Deal Town face a tough Bank Holiday weekend as they attempt to bounce back from the disappointment of Tuesday’s FA Cup replay defeat at Glebe.

On Saturday the Hoops are at home to early-season Southern Counties East League pacesetters Beckenham Town, and then on Monday  they will again be in action at the Charles Ground in an “away” fixture against groundsharers’ Canterbury City who, like Beckenham, have also won their opening two league games.

Beckenham’s strong start, which includes thrashing Glebe 6-0 at home last midweek, is something of a surprise in view of the fact they only avoided relegation by one point last season.

Their big problem in the previous campaign was a lack of firepower, with only 38 goals in 38 league games – the lowest total in the division. But they may well have rectified that situation with the signing from Sheppey United of striker Richard Atkins who has already scored five times in their opening two league matches.

Canterbury, for their part, have been strengthened by the acquisition of several players from Herne Bay following Sam Denly’s decision to step down as manager and City will be looking to continue their bright start to the campaign against their new “landlords” on Monday.