Deal manager Derek Hares has not ruled out the possibility of his side reaching the 80-point mark this season - even if it won’t secure them promotion.

There’s virtually nothing to separate Southern Counties East Premier Division leaders Chatham and second-placed Sheppey in the title race.

While the fourth-placed Hoops will not be able to catch either team now, they have enjoyed a fine season themselves and still will expect to finish in the upper echelons of the table.

They visit Sheppey this Saturday after travelling to third-placed Glebe tonight as their fine away form this term is put to the test.

Hares said: “Every time we have been challenged, we have come up with the goods. There’s just a few weeks to go.

“I think we have 66 points now. With six games to go, we could end up around the 80-point mark - although we won’t go up!

“But that’s just testament to Chatham and Sheppey who have not slipped up all season.”

The Hoops enjoyed a successful day - both on and off the field - last Saturday, beating Holmesdale 2-1 in front of a bumper crowd as they celebrated Non-League Day at the Charles Sports Ground by putting on a range of activities to help get children involved.

“Obviously it was a great day for the club with 526 people there,” Hares reflected.

“The Non-League Day (initiative) helped with the bouncy castle and all the other stuff going on for the kids. We all appreciated that and the extra support.

“We were not at our best, particularly in the first half, but we showed a lot of character and managed to get the win in the end. Getting a quick goal after half-time, having been 1-0 down, helped.

“We thought we would go on and win comfortably at that stage - but that was not the case! But we did get the second one with virtually the last kick of the game.

“Overall, we are pleased with the win and it helps us in our challenge to finish fourth.”

On his 150th club appearance, versatile Jack Paxman played a key role, scoring Deal’s first while their late winner came from his long throw.

“He is a good lad and a good player. We are lucky to have him,” commented Hares, who was back in the dug-out after having Covid.

“It was good to be back.”

But it was Alex Smith who came up with the all-important third of the game.

Hares said: “It was his first goal for the club. I’m very pleased for him.”

There were also substitute appearances for striker Mitch Harman, who has joined the Hoops from Kent County League Division 1 Central & East side Woodnesborough, in Deal’s last two matches.

“He has been involved before, training with us - not this season but last season,” Hares revealed.

“Obviously, he has done quite well (scoring 31 goals for Woodnesborough in 25 games).

"So we have brought him in to see how he goes.”