Deal Town aim to combat fire with fire against Lydd Town in the SCEFL Challenge Cup before league match at Sutton Athletic

Deal will aim to combat fire with fire when they visit Southern Counties East Division 1 high-fliers Lydd in the Challenge Cup.

The Hoops, beaten 3-2 in the Premier Division at home to Stansfeld last Saturday despite first-half goals from Ben Chapman and Connor Coyne, face fifth-placed Lydd, who have scored 23 goals this season in all competitions, tonight.

It will be a stiff test of Deal’s defence which has conceded 19 goals from 13 league fixtures.

“When we use the term ‘defence’, it’s about the whole team,” said Deal manager Steve King. “We attack as a team and defend as a team.

“When we concede goals from set-pieces, it’s not about the back four or the goalkeeper, it’s a whole team thing. Our defence is going to be tested.

“We will look to go on the front foot, I think that’s the best way to go against sides like that.

"The best form of defence is attack.”

Lydd topped the Division 1 table at one stage this term and, although their form has dipped of late, they do possess some obvious goal threats.

King said: “We take all cup competitions seriously, we will do that on Wednesday.

“We know all about Lydd. We play them virtually every pre-season. They’re a massive goal threat with Kenny Pogue, Ryan Philpot and Brad Baker in their team.

“Their style of football is to go out and attack so, if we don’t get ourselves right, it will be a tough game.

“I’m sure they’ll be up for it but we will make sure we’re fully focused.”

Deal, who drew 1-1 at Bearsted last Tuesday with Alfie Foster netting, went 2-0 ahead against Stansfeld inside 20 minutes but ultimately came up short.

“We’re disappointed,” reflected King.

“Obviously, to be 2-0 up after 20 minutes and lose the game sort of sums up how things are going in the league.

“It