FOLKESTONE Invicta’s record senior goalscorer and appearance holder James Dryden has sensationally left the club to join arch local rivals Dover Athletic.

Dryden scored both goals for Invicta in their 2-1 win away to Wealdstone at Northwood on Friday night but met with Dover officials on Saturday lunchtime and was unveiled to the club’s supporters before their home match against Fleet Town later that afternoon.

He is due to make his Dover debut at Whyteleafe on Saturday, a ground where he has already scored this season during Invicta’s FA Trophy Ist qualifying round replay.

The 25-year-old’s Invicta contract was due to expire at the end of the season and he has recently been linked with a move to Margate.

As part of the deal, young Dover striker Walid Matata is moving in the opposite direction to join Invicta.

News of Dryden’s departure will come as a hammer blow to Invicta’s supporters who have voted the striker their Player of the Year for three of the past four seasons.

Dryden made a record 270 starting appearances for Invicta, with a further 42 as a substitute, scoring a record 114 goals.

Invicta manager Neil Cugley said “I am disappointed that Jim turned down the chance to extend his contract with us and disappointed that he felt that it was time for him to move on.

"Obviously he had offers from various parties but we are pleased that with this deal we have been able to bring in another striker (Walid Matata) which I feel is very important."

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