Deal Town vs Margate FC

Recap

The Hoops opened their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Margate on Saturday.

In front of a near-300 crowd at the Charles Ground second half goals from Sid Sollis and Sid Warden gave the ‘Gate victory in an entertaining friendly which would have proved a useful opening “run out” for both teams.

The Bostik Premier League visitors enjoyed the greater possession but Deal, with Liam Hark leading the way, defended with impressive commitment. James Tonkin also showed some secure handling in goal  and, helped by the woodwork on a couple of occasions, Deal managed to keep Margate out until the 59^th minute when Sollis volleyed home after a long throw by Alex Flisher had been flicked on.

Both sides made several substitutions in the second half and it was one of the ‘Gate subs, Warden, who doubled their lead 10 minutes from time when he headed in a Dave Martin cross.

The Hoops’ best effort came from Ryan Philpott who almost succeeded with a long-range lob, and although Deal were unable to produce a clinical final pass or cross there were still plenty of encouraging signs for Derek Hares and Steve King