Deal Town manager Derek Hares was pleased to be able to concentrate on matters on the field this week.

After last week’s events, when Hares was left waiting to be given new keys to the ground after all the locks were changed by one of the two groups fighting for control of the club, his side did the business on the field with a 1-0 victory in their much-delayed Kent Senior Trophy quarter-final against Sevenoaks.

"I was given some keys when I turned up for training on Thursday night," said Hares (pictured).

"In my view the situation could have been handled better and was an unnecessary distraction before what was an important game for the club.

"But credit to the players, they again showed what a good spirit there is in the side."

Deal's win earned them a trip to Bulmers Cider Kent League leaders Faversham in the semi-finals on March 6.

But before that they have two home league games to negotiate, with Deal having fallen behind with their league fixtures after playing just two games since the turn of the year.

This Saturday they host Sporting Bengal and on Tuesday Deal are at home to second-placed Herne Bay.

One major problem for Hares, especially looking ahead to the Trophy semi-final, is that his squad is badly hit by suspensions from this weekend.

Striker Roy Godden and the versatile Shaun Brown both start three-match bans after being sent off in the original fiery tie with Sevenoaks while midfielder Jason Brazier serves a one-match suspension.

But one piece of good news is that midfielder Shane Suter is finally fit after being out since the start of the season with a cruciate knee ligament injury.