Long-serving manager Neil Cugley reckons Folkestone’s squad this season is the strongest he has had in some time.

Invicta claimed their first Isthmian Premier win of the campaign on Saturday as early goals from striker Ade Yusuff and defender Ian Gayle earned a 2-1 home success over Wingate & Finchley.

Folkestone burst into a 2-0 lead inside six minutes and, although failing to build on that advantage, they held on for the points despite Tyrique Clarke scoring a penalty for the visitors who had Addison Garnett sent off.

Cugley, who brought on the club’s all-time leading scorer Ian Draycott and striker Ibrahim Olutade in the second half, said: “When we get Matt Newman back - he could be back on the bench for one of the games this weekend - it’s the strongest bench I have had for quite a few years.

“Sometimes you get criticised for not using substitutes but they have to contribute in games. These players can.

“I’m pleased with the squad, I think we are fairly well covered.”

Defender Gayle - cousin of West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle - netted his first competitive Folkestone goal at Cheriton Road and was also involved in Yusuff’s goal.

“We are a bit stronger, physically and height-wise than we were, with Nathan Green in there as well and James Rogers is quite good in the air,” added Cugley.

“Last year, we were a bit of a smaller side.

"But we look a bit more dangerous [from set-pieces] and we have Matt Newman to come back - he’s 6ft plus - so we are all right there.”

Having drawn their first two league fixtures, Cugley admitted nerves could have played a part in the second half as Invicta held on for their first three points this term.

He reflected: “It was one of those frustrating ones, we should have won comfortably.

“We started so well but, because we didn’t finish them off, they got a bit of a dubious penalty and were back in the game. I think we were a bit nervy but it was great to get that first win under our belt.

“Although we hadn’t lost, we hadn’t won either! Wingate were all right, they played some good stuff.

“Nobody has won every game so that keeps it a bit more interesting.

“Managers, coaches, fans and players, we all want that win. I think we will settle down a bit now we have got it.”

Folkestone face two games in three days this weekend, visiting recently-relegated Billericay on Saturday and hosting newly-promoted Herne Bay in a Kent derby on Bank Holiday Monday.

Cugley, who has also recently recruited Robbie Dolan - brother of Ronnie Dolan - noted: “Obviously Billericay are one of the favourites. It’s always a big contest there.

“Then, hopefully, we will get a good crowd for the Herne Bay game.

"They are two very different games but we are looking forward to them both.”

Ben Smith’s Bay side have started their inaugural season in Isthmian Premier with three points from three matches, two less points than Invicta who were held to a goalless draw by newly-promoted Hastings last Tuesday, but Cugley expects them to fare well.

“I do think they will be all right,” he suggested.

“I don’t think they’ll be at the top but I don’t think they will be towards the bottom either.

“They have some quality players. They are a club that’s progressed really well over the last couple of years, credit to the people involved.

“But we don’t worry too much about other teams. We try to get ourselves right and, usually, we are then all right.”

Folkestone have been drawn at home to Combined Counties League Premier Division North outfit North Greenford United in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round on September 3.