By Kevin Redsull

Deal boss Derek Hares, pictured, will be hoping to avoid a repeat of Wednesday night's defeat at Herne Bay when Town travel to Erith & Belvedere on Saturday.

Two wins in their opening two home matches were the ideal start to Deal’s new season, but despite goals from Jack Collins and Jake Eastwood Hares' side lost 4-2 at Winch's Field.

Deal began the campaign beating a strong-looking Greenwich Borough 2-1 in their opening Bulmers Cider Kent League game and booked a place in the next round of the FA Cup last Saturday with a 3-2 success over Sussex County League side Arundel.

As against Greenwich, Town had to come from behind and Hares said: “Arundel were a decent side while I think Greenwich will be right up there this season. They were both good games which the crowd would have enjoyed watching.”

Deal’s opponents in the FA Cup preliminary round a week on Saturday will be Ringmer, who beat Egham 2-0 in Tuesday night’s replay after the sides had drawn 2-2 on Saturday.

But before that, Hares’ squad have a trip to Welling United’s excellent Park View Road ground to look forward to, where Erith & Belvedere are ground-sharing.

Darren Waring is available after returning from holiday but Leo Ingram, Micky Cassar and Shane Suter are all out of contention.