Prolific frontman Ade Yusuff has left Folkestone to join a league rival in a surprise switch.

Yusuff, 28, had bagged 25 goals this season for the Cheriton Road outfit and was under a two-year contract but he has now joined fourth-placed Isthmian Premier side Hornchurch.

Ironically, his last appearance - and final Invicta goal - came in a 2-1 home loss to the Urchins last Saturday.

Invicta, who are 13th, say the transfer is for an undisclosed fee which met their valuation for the talisman. Funds will now be made available to joint-bosses Roland Edge and Micheal Everitt to bolster their squad.

A club statement read: “Folkestone Invicta have accepted an offer from Hornchurch F.C for the transfer of Ade Yusuff for an undisclosed fee.

“The offer met our valuation and suited all parties.

“We would like to thank Ade for all he has achieved in his time with us, and wish him every success in the future.

• Invicta young guns on standby!

“We would also like to thank Alex Sharp, chairman of Hornchurch F.C, who was extremely professional and a pleasure to deal with throughout negotiations.

“Funds will be made available immediately for our joint-head coaches Micheal Everitt and Roland Edge to strengthen our squad when they identify the right players, as we continue to push for a play-off place.

“Promotion remains our aim and is the prime reason we invested so heavily in the ground in the last couple of years, to bring it up to National League South ground grading requirements, so we are ready when promotion is achieved.

"None of this is possible without your continued support. The atmosphere on matchdays this season has been tremendous and has lifted everyone - not least [the] players.

“You, our supporters, continuing that support and atmosphere is crucial in getting the club to where we all want to be.

“Thank you all. Folkestone Invicta F.C.”

Yusuff, formerly of Chatham, Dagenham & Redbridge and Dover among other clubs, has departed for a second time.

He left to go full-time with Dulwich Hamlet in National League South in 2019, only to return in May 2021 and penned a two-year deal last June.

“I leave Folkestone with immense pride over what I’ve achieved in my time at the club,” Yusuff said. “I will always put the club first and I can leave with my head held high.

“Thank you to Cugs [former boss and head of football operations Neil Cugley] for taking a chance on me, I hope I repaid that faith in performances and goals.

“I have met some really good people in my time here and thank you to all the fans, staff and players who made my time here filled with memories I will hold dear.

“Up The Seasiders.”

Invicta visit Horsham this Saturday when they could come up against winger Kadell Daniel who also recently left the club.