Coach Steve King wants to ensure Deal’s season doesn’t fizzle out.

The high-flying Hoops sit fourth in the Southern Counties East Premier Division.

They progressed towards the latter stages of the Challenge Cup and the Kent Senior Trophy, too, but have been knocked out of both competitions.

But with eight league matches to go, King is eager for Deal to end their campaign on a high.

King, whose side are at Kennington tonight, said: “We were all disappointed to lose to Sheppey, having gone 2-0 up and done really well early on (before losing 4-2).

“But we want to try and finish in that fourth place and chase down Glebe in third if we can.

"We have got eight games left and we want to give everything in those games.”

Deal battled from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at Erith Town last weekend, Rene Rivera netting before they got a late leveller courtesy of an own goal.

“We were pleased with the result in the end,” reflected King.

“Against top-six sides away from home, it’s never easy.

"The performance was not as good as we hoped, but we got a point in the end.”

King took the side at Erith Town and for last Wednesday’s 4-1 victory at Holmesdale, a win earned courtesy of goals from Billy Munday, Ben Chapman, Jack Paxman and Sam Gibson, with manager Derek Hares having tested positive for Covid.

The extra responsibility hasn't unduly troubled King who said: “To be fair, I have taken the lead with the coaching and a lot of the matchday stuff over the past five or six years. It’s not been too difficult.

“It’s just more jobs on a matchday for me - team sheets and other bits and bobs like that.

“But from a footballing point-of-view, it’s been fine.”

This Saturday, Deal return to action at the Charles Sports Ground after four straight away games, hosting Holmesdale.

On attendances this season, King added: "They've been brilliant. It’s been very rare for attendances to go below 200.

“I think it’s testament to the job the board and directors have done to make a good football environment - and the players we have got as well.

"There’s lots of local players and some of them have been here for a long time.

“When people come to watch us, they know what they are going to see - we’re not a side who has loads of new players every week - plus the results in general have been good this season.

“That continually and loyalty translates into excellent crowds.”

Deal may have beaten Holmesdale just 10 days before the return fixture but King was not getting carried away, saying: “That’s a little bit of a banana skin for us.

“When you beat a side 4-1 away from home, everyone expects you to beat them at home.

"But it’s a tough game.”

The match against Holmesdale will take place on Non-League Day. As a result, Deal aim to offer reduced admission prices.

Two adults and two children will be able to attend for £10, reduced from £16, with the first 200 children through the gate receiving a complimentary gift and sweet bag.

Family tickets can be purchased in advance online or on the gate. All advanced tickets will be guaranteed a gift bag.

Other activities, including face-painting and use of inflatables, will be on offer.