A goal in added time gave Corinthian victory in Saturday’s FA Vase first round tie just when it seemed Deal had set up a period of extra-time.

Alfie Foster had fired the Hoops back level at 2-2 in the final minute of normal time after a long throw-in by fellow substitute Ben Chapman had been headed on, but the home side had the final word thanks to a late strike from Jack Billings.

Playing against a strong wind in the first half, Deal defended well but were guilty of giving the ball away too easily. However they managed to snatch the lead just before half-time when, following an Andy Miller free-kick, Josh Maughan set up a chance for Connor Coyne which he gratefully accepted for his 10th goal of the season.

But the Hoops were unable to push on early in the second half and ‘keeper James Tonkin had to make several fine saves to keep Deal in front. The Hoops were then reduced to 10 men when Ben Cardwell was shown a second yellow card before Corinthian did equalise around the hour mark through Shaun Brown.

Then, with 10 minutes left, the home side were awarded a penalty and although Tonkin pulled off another great save, from the resulting corner Corinthian did take the lead through a Kameron Gyearbour header.

Derek Hares’ side refused to lie down however and their efforts looked like they had been rewarded when Foster  equalised with a superb volley, but Corinthian still had the last word in the dying moments when Jack Billings snatched the winner

Deal: Tonkin, Hark, O’Brien,  Bigginton (Foster), K Smith, Scott, Maughan, A Miller, Coyne (Chapman), Wilson, Cardwell.