We must take advantage of being at home - Hares

Thursday 10th September 2009

DEAL TOWN boss Derek Hares says home advantage will see his side get past Selsey to book themselves a place in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The east Kent outfit have won all three of their home games so far this season and Hares, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight, wants his side to take advantage of playing on home soil against their Sussex County League opponents.

“We couldn’t have had a better draw, being at home,” he said. “They’ve got a long way to come. We could have had a far worse draw, put it that way.

“I think we have to play better than we did last Saturday, but if we play like we can do, we’ve got a good chance.”

Deal will bank £3,000 in prize money from the Football Association if they win in this round - and Hares admitted that this is a lot of money for a club that plays Kent League football.

“These games are massive for clubs like ours,” he said. “You don’t get these opportunities very often so when they come along you have to try and take them.

“We’ve played three at home and we’ve won three so we’re doing well at home.

“It’s just a massive game for the club with the money involved. We know we’re not going to go too far in the FA Cup, but if we can get £3,000 for the club - I think it’s the biggest game that we’ve had for a long time!”

Hares insists Seley’s tiresome trip from west Sussex will take a lot out of them and his side must take advantage.

“They’ve done better in the cups than they have in the league,” said Hares. “I’ve spoken to a few managers about them. They’re a workmanlike side, they are better at home than they are away, so hopefully the journey will take a lot out of them.”

Hares confirmed that Shane Suter (knee ligaments) and Aaron Robinson (thigh strain) have been ruled out.

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

Deal Town v Selsey

FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) First Qualifying Round

Saturday 12th September 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Charles Sports Ground, St Leonards Road, Deal, Kent CT14 9BE