We have done well in The FA Vase so far this season and the boys will be doing everything to go a step further, says Deal Town boss Steve King

DEAL TOWN manager Steve King says travelling to Corsham Town in The FA Vase Fourth Round brings back some memories of the club’s greatest ever day.

Tommy Sampson’s class of 2000 beat Chippenham Town – now playing three levels higher than the Kent side in the National League South – in The FA Vase Final underneath the iconic Twin Towers of the old Wembley Stadium, courtesy of THAT volley from Roly Graham.

Corsham is less than five miles away from Chippenham and Deal’s party is leaving the Kent coastal town this afternoon to ensure they are prepared for the last 32 clash on Saturday afternoon.

Deal Town go into the game in sixth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table with 31 points on the board from their 19 games and are five points adrift of second-placed side Rusthall and 26 points adrift of runaway leaders Erith & Belvedere.

Reflecting on his side’s 1-1 draw at home to Punjab United last weekend, King said: “This was a fair result on the day against a team in good form who have invested in their squad recently.

“We were disappointed not to have won the game, having taken the lead but the conditions were incredibly difficult and made playing any good football really hard on the day.”

Kieran Baggs’ Corsham Town, meanwhile, are playing in The FA Vase Fourth Round for the first time and are in fifth-place in the Hellenic League Premier Division table with 41 points from their 19 games and unbeaten at home.

Corsham Town are 18 points adrift of Malvern Town, whom are the last side to beat Baggs' side in the league, 1-0 on 8 October.

“We have done our homework since the draw was made.  They are a very strong side who have not lost in the league since October and are also unbeaten in the league at home all season, only conceding three goals in the process,” said King.

“We know that we will be going in as underdogs but that is a position we don’t mind and we will be going down there looking to cause a surprise.

“It’s going to be a tough game but a great occasion.  It is always exciting to play different teams and I am sure there will be a really good crowd.

“Any time you reach these stages of The FA Vase you will be playing quality opposition but it is a day we are looking forward to. 

“The weather conditions may also play a part as there is a lot of rain forecast so that could impact the game.

“All the boys are excited and can’t wait for the game. We have trained as usual and gone through our usual preparations as we would any other game.  We have done well in the Vase so far this season and the boys will be doing everything to go a step further.”

King, who revealed he has a full-squad to pick from, says his side will be fully prepared for a penalty shoot-out, should scores remain level after 90 minutes.

“We have already been in three penalty shoot-outs this season, so will ensure we are fully prepared for all eventualities.”

King had this message to the travelling fans whom are making the near-400 mile round trip to Wiltshire tomorrow.

“Thanks to all those who are travelling down as it is a long journey.  The support of the fans has been excellent all season both at home and away and we will be doing our best to give them a great day out.  There is a real close bond between the players and the supporters and that is a real strength of our club.”

King revealed Sampson will be at the game to “support the boys,” and telling the squad his stories of the success over Chippenham and winning at Wembley Stadium.  Deal Town are the only Kent club to win The FA Vase.

“Corsham is very close to Chippenham so it does bring some memories of the 2000 Final, which I was lucky enough to attend as a teenager. Let’s hope this weekend is a similarly positive result for us,” added the current Deal Town boss.

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

Corsham Town  v  Deal Town
The Isuzu FA Vase Fourth Round
Saturday 14 January 2023
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Southbank, Lacock Road, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 9HS