We would like a good run in The FA Vase this year, says Deal Town boss Derek Hares

DEAL TOWN manager Derek Hares says he wants to enjoy a lengthy run in The FA Vase this season – as they get their campaign underway with a trip to Gillingham based side Hollands & Blair tomorrow.

Simon Halsey’s side are in seventh-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table, having collected 10 points from their seven games, while Deal Town go into the Second Qualifying Round tie sitting in fourteenth-place having collected six points from as many games.

“We are expecting a difficult game at Hollands & Blair on Saturday.  They are a strong, physical side who battle for the 90 minutes,” said Hares.

“We played them a few weeks ago and there was very little between the two sides and we played out a 1-1 draw, so I’m expecting much the same on Saturday.

“We must become more consistent. We have played very well at times but in one or two games we have not played well enough.

“The FA Vase is a special competition, especially with the history of our club in the competition, winning it in 2000.

“We would like a good run this year.  Canterbury City and Cray Valley showed last year what is possible, so tomorrow is an important game and hopefully the start of that run.”

Cray Valley reached the FA Vase Final, where they lost 3-1 to Cherstey Town after 120 minutes of football at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 19 May 2019, while Canterbury City reached the two-legged Semi-Finals, losing to Cray Valley 2-1 on aggregate.

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

Hollands & Blair  v  Deal Town
The Buildbase FA Vase Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 14 September 2019
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Star Meadow, Darland Avenue, Gillingham, Kent ME7 3AN