The Hoops will look to keep their recent improved form going in the league when they travel to Hollands & Blair on Saturday.
And Derek Hares’ side have a score to settle with the Medway outfit. Since they joined the league last season after winning the Kent Invicta League Blair have won all three of their meetings with Deal so far, including a 2-1 victory at the Charles Ground in November.
However, by taking 10 points from their four league games the Hoops have moved up to 13th in the table but Hares knows that their next three matches, all away from home, will be a test for his side. After the Blair game Deal travel to Corinthian on Tuesday and then the following Saturday they make the long trip to title-chasing Crowborough.
Hares said: “Three will be three hard matches and a run of fixtures we have to try to get something out of.
“Apart from losing the cup tie to Cray Valley on penalties we are on a good run at the moment but Blair are a strong side and it will be a tough game.”
Joe Reeves is back in contention after coming on for the last 15 minutes of last’s Saturday 6-0 thrashing of Erith & Belvedere while as for loan defender Kane Smith, who missed that game because of work commitments, Hares has agreed with Ramsgate to extend his loan for another month.
The Hoops Reserves return to action on Saturday when they take on Aylesford at home in the ACS Joma Kent County League Division 2 Central & East (2.45pm).
