Deal's Scott Holden ponders a way past the Hythe defence. Picture:Paul Amos

By Alex Hoad

Derek Hares is hoping his Deal Town players can take confidence from Saturday's 1-1 draw against Hythe into the Bulmers Cider Kent League Premier Division Cup tie against Lordswood.

Town face a trip to Medway for the first leg on Saturday before Lords visit the Oatmor Harris Stadium a week later.

Hares said he would prefer to be facing a league game after the draw against Hythe, which he says should give his players the impetus to boost their league form.

He said: "I was pleased with the performance against Hythe and we are now unbeaten in seven games at home this season.

"It was good to keep that run going because we have not been as good away. I would like to get a run going in the league but we have the cup games
now and we’ll be giving it our all."

He added: "It is nice to have a good run in the cups. We have lost in the semi-finals (of the Kent Senior Trophy) in the past two years so hopefully we can go on and win a cup this year."

Gary Beeden serves the second of a three-match ban on Saturday while Jason Brazier is at a wedding.