New signing Chris Elliott looks set to miss out on making his Folkestone Invicta debut in the Ryman League, Division 1 South opening game of the season at Crawley Down on Saturday.

The former Canterbury City defender, who followed player/assistant manager Simon Austin to the Fullicks Stadium, suffered a toe injury on holiday and is losing his battle to be fit.

Manager Neil Cugley is also waiting on midfielder Shane Hamshare’s recovery from an ankle injury.

The Invicta boss said: “I don’t think Chris will make it but he might be on the bench. Shane is only 50-50 at the moment.”

Cugley admits he still has some decisions to make ahead of the trip to Crawley Down, now managed by former Dover midfielder Simon Wormull who replaced John Maggs as boss in the summer.

He said: “I think we are ready and we just want to get going. I still don’t know what my starting team will be, different to last season when naming the team was a bit easier.”

Cugley is again targeting the play-offs, following the club’s impressive run to the semi-finals last season losing 3-0 at eventual winners Maidstone.

Invicta open their home campaign against Sittingbourne on Tuesday (7.45pm).