More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Manager Derek Hares said he’d never seen rain like it after Deal’s season opener was abandoned.
The Hoops were drawing 1-1 with Southern Counties East title favourites Chatham on Saturday when the heavens opened.
A torrential downpour flooded the Charles Ground pitch and saw referee Michael Butcher initially extend the half-time break by 15 minutes before calling a halt.
Hares said: “I’ve never seen rain like it - it was incredible.
“We very rarely have problems with games being called off but I’ve not seen rain as bad as that in such a short time.
“There were two massive puddles at each of the pitch - it looked like a river.
“I couldn’t see across the pitch, the rain was that heavy.
“There was no way the game could carry on.
“It started raining 15 minutes before half-time and you could see the water starting to lay but during half-time it was unbelievable.
“The referee said he was going to give it an extra 15 minutes but it got worse.
“If I’m honest, it didn’t get mentioned at the time, but I was worried about the thunder and lightning too.
“It’s not the best place to be when there’s water on the pitch and flashes of lightning.
“We had a big crowd in - 318 - and it was a shame for them but it was the only decision.
“At least the score was 1-1, so no one could complain. It’s always harder if one team is winning.”
Deal picked up their first points of the season with goals from Sam Wilson and Billy Munday (2) in a 3-0 win at Lordswood on Tuesday night.
They are in FA Cup action this Saturday when they host Southall in the extra preliminary round.
Hares expects to have a full squad available against a side Town beat in the FA Vase two seasons ago.
Prize money of £1,125 is at stake and quickly rises.
Hares said: “The FA Cup is always an exciting time.
“It’s different to the Vase because, as teams at our level have proved, with a bit of luck and the right draw, you can go all the way.
“That’s not the case in the FA Cup but if you can get through two or three rounds it’s good for the team but also the club because of the prize money.”
