Goalkeeper Adam Molloy is happy to take wins over clean sheets at Deal this season.

Steve King’s Hoops have made a reasonable start to life in Isthmian South East. They sit in the middle echelons of the early standings, in 10th, despite back-to-back defeats.

Deal’s campaign has seen them keep only two shut-outs - neither in the league - but the vastly-experienced Molloy isn’t overly-concerned.

He said: “We have been unlucky in quite a few games. We have been 3-0 up in some games and made some changes, and conceded late on.

“I would have liked to have had a few more [clean sheets]. But teams are just a little bit more clinical at this level.

“But I would rather win games than keep clean sheets in draws. I’m sure it (their clean-sheet record) will improve as the season goes on.”

Ironically, Deal are yet to draw - claiming four league victories and suffering five defeats.

“We feel we have been in every single game so, to have lost five and won four, that feels a bit mixed,” said Molloy.

“Fine margins just seem to be going against us. Also, we’re conceding a few too many goals. But it’s been okay.

“We would like to have had three or maybe six points more because that would be a really good start.”

Serial Southern Counties East Premier Division title winner Molloy arrived in the early stages of 2024 after last term’s initial No.1, Henry Newcombe, sustained a season-ending injury.

Molloy said: “It’s been really good.

"Obviously, I have played at quite a few clubs. I went to Deal earlier this year and I helped us to win that league.

“I wasn’t too sure I would stay because it’s quite far for me to travel [from Hextable].

“But everything about the club - from the club chair (Natalie Benville) to the players - is just brilliant. The fans are amazing as well, and they travel home and away with us.”

One-time England under-18 Schoolboy international Molloy and Hoops manager King are familiar with one another from their time in youth-team football.

“He used to be my Kent manager when I was 16 or 17,” revealed Molloy. “I went up to England Schoolboys from there. He even made me the penalty-taker!

“I enjoyed working with him, although it’s quite hard to remember those times 15 years on.

“It was always a difficult place to go when I was with the opposition so, when the chance came to play for them, it was a bit of a no-brainer.”

Deal suffered a 2-1 weekend loss at Erith Town as they conceded a late penalty, leaving winger Ashley Miller’s first-half strike in vain, having been edged out 3-2 at home to Sittingbourne last Tuesday.

Early goals from winger Tom Chapman and Dover loanee Matty Holness put them in control before the Brickies turned it around.

Deal host Merstham on Saturday and are at home to Hythe in the Kent Senior Cup second round on Tuesday night.