28th September 2026

Deal Town will host Hashtag United in the First Round Proper of the Isuzu FA Trophy after Saturday’s dramatic penalty shootout victory away to Ashford United.

The Hoops progressed from the Third Qualifying Round after a tense tie at Ashford finished goalless over 90 minutes, with Deal then holding their nerve from the spot to book their place in the competition proper.

It continues an excellent run in this season’s FA Trophy, with Deal having already overcome Sheppey United 3-0 at The Charles Ground in the previous round before travelling to Ashford.

Saturday’s tie was a much tighter affair, with neither side able to find the breakthrough during normal time. That meant the contest had to be settled by a penalty shootout, where Deal came out on top to secure their place in the First Round Proper.

The result marks another memorable step in the club’s FA Trophy journey and means the Hoops will now have the chance to continue that run in front of their own supporters.

The draw for the First Round Proper has handed Deal a home tie against Hashtag United, with the match set to take place at The Charles Ground.

Full details of the fixture, including the confirmed date, kick-off time and ticket information, will be announced as soon as they are available.

The Hoops’ FA Trophy journey continues...