Derek Hares followed up on his threats of a shake-up at Deal Town and, after ending a run of five straight defeats, he’s now hoping he’s stopped the rot.

Striker David Cory arrived on loan before the weekend from Whitstable and Jake Eastwood also returned to the club to bolster the midfield.

There was also a first start for former academy player Luke Bigginton and those new faces helped Deal to a goalless draw at Corinthian in the first round first leg of the Premier Division Cup on Saturday.

The second leg takes place this Saturday at the Charles Ground and Deal boss Hares (pictured) is feeling a lot happier with his squad now.

He said: "We have had a disastrous month, so I knew we had to change things around but it’s not easy, particularly with the position of the club is in with rebuilding what was left from last year and we’re just trying to do what we can.

"We’ve been a bit short upfront and David Cory has come in and he did well on Saturday, while Jake returned to the club and was strong in the air.

"That’s something we’ve been lacking as we haven’t been winning headers."

This weekend Deal will be without Jamie Marriott (holiday) but Andy Hadden returns following a three-match ban.

Jordan Miller is out with a broken foot and Shane Suter is rated at "50-50" after picking up an ankle injury in the first leg at Corinthian.