Deal Town FC

MENS FIRST TEAM

Deal Town kicked off their final pre-season fixture at Charles ground sporting the new home kit, with some of the crowd enjoying new seating in the Derek Hares stand and watching the first team defending their immaculate pre season record. Deal took every advantage of their league position dominance over Strike Force.

Deal started brightly, with the game played entirely in Faversham half. Deal's prowess from set pieces from last season still being looking fruitful in pre-season, with Macaulay Murray causing problems with a succession of corners in different spells in the half.

Owen Wilkinson caused posed several questions to FSF down the right and Alex Green continually causing problems down the left. Our first half dominance lead to Billy Munday heading over and Wilkinson drawing a save.

FSF offered little going forward against our defence and it was at least twenty minutes before they could get a foothold into the game. A long range effort on 30' the best of their chances.

What followed was more Deal strength in character, with dominance in possession and opportunities. A through ball from Wilkinson to Aaron Millbank drawing a save from the FSF goalkeeper, as well as Ashley Miller nearly fashioning a goal on the rebound after shimming past a couple of opposition players. His shot drifting past the far post.

With the crowd starting to bemoan the dominance the break through finally came; Alfie Foster heading in a cross from the right, pulling the ball across the 'keeper.

Further great work from the goalscorer followed, winning the ball and driving down the left. A fantastic cross deserved more from his delivery. Up next to force a save from the FSF 'keeper was Kane Smith, testing him from another Murray corner. This resulted in a succession of corners and an elaborate bicycle kick from Foster. 

A minute prior to half-time and the second followed for Deal; a Zak Hammond cross came into Munday, who accepted the invitation to nod in from 10 yards (44'), rubber stamping a solid first half over the SCEFL Division 1 side.

The same XI commenced the second half; no changes from Deal although FSF started better,forcing a few early corners and calling Kye Davidson into action.

Foster asked further questions of SF but our opposition continued to raise their game and increased their momentum, enjoying more possession in the Deal half. A professional and experienced performance from Josh Vincent and Smith at the back, remaining alert. 

Whils there was less excitement in the second-half, Wilkinson continued to look a handful down our right forcing saves and winning corners for the Hoops.

On 65', Faversham had grown into the game but sqaundered what appeared to be a glorious opportunity to half the deficit. Davidson saved but remained motionless on his goal line, presenting SF's best moment to score, the 12 only being able to find the top of the Alan Moss stand.

With less than 20 minutes left, Steve King took the  opportunity to bring some fresh legs onto the field;  Callaghan, Mustafa, Salimdon and Roberts coming on (71'). 

The rest of the game fizzled out into a normal pre-season work-out with Deal defending their lead. An exciting event being Euan Bunn's exceptionally long throw-ins, which were a joy to behold.

The scoring was consolidated late into the match as Jem Saldinado smashed a shot goal-bound, striking off the inside of the post to wrap up a 3-0 win. The result bringing to conclusion a 100% pre-season run.

We look ahead now to The FA Cup Extra-Preliminary Round fixture, next weekend, as we host Southern Combination side Roffey FC.

Deal Town Starting XI: Kye Davidson, Zak Hammond, Alex Green, Alfie Foster, Josh Vincent, Billy Munday, Owen Wilkinson, Macaulay Murray, Aaron Millbank, Kane Smith, Ashley Miller.

Subs: Dan Gannon, Will Callaghan, Joe Roberts, Euan Bunn, Mustafa Trawally, Jem Saldinado.

Deal Goals: Alfie Foster ('32) Billy Munday ('44) Jem Saldinado ('86)

Referee: Collins