We are trying to go for all three competitions but the league is our priority, says Deal Town boss Steve King

DEAL TOWN manager Steve King says he has done his homework and is fully prepared for their FA Vase Last Sixteen tie at Bridgwater United tomorrow.

 

King’s men extended their unbeaten run to 19 games in all competitions with a 4-0 home win over Gillingham-based outfit Hollands & Blair on Tuesday night.

“Really pleased with the result. It was a professional performance on a tough pitch and we kept another clean sheet,” said King.

“It was important to keep our good league form going before our cup games this week.  We knew it wasn’t going to be easy but we did the job well.”

Deal Town are now in second-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table, having picked up 55 points (17 wins, four draws and three defeats) from their 24 games.

Deal Town are four points adrift of leaders Glebe – and will have six games in hand on the league leaders by the end of tomorrow’s round of league fixtures.

When asked about the title/promotion race, King replied: “Wide open. I think any of five teams can still win it and I don’t think there is a clear favourite.

“Glebe have been excellent all season and are still top.  Faversham and Corinthian were both relegated and have very strong squads and will both fancy themselves to still win the league.

“We are in good form and if we keep going then we should end up close at the end of the season.”

Andy Llewellyn’s Bridgwater United are in third-place in the Western League Premier Division table, having picked up 46 points from their 22 games and they are 10 points adrift of the league leaders Helston Athletic.

Bridgwater United have beaten Longwell Green Sports (5-2), Royal Wootton Bassett Town (7-6 on penalties after a 2-2 draw) and pulled off a shock 2-1 win at Farnham Town in the Fourth Round.

Deal Town, meanwhile, have beaten Newhaven (4-1) and Lingfield (2-0) both away from home before Cobham were defeated 2-0 at The Charles Sports Ground.

“It’s going to be a really tough game.  They are doing very well in their league and knocked out favourites Farnham in the last round,” said King.

“We go in as underdogs but are 19 games unbeaten and will go with confidence.

“We have done our homework and will be fully prepared. It will be tough and they score a lot of goals but we have our own threats and can’t wait for the game.”

King had this message for the club’s travelling fans that are making the trip to Somerset tomorrow.

“Thanks for your brilliant support. It makes a huge difference and we hope to make them proud.  Have a safe journey.“

Deal Town also have a two-legged Challenge Cup Semi-Final against Erith Town to contend with – the home tie is next Tuesday, 20 February – and King was asked how his side will cope with fighting on three fronts.

“It is not easy but we have a strong squad and are rotating in the games. We are trying to go for all three but the league remains our priority.

“If we get through to the Quarter-Finals of the FA Vase then we will discuss our priorities over the coming weeks.”

The winners of tomorrow’s tussle (which is being covered by this website) will be away from home to either Sheffield based Hallam or Lincoln United in The FA Vase Quarter-Finals on Saturday 9 March.

Bridgwater United  v  Deal Town
The Isuzu FA Vase Fifth Round
Saturday 17 February 2024
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Fairfax Park, College Way, Bath Road, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4TZ