 65mins), Collier, McIntyre, Wright, Henry, Pinnock, Robinson, DaSilva.
4 Responses
Fantastic run of victories – congratulations!
Nice to get the 3 points(with a patched up team,including 3 ressies). Another 3 points on the 28th please. Lets keep that run going. Its gonna be tougher after that,with the likes of H&B and Erith Town looming,especially as we will probably be missing some of the “bad boys!” We don’t want to be dragged into a relegation battle.
Finally,wishing those connected with and those that watch Deal a happy Xmas and New Year
very good to see a ruthless side to the team.managers are doing good job juggling players available.well done all.have a good xmas.
Would like to wish everyone at the club a merry xmas.
It’s well deserved after all the hard work and it’s great to get the weekend off.
l’m sure the lads available will be ready to go again.
I’m also sure that Derek will try to address the discipline issue but can only look on I’m afraid.
The trouble is the lads give their all and in the heat of the
moment things happen.
Keep up the hard work.
Come on Deal.!!!!