Derek Hares is waiting for news on John Utterson after the Deal Town striker limped out of Tuesday’s Bulmers Cider Kent League Premier Division Cup quarter-final first leg tie at Sevenoaks.

Utterson was replaced by Roy Godden at half-time during the 1-1 draw and was due to have an x-ray at the QEQM Hospital in Margate with fears he may have broken his foot.

The striker needed treatment twice in the first half and also earned a booking for dissent and Hares (pictured) said: "I felt sorry for John because he has waited a long time for his chance and now this happens.

"I hope it only turns out to be badly bruised but it didn’t look good immediately after the game."

Hares now hopes Town will finish the job in the return leg He said: "I will settle for 1-1 but felt we might have scored a couple more. I was disappointed with the goal we conceded, which was down to our mistake."

Deal had the best of the early exchanges only to fall behind after only 11 minutes when Sevenoaks top scorer Billy Shinners netted his 12th goal of the season.

Jason Brazier’s header five minutes after the break put them level and skipper Dave Bathgate might have got a second but his powerful effort went just over.

Mo Takaloo returns from suspension for the home league game against Erith & Belvedere on Saturday and goalkeeper Paul Rogers is also available after a ban.