The Hoops continued their pre-season campaign with a 4-3 win away to Lydd. Deal used this game to look at a number of trialists and other than a couple of players most of the squad played 45 mins each in very warm conditions.
It was the Hoops who took an early lead when Kane volleyed home at the back post after a Sam Taylor cross. The home side were soon level from the penalty spot through Kenny Pogue after a foul on ex-Deal player Brad Baker. The visitors then restored their lead with a great finish from Jack Penny after a clever pass from Connor Coyne. The first half was full of goal action and Lydd equalised just before half time through Baker, who was a threat for the home side all afternoon.
The away side took control at the start of the second half but it was Lydd who had the first chance to score when they won a second penalty. However a great save from Henry Newcombe ensured the scores remained level.
Deal’s new signing Riley Alford then continued his excellent goal scoring form in pre-season with another two good finishes to make it 4-2 to the visitors. His first a good lob after a clever flick from Jack Penny and his second a composed finish after a short game of pinball in the Lydd box.
Deal then had a great chance to make it 5-2 as Joe Reeves went in on goal in a 1v1 but he was thwarted by the keeper and from the resulting clearance Baker got his second of the game with a great strike from literally the last kick of the game to make the final score 4-3.
It was a good work out for both teams in very warm conditions. The Hoops return to the Charles Ground on Tuesday to welcome Dover Athletic who visit on the back of an impressive 2-0 win against Gillingham.
