Derek Hares is delighted Deal’s season remains very much alive as he starts to look ahead to what may lie in store for his side in the second-half of the season.

After a blank weekend, the Hoops have two more crucial matches this week.

They visit Southern Counties East Division 1 outfit Staplehurst tonight, returning to action after an 11-day break, before they host Fisher this weekend in the Premier Division.

Manager Hares said: “We have got to keep going and see where we end up, come the end of the season.

“The most important thing is we still have everything to play for.

"You can get to this stage of the season and the season can be almost be over - if you are out of the cups and mid-table in the league.

“But we are not in that position this year, because we are still in two cups and we are in a good position in the league, so that is very good.”

The trip to Staplehurst will be Hares’ first visit to the Jubilee Sports Ground.

He said: “I have never been there before. I have no idea what the ground is like.

“Hopefully the weather is all right.

“I saw their reserve game was called off on Saturday (against Deal Town Rangers) but, hopefully, that was just a precaution rather than a major problem with the pitch. I don’t want another game called off!

“It’s always good to play against different teams.

"That’s one of the reasons why it can be so good to have a run in the FA Cup or the FA Vase.

“But we cannot go into the game, thinking they’re a team from the league below. They have nothing to lose.

“We have played well in the past few weeks and started scoring goals, taking our chances, so if we can carry that on, we will be all right.”

Sixth-placed Deal lost 3-0 at Fisher in October - but Hares says revenge won’t really be at the forefront of his mind when the sides lock horns once more.

When asked if the meeting at the Charles Ground would present an opportunity to avenge that defeat, Hares replied: “I suppose so but we don’t really look at it like that.

"We just want three points.

“If we can get wins on Wednesday and Saturday, then it will leave us with a lot to look forward to in the New Year.”