Deal Town win on penalties against Erith Town in the FA Trophy first qualifying round and host Egham Town this Saturday in the FA Cup

Deal Town are already facing a hectic schedule but their manager knows how lucrative a run in the FA Cup could be.

The Hoops face their fifth match in the FA Cup this Saturday when they host Isthmian South Central side Egham Town.

Prize money is starting to increase and manager Steve King appreciated the importance of that for the club. They’ve already amassed close to £5k in prize money with their three wins so far in the competition, and they’re edging closer to a possible big-name opposition.

King knows his men will have a tough game on their hands this weekend in the second qualifying round tie, with another £3,375 up for grabs to the winner.

“It’s a huge game,” said the Deal boss. “We played them a couple of years ago in the FA Cup and beat them in a replay. It’s a good draw for us.

“If you get someone at your level, you have to consider it a good draw, but they will be a good side. They have had some good results.

“It will be tough, but it is winnable, and with the prize money available and the potential to draw a big name later on, for a club like ours, where all of our money is self-made, we have to prioritise those sorts of opportunities.

“They got promoted last year and will be full of momentum but, on paper, I think a lot of people will probably look at it and make us slight favourites because of home advantage. We are really excited for the game.”

King made nine changes to his starting XI for their midweek Kent Senior Cup tie against Sittingbourne. That match finished 2-2 and Deal faced a second penalty shootout in just four days. This time they came off second best as the Brickies won the shootout 4-1.

Their weekend FA Trophy first-qualifying round win over Erith Town means they’ll be home to Ashford United