Deal Town manager Steve King says trip to Sheppey United could be key in Isthmian South East play-off push as two-goal Jamie Kennedy stars in 3-0 weekend home win against Hastings United

Manager Steve King admits this Saturday’s match could be key in Deal’s play-off push.

The in-form Hoops will aim to extend their winning streak to six Isthmian South East games at Sheppey United.

That derby is followed by a home fixture against hapless basement boys East Grinstead on Tuesday before Deal host second-placed AFC Croydon Athletic next weekend.

“I’m not being disrespectful at all, but we have East Grinstead at home on Tuesday,” King said. “Things aren’t going well for them at the moment.

“Coming to Deal on a Tuesday night, that’ll be tricky, as well. It’s hard for me to argue that we won’t be favourites for that one.

“If we do win on Saturday and again on Tuesday night, that could be potentially pivotal if we’re going to have an outside shot of making the play-off places.

"We have then got a tough one against AFC Croydon next weekend, although our home form has been good.

“But I’ve been around for so long. When you think things are going well, that’s usually when you get bitten on the backside!

“We’ll just be doing everything we can to prepare for Sheppey this week. That’s our focus but, if we can get another good win ahead of back-to-back home games, it does open the door a little bit.

"We’re aware of that.”

For now, however, King thinks the Hoops’ chances of a top-five finish are remote and, instead, wants to ensure they surpass the 65-point haul they reached as they came seventh in their maiden season in the division last term.

The Hoops moved past the 50-point mark with last weekend’s 3-0 home win over Hastings United.

“It was another good day,” reflected King. “We played well.

“It was tricky conditions, the pitch had two games on it, last Tuesday and Saturday, so it was quite heavy on the legs.

“It was