Neil Cugley hopes new striker Brendon Cass can provide the goals to earn himself a longer stay at the Buzzlines Stadium after his arrival from Chatham on a short-term deal.

Cass scored the winners in his first two Invicta appearances – the 1-0 wins at Met Police on Saturday and at home to Eastbourne Town on Tuesday night – Folkestone’s 10th and 11th 1-0 wins of a remarkable season.

Invicta boss Cugley revealed he had swooped for Cass after concerns he would not be able to field a team for Saturday’s game due to injuries and suspension.

He said: "We were looking like we were going to be without Jimmy Jackson and Simon Austin and we have a small squad as it is and it would be embarrassing not to be able to put a team out when you’re top of the league.

"I rang round a few managers and heard that Brendon might be available. I tried to sign him in the summer when he went to Chatham, he has always scored a few goals and I’m delighted to have him here.

"He is here mainly as cover while Austin is suspended, but we’ll see how things go until the end of the month and see how we are then. It is only a short-term deal, but he’s going to want somewhere for next year so we’ll wait and see.

"Everyone knows our situation and that we have to use money as best as we can."

Invicta remain a point clear at the top of Ryman League Division 1 South, but second-placed Croydon Athletic have to play two games in hand before the sides meet in the final week of the season.

Jimmy Jackson (shin) missed Tuesday night but could return against Leatherhead on Saturday but Austin serves the final game of a three-match ban. Cugley said he could have the ‘luxury’ of pairing Cass with Austin at Ashford on Wednesday.