Deal Town manager Steve King says opening-day win over Glebe has put down early marker

Boss Steve King believes Deal’s opening-day win has put down an early marker.

The Hoops came from behind to earn a 3-1 success at the Charles Sports Ground on Saturday, with last season’s fourth-placed Southern Counties East Premier Division outfit getting the better of Glebe, who finished third.

Midfielder Alfie Foster equalised before a stunning effort from striker Connor Coyne put Deal ahead, with midfielder Ben Chapman also netting.

King said: “It’s only one game and there’s a lot to go! But as I’ve said previously, it was a game everyone was going to look at the result of.

“I think it set a bit of a marker but it’s only one game.

"Glebe are a good side and will be up there, and some of the other fancied sides who will be up there won as well. But let’s be honest, it was a game we wanted to win.”

Player-of-the-match Coyne’s effort was the pick of the Deal goals.

“Euan Sahadow had only been on literally a minute and he slotted Connor through. He was about 25 yards out and rocked it into the corner,” King explained.

“We know Connor has that in his locker and it was a great strike from him.”

The match also saw defender Kane Smith make his 150th club appearance.

He said: “We have built a loyal squad and the boys have stayed together. Consequently, they have played a lot of games for the club.

“Kane actually has been waiting for that since he did his knee. We discussed playing him the last game of last season but we didn’t.

“Alfie Foster, I think with 147, will probably be the next one.

"It’s nice and good recognition for the players.”

Defender Sam Taylor has joined, and was named on the bench against Glebe, after impressing in pre-season.

“He has come to us from Minster out of the Kent County League. He’s, primarily, a