Ben Smith is thrilled with how Ramsgate have started their Isthmian South East season.

The Rams have won all four of their competitive games this term and are second, behind early frontrunners Sheppey on goal difference.

Boss Smith only rejoined the club on an interim basis in pre-season but has quickly built a squad which again should challenge for promotion.

“If you had said to me a win and two draws (from their first three league fixtures), I’d have taken that all day long,” claimed Smith after their 4-2 victory at Deal on Bank Holiday Monday.

“We’re only going to get better. We’re at 55 percent or 60 percent of where we can be as a group. It’s been hard work.

Report: Deal 2-4 Ramsgate

Smith: ‘We always try to put our imprint into a game’

“We have done amazingly well to get that group of players together.

“I think we have done a great job.”

Hat-trick hero Joe Taylor led the way for the Southwood side at Deal, scoring twice with penalties, while midfielder TJ Jadama won a penalty and got on the scoresheet.

On Taylor’s second, Smith said: “That’s an unbelievable goal.

“A couple of shimmies, a couple of dummies, and a great finish. I just applauded.

“As the game was getting stretched, it was just opening up for JT and that’s what he does.”

Smith says he is determined to enjoy the good times, regardless of what stick is coming.

“Obviously, I want to win,” he said. “I’m a nightmare when I lose.

“But when I look back in years to come, I’m sure I’ll think ‘Wow, there were some good times’ - and people get so caught up in the next result but then you fail to enjoy that.

“I think our chairman, James Lawson, said something similar in his programme notes on Saturday. Last season, yes we missed out on promotion, but, oh my God, look at what we achieved as a club.

“Ramsgate’s win ratio over the last few seasons must be ridiculous!

“You can moan and worry about the fine margins that go against you or just look at the crowds and realise everyone is enjoying it and having a great time.”

Smith’s backroom staff has recently been strengthened with Darren Beale joining.

Smith and Beale previously worked together at Herne Bay.

“I have worked with Bealey before,” said Smith. “He had left Hythe just before all of the fall-out there. He’s a solid pair of hands.

“We have got Sean Hill, who was with us last year, and Joe Rowland - they run TSC Football Academy.

“They do great work behind the scenes.”

Ramsgate are at home against Isthmian Premier Folkestone in the FA Cup first qualifying round on Saturday.

Smith said: “Obviously, it’ll be a tough game.

“Folkestone is a good club and - I’ve said the same about Ramsgate - Folkestone should have a good budget because they get good crowds there.

“I think they have got a really good manager in Andy Drury. I don’t think he gets enough credit.

“He gets poor credit for some of the tough jobs that he has had and he’s done well.

“I know that might not be a popular opinion but I think he’s done well at the clubs he’s been at in tough circumstances.

“He deserves a good budget. Fair play to him.

“I hope he does well this year - but on Saturday, even though they’re a league above, I think it’s a 50-50 game.”

Invicta are without midfielder Dean Rance and recently-signed Amadou Kassaraté after both were sent off in last weekend’s controversial 1-0 home loss to Cray Valley.

Smith said: “Folkestone are a good side but they have a couple of players out through suspension, which will help us because they’re good players.

“The FA Cup is not our focus or priority at all this year.

“Let’s just see how we go.”

Provided their FA Cup match doesn’t finish level and go to a replay, Ramsgate are set to host Hythe in the league on Tuesday evening.

The Rams won 4-2 at home to much-fancied Sittingbourne with goals from Benny Bioletti, Tom Carlse, Taylor and Jadama last Saturday.