Results have eased the pressure off us, admits Deal Town boss Derek Hares

DEAL TOWN manager Derek Hares says he’s expecting a tight Kent Reliance Senior Trophy Semi-Final against in-form Cray Valley on Tuesday night.

 

Saturday’s original game was postponed because the pitch at The Charles Sports Ground was waterlogged but Hares is keen to reach the showpiece Final against Ashford United.

Ashford United booked their place in the Final at the weekend, courtesy of a 3-0 win over Canterbury City at Homelands Stadium, courtesy of Adrian Stone’s nine minute hat-trick towards the end of the game.

“I think we are all disappointed that the Semi-Final against Cray Valley was cancelled on Saturday due to a waterlogged pitch but if the weather stays as it is there should be no problems for the game to be played on Tuesday night so we now have to play each other twice in four days,” said Hares.

“Of course we know that both games will be difficult as Cray have had an excellent season so far and are a good side.

“But I have been pleased with our performance over a number of weeks although we have not always picked up the points that we should have done.”

Hares said recent results has eased the pressure on him, having climbed up to thirteenth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division, 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

Deal Town also host James Collins’ side in the league on Saturday too.

Hares said: “We have won our last three games, two of which have been in the league, which has eased the pressure on us a little because we all know it is very tight at the bottom of the league with a number of teams fighting for points.

“I think tomorrow’s game will be tight.  Cray knocked us out of the League Cup a few weeks ago on penalties after a 2-2 draw after extra time.

“Both games are very important for us, one to get to a Cup Final against a very strong Ashford side and the other this Saturday, which is for three very important points.

“We are looking forward to both games and I know as always the team will give it their best.”

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

Deal Town  v  Cray Valley (Paper Mills)
Kent Reliance Senior Trophy Semi-Final
Tuesday 14^th February 2017
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Charles Sports Ground, St Leonards Road, Deal, Kent CT14 9AU