Folkestone Invicta are back to full strength and within five wins of the play-offs.

Neil Cugley’s side, who won 3-1 at promotion rivals Merstham on Saturday, have already amassed 61 points in Ryman League Division 1 South.

In seven of the last eight seasons, 76 points has been enough to finish in the top-five, which means Invicta are probably only 15 points away from booking their play-off spot.

And with captain Liam Friend fit again and Ashley Miller ready to make his debut, Folkestone are looking as strong as they have done for a long time.

Invicta boss Neil Cugley said: "We’re only talking about a few more wins until we’re safe in the play-offs. Once we’ve done that, we’ll look to go even higher.

"I can’t remember a season when the top four clubs broke away like they have now.

"Edgy (Roland Edge) didn’t even get in the squad on Saturday and young Reece Palmer wasn’t in it either. We are stronger now and (Jon) Pilbeam was unlucky to be left out. Ashley Miller’s fit and he’ll be pushing for a place, as will Callum Wraight."

Former Gillingham striker Miller, who joined from Hythe last week, was left on the bench at Merstham as Ian Draycott (2) and Ronnie Dolan fired Invicta to victory.

Cugley said: "I like players to bed in for a little while, not rush them, let them get to know about the club. Over the years, I’ve tried to do that for a lot of players.

"Ronnie Dolan and Jordan Wright are good examples. They didn’t go straight into the team and when they did, they knew exactly what was expected of them."

Read the full story in the Folkestone & Hythe Express.