Deal manager Derek Hares has questioned why this weekend’s FA Vase matches are going ahead.

The Hoops’ Southern Counties East campaign has been suspended until Boxing Day in light of the government’s new Covid-19 tier system.

But while the league said they would be “failing in our responsibilities” had they allowed matches to restart, the FA have ruled second-round Vase ties should be played.

That leaves Deal facing a trip to Southern Combination League high-fliers Saltdean this Saturday - much to Hares’ bemusement.

As a Tier 2 area, Brighton-based Saltdean can welcome home fans but with Deal in Tier 3 away supporters can’t travel.

“I can’t quite believe we’re playing - I can’t get my head around it,” said Hares.

“They should have stopped at least until December 19, which is when the third round is due to be played and we could have played the second round then. It’s only one extra game.

“By that time we might be out of Tier 3 and back in Tier 2.

“It’s a big ask for us to go there but we’re going to do it and I’m sure the players want to play.

“Should we be going from a Tier 3 area into a Tier 2? We can for the game but no fans can travel. For everyone’s safety they should have put the game back but obviously the FA don’t think that way.”

Deal will meet up for the first time in a month when they train tomorrow night (Thursday).

That’s the same for Saltdean, of course, but it’s far from ideal with such a big match round the corner.

The Hoops will need to be on their game, too, with the hosts top of their league and winning nine games in a row in all competitions before losing to Chichester in the Sussex Senior Cup just before the second lockdown.

Hares said: “There should have been at least a week gap so clubs could get their act together.

“Instead of that we train once and go straight into a big game.

“If we can win, which will be a tough ask because they’re doing well as well, we’re not far from the stage we reached last season and look at the excitement that brought.

“We’ll have a couple of hours’ training and do what we can to get prepared and blow the cobwebs away.

“Hopefully we’re fitter than they are but it all seems stacked in favour of the home team.

“We’ve got to travel there, they’re allowed home supporters in and there’s no replay.”

League matches were due to resume on December 12 but the start date was moved back after a board meeting on Friday.

Hares said: “I think that’s the fair thing to do. No doubt some of the teams in Tier 2 (London area) could have played each other but it’s better that we all stop and start again at Christmas. I totally agree with that.”

Ben Cardwell is likely to miss the rest of the season after a knee operation, Connor Coyne and Luke Eldridge are also out of the Vase game with knee injuries, while Billy Munday is unavailable.

• Take our Friday Football Quiz

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent