We've got to improve on our travels - Hares

Sunday 13th September 2009

DEAL TOWN boss Derek Hares says his side must reproduce their home form on their travels - starting at Selsey on Tuesday night, writes Stephen McCartney.

The east Kent side were by far the better side during yesterday’s FA Cup first qualifying round tie against the Sussex County League side, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw as Scott Holden’s header earned Hares’ men a replay in West Sussex.

“To be honest, we should have won the game,” admitted Hares, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk on Sunday night.

“We didn’t play great first half, we went 1-0 down, but other than that, I don’t think they created anything first half.”

But Hares was pleased with his side’s second half performance, which left Selsey on the ropes.

“I think we dominated from start to finish really,” he said. “We got the goal, we hit the bar, we missed two or three other chances really.

“I can only remember really them having two shots on our goal in the second half - but for some reason we’re finding it difficult to score at the moment.”

But the Deal boss is confident that his side can make it through to the second qualifying round - the draw of which takes place on Monday lunchtime.

“Definitely winnable, yes,” he said. “It’s not going to be easy, of course, especially after a long journey, but providing that I can go down there with the team that I want, we’ll be fine.”

But Hares faces an injury crisis, which now includes goalkeeper Paul Rogers who was forced off with an ankle injury during the second half yesterday. Substitute goalkeeper Brad Ashmore took his place in between the sticks.

“I was without Jason Brazier yesterday, who I was expecting to start,” explained Hares. “He had a hip injury, he trained on Thursday and we thought it was going to be ok, but he was too sore. I don’t think he will be fit for Tuesday either.”

Shane Suter (knee ligaments) and Aaron Robinson (thigh strain) are still on the sidelines.

After Selsey, Deal welcome Fisher to the Charles Sports Ground on Saturday.

The game has been swiftly re-arranged following Deal’s FA Vase exit at the hands of Ringmer, and the south Londoners inactivity as they have yet qualified for the competition.

Deal are presently sitting in tenth place in the Bulmers Cider Kent League table with a record of one win and two draws, with Fisher one place above them, having collected a win and a draw from their six league outings.

“It’s a long time ago when we played in the league,” said Hares. “Our home form has been good but we’ve lost two away games in the league and we lost the Vase game so we’ve got to improve.

“At home we’ve played four, we’ve won three and drawn one and we’ve played very well at home, but we’ve been a different team when we’ve played away.

“I’ve got four key players really that haven’t kicked a ball for me yet that have had quite long-term injuries.

“Every team gets injuries, one or two, but when you get four or five it starts making things difficult.”

Looking forward to the visit of Fisher, Hares said, “It’s a re-arranged match because we got knocked out of the Vase. They’re a young side from what I can gather and have had a bit of an up and down start with a couple of good results and a couple of bad ones.

“We’re at home and a game we’re looking to win and a game we need to win to be honest.

“I should have a couple of more of the injured players available for Saturday - I think Jason and Leon will be ok for Saturday.”

And when asked about his aspirations for the season, Hares replied, “When I’ve got everyone available and the squad we want together, I think we can finish in the top six.

“I’m a little bit disappointed with it to be honest. I’m pleased with our home form, disappointed with our away form and obviously disappointed with the amount of injuries that we’ve had. You may expect that after 10-12 games, but you don’t expect to start the season like that.

“I’m disappointed with our start, but we’ve got to get better and the key to that is to produce our home form, away.”

Deal set off for their trip to Selsey, which is nine miles away from Chichester train station, at 3 o’clock on Tuesday afternoon.

“It will be a three and a half, four hour trip. It won’t be easy because it’s a big game for them as well. I’ve seen enough on Saturday to suggest that we can win the game,” added a confident Hares.

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

Selsey v Deal Town

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

Tuesday 15th September 2009

Kick Off 7:45pm

At High Street, Selsey, West Sussex PO20 0QH