Deal Town FC

We welcomed Ashford United to the Charles Ground on a cold Tuesday evening, in readiness for our ninth Isthmian League game of the season. Manager Steve King made three changes from the side defeated at Three Bridges, with Niblett, Murray and Hennessey coming in to replace Hammond, T Chapman and Page, respectively. Joe Reeves and Jack Hanson also were in the squad.

Prior to KO, a minute of silence was impeccably observed in memory of Arthur ‘Tippy’ Prior; it was Ashford United who got the game underway when referee hit the whistle to kick-off. It was less than ten seconds before the referee was using it again; the ball played forward and AU’s Hume penalised for an apparent elbow on Penny. Once parity was restored, it was only a yellow card issued.

Moments later and Hume was again penalised for a high foot in the middle of the Deal half; with cries of a second yellow ringing around the CG, Hume was fortunate to only receive a rebuke from referee Joss. Hume was substituted after just 12 minutes; somewhat fortunate for him.

With the majority of possession, Deal looked to capitalise on the slight momentum created but it was Ashford who had the clearest opportunity; Collins running at pace past Niblett on the left to face a 1-on-1 with Tonkin, who was quick off his line to nullify the danger (19’).

Carney then joined previously Hume, as well as the Ashford manager, in receiving a warning from referee Joss (22’) before Paxman launched an audacious cross field ball to find Hennessey in space out right. Quick to capitalise on the area in front of him, Hennessey moved swiftly into the penalty area but his cross evaded all (25’). This was almost replicated three minutes later when a similar start to the move ended with Miller firing over from close range (28’).

Deal’s opportunities continued and, as Hennessey was played in through the middle, he was brought down under a clumsy challenge by Holtham in the AU goal (29’). With most in the ground anticipating the referee about to blow to award a penalty, Joss blows only to confirm Hennessey being offside at the start of the move.

With ten minutes left of the half Gillies saw yellow following a challenge on Ben Chapman, which also resulted in another warning (35’); this time to Deacon. Foster found himself in the book moments later (42’) as he gave away a free kick in a dangerous area on the edge of our own penalty area; fortunately the end product lacked accuracy from Lockyer, whose free kick was placed wide. That being the final meaningful action of the first half.

HALF TIME: DTFC 0-0 AUFC

Ashford came out the stronger of the two sides, with manage Hume clearly demanding a better start from the Nuts & Bolts. They had a penalty appeal for handball waived away (46’), strong strike from distance saved (50’) as well as another shot at goal from the edge of the penalty area (52’); all testing the resilience of Deal’s defence.

The Hoops finally sprang into life (53’) as Chapman collected possession in the centre circle, driving forward before releasing Miller down the right. Miller cut in on his left to see a game effort parried by Holtham, unfortunately falling only to a defender to clear to safety.

Dixon was the next into the referee’s book (60’) for a cynical pull on Wes’ shirt, preventing him turning and getting away. Wilkinson came onto replace Smith (65’) and was his constant lively self for the 30 minutes he was on; the second Deal substitute was well received too. A fantastic reception to welcome back Jack Hanson from his long-term injury (68’) as he replaced Murray. Oni also joined the action (72’), replacing Hennessey.

The fresh legs certainly helped galvanise King’s side and the deadline was finally broken. Penny sending a dangerous cross into the Ashford penalty area, which was headed only to Oni on the opposite side. With a composed delivery, an Ashford defender appeared to handle the cross but the ball eventually falling to Miller who calmly fired home (77’); 1-0 Deal.

Hammond and Reeves were introduced in place of Miller and Niblett (83’), before 388 supporters were announced over the tannoy. The rest of the game saw some end-to-end movement but ultimately Tonkin was challenged no more; Deal holding on to halt the results against Ashford going in their favour. A fantastic group effort to pick up a big three points.

FULL TIME: DTFC 1-0 AUFC

Paxman was selected as our Perrys (Dover Ford) man of the match, for his incredible shift in midfield.

On victory over Ashford United, manager Steve King was pleased with the result:

I am obviously delighted with the win and clean sheet. Ashford are a strong side who have been in excellent form recently, so it was really pleasing to win a tight game. Thank you to all our fans who got behind the boys and made a difference.

Next up for the Hoops is the local derby, with Margate visiting the CG on Saturday. Don’t forget to get your tickets for our Fireworks evening on the 8th November too:

🔗 CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

#COYH