By Kevin Redsull

Manager Derek Hares believes his current squad is the strongest he has had during his six years in charge at Deal Town.

But Hares faces an early test of his resources with six injuries already in pre-season.

Two more players, left-back Leon Ingram (knee) and midfielder Jack Collins (ankle), joined the list in Tuesday’s 2-0 home defeat by Folkestone, while Jason Brazier (ankle), Shane Suter (knee), Michael Cassar (shin) and Aaron Robinson (thigh) were already ruled out of that game.

"I am really pleased with the way our pre-season has gone," Hares said.

"We’ve had some good games against teams who have mostly been from a higher level, like Folkestone, and we haven’t looked out of our depth.

"The players have enjoyed training under Mark Harrop and there is a good feeling in the dressing room."

Hares added: "I think this squad is definitely the strongest I have had here, but the only downside is the number of injuries we are picking up.

"I would like to have played something like my full-strength side in our final two friendlies, but I don’t know whether I will be able to do that now because I don’t want to take any risks with players who aren’t 100 per cent fit."

Deal, who defeated Cray 2-0 last Saturday thanks to goals from Dave Bathgate and Scott Holden, are at home this Saturday in a double-header with Canterbury, who have won promotion to the Vandanel Kent County League Premier Division this season.

The first teams will meet at 3pm, with the reserve sides playing each other at 5.30pm.