There was a palpable feeling before the game that it’s now time for business, a run of three league fixtures in a row presenting Deal with an opportunity to get their campaign up and running after what can only be described as an indifferent start. Coming off of the back of a convincing FA Trophy 3-0 win over Sheppey spirits were high and expectations firmly in place amongst the playing squad and supporters alike.

Upon the first whistle, Deal set out their intentions immediately, a lively opening exchange resulted in two early free kicks being awarded to Deal and Jack Penny stinging the hands of the opposition ‘keeper before the first minute was even on the clock. Through the first 15 minutes or so this positive intent continued for both sides. An open game was materialising in front of the home faithful with Deal looking to utilise the space being afforded to their wingers, whilst Merstham looked to primarily spring through Deal’s high line with their nippy striker constantly on the shoulder of the Deal centre backs. Ash Miller – looking very lively – had a chance in the 16th minute, running at the right centre back and rounding him to get a shot off on his left foot, making the keeper save well down to his left. Tom Chapman then got at his own man on the right hand-side to get a shot off just wide of the near post.

The pivotal moment of the first half came just before half time. Jack Paxman lunging slightly into a challenge, came out second best and found himself out of position. With seemingly acres of space to move into Olly Allen for Merstham moved into the vacated space, carrying the ball unchallenged from halfway to the right edge of the Deal box where he unleashed a well struck shot into the far bottom corner. A great strike undoubtedly but you must question the time and space afforded to the opposition striker there. Deal 1-0 down at half-time but with plenty still to play for and a point to prove. It’s fair to say that a lack of invention and confidence still besets this team from time to time, a first half where Deal were too reliant on moments of individualism to break down the opposition.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first in that Deal were quick out of the blocks and keen to put their opponents under pressure from the outset. Only this time, Deal got a goal for their troubles. On the 52nd minute Ash Miller, latching onto a loose second ball, brought it down and played a great ball through to Rory Smith who composedly took an extra touch to set himself and slot the ball low past the goalkeeper’s left hand, 1-1 now. Ash followed this by attempting to cheekily lob the ‘keeper from an acute angle on the hour mark, the follow up header from Ben Chapman hitting the post. Much better from the home side and it seemed only a matter of time before the next goal would come.

Moving into the last quarter of the game, the next goal would be crucial and with 20 minutes let on the clock Deal did indeed get their noses in front. Clever work down the right-hand flank from Tom Chapman saw him chopped down just inside the box, the linesman confirming this and a penalty awarded to Deal. Ash Miller, clinical from the spot so far this season, once again making no mistake to put the home side into the lead, 2-1. It was never going to be straight forward though and 10 minutes later Deal conceded an equaliser; Olu Lawal finding himself in space at the top of the box and firing a deflected shot home. 2-2 now and somewhat nervy inside the Charles Ground as a big last 10 minutes loomed in front of everybody.

Lesser teams might crumble, particularly ones that have got off to the troubled start to their league campaign such as Deal have. One thing we know about this group though, through years of being together and the kindred spirit that comes with that is that they will fight. Not only will they fight they will invariably go for the win, even at the cost of a draw when the situation arises. Game analytics show that three points are better than one; or something like that!

An innocuous free kick awarded in the depths of Deal’s own half was sent forward by Pax, in search of substitute Jamie Kennedy. The ball was allowed to bounce by the Merstham centre back and Jamie got to the ball just ahead of the oncoming ‘keeper to lift it over his head and nestle into the Merstham goal, the home fans’ jubilant cheers alerting the rest of the ground to the goal long before the ball had crossed the line.

A hectic final 10 minutes followed but Deal managed, with grit and determination, to see off any last desperate Merstham attacks to seal a much needed 3 points. This win sees Deal rise seven places up the table, into 15th, ahead of Punjab on Saturday where Deal will look to make it 3 home wins on the bounce and carry forward this momentum.

Deal MoM: Jacob Strouts

Words by Zack Foulds