Deal Town were suffering a Kent Senior Trophy hangover as they snatched a point in a rollercoaster game at Norton Sports, according to boss Derek Hares.

Following the disappointment of a 2-1 loss at 10-man Faversham in the Trophy semi-final on Saturday, Town needed an injury-time leveller from Roy Godden to earn a 3-3 draw in the Bulmers Cider Kent League Premier Division on Tuesday night.

Mo Takaloo put Deal ahead inside two minutes but Norton equalised before half-time. Danny Smith restored the visitors’ lead just after the hour but Norton grabbed another leveller 15 minutes from time and looked to have snatched the points in the 86th-minute before Godden struck.

Hares (pictured) admitted: "I think we were a bit flat after Saturday – we played so well, we just needed a bit of luck. We hit the bar, and had chances, I’m sure Faversham would admit the best side lost."

He added: "Tuesday night was a bit of a let-down, but we have 12 games to go and lots to play for.

"If we can put a run together then I think we can get into that top-six, or maybe even top-three, looking at the table – that would be an achievement for us this season and would be a good platform for next season."

Jason Brazier and Gary Beedon returned after being unavailable for Saturday while Godden and Shaun Brown were back from suspension.

James Ellis missed the game for personal reasons but should return for the visit of Holmesdale on Saturday and Tuesday’s home game against basement-boys Lordswood.