Neil Cugley admits he is lucky to have two goalkeepers of the calibre of Tim Roberts and Henry Newcombe.

Roberts, Invicta’s regular No.1, was unavailable for Saturday’s home Isthmian Premier match against Bognor and that gave 6ft 4in Newcombe the chance to stake his claim.

The 22-year-old former Gillingham youngster responded with a man-of-the-match display in the 2-1 defeat and Cugley admits there is little to choose between the pair.

He explained: “It’s unusual at our level to have two such outstanding goalkeepers because it’s a job keeping both of them happy.

“Like all keepers they want to be playing, so unless you’ve got a good under-18 keeper who’s prepared to sit on the bench it can be difficult.

“Tim was away Saturday but Henry came in and made some excellent saves.

“I think we’re lucky to have the pair of them.”

Newcombe’s display against Bognor meant he kept his place for Tuesday's excellent 4-1 home win over East Thurrock.

Ronnie Dolan opened the scoring with Jerson Dos Santos adding the second before Ira Jackson and Finn O'Mara completed the scoring.

The win moved Invicta four points clear at the top after 14 games and Cugley said: “We’re about a third into the season and we’re doing all right, it's credit to the players and all the staff here.”

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Invicta are in FA Trophy action on Saturday when they host Isthmian Premier rivals Lewes in the first qualifying round.

Hot on the heels of that game is a Kent Senior Cup first round tie, also at home, against Isthmian South East side Hythe on Tuesday.

Cugley said: “The games are coming thick and fast but we’re looking forward to them.

“Lewes are another team who like to play, and then we have a good local fixture against Hythe which hopefully should draw a decent crowd.”

Defender Matt Newman missed the Bognor game with a dead leg but was back in the starting line-up against Thurrock.

The winners of Saturday’s Trophy tie receive £2,450