We have met a number of our targets so far so want to meet our remaining targets but winning as many games as possible, says Deal Town coach Steve King

DEAL TOWN coach Steve King says his side have reached one of their targets this season.

The club are in fourth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table, having picked up 63 points with seven games remaining.

Chatham Town and Sheppey United are both fighting it out for the title and are both locked on 84 points from 32 games, while Glebe are in third-place 17 points behind with a couple of games in hand.

Derek Hares’ men welcome Holmesdale to the Charles Sports Ground tomorrow, having come away from Oakley Road with a 4-1 win on 16 March.

Since then, Deal Town have come away from Erith Town with a point in a 2-2 draw before coming back from Ashford with a defeat in the bag, losing 1-0 to now fifth-placed side Kennington.

“It will be great to be back at home after four consecutive away games and a lot of travelling,” said King.

“Holmesdale had a great win 1-0 at Glebe in the week so we know we are going to have to perform well to pick up another win.

“Although we had a good win away at Holmesdale last week they are a dangerous side and there will be no complacency on our part.

“We are looking a little stronger tomorrow after having a number of players out midweek so it is good to get some players back.

“The longer term injuries are getting closer and we will have to make a decision as to whether to risk them before the end of the season.”

Deal Town have signed Woodnesborough striker Mitch Harman – who has scored 31 goals in 25 games for the Kent County League Division One Central & East side – three levels lower.

“As a club we are always keen to give local young players a chance and Mitch is a player familiar to me having played for both the under 16s and under 18s at the club.  He did well when he came on midweek and will feature over the next couple of weeks,” added King.

“Other than that we will finish the season with the squad that has done so well all season. We don’t have a large turnover of players and that helps keep the strong spirit in the group.

“We are looking to consolidate fourth place but know that is no foregone conclusion as we have a tough run in.

“We are looking forward to finishing strongly and keep our performance levels high.  We have met a number of our targets so far so want to meet our remaining targets but winning as many games as possible.”

The versatile Jack Paxman makes his 150^th appearance for the club tomorrow and has scored three goals this season.

“Jack has been an excellent player for us and he is a big part of what we are doing. It would be great to celebrate his achievement with three points,” added King.

Deal Town are putting on a lot of activities for Non-League Day and are expecting a decent crowd against Lee Roots’ 12^th placed side tomorrow.

King added: “There are goodies bags for all kids that come in and there are a number of activities being planned for the game so we are hoping for another good crowd.  It would be good to see as many people there as possible.”

Visit Deal Town’s website: www.dealtownfc.co.uk

Deal Town  v  Holmesdale
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 26 March 2022
Kick Off 3:00pm
at The Charles Sports Ground, St Leonards Road, Deal, Kent CT14 9AU