Folkestone boss Neil Cugley is backing Ian Draycott to break the club’s goalscoring record.

Draycott’s hat-trick in a 6-2 win over Merstham on Saturday means he’s now scored 128 times for Invicta.

The 30-year-old needs just 13 more goals to join club legend Jimmy Dryden on 141.

It was only Draycott’s seventh league start of a frustrating campaign but he proved that class in front of goal is permanent.

“He’s got a heck of a chance,” said Cugley.

“He keeps himself fit and sometimes these quiet ones are very determined people.

“They just get on with it and he knows about that record and would like to get there.

“Not that any of my players are any trouble but he’s exemplary.

“He’s not happy if he’s not playing but he doesn’t make a song and dance about it, he goes on to try to prove the manager wrong and that’s what football’s about.”

Draycott, who joined Folkestone in 2014, averages more than a goal every other game for the club.

His treble against Merstham moved him on to seven goals for the season.

Cugley said: “He was good and I’m pleased for him.

“He doesn’t play right up top, he plays in behind and he’s a very experienced lad.

“He’s a really popular person – one of those quiet, unassuming people who just gets on with the game.

“He’s not had a particularly good start to the season and must be looking over his shoulder.

“He’s had to wait for his chance but he did well.

“He’s the thinking man’s footballer and he gets into good areas.

“A lot depends on how Ade Yusuff plays and on Saturday, Ade was a handful.”

Scott Heard made his comeback from a serious knee injury on Saturday when he came on as a late substitute.

Cugley said: “It’s great for him.

“He loves his football and that was taken away with this injury.

“He knew we had a few injuries so he said ‘I’ll sign a form if you need me’ and it all fell into place.

“Micheal Everitt came off with a tight calf and Heardy went on and made a goal.

“We’re not going to rush him back.

“He’s a good player and it’s nice to see him back.”

Sam Hasler and Ronnie Dolan could both be fit to return to action before Christmas, while Johan ter Horst is waiting for a scan on his knee.

Full-back Josh Vincent, who missed the Merstham game, is available for Saturday’s trip to Haringey Borough.