By Alex Hoad

Folkestone Invicta boss Neil Cugley hopes he has an ace up his sleeve ahead of the derby clash with Maidstone United on Monday after signing winger Antonio Gonella just days after he left the Stones.

Cugley hopes former Margate man Gonella (pictured), who will join the Seasiders on a non-contract basis, will have a point to prove against the side which released him as the two relegation-threatened teams do battle in the Ryman League Premier Division crunch game at the Buzzlines Stadium.

Cugley said: "We desperately need someone who can make something happen and he can give us that. He can play as a winger or behind the front two and I’m hopeful that he will excite the crowd, particularly at home.

"(Player-coach) Roland Edge played with him there last year and said he is a good player and helped them get out of trouble. We’ll see what he can do over a short time and take it from there."

With Josh Vincent, Darren Smith and Robbie Kember all ruled out through suspension and Micheal Everitt sidelined by a knee injury, Cugley has moved to further bolster his ranks with the capture of left-sided player Sam Gore from Dover Athletic, subject to clearance.

The 22-year-old former Gillingham youngster has found first team opportunities hard to come by under Whites boss Martin Hayes.