The Hoops go into Saturday’s game at Fisher knowing that winning their next two matches could earn them a Christmas “present” of a top-six place.
Although Derek Hares’ side are currently in 11th position in the SCEL Premier Division, only two points separate them from sixth-placed Hollands & Blair, and so victories at Fisher and against Lordswood at home on December 21 could easily see Deal make a big jump up the table.
And the Hoops go into the Fisher game on the back of a good run of form, having won four of their last five matches, while Fisher in contrast have registered just one victory in their last seven fixtures under new manager Ajay Ashanike, who took over from Allan Fenn in October.
That run of poor form has seen the Rotherhithe-based club, who finished third last season, slip to 16th place in the table, but Hares warned: “All those games have been close, if they lose it tends to be by the odd goal, and I’m sure it will be tough going there.”
There was nothing between the sides when they fought out a goalless draw at the Charles Ground on the opening day of the current campaign, and the Hoops suffered a 2-0 defeat on Fisher’s 3G pitch last season, but Hares added: “I don’t mind the fact it’s a 3G pitch, we seem to play quite well on 3G, and I just hope that we can reproduce the form that we have been showing at home.”
Captain Luke Bigginton is still suspended while Joe Reeves, Ben Cardwell and Kane Smith are all doubtful because of injury.
