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The Stones went into this game
looking to extend their unbeaten run to 10 games but
with one eye on the FA Vase tie against Andover, manager
Lloyd Hume made several changes to the starting line-up.
Hume is now faced with a selection
dilemma though as his side comfortably over came Deal
Town and Jimmy Strouts in particular, staked his claim
for a start in the side with two second half goals.
Speaking after the game Hume said: “I thought
Jimmy Strouts and Jason Barton were superb in midfield
and that’s posed a problem because I thought Sam
Tydeman and Neil Miller have been arguably our best
players. All over the pitch it has given us selection
problems but they are nice ones to have, we’ve
got a very good squad and it doesn’t matter who
we play now, we should be able to beat any one if we
perform on the day. “
However, The Stones didn’t really get going until
the after the break and Deal enjoyed much the better
of the first half.
Pat Mullin had to make a save at his near post after
Aaron Robinson had waltzed through The Stones defence.
But he was beaten with 38 minutes played when The Stones
failed to clear the ball properly and when it was pumped
back in, David Bathgate threw out a leg and diverted
the ball into the far side of the net.
Just a minute later, United had their best chance to
equalise when Mario Celaire did well to intercept the
ball. He then found Jimmy Strouts who put Lee Sperring
in on goal and the young striker unselfishly squared
the ball to Nick Hegley who, with his friend the England
goal keeper Chris Kirkland watching, put the chance
wide.
Deal could have been further in front just before half
time but Mullin tipped Bathgate's header over and at
the other end, Celaire also had a header go wide.
The Stones emerged after the break in a determined
mood and it took just two minutes for them to level
the game. Nathan Paul raced down the left hand side
before sending over a terrific cross which Simon Austin
watched carefully before riffling the ball past Lindley.
And it didn’t take long for the Stones to add
to their tally. Nick Hegley found himself with just
Lindley to beat and he teased the keeper before lofting
the ball goalwards and Jimmy Strouts applied the vital
touch.
The Stones then made sure of the victory with 62 minutes
played when Strouts ran onto a ball over the top and
slammed the ball into the net.
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