by Kevin Redsull

As one of the most difficult seasons in Deal Town’s recent history draws to a close, manager Derek Hares has praised the loyalty of his players.

The prolonged struggle for control of the boardroom, combined with the serious leg injury suffered by Josh Davidson, which could yet lead to criminal charges being brought against the Sevenoaks player responsible, have combined to overshadow much of the second half of Deal’s campaign.

But two or three wins from their remaining four matches could yet secure Hares’ pre-season target of a top-six finish and he said: "I can’t thank the players enough for the loyalty they have shown this season and the way they have responded to the club’s problems.

"It would have been easy for them to have walked away."

Hares (pictured) pinpointed leading scorer Mo Takaloo and captain Dave Bathgate as examples.

With his goalscoring pedigree, Takaloo would have had little trouble finding another Kent League club while Bathgate recently turned down the chance to join champions-elect Faversham.

Hares said: "They typify the kind of loyalty I’m talking about and they deserve credit for it."

Deal are away to Corinthian on Saturday and Hares is looking forward to making his first visit to the Longfield club’s Gay Dawn Farm ground.

Although they are second-bottom of the table, the young Corinthian side have far from disgraced themselves since winning their place back in the Kent League this season.

Deal Reserves moved up to fourth place in Kent League Division 2 with a 3-1 win at Hythe Town Reserves on Tuesday. They are at home to Sevenoaks on Saturday.