Guildford City are a good side and we will need to be at our best to beat them, says Deal Town boss Steve King

DEAL TOWN manager Steve King says he wants his club to enjoy a longer run in The FA Cup this season.

Much-fancied Deal suffered a disappointing start by losing 3-1 at Fisher on the opening day of their Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division campaign last weekend.

“It was a disappointing start but fair play to Fisher, who were better on the day,” admitted King.

“We were missing a number of players for a variety of reasons and that ended up costing us on the day.”

Sixteenth-placed Deal Town welcome Guildford City to the Charles Sports Ground tomorrow in The FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round.

The Surrey side have yet kicked-off their Combined Counties League Premier Division South campaign.

“It’s a big game and we are pleased to be at home.  Guildford are a good side and we will need to be at our best to beat them,” said King.

“Our home form was good last season and we want to carry that on.

“We have worked hard on preparing the best we can.  It hasn’t been easy as they have built a brand new squad over the summer but we will be ready for the challenge that awaits us.

“The FA Cup is a massive competition and it means a lot to everyone to be involved in it.  Despite being known as a good cup team it hasn’t gone our way in The FA Cup over the last few seasons, so we will be looking to progress as far as we can this year.

“We will be in a stronger position that we were last week but we are still assessing a number of players with injuries and will make final decisions on Saturday morning.

“We look forward to seeing all of our fans and any neutrals looking for an entertaining game – your support is always appreciated.”

The winners will travel to play Lydd Town or Camberley Town in the Preliminary Round on Saturday 19 August.

Visit Deal Town’s website:  www.dealtownfc.co.uk

Deal Town  v  Guildford City
The Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Saturday 5 August 2023
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Charles Sports Ground, St Leonards Road, Deal, Kent CT14 9AU