Deal Town FC

🏆 FA CUP 3RD QUALIFYING - MATCH PREVIEW

Chatham Town vs Deal Town

📍 Bauvill Stadium, Chatham 

📅 Saturday 27th September 2025 

🕒 Kick-off: 3:00 PM

🔥 THE FA CUP FIXTURE

We have only met Chatham Town (or Medway, as they were known from 1974-79) twice in the F.A Cup and both occasions were in the 1930's. Our very first F.A. Cup fixture as Deal Town FC was on the 02nd September 1933, in the Extra Preliminary Round, when we defeated Chatham Town at the Charles Ground (4-2).   

Three years later, on the 05th September 1936, we were again hosts to Chatham Town in the Extra Preliminary Round and this time Chatham were victorious by the same 4-2 score line. Amazingly, since 1936, we had not met Chatham Town in any of the 3 National cup competitions until the 2025/26 3Q Round draw which has now paired us together. 

🔩 CTFC: SEASON SO FAR

Chatham Town FC have enjoyed a strong start to their 2025–26 Isthmian League Premier Division campaign, currently sitting 3rd in the table with 16 points from 7 matches. Their form has been built on a solid defensive foundation and clinical attacking displays, boasting a +9-goal difference and only one league defeat so far. Key victories include a 4–2 victory over Ramsgate and hard-fought 3-1 and 2-1 triumphs over Cray Valley and Carshalton Athletic, respectively, most recently.

The aims of the club have been very clear; win promotion into the National League South, with their footballing model reflecting this. With a balanced squad and momentum on their side, Chatham Town look well-positioned to challenge for promotion as the season progresses, having started the season strongly.

📊 CURRENT FORM

(Across all competitions, after 90 minutes)

Deal Town

Last 10 matches: 5 Wins, 1 Draw, 4 Losses
Goals scored per game: 1.7
Goals conceded per game: 1.8
League position: 17th 

Chatham Town

Last 10 matches: 9 Wins, 1 Loss
Goals per game: 2.7
Goals conceded per game: 0.7
League position: 03rd

👨‍💼 OPPOSITION DUGOUT: KEVIN HAKE

Kevin Hake is the driving force behind Chatham Town FC’s remarkable rise in recent years, serving as both manager and chairman of the club. A proud Chatham native, Hake took over the reins seven years ago when the club had just been relegated to the Southern Counties East League. His vision was clear from the outset: to rebuild the club not just on the pitch, but as a vital part of the local community.

Under his leadership, Chatham Town have enjoyed a meteoric rise, achieving back-to-back promotions and narrowly missing out on a third after a play-off final defeat. Hake’s decision to transition the club to a full-time model ahead of the 2025–26 season reflects his ambition to prepare the Chats for National League South football. He’s built a young, dynamic squad with an average age of just 21.5, aiming to blend long-term development with immediate competitiveness.

But Hake’s impact goes beyond footballing success. He’s embedded the club in the heart of the community, leading initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic that earned Chatham the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. His ethos is rooted in the town’s working-class identity: industrious, resilient, and proud. As he puts it, “Chatham’s an industrial town and they expect an industrious performance”.

With a clear vision, deep local roots, and a relentless drive to improve, Kevin Hake has transformed Chatham Town into one of non-league football’s most compelling stories.

🌟 ONES TO WATCH

Reece Butler (Captain)

The heartbeat of Chatham Town FC, both on and off the pitch. Appointed club captain ahead of the 2025–26 season, following Jack Evans’ departure, he is a Chatham native who grew up on Palmerston Road; just a stone’s throw from the Bauvill Stadium. Butler has been with the club since the age of 17 and has now amassed over 330 appearances for the Chats; a solid member of the defensive unit who contributes to the spine of the time.

Tope Fadahunsi

The team’s top scorer this season, striker Tope Fadahunsi has brought experience and physical presence up front; the powerful frontman does well to hold-off defenders and bring his colleagues into the game. Tope currently has six goals across all competitions so far. Born in Wandsworth in 1999, Fadahunsi began his football journey in the youth ranks at Watford, before spells at Tooting & Mitcham United, PS Kemi (Finland) and Loughborough University. His professional breakthrough came with Sutton United in League Two, where he made an immediate impact, scoring the winner on his debut against Barrow and adding further goals against Mansfield Town and Chelsea U21s.

Following loan spells at Torquay United and Hampton & Richmond Borough, and a stint abroad with FC Prishtina (Kosovo), he returned to England with Hendon, where he impressed with 5 goals in 8 appearances.

Stanley Oldfield

Having come through the youth ranks at Charlton, the 18-year old striker joined the Chats in January 2025 and, despite his age, Stanley had already racked up 22 senior goals across the SCEFL having joined from Snodland Town.

Henry Molyneux (Goalkeeper)

Henry Molyneux is one of the exciting new additions to Chatham Town FC’s squad for the 2025–26 season. The 20-year-old goalkeeper joined the Chats in July 2025 from Sheffield United, having previously developed through the youth system at Charlton Athletic. Standing at 1.88m, Molyneux brings a commanding presence between the posts and is known for his sharp reflexes and confident shot-stopping. Although still early in his senior career, Molyneux has already shown glimpses of his potential which have also resulted in just four goals being conceded to date.

Sam Sene – Richardson

Sam Sene-Richardson is one of Chatham Town FC’s brightest young talents, having progressed through the youth ranks, he made a significant impact during the 2024–25 season, earning both the Young Player of the Season and Player of the Season awards. On his 18th birthday, Sene-Richardson committed his future to the club by signing his first senior contract, a move that underlines both his potential and Chatham’s belief in developing homegrown talent. A dynamic forward, he has already scored multiple goals in the Isthmian Premier Division (4) and has impressed with his pace, directness, and maturity on the ball – most recently with a screamer from 25 yards against Cray Valley.

Kian Moynes

Moynes is another recent addition to Chatham Town FC, having joined the club in the summer of 2025 from Hastings United. At 23 years old, Moynes brings valuable experience to the midfield, having spent the last three seasons playing senior football at Step 3 with Hastings. A product of the Hastings academy, he developed a reputation as a technically sound and hard-working midfielder capable of influencing games both defensively and going forward.

🟨🟥 MATCH OFFICIALS

Today’s fixture will be refereed by London-based referee Tommy Breen (Woodford), who officiates at Step 2 (National League South/North). Breen will be assisted by Daniel Smith (Barnet) and Nick Reece (Cheshunt), with the fourth official Liam Giles (Wickford).

🎟️ MATCH TICKETS

Get your ticket in advance via Chatham Town FC, by CLICKING HERE. Ticket pricing is £15 for adults, £10 concessions and £5 for U16.

🧠 FINAL THOUGHTS

A tough trip for Deal as we aim to make into the 4th Qualifying Round for the first time in our history; you never know what the magic of The FA Cup can throw up!