A good run in The FA Cup would be great for everyone involved with the club, says Deal Town boss Derek Hares

DEAL TOWN boss Derek Hares says he is expecting a difficult home replay against Corinthian on Tuesday night.

The two Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division sides were locked at 2-2 at Gay Dawn Farm and Deal Town have home advantage to see whom progresses through to The FA Cup Preliminary Round.

“Reflecting on Saturday’s game, it really was a game of two halves.  We were in control of the first half and Corinthian had the better of the second half,” said Hares.

“We did not help ourselves having two men shown a red! Corinthian also had a player red-carded so the last 10 minutes it was nine v 10 but we did well and managed to see the game out and I’m happy to take them back to Deal.”

Hares praised his coach Steve King for getting his side up to full fitness so if the game goes into extra-time on Tuesday night, Deal will be able to firing on all cylinders.

He said: “Overall I have been happy with pre-season, our coach Steve King has worked hard with the players and I feel we are in good shape.

“We have managed to keep most of the squad from last season and added a few new faces, which I feel has strengthened our squad. 

“Of course, like all clubs at our level, a good run in The FA Cup would be great for everyone involved with the club.

“But we know Tuesday night’s game with Corinthian will be a difficult one because they are a good side. 

“I am sure it will be a good game because the reward is a home draw against Glebe.

“As for the rest of the season the aim is to build on our strong finish to last season and to continue the progress with the young team we have and also continue with progress being made off the pitch.

“We have a number of good people who give up hours of their time in an effort to help take this club forward.  We are all looking forward to the new season.”

Rochester United assistant manager Glenn Barlow says his players put in their best performance during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Erith Town.

The two sides must meet again in the Extra Preliminary Round Replay at VCD Athletic’s Oakwood ground at Old Road in Crayford on Wednesday night, with a vital £1,500 up for grabs for the winners.

Barlow said: “Well as you can imagine the funds for winners have improved since my days of playing in it!

“We should have won the game on Saturday. They were down to 10 men after 55 minutes and that was a massive chance for us to progress.

“We haven’t had the best of pre-seasons but this was by far our best performance so far.”