THE HOOPS V ERITH & BELVEDERE PREVIEW
The Hoops meet one of their “bogey sides” this Saturday when they take on Erith & Belvedere at the Charles Ground (3pm).
In the last 15 matches between the sides Deal have come out on top just twice with the Deres winning 10 times and the other three matches ending as draws. When the teams met at Park View Road back in August it was the same old story with the Deres winning 1-0 thanks to a George Mitchell strike.
John Wilfort’s side are currently lying ninth in the Southern Counties East League table with 22 points from 17 matches and will be looking to bounce back from last Saturday’s 5-0 loss at Corinthian, their heaviest defeat of the season. It made for an unhappy debut for Jamie Pinnock following his recent move from the Deres’ close rivals, Erith Town.
Hoops manager Derek Hares said: “Erith & Belvedere have had a number of changes player-wise. They’re a good side but a little inconsistent.”
While the Deres were conceding five goals to Corinthian, Deal were putting four past Tunbridge Wells and Hares added: “That’s seven points now from our last three games and, if we can win our two remaining home games this year against Erith & Belvedere (on Saturday) and Rochester United (on December 28th), it will mean we will probably start the new year not far off halfway in the table.”
But the Hoops will be badly hit by suspensions this weekend with Chris Waymark, Danny Smith, Charlie Dickens, Lee Scott and Jack Tanner all ruled out while there are also injury doubts over Charlie Walsh (knee) and Brad Short (ankle).
Deal Town Reserves, who were without a game in the NRG Gym Kent County League last weekend, return to action in Division 2 East with a trip to Larkfield & New Hythe Wanderers.
One Response
Lets just show the same spirit that we had last week. It will be tough,with all the absentees but I know the team will roll up their sleeves and give it a go. Will be there.
No more fights and sendings off though! 😉