Manager Steve King thinks it’ll be tough for Deal to finish above Phoenix Sports if they don’t beat them this Saturday.

Both sides are battling it out towards the top of the Southern Counties East Premier Division table.

They’re level on points ahead of the fixture at the Charles Sports Ground, although Phoenix will play one of their two fixtures in hand on them tonight against fourth-placed Erith Town.

“It’s a huge game,” said King.

“With their games in hand, we have to win - otherwise it becomes very difficult to finish above them.

“We lost 3-0 there in the league. That’s the only game I believe we’ve lost by more than one goal this season.

“There were no complaints but, then, we went there in the Vase and won 4-2.

“Our home form has been good and it’s one you want to be involved in.

“It’s a massive week for Phoenix. They’re at home to Erith Town on Wednesday and come to us on Saturday.

“It’s Non-League Day and the club has a few initiatives for it so, hopefully, there will be a big crowd.

"It’s a game we’re looking forward to.”

Leaders Erith & Belvedere have taken just six points from their last seven games. It could mean a late twist in the title race - but King isn’t convinced.

“We have not really thought about it,” he said.

“We have an internal points target we’re aiming for - we think that could get us second place.

“If Erith & Belvedere continue to drop points, you just never know. But I make us third favourites for second place and that makes us fourth favourites if they slip up.

“Looking at their fixtures and their squad, I think they will have enough.

"It’s not like they’ve lost their whole squad.”

Another productive week saw Deal extend their unbeaten run to 13 games.

They won 1-0 at Fisher last Tuesday and, despite conceding for the first time in seven games, they twice fought back to earn a 2-2 weekend draw at Glebe.

King reflected: “Obviously, it’s tinged with disappointment that we didn’t get six points, having won at Fisher.

“But I think we would have taken it before so we’re pleased with our week’s work.”

Ben Chapman’s early effort was enough at Fisher before young forward Lenny Atherton and defender Kane Smith netted at Glebe.

King said: “It’s important not to lose games and to keep the unbeaten run going.

“We knew we were going to concede at some point, so that’s not much of an issue. A few decisions went against us and we hit the underside of the bar in the last minute and had chances to win it.

“But from 1-0 and 2-1 down, the boys showed character, and Glebe are a good team.”

For Atherton, on dual-registration from Folkestone, it was a first goal for the Hoops.

And King revealed: “We had no strikers fit, so he was the only striker fit enough to play. He came in and did a really good job.

"He deserved his goal.”

Deal have not had many free midweeks this year but now have two in a row.

“It will be nice to train on Tuesday and we’re going for a team meal on Thursday,” he said on Monday.

“We’re just making the most of not travelling to Rusthall or Fisher or somewhere else like that.

“We have a few knocks and niggles but it’s a chance to get them fit for Phoenix as well.”

Deal have slashed admission prices for the game.

It will cost £5 for adults to enter. Children will go free, as well, with a bumper crowd hoped for.

There will also be face painting, music, courtesy of Alan Faulkner, and other activities put on by the Football Fun Factory at the Charles Sports Ground on the day.