Deal Town manager Steve King on 1-0 Isthmian South East success at Sheppey United, injuries to Jack Paxman and Ife Oni play-off push and this Saturday’s game against promotion-chasing AFC Croydon Athletic

Boss Steve King thinks red-hot Deal have the squad depth to contend with injury setbacks.

Forward Rory Smith claimed the game’s only goal as the Hoops secured a 1-0 success at Sheppey United to make it six consecutive Isthmian South East wins last weekend and keep up the pressure on the top five.

Their latest victory came at a cost, however, with midfielder Jack Paxman coming off in the first half and his replacement - Ife Oni - unable to complete the game at Holm Park.

“Jack has been struggling a little bit for a while now and he pulled up,” said King, who was also without defender Callum Davies due to work commitments.

“We don’t think it’s too serious. But him and Ben Chapman, they’re among the first names on the team sheet so it’s a blow.

“With Ife, he came on early and then pulled up with a muscular injury. Injuries are going to happen at this stage of the season but we have got the squad to manage it.

“Hopefully, Alex Green and Macca Murray aren’t a million miles away, and I don’t think Jack Paxman will be a long-term one.”

King conceded Deal didn’t hit top form against the Ites, now led by brothers George and Ian Batten, despite picking up three points once more.

He reflected: “It was a crucial win.

“I don’t think we played brilliantly, we looked a bit tired, and credit to Sheppey. They hadn’t played for a few weeks and had a young, energetic, side and they’re under new management.

“They were very high energy and we didn’t match that, but it still ended up being a reasonably comfortable day. We knew, with the run we have been on and the games we have got coming up, we just needed to find a way to win.

“Full credit to the boys because they did that.”

It was also another shut-out for Deal keeper James Tonkin.

“That’s