Deal Town’s bid to enjoy a decent run in the Kent Senior Trophy starts at the Charles Ground on Saturday.

And to do it, Deal must overcome Kent Invicta Football League side Sutton Athletic in the first round.

Town caretaker boss Dave Johncock knows it won’t be easy.
He said: “Sutton are a decent side, and one who are going well in their own league (Sutton are third, just two points behind the leaders).

“They are going to arrive full of confidence so we’ll have to be switched on from the start until the very end.”

But Deal will also be in confident mood after winning their last home game against Erith Town a week earlier.

That result is something Johncock, who stepped up from reserve team boss following Darren Anlsow’s departure last month, is hoping to build on, regardless of whether it may be a league or cup game.

He said: “We’ll treat this game like any other we play. It’s all about us trying to get some momentum under our belts at the moment.

“What it’s about is us getting it right on the day and winning the game we are playing irrespective of what competition it may be in.”

Johncock said he has a couple of injury doubts for the clash with Ryan Moore (back) and Roy Godden (groin) set to have late fitness tests.

Warren Smith and Kieran Sanger are both in contention to make a return though.
Influential midfielder Andy Miller is also set to play his second consecutive game after overcoming an ankle injury.

Johncock said apart from his couple of injury concerns, his squad was looking healthy.
He said “I should have an almost full-strength squad to pick from which is great.
“Competition for places is a good thing to have.” The game kicks off at 3pm.