Judging by their respective league records there should be little between Deal Town and Balham when they meet in the FA Vase first round proper in south west London on Saturday.
For the two sides have identical records after their opening 10 league matches of the season with four wins, two draws and four defeats apiece. Deal, however, have a slight edge where goal difference is concerned having scored 11 goals and conceded 12 while Balham have scored 15 but let in 19 at the other end.
Balham play in the Combined Counties League Premier Division and currently stand in 13th position, two places above CB Hounslow United who the Hoops defeated 2-1 in the last round thanks to a late goal from Harry Alexander.
Saturday’s tie will be played at the Wibbandune Sports Ground, the home of Colliers Wood Utd with whom Balham are groundsharing this season. Deal manager Derek Hares said: “We’ve been up there and watched them and it’s a good playing surface. It’s always nice to play different teams and it’s a winnable game but we’ll have to play well.”
Balham were formed in 2011 and the tie will be only their second ever in the FA Vase while for Deal it will be their 90th in the competition. The Hoops’ debut appearance was in the 1975-76 season when they lost 3-2 at Herne Bay in the first round.
The Vase, of course, provided the club with its’ greatest ever moment, winning the trophy at Wembley in 2000, and Hares added: “There’s always a bit more of a buzz because of Deal’s history in the competition.”
Lee Scott returns to the squad after injury but new signing Alfie Foster is cup-tied having already played in the Vase for Chatham Town this season.
If Saturday’s tie is still level after extra-time the replay will be at the Charles Ground next Tuesday (7.45pm).