The Hoops will be bidding to reach the third round proper of the FA Vase for the first time in 12 years when they travel to take on Chichester City on Saturday.
The last occasion that Deal reached the third round was in the 2005-06 season when they lost 4-2 to Tavistock at the Charles Ground. Chichester, for their part, reached the last 32 last season, an achievement which means they have received a bye until this season’s second round.
And the west Sussex club are enjoying another good campaign. They are currently lying in third place in the Macron Southern Combination League Premier Division, three points behind leaders Haywards Heath who beat them 2-1 last weekend thanks to an injury-time goal.
“The Chi”, as they are nicknamed, have an impressive scoring record with 43 goals in their 16 league games so far and Hoops manager Derek Hares said: “It’s going to be a tough game. They are doing well in their league and scoring a lot of goals, but it we play to our full potential we’ve got a chance.”
Jack Paxman and Steve Butcher both return to the squad after being suspended for last Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat by Sevenoaks while Hares is hoping that Charlie Walsh will be fit to return after missing the Hoops’ last three matches through injury.
3 Responses
No mention of our leading scorer being available! 🙁
Will be missed if he doesn’t play! Fingers crossed for his return on Saturday.
Good luck to all concerned.
The Chi as they are known are a very strong team especially at home.
So its good news that players are available to be called into the team.
Whoever plays know they will be the underdogs but can use that to their advantage.
The club as a whole has nothing to lose but one thing is definitely certain the belief and attitude is fantastic.
The recent respect achievement award is proof of that.
If everyone plays their best then anything is achievable.
A great game in prospect and wish everyone the best of luck coz let’s face it you do need some from time to time.
Come on Deal.!!!!
As the game’s off today, Kentishfootball website states it is scheduled for Tuesday night!!????
Surely a decision hasn’t been made that quick!
Total disadvantage to the team,to expect to go there for a midweek game. Play next Saturday!?