Boss Steve King will be very proud of Deal’s players - regardless of what happens in their Kent Senior Trophy Final.

The Hoops head to Maidstone’s Gallagher Stadium for their showpiece match against Punjab United this Sunday (2pm kick-off), backed by more than 800 fans.

Deal are also in the hunt for promotion from the Southern Counties East Premier Division and head into the contest amid an impressive unbeaten run, having played four league games in nine days.

King said: “We’re going to have to play well on the day.

“I’m really proud of what we have done this season - regardless of what way Sunday goes.

“We will give it our best but the progression has been excellent. If we can get some silverware, even better.

“But I cannot fault the boys.

"Whatever happens, they have my absolute full backing because they have been outstanding.”

Victory would see Deal end a long wait for silverware.

King, who took charge last summer, having previously worked with Derek Hares, said: “I came to the club in January 2015, which is eight years ago now.

“It’s something we always wanted to do. It’s taken a few years to get close and maybe, when we get to the ground, the occasion might hit us.

“But it’s the first time this morning when I have woken up and I have actually thought about it. We have gone Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday-Monday, so we’ve had no time to rest.

“It’s a massive day and I think we have already sold a lot of tickets.

“But we will just be concentrating on our jobs and performing to a good level.”

Punjab, led by chairman-manager Chipie Sian, also have an experienced team, though, with veteran journeyman striker Paul Vines among their ranks.

King admitted: “They’re an excellent side.

“Chris Edwards at right-back played in the Isthmian Premier with Herne Bay this season.

“There’s Lea Dawson and Theo McKenzie, as well as Will Johnson-Cole - he’s a good winger - and Vinesy gets lots of goals.

“They’re a decent side. We drew 1-1 at home and won 2-1 at their place in the league.

“Since Christmas, they’re fifth or sixth in the form table.

"But we’ve had a lot of tough games recently, so we’ll just try to approach it right.”

The Hoops have now gone a remarkable 18 games without defeat since their FA Vase exit at Corsham after a productive Easter weekend.

“It’s probably not sunk in - the achievement at the minute,” King said.

“When we’ve got fixtures, we just worry about the next game.

"I’ve been involved at this level for a long time and you’re pleased with five games unbeaten so 18 unbeaten - with 14 wins as well - is fantastic.

“Sometimes, you go unbeaten but, with a lot of draws, the points total isn’t actually that good.

“I’m sure we’ll look back at it but, right now, we just want to extend it for another three games.”

Tom Chapman scored in both games as Deal won 2-0 at Erith Town, despite the winger missing a penalty, and he struck again in a 2-1 triumph against Welling Town on Easter Monday.

They also beat Fisher 2-1 last Tuesday amid a frantic recent period.

King said: “Tom has been excellent for us. It hasn’t been going for him in front of goal recently but he’s a key player for us.

“He’s worked hard on the pitch and in training.

“He’s a really important player for us and, hopefully, he can finish the season strongly.”

But it was young frontman Lenny Atherton who grabbed a late winner on Monday.

“Lenny has done well since he came in,” King noted.

“We looked a bit leggy with 30 minutes left on Monday and made three changes, all to the front boys.

“It was another great ball in from Jack Penny. We’re not quite sure what part of Lenny it hit, but it sparked some good scenes in front of another good crowd.”

Nobody is definitely sidelined for the Final against Punjab, including skipper Kane Smith who has recently been out injured, before they visit leaders Erith & Belvedere in the league on Tuesday.

King said: “Whatever happens on Sunday, we then have to go to Erith & Belvedere and win.

“So, even after the Final, we will be trying to get three points about 48 hours later.”