We want to put our names in the history books and be successful, says Deal Town boss Steve King

DEAL TOWN manager Steve King says he wants his side to get their names in the history books by winning something this season.

The Hoops booked their place in the last 32 of The FA Vase for the second successive season after beating Newhaven (4-1) and Lingfield (2-0), both away from home.

Deal Town have been rewarded with a rare home tie in the Fourth Round when Cobham visit The Charles Sports Ground on Saturday 13 January 2024.

Surrey side Cobham are currently sitting in the bottom four of the Combined Counties League Premier Division South table with 16 points (four wins, four draws and seven league defeats).

Cobham came away from Egham Town with a 4-3 victory in the Third Round at the weekend, while goals from Rory Smith and Aaron Millbank ensured Lingfield’s run came to an end in freezing foggy conditions in Horley.

Holmesdale – who are enjoying their longest run in the competition - after they beat Eastbourne United 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw after Sam Bayford scored his 11th goal of the season down on the East Sussex coast.

Andy Constable's Bromley-based outfit have been drawn at home to Highworth Town - currently in fifth-place in the Hellenic League Premier Division.

Erith Town will be on the road to Hilltop or Hamble Club, who try against this coming Saturday.

Adam Woodward's side came away from Athletic Newham with a 2-0 win at the weekend, courtesy of goals from James Dyer (his 12th goal of the season) and Ladic Melconian.

Ruislip-based Hilltop are presently sitting in sixteenth-place in the Combined Counties League Premier Division North table, while Hampshire based Hamble Club are in eleventh-place in the Wessex League Premier Division.

“I’m pleased we’ve got through with no yellow cards. That’s important, especially in the Vase because it’s only two yellow cards and a suspension, both rounds we’ve won without picking up a booking so our discipline is very good because it makes a big difference,” said King.

Tommy Sampson's Deal Town beat Chippenham Town with THAT Rory Graham strike underneath the iconic Wembley Twin Towers back in The FA Vase Final in 2000.

King guided the club to the Kent Senior Trophy Final last April, but they suffered a humiliating 6-0 defeat to league rivals Punjab United.

“I think the feel amongst the players at the football club is that the vast majority of them have committed an awful lot of time and a lot of their career to this football club and to this day we haven’t won anything or been successful,” said King.

“We’ve done really well in the last five years but we want to put our names in the history books.

“Every round we get closer (to Wembley) but you also have to remember we’ve done the last 16, last 32, three times now, so we’re familiar with these types of games, but we’re also familiar how hard it is, so we know it’s going to be hard.

“But there’s probably not going to be many Step Five sides in the country with our current form.  I know Farnham are absolutely flying and I know they’re current favourites.”

Deal Town - who have won 15 of their 18 games since the start of September - were without injured pair Jack Hanson and Kane Smith at the weekend and host Southern Counties East Football League First Division side Staplehurst Monarchs in the Challenge Cup Third Round tomorrow night.

“I don’t think they think about (winning) the Vase.  I think in general be it promotion because they just want to be successful and that’s what will drive us on Tuesday against Staplehurst. 

“We won’t turn up on Tuesday thinking this doesn’t matter, whatever we can do, the boys want to be successful.”

The Isuzu FA Vase Fourth Round Draw in full (Saturday 13 January 2024):

Ramsbottom United or Hallam v Newcastle University or Silsden

Blyth Town or Bishop Auckland v Whickham or Irlam

Emley or West Didsbury & Chorlton v Carlisle City or Charnock Richard

Ashville or South Liverpool v Lincoln United or Congleton Town

Biggleswade United or Whitchurch Alport v Fakenham Town or Great Wakering Rovers

Worcester City or Boston Town v Highgate United or Lichfield City

Stourport Swifts v Ashby Ivanhoe or Tividale

Romford v Stanway Pegasus

Walsham Le Willows or White Ensign v Tilbury or Saffron Walden Town

Farnham Town v Bridgwater United

Holmesdale v Highworth Town

Jersey Bulls v Hamworthy Recreation or Wells City

Hilltop or Hamble Club v Erith Town

North Greenford United v Brixham

Deal Town v Cobham

Falmouth Town v Hartpury University