We haven't thought too much about the next round to be honest as we know we have a big hurdle to climb at Binfield tomorrow first, says Deal Town coach Steve King

DEAL TOWN coach Steve King says his side face a big hurdle to climb at Binfield tomorrow.

Derek Hares’ side were held to a 1-1 extra-time draw by Binfield in front of 507 fans at The Charles Sports Ground last weekend and travel to Berkshire tomorrow to contest a FA Vase Fourth Round Replay.

“Last week’s game went pretty much as expected and was a very tight affair,” said King, who shares his name with the current Dartford manager.

“We knew that Binfield were a strong side and they proved it on the day.

“Ultimately, we are disappointed that we didn't progress as we led going into the last ten minutes but it is probably fair to say that a draw was a fair result on the day.

“Binfield had the better of the chances in the first half but I felt we dominated in the second half and nearly did enough to win the game.

“We had a great chance at the end of extra time but it just wasn't to be on the day in front of a great home crowd of over 500.

“I was very pleased with how the boys played and couldn't have asked for any more in terms of effort and commitment from them.”

On attracting such a large crowd, King added: “Just a big thank you to all the fans who turned up last week. When I came to the club five years ago crowds were very low and the club was struggling. To see over 500 there on Saturday was a testament to all the hard work done by everyone at the club, especially the directors, over that period and it is great to see the club continuing to move forward.”

Binfield remain in third-place in the Ulhsport Hellenic League Premier Division table with 34 points from their league games, 15 points adrift of Hereford based leaders Westfield, who have played four more league games.

Deal Town, meanwhile, sit in tenth-place in the Sea Pioneer Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table with 27 points from their 19 league outings.

“We are all looking forward to the game tomorrow and will be doing our best to progress,” said King.

“Binfield's home record is strong but both teams know what to expect from each other.

“We have belief in our changing room that we can get through but we will need to perform at our maximum to get a result.

“I am sure Binfield will be expecting to win the game with home advantage, so we will go there with a little pressure off.”

The winners will travel to Consett in the last 16 of The Buildbase FA Vase on Saturday 8 February (15:00).

Consett are in fourth-place in the Northern League table with 43 points from 23 games and are 12 points adrift of the leaders Stockton Town.

Consett came away from Whickham with an impressive 9-2 win on Wednesday night and will be favourites against Deal Town or Binfield in the next round.

“We haven't thought too much about the next round to be honest as we know we have a big hurdle to climb tomorrow first,” added King.

“It will certainly be a great trip if we do make it and if we are successful on Saturday we will make sure we do our homework and fully prepared.

“It has been recognised that the Northern League is very strong for a number of years but I am sure whoever gets through will be looking forward to the game.”

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

Binfield  v  Deal Town
The Buildbase FA Vase Fourth Round Replay
Saturday 18 January 2020
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Hill Farm Lane, Binfield, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 5NR