Deal boss Derek Hares has urged his side to keep FA Vase excitement in check and concentrate on the league.

The Hoops are through to the last 32 for just the third time in their history after Connor Coyne’s double earned a 2-0 win over Southall at the weekend.

They’ve been drawn at home to Hellenic Premier Division side Binfield in the fourth round but with the tie not taking place until January 11, Deal must first look after Southern Counties East business.

Hares’ men return to league action with the visit of AFC Croydon this Saturday.

The Town boss said: “We’ve got four league games – AFC Croydon, Fisher, Lordswood and Corinthian – before the Vase and we need to try and get a couple of wins before Christmas.

“It’s great to stay in the cups because it keeps your season going and there’s a buzz around the place.

“But we have to put the Vase on the back-burner for now because we have important league games coming up.

“AFC Croydon’s the first one. They’re a bit up and down.

“I always think they’re stronger at home than they are away – I hope I don’t regret saying that but that’s usually the case.”

While Hares is keen to focus on the league for now, he’s enjoying Deal’s FA Vase run, describing the Southall victory as a “great day all round”.

They’ve met Binfield before – losing 5-2 in the second round in 2012/13 – but January’s meeting won’t be about revenge.

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Hares said: “It’s two completely different teams.

“I remember we lost 5-2 but I think it’s too long ago to be thinking about revenge.

“If we were playing them a couple of weeks later you might think of it like that but not seven years.

“We’re just pleased to have another home tie and to have avoided a team in our league.

“We had 300 people there on Saturday and I’m sure everyone is excited about the next round.

“Because of our history it always generates more interest than any other competition.”

Luke Bigginton (suspended), Kane Smith and Joe Reeves (both hamstring) miss the AFC Croydon game but Sam Wilson (knee) has an outside chance of being involved.

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