The Hoops take on SCEL Premier Division “newcomers” Rusthall at the Charles Ground on Saturday.
The Tunbridge Wells-based “Rustics”, who were formed back in 1899, finished runners-up behind Glebe in Division One last season but have found life in the top flight fairly tough going so far. They are currently in 17th place with 21 points from 19 games but victories in their last two matches against Rochester United and Sheppey United will have boosted their confidence ahead of tomorrow’s clash, as will knowing that Deal crashed to a surprise 6-1 defeat at Beckenham last weekend.
But Hoops manager Derek Hares insisted: “It was just one of those games and it’s gone now. We’ve got two home games coming up before Christmas (against Rusthall and Canterbury City), and if we can get six points from them we will still be where we wanted to be at this stage of the season.”
Connor Coyne returns to the squad on Saturday after missing the Beckenham game and Steve Butcher could also be involved after being out for a month with a broken rib.
