Deal have been presented with a golden opportunity to go top of the Safety Net Associates Kent League this weekend.

With the top four in the table all involved in FA Vase first round matches on Saturday, fifth-placed Deal can take over pole position by beating Sporting Bengal at home.

And they will be facing opponents who have yet to pick up a point this season from their opening four matches.

But Hares is all too aware that this scenario for his side could turn into a classic ‘banana skin’, especially as Deal’s home form has been distinctly patchy so far this season.

"It’s one of those that you don’t like as a manager because it’s a ‘no-win’ game," said Hares. "Everyone will be expecting us to win but you never know what’s going to happen when you play Sporting Bengal.

Hares has strengthened his squad by signing Faversham left-sided midfielder Steve O’Brien.

Striker Mo Takaloo started a three-match suspension last weekend while Roy Godden (foot) and Jason Brazier (knee) are also both still ruled out.

But Adam Govey, out since the first weeks of the season with a knee injury, made his comeback against Holmesdale.

Fellow centre-half Ian Wallace is also available for the Bengal game after being away last weekend.