Deal Town FC

12th November 2025

U13s vs Margate (KYL)

Deal Town U13s continued their fine league form as they notched their fifth consecutive league victory on an unseasonably mild November. Facing familiar foes in a Margate team, that they pipped to the EKYL title last season, the boys were fully expecting a physical game; they set out on the front foot looking to dominate the game in the early stages.

Talling made a bright start and very nearly opened the scoring after a sublime first touch, from a Styles cross, saw the ball sit up perfectly for an instinctive volley that flew just over. Within ten minutes the home side were ahead; from a King corner, the ball arrived at pace into the six-yard box and cannoned off Stennett’s head in to the net, much to his surprise by the slightly embarrassed look on his face after the goal went in!

Margate almost hit back immediately as neat play in midfield left Beeden 2 on 1 at the back, but he cleverly shielded the player away from goal and Johnson dealt with the shot from distance comfortably.

The Hoops were looking dangerous on both flanks and an excellent weaving Styles run forced another corner which caused more chaos in the box but ultimately led to nothing. Deal then practically put the game away as a contest with two goals in four minutes. Smith won a long ball and fed King in space, who turned and found Styles out wide. His low cross was controlled by Deane but, just as he looked to have been crowded out, he regained possession and fed the onrushing King. King hit a solid shot that appeared to be straight at the goalkeeper but it took a bounce and bobbled over his outstretched arms.

Minutes later Stennett put his head to good use again only this time with more conviction as he met a looping Styles cross with purpose, at the near post, to make it 3-0. It was clear to see the Margate heads start to go down at this point.

The scoreline was nearly made worse just before half time as Laval-Chesterton did superbly to intercept a pass and dribbled past two attackers, before releasing Styles with an incise ball inside the full back; the winger raced clear and executed a perfect chip over the goalkeeper but the goal was unfortunately ruled out for offside.

HT 3-0

The second half saw Margate determined to battle to get a foothold in the game, but the rotating midfield quartet of Husk, Ledger, King and Talling worked tirelessly to break up the play and set Deal on the attack.

From another one of these occasions, Husk helped to create a goal as his interception fell at the feet of Smith and he marauded forward with seemingly only one thing in his mind. With a run that evoked memories of Ryan Giggs in the ‘99 cup semi final, he beat two men easily before jinking past a third and firing the ball high past the goalkeeper at the near post; the only thing missing was the shirt twirl!

Deal were still creating chances and Thomas dragged a shot just wide after another threatening run, before the scoring was finished as Styles grabbed the goal that his all round performance deserved. From another Margate goal kick more tirelessly work saw Ledger and Styles combine to regain possession, before Thomas fed the advancing styles and he cut inside before firing a low shot that again evaded the keepers despairing dive.

The game finished as it had pretty much been played with the hosts driving forwards and looking for more goals, Deane saw a thumping effort well blocked, before Linkins fired just wide on the half volley after another strong Thomas run and cross.

A well deserved victory for the team as the overcame physical opposition and a bobbly pitch to keep up the pressure on leaders Dover.

FT 5-0

⚽️ Stennett 2, King, Smith, Styles
?️ King, Deane, Styles, Husk, Thomas

U14s vs Herne Bay Youth (KYL)

This weekend our Under 14s travelled to Herne Bay looking to build on last weeks win against Lordswood.

The game started quite evenly until Herne Bay Youth took the lead through a good press from their left winger. 1-0 soon turned into 2-0 this time HBY working the ball well down the wing setting the ball back for a midfielder to slot home. Deal at this point had lost their game plan and were looking to get into the break at only 2-0 down, unfortunately this wasn't the case and HBY with a shot from outside the box made it 3-0.

The second half needed a better performance from Deal and they started it well, Parnell after doing a great team talk at half time set the tone, putting in challenges and winning lots of tackles. Parnell and Groombridge started to dominate which resulted in Groombrige pulling a goal back for Deal. Deal looking a bit more solid at the back kept pushing, a good free kick from Turner-Dauncey went just over, Mackenzie-Frazer causing problems and Star-Rose now on the left kept the pressure coming.

In our next phase Deal won a penalty with Turner-Dauncey confidently grabbed the ball and slotted home to make it 3-2. At this point it looked like a draw was on the cards with Deal trying everything they could, HBY were doing well to relieve the pressure with counter attacks.

This was a cracking competitive game with both teams really battling for a result. With a last minute free kick Turner-Dauncey had the opportunity to earn the point for Deal but again the ball sailed just over.

FT: Herne Bay Youth 3 Deal Town 2 

U16s vs Greenways (KYL)

Deal Town Under 16s faced  Greenways U16s in their sixth league game. 

Deal took the lead early in the first half when a short corner gave Khylian the chance to whip a dangerous cross towards the 'keeper, which was met by Yasis with a diving header. The Greenways keeper done well to keep the initial shot out but Ollie was on hand to tap in the rebound. 

Five minutes later Ollie returned the favour, outpacing the defence and driving his shot towards goal. The 'keeper could only parry back for Yasis to tap in his third goal in three games. 

Two minutes before half time a third goal was added; a nice through-ball from Ben, found Ollie again outpacing the Greenways defense finishing comfortably in a 1v1 situation. 

The second half was controlled comfortably by Deal creating double figure chances but were unable to find the back of the net to add to their tally.

U18s vs Dover Athletic (KYL)

A spirited and disciplined performance saw Deal Town U18s claim all three points in a fiercely contested local derby against Dover Athletic, winning 2–1 at the Charles Ground.

Before kick-off, both teams, officials, and supporters observed a two-minute silence to mark Remembrance Sunday, showing great respect and unity from everyone involved.

From the first whistle, Deal set the tempo with confident possession play and quick ball movement through the thirds. Their dominance was rewarded just ten minutes in, pressing high to win back possession from a Dover goal kick. Antonio produced a moment of real quality, dancing past his marker before threading a perfectly weighted through ball to James, who showed excellent composure to slot home the opener.

Midway through the first half, Deal continued to control proceedings, dictating play and creating chances through wide areas. Their persistence paid off when a well-worked move down the flank led to a dangerous cross into the box, met once again by James, who finished superbly to double Deal’s advantage.

Dover responded well before the break, pulling one back with a fine individual effort—a sharp turn and precise strike from just outside the box—sending the sides into half-time with Deal holding a narrow 2–1 lead.

The second half proved a competitive battle, with both sides showing real intensity and commitment. Deal had an opportunity to extend their lead from the penalty spot, but the Dover goalkeeper produced an excellent save to keep his team in the contest.

Despite the setback, Deal’s game management and defensive discipline shone through in the closing stages. Every player showed tremendous character, determination, and resilience to maintain their lead and see out a deserved victory.

A result built on teamwork, composure, and quality football—a well-earned three points in the local derby.

FT 2-1