Folkestone boss Neil Cugley has challenged Joe Taylor to prove he can perform at the next level.

The striker is back for a second spell at Invicta after rejoining from Ramsgate, with Ashley Miller going the other way on a month’s loan.

He’s been prolific with Sittingbourne and Rams in Ryman League, Division 1 South and has another chance to show what he can do in the Premier Division.

Taylor, who played 10 times for Invicta two seasons ago, made a good start by scoring after six minutes at Dulwich Hamlet on Saturday. Invicta went on to lose 6-1 but Taylor played well.

Cugley said: “I’m pleased to get Joe back. It was hard for him to settle and get a run of games when he was here before because we had Ian Draycott and Paul Booth playing well together but he’s a player I’ve always been interested in.

“He’s only 25 so he’s a good age, he’s got a good physique and he’s scored a lot of goals in Ryman South.

“He needs to push himself to play this standard. It’s a good standard and a jump up.
“It didn’t go well for him at Tonbridge and Farnborough when he’s played higher but he wanted to come back and show people what he can do and I’m sure he will.”

Folkestone were reluctant to let Miller go out on loan, despite his lack of goals but hope the month at Southwood will boost his confidence.

Cugley said: “Forwards have to score goals and he hasn’t done that. He’s a good lad but for a player of his ability, he’s got a poor record.

“We’ve tried various formations to get more out of him but he just doesn’t score and he knows that has to change.”