We will be looking to improve on our league finishing position and try and have runs in The FA Cup and FA Vase, says Deal Town coach Steve King

DEAL TOWN coach Steve King says he wants his side to enjoy a good run in The FA Cup this season.

Derek Hares and King take their side into Surrey to play Knaphill in the Extra Preliminary Round on Tuesday night.

“We are all looking forward to our first competitive game of the season and all of the boys are excited,” said King, who shares the same name as the Dartford manager.

“Obviously, we were hoping for a home draw and know it is going to be a tough game but we will be going to Knaphill looking to get a result.

“It’s never ideal starting with a FA Cup tie but we have had a good pre-season and only six weeks ago it looked like we might not play any football at all, so we are all pleased to be getting back out there.

“We always look to do our homework as well as we can to prepare for games.  Knaphill had an excellent season last year and despite a change in management they look very strong again this year.

“We enjoyed playing teams from a variety of leagues last year in the Vase, so we are looking forward to pitting our wits against a strong team from another division.”

Knaphill is based near Woking in Surrey and Dover based King and his men have to get there in time on a Tuesday night outing.

“To be honest, it is not ideal, especially as we are travelling nearly 110 miles and the boys will have to leave work early etc,” said King.

“However, this season will be one like no other so we have to deal with the hand that has been dealt us and ensure we give the best possible account of ourselves as we look to progress through to the next round.”

When asked about team news, King said; “We are travelling with a strong squad and two new signings in Luke Eldridge and Toby Greenfield.

“We have a couple of injury doubts that we will have to check on before the game and a couple that will miss out due to work commitments but we have kept nearly all of last season’s squad so we are ready for the game.”

Deal Town were in eleventh-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division and reached the last 16 of The FA Vase when they lost 2-0 up at Consett on Saturday 8 February 2020.

King said: “We’re looking to build on a successful season from last year.  It is a blow that there will be no Kent Senior Trophy or Challenge Cup but we will be looking to improve on our league finishing position and try and have runs in The FA Cup and FA Vase.

“The Southern Counties East Football League is going to be a very strong league again this year but we have become consistent over the last couple of years and with a group of players who are likely to continue to improve and we will be looking to push on again this season.”

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

Knaphill  v  Deal Town
The Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Tuesday 1 September 2020
Kick Off 7:45pm
at Brookwood Country Park, Redding Way, Knaphill, Woking, Surrey GU21 2AY