By Alex Hoad

Deal manager Derek Hares hailed his side’s effort after ending a four-game losing streak with a 2-1 victory at Hythe in the Safety Net Kent League on Tuesday.

Two goals in two second-half minutes from Danny Smith saw Hares’ side gain a measure of revenge for their FA Cup exit against their Premier Division rivals last month.

Brendon Cass halved the deficit with 16 minutes remaining but the three points at Reachfields saw Deal leapfrog Hythe and go fourth to bounce back from the last-gasp 1-0 defeat at home to Fisher on Saturday.

Hares, pictured, said: "I was absolutely delighted. I would have taken a loss against Fisher if we could have beaten Hythe.

"I felt we deserved a point at least on Saturday but we were absolutely fantastic on Tuesday. The players worked so hard."

Deal host Sevenoaks on Saturday in a re-arranged fixture, knowing they will be overtaken by the visitors should they lose, and Hares warned: "It’s no good beating Hythe if we then go and lose to Sevenoaks."

Hares revealed he was looking to add a striker as Mo Takaloo is sidelined for several weeks through injury and suspension.

Darren Waring (new baby) and Aaron Robinson (work commitments) are
due to return on Saturday, but Mark Munday (ankle) is likely to miss out along with Takaloo and Jason Brazier (knee).