Neil Cugley reckons Folkestone are almost ready for the new Ryman League Division 1 South season – despite a 4-0 defeat by Margate on Tuesday night.

Invicta were missing key men James Everitt, Josh Vincent, Lee Gledhill and Roland Edge at Hartsdown Park and had to play striker Kane Mortimer at right-back.

Boss Cugley (pictured) said: "We didn’t have a recognised right-back so Kane drew the short straw and unfortunately he was taken to the cleaners by a good Margate side. I’m not worried because the players who will start the season all performed well."

Golden Boot winner Stuart King made his first pre-season appearance in a goalless draw at Ashford on Saturday.

He played again at Margate alongside Paul Jones and will soon be up to full speed. Cugley said: "It’s good to have Kingy back. He only got back from holiday on Friday so he was a bit rusty but that’s why we play these games.

"He caused Margate problems and played well with Jonesy. We’re defending well – Margate aside – but our sharpness in front of goal is the one area that still needs work."

Invicta are giving their squad a break on Saturday so the next pre-season game is another meeting with Ashford, this time at Cheriton Road on Tuesday (7.45pm).