Goal-friendly Deal’s prowess in front of goal has thrilled boss Steve King - as they move closer to securing the title.

Ashley Miller came up with a stoppage-time winner as the Southern Counties East Premier Division frontrunners edged an exciting five-goal game at play-off hopefuls Whitstable on Easter Monday.

Deal are five points clear at the summit - but only 16th-placed Tunbridge Wells have played less league fixtures than them.

King said: “If you look at our away games against sides in the play-offs, we won 4-2 at Faversham and 3-0 at Glebe, as well.

“In these tough away games, including Monday, to score that number of goals, I’m delighted with that.

“Some teams have sat in and made it difficult for us at home.

“But when we get into games with sides in the play-offs, home and away, we have shown a real attacking threat.”

Miller finally made the Hoops’ second-half numerical advantage count at the death in front of a crowd of 715 at The Belmont after home substitute James Jeffrey had been sent off shortly after coming on with around 20 minutes to play.

On the all-important goal by forward Miller, who also netted in a 3-1 home win alongside Billy Munday and forward Jamie Kennedy last Saturday against Sutton Athletic, King said: “It was brilliant for Ash.

“He has been outstanding from the moment he walked through the door.

“He got an important goal on Saturday, as well, coming off the bench to get our third.

“I’ve known Ash for a long time. I was delighted for him on Monday but it’s no more than he deserves for his overall performances.”

Miller’s goal came after Deal twice equalised through midfielders Wes Hennessey and Munday.

King reflected: “I thought we were outstanding.

“Obviously, it was a massive win for us. We know we’re getting reasonably close to where we need to be.

“Whitstable away was always going to be a very difficult game. With the squad they have got, they should make the play-offs.

“With the players we have got out and [other] players struggling, to be behind twice and win it shows unbelievable character. I’m absolutely delighted.”

The Hoops, with eight games to play, starting at home to Lordswood tonight, are 10 points away from being crowned champions.

But King warned: “You will get nothing out of me until we have done it!

“Our points target is 89 points. We know, mathematically, that will do it now.

“If we win on Wednesday, we’re another three points closer to that target and, if we win on Saturday, then we’re just another three points closer.”

Deal then visit Lordswood for a quick return clash on Tuesday with a trip to Tunbridge Wells sandwiched in between this
Saturday.

“Lordswood did a good job at the start of the year and Nicky Southall has come in and done a good job,” noted King. “They have picked up some good results.

“We have had them watched. We have them twice inside seven days.

“We will try to get a result against them on Wednesday night and back that up next Tuesday.”