Fit-again Deal Town goalkeeper Henry Newcombe returns for 2-1 Southern Counties East Premier Division success at Stansfeld

Fit-again Henry Newcombe made a welcome return for Deal in their hard-fought success at Stansfeld.

Ex-Hythe keeper Newcombe was back for Saturday’s 2-1 Southern Counties East Premier Division triumph, nearly exactly a month after he sustained an injury in their FA Cup game at Lydd, which left him struggling to breathe and the match eventually abandoned.

Deal manager Steve King said: “We have made sure he has done all his recovery right.

“He’s back fully fit now - that’s pleasing to say, considering what happened.

“He made a couple of good saves but he didn’t have a huge amount to do.”

The Hoops failed to beat Stansfeld last term, despite earning a third-placed finish, but took the points from Foxbury Avenue this time thanks to striker Aaron Millbank’s effort and a late own goal winner.

King reflected: “We were delighted with the performance. We were outstanding.

“The last couple of games, we have made life difficult for ourselves! I know the scoreline is pretty close but we hit the bar or post five times.

“We played very well and needed to get the second earlier, really, which allowed them back into the game.

“But for us, having done so well, when the game gets back to 1-1, it’s a test of character. For the boys, winning the game from that point was important.

“Stansfeld are a tough side, we know that, and we didn’t beat them last year.

“It was our first league away win of the season as well. We always back ourselves at home so, on the road, that was really important for us.

“No one else was playing in the league so it was a chance to gain points on other teams.

“That was our third win on the spin and we’re moving in the right direction.”

Deal claimed the success despite making a late decision to withdraw defender Alfie