By Steve Tervet

Hythe Town manager Scott Porter has heralded the arrival of James Everitt from rivals Folkestone Invicta.

Everitt, who signed for Porter’s side on Friday, scored two goals on his debut as Hythe beat Whitstable 2-0 at Reachfields the next day.

With Town sitting second in Ryman League, Division 1 South, Porter (pictured) said the capture of Everitt underlined the club’s credentials as serious promotion candidates.

He said: "I don’t think we could have made that signing two years ago. That’s how far we’ve come.

"Our crowds are bigger than Folkestone’s and for James, it was the right time to jump ship. James had been at Folkestone for nearly 10 years and it was time for a new challenge for him.

"He wants to get promoted and he’s at the right club. He knows he’s made the right choice. It’s great for the football club and myself. He became available and we reacted straight away.

"He’s a player I’ve admired for a long time, he’s a workhorse and he’s scored goals at this level. He’ll fit in exactly with what we’re trying to achieve."

Porter hopes the midfielder Nick Barnes will be fit for the visit of Walton & Hersham this weekend.

Pat Kingwell will be absent as he completes a three-game suspension.