by Kevin Redsull

Deal Town go into Saturday’s FA Cup preliminary round home tie with Hythe having made their best start to a season during manager Derek Hares’ seven years in charge.

Last Saturday they secured their third win in three games, and no goals conceded, with a 1-0 success at Greenwich Borough and Deal are now one of only two teams in the Safety Net Associates Kent League with maximum points after two league games.

Hares (pictured) said: "I couldn’t have asked for a better start but I’m not getting carried away.

"I know we have a tough cup game on Saturday against a Hythe side who are the Kent League title favourites and then next Wednesday we are away to Herne Bay who finished second in the league last season."

Hares’s latest signing, midfielder Andy Hadden, looks certain to make his home debut in place of Shane Suter, who is away on holiday.

Left-back James Ellis, who missed the Greenwich game because of an ankle injury, may be fit and Mark Munday could also come into contention after helping Deal Reserves beat Greenwich Reserves 3-0 last Saturday.

Ruled out though are injured trio Jason Brazier (knee), Adam Govey (ankle) and Danny Smith (hamstring).

Who do you think will prevail in the big cup game? Have your say below.