Deal Town beat Erith Town to book a place in the Kent Senior Trophy final; They head to Rusthall tonight in the Southern Counties East Premier Division

Deal Town are into a cup final for the first time since their 2000 FA Vase triumph - but all eyes are now on the league.

Manager Steve King targeted a cup final place at the start of the season but can now put that to one side as the club look to make a challenge for the second place spot in the Southern Counties East Premier Division.

The Hoops face two tough challenges straight away, playing away to second placed Rusthall tonight (Wednesday) before heading to Hollands & Blair on Saturday for the Medway side’s first game on their newly installed 3G pitch.

King said: “We have put ourselves in a position in the league where we are a little bit behind the eight-ball for that second place, but it is still achievable.

“Rusthall are flying and we’re then going to Blair for their first game back at home, a big day for them and another big test. We have to lift ourselves again and try and get two results.”

Deal are currently seventh but cup success has led to them playing catch-up with some of the teams above. They still have Rusthall and fourth-placed Erith Town to play twice along with third placed Phoenix at home.

King said: “Footballers love playing and if you can get on a run and you are doing well, sometimes playing Saturday-midweek can be a good thing because that momentum keeps going. When it becomes difficult is when you lose one or two, you have to lift yourself, tired legs, it can work both ways at this time of the season.

"We have to try and keep the positive momentum going and take that into these two games this week.

"Although we are probably four or five points short of where we would want to be we do have the opportunity, starting on Wednesday night, to claw back on some of those teams above.”

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