Deal Town FC

Deal Town played Hassocks FC on 20th December 2025 in the Isthmian League South East Division. Deal Town drew one - one against Hassocks at the Charles Ground. The Deal goal came from Ben Chapman.

Deal’s final game before Christmas. The Hoops were looking to improve upon their home loss the week prior, there intent was immediately apparent. The home side were aided when the visitors were put at a disadvantage as Harry Furnell and, a few minutes later, Shay Leahy were substituted early on in the game.

The first half remained fairly uneventful as both sides defended stalwartly. There were several contentious refereeing decisions, but in the 46th minute a free kick to the left of the goal was fired in by Hassocks. The whipped cross found the head of Matt Gun, who flicked the ball on to Jack Troak, who gave Hassocks the lead on the brink of half-time.

Deal came out for the second half eager to make amends but the second half was fairly uneventful, with Deal pressing for the equaliser. In the 66th minute Hassocks had a free kick, with the shot fired towards the top left; however, the effort was cruelly denied by the crossbar, giving Deal a glimmer of hope. The home crowd cheered them on and the home side didn’t disappoint, and in the 74th minute a free kick from 25 yards out allowed Deal’s Ben Chapman to put a right-footed shot, with the side of his foot, into the bottom left corner.

Following the equaliser, Deal pressed further for the winner, creating a number of good chances. Notably, in the 89th minute a poor pass allowed Kennedy to intercept and put himself one-on-one with the keeper; however, the Hassocks goalkeeper made a great save to deny Deal the winner.

However Deal were unable to find a last minute winner and the match finished one-all, with both sides having good chances but neither able to put themselves ahead. Ben Chapman was awarded Man of the Match following his important equaliser for Deal.

REPORT COURTESY OF FINLEY MOORE