Jordan Ababio’s attitude has been praised by Folkestone joint-head coach Micheal Everitt.

The winger, 22, bagged braces in pre-season friendly wins over Southern Counties East Premier Division Hollands & Blair and Faversham.

Ababio only joined the Cheriton Road club in the later stages of last term but appears to have quickly found his feet.

Everitt, whose side lost 3-0 at National League South Maidstone on Tuesday and host Hythe this Saturday, said: “He has, obviously, got four in two against SCEFL sides.

“Now, we’re saying ‘Can you do it against your Maidstones?’ That’s something we’re asking him to do.

“All in all, he has had a good pre-season so far. He’s such a good lad as well.

“He’s very receptive to anything we ask him to do and he knows he’s still learning.

“We’re really pleased with him.”

Another on target for Invicta in their 6-1 success over Faversham on Saturday was David Smith, the striker netting his first goal since he rejoined earlier this summer on an undisclosed fee from National League Bromley.

“I’m really pleased for Smithy,” noted Everitt, who’s in charge alongside Roland Edge.

“He has got that aura around him again that, when he goes through, he’s not going to miss. He does take his chances when he gets them.

“We’re really pleased for him to get back off the mark and, hopefully, there’s more to come.”

Others on the scoresheet against Sammy Moore’s men, as Folkestone came from behind, were midfielder Ade Cole, alongside forwards Andre Coker and Ibrahim Olutade.

Everitt, who was disappointed to have conceded first against Town and Blair, reflected: “We were pleased.

“We, obviously, shared the goals around, which is important. All our front boys got a goal.

“It also showed the depth we have got because Ira Jackson and even Heardy [Scott Heard] weren’t playing. So to win the game the way we did, was positive.

“It’s brilliant that we’re getting goals. We have done well in that area.

“But we have conceded two goals early on. That’s an area we need to work on against - no disrespect - better opposition.”

On Hollands & Blair’s 3G pitch, meanwhile, fit-again defender Callum Davies, Coker and “trialist 14” netted, as well as Ababio’s double, in last Tuesday’s 5-2 triumph.

Everitt is pleased to have ex-Gillingham centre-half Davies available once more after an operation and strong competition for places at the back, with former Dover defender Jake Goodman another summer signing at the club.

“Callum is a fantastic guy to have in the dressing room, as well as on the pitch,” he noted. “I’m really pleased for him.

“He has, obviously, had his operation. He’s working towards 100% fitness - as, I suppose, are a lot of the boys.

“There’s competition for places at the back in Gayley [Ian Gayle], Callum and Jake. That’s good.”

With the start of the Isthmian Premier campaign approaching next month, calls will soon need to be made about whether Invicta will keep hold of those who remain on trial.

He said: “There will be decision time coming up very shortly.

“To be fair, all the people we have had have done well - as have all the youngsters we have used.

“The decisions will be made in the coming days but, all in all, those people that have come have done very well.”

Folkestone have been drawn at home to rivals Chatham in the Kent Senior Cup First Round. It means they’ll face them twice in quick succession, as their first home league fixture will also come against Kevin Hake’s troops.

Everitt said: “They’re a really well-run club. It’s going to be a really tough game.

“Having them first game of the season at home in the league will be a tough test as well.

“It’s a tough draw but we’re at home and will be looking forward to that.”

The winners will be at home to Tonbridge in the next round.

Invicta have also signed former young Gillingham defender Elliott Moore, 18, who has instantly joined Southern Counties East Premier Division Deal on dual registration.