Deal manager Steve King won’t spend too much time thinking about today’s last-16 FA Vase draw.

The Hoops, who won the competition in 2000, are three rounds from a Wembley Final. They won 2-0 against Cobham on Saturday in their first home tie since thumping Tooting Bec 7-0 in October 2022.

While the FA Vase is always an important competition for Deal - who have won 11 of their last 12 games - the club are also challenging for Southern Counties East Premier Division promotion this season and have a Challenge Cup Quarter-Final at Kennington next Tuesday.

King said: “We had five away draws on the bounce and we’ve now had one at home. If we get another one at home, we’re not going to complain.

“But if we have to go away, our away record is the best in the league. We love going on a journey - the boys love going away - so we cannot really lose in the draw.

“Everyone was talking about Farnham but they’ve gone out. Bridgwater United, who have beaten them, are probably a side to avoid!

“But, like with this round (last 32), if a team has got to the last 16 in the Vase, they’re decent. We will think about it for 10 minutes on Monday when the draw is made. Then, we’ll think about it again on February 1.

“We have five massive games between now and then, and we have a lot to play for this season. Yes, the Vase is big - but we’re not 10th in the league and the Vase is the be-all-and-end-all.

“We have got to go to Lydd on Wednesday and we’ve got a Quarter-Final next Tuesday. That’s going to be our focus.”

The Hoops reached this stage of the FA Vase in 2020 when they were beaten 2-0 at Northern League Consett AFC, with King then-boss Derek Hares’ assistant.

But much has changed since then and Deal won’t be overawed, regardless of who they are drawn against.

King added: “We have got to the last 16.

“We have been there before.

“At Consett, we were completely outclassed - they were an outstanding side and got to the Final (losing 3-2 to Hebburn Town) - but I don’t think we will be outclassed this year in the last 16.”

The tie is scheduled to be played on Saturday, February 10, when a further £2,250 in prize money will be up for grabs.

Sides still in FA Vase: Hallam, Whickham, Emley, Lincoln United, Great Wakering Rovers, Worcester City, Stourport Swifts, Romford, Tilbury, Bridgwater United, Highworth Town, Jersey Bulls, Hilltop, North Greenford United, Deal Town, Falmouth Town.