Deal Town FC

5th October 2025

Under 13s - Deal Town 2-2 Unique FC in the Kent U13 Cup
(Unique won 5-3 on penalties)

Deal were edged out of a lively encounter on penalties having played half the match without a recognised keeper.  

With many of the squad having played their fourth match in five days, due to school and district commitments, you would forgive them for being a bit leggy as the game wore on. But that wasn’t the case as the whole team put a real shift in across both halves, as the coaching team utilised the squad to good effect to mitigate against fatigue. 

It was Deal who started better in the match. Smith and Styles were making strong gains on the left hand side, keeping possession high up the pitch. From a Bishopp cross, Stennett hit a speculative volley that looped towards goal and over the stranded keeper. An early goal to settle our nerves was most welcome. Unique failed to take heed of several warnings as our crosses from both wings were looking dangerous. A second goal arrived as Smith sent in a curling cross which Stennett did well to get to, beating the keeper to the ball and finishing high into the net. 

The first half ended with Deal on the back foot, defending an onslaught on goal. Laval-Chesterton kept the imposing striker at bay, and Beeden made a vital clearance as the pressure mounted. The away side finally breached our defence after a clearance only found the striker, who finished well in the bottom corner. 2-1 at the break which fairly reflected the play.   

In the second half the midfield battle was going to be crucial as Deal looked to protect their lead and hit their opponents on the break. Talling put in a brilliant performance throughout, winning possession and never letting Unique settle on the ball. Neither side were afforded any long periods of possession as both sides kept each other honest with great commitment to their cause. Deal could be forgiven for feeling a little hard done by as the referee made several calls in their opponents favour which baffled the supporters and coaches on the sidelines. Unique were given chances to shoot on goal from free kicks that should not have been given. Linkins, deputising in goal saw a few go wide and over the bar, but was unable to reach one that nestled in the bottom corner as the game was almost done. The game ended 2-2 which was probably a fair result, with neither side having any clear cut chances to win the game in normal time. 

Linkins had the mammoth task of facing a penalty shootout in his first ever game deputising in goal, and with his counterpart saving the first and fifth spot kicks from King and Smith, Unique progressed to the next round. A special mention to Ethan for volunteering to keep goal in the second half and then having to face penalties. A great performance from every player, showing grit and determination in a keenly contested battle. ???

Under 14s - Deal Town 2-2 Old Wilsonians in the Kent U14 Cup
(Old Wilsonians won 4-3 on penalties)

Our Under 14s made the long trip upto Old Wilsonians to play in this  year's County Cup. 

They started the game brightly moving the ball around well, Mackenzie-Fraser playing up front was causing loads of problems for the OW defence and resulted in a few quick corners. Deal took a well deserved lead from a M-F corner with Nixon heading home for a 1-0 lead. Unfortunately the lead didn't last long and OW equalised after a mix up in our defence which allowed their striker to slot home into an empty net.

The second half started with OW on top and missing a few chances, before taking a deserved lead 2-1. Deal didn't give up, with Turner-Dauncey in the midfield we started to dominate and a good play down the right resulted in an equaliser; not sure if it was an OG, but we have credited Turner-Dauncey with the goal.

With the game locked at 2-2 both teams had chances but, with minutes left, Frampton pounced on a Mackenzie-Fraser through ball, lobbed the keeper, hit the bar and the ball bounced on the line to deny Deal a late winner.

With it being the county cup the game went straight to penalties; a few good strikes scored and Carley making a good save but it wasn't to be our day and went out of the cup 4-3 on pens. Good improved performance from the boys and onto next weeks game at home vs Sittingbourne, special mention to Mackenzie-Fraser, Ingram and Weller who all had good games for DTFC today.

Under 16s - Deal Town 3-1 Faversham Town in the Kent Youth League

Our under 16s welcomed top of the league Faversham to baypoint. Faversham with 3 wins out of 3 coming into today's game with Deal 2nd in the league with 7 points. The strong winds and small pitch made it a physical end to end game. First half both teams created 3 or 4 good chances. Deal not hitting the target enough in the first half and Fletcher in goal for Deal pulled off an excellent save to deny faversham the lead. 

2nd half Deal changed formation introducing Edwin upfront with Ollie. Within 2 minutes it paid dividends Ollie putting a great through ball for Edwin to outpace the defenders and oncoming keeper to the ball and slipped it into the open net with his first touch of the game. 10 mins later Edwin and Ollie combined again this time with Ollie racing through from the half way line and smashed the ball past the keeper from outside the area.

Faversham continued to push forward and got a goal back with a long ball into the area that dropped between keeper and defender to their number 9 who found the net. The next 10 mins Faversham pushed more players forward, but Deal stood strong with Fletch, Taylor and Reece standing out for the Deal defense. 

Deal finished the game off with 10mins to go with a quick throw to Khylian putting Taylor in on the left wing and delivering an excellent cross which Ollie met on the 6 yard box to finish the contest 3 v 1 and Deal moving top of the league.

Under 18s - Deal Town 3-0 Ashford United in the Kent Youth League
Our U18s hosted Ashford United at the CSG this weekend. Deal U18 started strongly, applying early pressure. Their efforts paid off ten minutes after kick-off when Jem opened the scoring, finishing calmly after receiving a square ball from Maki. The rest of the first half was evenly balanced but Deal went into the break 1-0 up.

The second half resumed with both sides battling for control, but it was Deal who took the next opportunity with James doubling Deal’s lead with a well-taken goal, making it 2–0. Moments later, a free kick outside the box was awarded to Ashford at but they couldn’t capitalise.

Deal’s composure and teamwork continued to shine; a slick move from Blake to Sasha resulted in a third goal which meant they took their first 3 points of the season. A great display of football from both sides, with Deal taking their chances clinically to secure a deserved victory.

Senior Sides

The 1st team were successors over Sevenoaks Town on Saturday, at the Charles Ground. Goals from Miller and Tom Chapman ensuring all three points were secured on a blustery afternoon. 

The Women's team were also victors, with an impressive 5-1 win over Faversham Town, at home in the South East Counties Women's Football League.