Deal Town manager Derek Hares says his side can draw confidence from their impressive home record this season ahead of Saturday’s Kent Senior Trophy tie with Norton Sports.

Last weekend’s 3-0 win over Corinthian extended Deal’s unbeaten record at the Oatmor Harris Stadium this campaign to 11 matches and Hares, pictured, said: "We have been solid at home this season and so it’s a good opportunity for us to reach the quarter-finals."

Deal have lost in the semi-finals of the Kent Senior Trophy for the past two seasons and Hares would relish going one better, especially in view of the boardroom uncertainty at the club which isn’t making his job any easier.

The off-the-field wrangling looks to be developing into a straight battle for control of the club between new chairman David Reid and the Supporters’ Club on one side and vice-chairman Bob Chivington and the remaining Deal Town Rangers representatives on the other side.

Both camps remained tight-lipped this week ahead of more planned meetings but Hares said: "The players’ attitude has been really good during all that’s been going on and last Saturday was our third clean sheet in a row which is pleasing."

Hares’ toughest selection decision on Saturday will be whether to bring back Josh Davidson at centre-half or play skipper Dave Bathgate there again.

Keeper Brad Ashmore will come in for Paul Rogers who is starting a two-match suspension, while defender Jake Eastwood is available after completing a three-match ban.

Aaron Robinson could also return to the squad after missing two matches due to a family illness.