The Fullicks Stadium is the only place to be at lunchtime on Boxing Day when Folkestone and Hythe clash in a local derby of huge significance.

A crowd of up to 1,000 is expected and those gate receipts will finally clear Invicta’s debts – including their long-standing Company Voluntary Arrangement.

On the pitch, there’s plenty at stake for both clubs. Hythe are desperately trying to claw their way out of relegation trouble while Folkestone have their sights set on promotion.

Kick-off is at midday and both managers are relishing the clash.

Folkestone boss Neil Cugley said: "I can’t wait – for two reasons. The first is to get out of debt and move the club on.

"I know we’ve gone on about it but the thing is that it’s not just one person writing a cheque to clear the debt, it’s everybody who’s worked so hard over the last couple of years to get it done.

"It would be nice to have a few hundred people there. That would mean we can pay off the CVA, clear every single debt and look forward to the new year.

"Secondly, I’m looking forward to the football because it should be a good game and a good crowd – and hopefully, we get a win.

"We’re well above what we were trying to do. We wanted to get in the play-offs and pay the debt off. We’ve done one of those things and well on the way to the second."

This will be Hythe manager Tim Dixon’s first taste of the Shepway showdown.

He said: "Games don’t get much more difficult than Folkestone away on Boxing Day. Hythe took a battering at Folkestone a couple years ago and that hurt them.

"It’s a friendly rivalry and I’m good friends with Neil but we’re going to be well up for it.

"I’m looking forward to it. Folkestone v Hythe is one of the best derbies in Kent. Hopefully, there are lots of people there – and a few cheering us on."

Read the full preview in the Folkestone & Hythe Express.